Farewell Greta…
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Yesterday, we said our heartfelt goodbyes to Greta. Sujata, our children, and I are mourning the loss of a very close and loved family member, and Bella the loss of her mother and soul mate.
Greta joined our family 12 years ago, stepping into a significant void left by the sudden departure of our previous pet, Gypsy. She was just a little over 3 years old at the time and embodied the very essence of grace. Having been raised as a “show dog,” she exuded poise, a graceful posture, and a gentle demeanour. Shortly after she arrived at our home, we also adopted her daughter, Bella. The mother and daughter duo formed an inseparable pair and remained so till Greta’s last day.
We affectionately referred to them as “the girls or “G&B,” and their friendly disposition endeared them to children who would often visit our home in Bangalore unannounced, simply to play with them. With joyful wags of their tails, G&B never hesitated to indulge these young visitors. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing many children conquer their fear of dogs through their heartwarming interactions with our beloved girls.
Much like her adopted parents, who have an insatiable love for travel, Greta’s life journey took her through four countries. She was born in Australia and made the move to Singapore when she was just a few months old. After residing in India for eight years, she eventually settled in her final home in Dubai.
Greta had a deep affection for people and whenever we had visitors at home, she never hesitated to approach them, seeking affection and a gentle pat. One particularly endearing quality of the girls is their ability to bring smiles to people’s faces, a trait we observed countless times. Even during Greta’s later years when she became too frail to walk and had to be strolled around, strangers would often pause to strike up conversations with us and tenderly pet her.
Greta shared an incredibly deep bond with her adopted mother, and this connection only grew stronger as she aged. In her later years, this attachment became particularly pronounced, to the point where she wouldn’t allow Sujata to leave her sight. Even as she her eyesight grew weak and she became more fragile, she continued to trot (yes, she didn’t merely walk but trotted) behind Sujata, always seeking her presence whenever she disappeared from view. It was a heartwarming sight, reminiscent of the Pug featured in the Vodafone TV commercial, few years ago, with the tagline, “Wherever you go, our network follows.”
Greta was the gentlest of souls, never demanding and her eyes said it all. She had a special affinity for the kitchen and often sat there, not necessarily in anticipation of being fed, but simply to watch Sujata as she cooked and carried out her daily chores.
For the children, the presence of Greta and Bella added an extra special reason for them to eagerly return home.
Over the past year and a half, as Greta’s eyesight began to fade, and she started to lose weight, we couldn’t help but fear the inevitable. Whenever one or both of us had to travel, an underlying anxiety loomed, wondering if we would return to find her waiting for us. Although we had mentally prepared ourselves for the inevitable, one can never truly be ready.
Sadly, this week, we had to bid her farewell. We take solace in knowing that she passed peacefully, spared from much suffering. Our hearts ache, and we will dearly miss her adoring eyes, her serene presence beside us on the sofa during television time, our morning bikis, our cuddles, our daily walks together, and the familiar sound of her trotting feet on the floor.
Farewell, Greta! You have been a beautiful and loving addition to our family, and we will carry the memories of our time together close to our hearts.
Until we meet again across the Rainbow Bridge when our time comes.
“Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts and etch their love in our souls.”
