My love – Bruno ❤

The most adorable and understanding one.

In December of 2006, we welcomed him into our home as a tiny ball of fur at just two months old. My sister and I were overjoyed at the prospect of having a new playmate! We christened him Bruno, and he appeared to revel in his name.

Mom had a routine with him; she’d ask him to wake me up in the mornings, and sure enough, he’d bound into my room and gently nudge my blanket.

Every afternoon when we returned from school, there he was, eagerly waiting on the front porch, tail wagging and jumping with excitement, as if conveying how much he missed our company throughout the day.

He had a favorite spot on a specific couch in our living room, which quickly became his domain. While Mom insisted he stay off the bed, occasionally I’d let him sneak up, only for him to swiftly retreat at the sound of her voice.

Whenever he got up to mischief, Mom would reprimand him, and like a sulking child, he’d refuse to eat his meal for the day, even if it was his beloved chicken bones.

During times when I was feeling down, he had a remarkable way of understanding. He’d simply come and sit by my side, resting his head on my lap. He sensed that I wasn’t in the mood to play, and he was perfectly content with just being there, silently offering his support. Not everyone possesses the ability to communicate through silence quite like he did.

He found sheer delight in bounding across open meadows, chasing after fluttering butterflies, his joy evident in every spirited step. Such a blissful boy! 😊

During car rides, he’d claim his spot right beside me, relishing the sensation of wind against his face as he leaned out the window. When the sun cast its warm glow, he’d squint his eyes at it, basking in its radiance.

Throughout his eight years with us, he never caused a stir or bothered anyone. Then one day, he vanished without a trace. It was a typical day; my sister took him for his walk, unfastening his leash as usual when they reached the field. In mere moments, he slipped from sight. Despite our frantic search and repeated calls, Bruno remained elusive. We combed every corner of our small town of Nainital in the days that followed, but he remained nowhere to be found.

Mom suggests someone likely scooped him up—after all, he was quite the handsome fellow! Dad entertains the idea of a mountain tiger whisking him away. Yet, we’re left with conjectures. At times, the thought of uncovering the truth is daunting, so I find solace in Mom’s version of events.

Despite our efforts to fill the void left by his absence, no one could ever quite occupy ‘his spot’ in our hearts. There simply wasn’t, and never will be, another like him. ❤