It was 14 years ago, when I first laid eyes on her. As I stepped out of my home, she was running panic-striken on the busy streets of Mumbai frantically searching for some refuge. It didnt take me long to apprehend that this dog who was thin, pale and extremely traumatized was abandoned. She was a beautiful Golden Retriever cross with a pretty red collar around her neck. Little did I realize at that time, that she was destined to come into my life and enrich it in many wonderful ways.

She soon adopted a  neighbourhood  building as her home and guarded it for the next 6 years of her life. I started feeding her every weekend. At first she was reluctant and scared; experience had taught her not to trust us humans. But I persevered and over a period of time she learnt to trust me and realized that I would not hurt her. That trust soon developed into a very special bond between us and I started calling her " Goldie ".

I would take great pains to spoil her as much as I could. She enjoyed eating Chicken and rice and "Royal Canin" dog food. However, what she found simply irresistible was "Chicken Choostix" I used to buy for her. I still see her holding a choostix between her forepaws and enjoying it as if it were a delicacy. "Jump and Catch" the 'Choostix' was her favourite game.   To see her happy brought me great joy. I cherish the happy moments we spent together as memories are all I have left of her now.

Goldie left for her heavenly abode on August 12, 2002 fighting jaundice.

Little did I realize that when she died she would take a piece of my heart with her. Life will not be the same without her, she is no more, but she is alive in my heart. Her soul walks with me, guides me, showing me the path to a well-lived life.

Today, she shines in the heavens as a bright star above; she is happy and relaxing free from all the pains and misfortunes of life.

Goldie, our love for each other is till infinity and I believe when it is time for me to cross over to the other side, you will be waiting for me, till then I pray your Soul is immensely happy !!