Just like Brer Rabbit’s Briar Patch, Chupko’s neighbourhood…

His favourite barking spot is at the end of the leash. The morning routine of getting Chupko to go for a walk involves multiple cries of “leash,” “nosy,” “walk,” “chalo” “where’s Mamu?” A cornucopia of voices. In case I am late he runs up to the upstairs to remind me that he is waiting. When I put on my shoes he gives that look with his wagging tail and expressive eyes. At the front door he points his nose to my face in a gesture of gratitude for putting on his leash and maintaining the discipline. I think Mom and I, mostly myself, have walked Chupko every morning for more than just a year and a half.

As soon as we step out of the house for our morning walk, Chupko sits outside in one place for a few moments to take in the experience and survey the street. He pauses for the moment. He takes in the smells and morning vibes and we head off to the cul-de-sac.  

The Briar Patch. The cul-de-sac at the end of the street is the focal point of his socializing and if we chance upon Scaramouche Chupko erupts into a frenzy of barking. The cat is not afraid, rather bewildered at Chupko’s behaviour and quietly walks into the neighbour’s garden, leaving me to manage the aggressive dog. Nearly a daily affair, I’m sure the neighbours are used to his morning barking. He pollinates the flowers and plants and then proceeds to the cul-de-sac.

Invariably other pet owners and their dogs arrive at Sidmouth Avenue. Every morning like clockwork at the cul-de-sac he sights other dogs. What starts off as a barking spree ends in a friendly sniff and camaraderie. Hale fellows well met.

His entire being and demeanour have a spark to them. Sometimes his personality makes him feel like a man in the body of the dog. He is so expressive. And his eyes and tail will tug at every heart. As one woman said, “he’s gorgeous!”

He’s been on a 3 hour train ride several times. He’s been to restaurants. He loves being outdoors. He’s visited Thornbury Park, St. John’s Park, Osterley Park and many more. He’s been through haircuts, washes and Mamu’s non vegetarian treats.

Near victims of his aggression, the mailman, the birds, squirrel, parrots, hedgehog and most unassumingly the fox and its family. A frenzy of barking at the animals, one can’t help but wonder what his intention is. Maybe he is protecting us given that he is a rescue dog. Once he attacked a hedgehog and got squills stuck in his mouth. But that doesn’t deter him from darting across the garden at breakneck speed.

He shows a lot of aggression towards other dogs but he’s only trying to be friends. Much drama unfolds in front of the other walkers. It boils down to sniffing and language exchange and hale fellows well met. As one neighbour with a dog said “he’s gorgeous.”

Coming back to Scaramousche. When I step out for a walk I sometimes notice the striped cat and Scaramouche. Chupko’s arch enemies.  I remember from the days of our original (first family of) cats, the mother cat Shanu used to attack stray dogs in the garden and scratch their noses as a warning that they should keep a distance.

Scaramousche! Those hard to ignore streaks of black, brown, canvas and light coloured fur and ears draws attention to himself, human or animal. Contrary to Shanu, Scaramousche stands tall, as though on guard and doesn’t utter a word. Meanwhile, Chupko is turning upside down and all over the sidewalk with raucous barking, enough to wake the neighbours. It’s like an echo chamber!  

His favourite foods from Mamu’s plate include non-vegetarian Chinese, Mexican and Indian food; non -vegetarian kababs and roasted and grilled meats and fish. Very spoiled ! You can’t blame him for being enticed by all the flavours and aromas. That’s like blaming a compass for pointing North!