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He was born in Vietnam, raised in the United States and has lived in Romania until he relocated to India last August with his partner of seventeen years. “Anandaroopa is my spiritual name,” says the witty dog-owner who’s a storehouse of anecdotes from around the world.
“In Romania, there were a lot of street dogs, many of whom are culled cruelly. One day, my partner’s colleague showed up with this adorable, flea-infested little fuzz-ball who was found abandoned underneath a car. The dog has been with us for five years now.” Stating that the move to India with a dog was fairly simple, he says: “It was like paperwork for anything else — getting your driver’s licence or passport.”
They decided to name the dog Devi. “We hope people can see the divinity in a dog.”
“She still acts like a puppy,” he laughs, adding that Devi knows when she’s being spoken of. “My partner and I are lucky. We have household staff and they love dogs. Friends stay over when we aren’t around, to take care of Devi.” Displaying a deep understanding of her feelings, he says “She’s a glutton for attention, as she’s the only dog in the family. I’m an only child, so I understand!”
Visitors often ask Anandaroopa and his partner what breed she is. “She’s a mutt. A royal Romanian mutt,” he says proudly. The sensitive dog knows when someone is sick and hovers around the bed with a look of grave concern on her face. “Tibetans believe that dogs are monks who haven’t meditated enough in their past life. We must help them move on from this life. Dogs have feelings, needs and a soul. When my partner comes home after a long day at work, he talks to the dog first. Unconditional love — a dog is the only one who gives you that when you walk through that door,” he says.
Anandaroopa reveals that this month, their high-spirited canine has an important role to play. “June is Gay Pride Month and Devi will be a part of the Pride March. She supports civil rights because she wants civil rights for herself too — the right to just exist, as a dog.”
Hero of the week
Jansi nominates her father Dorairaja for Hero of the Week. “My father gets up at 6 a.m. and feeds crows and at 8, he feeds street dogs. He feeds the dogs thrice a day and the birds twice a day. He thinks of them when we cook, and we eat only after feeding our pet dog”.
Know of a hero who has performed of an act of kindness to animals? Write in 60 words or less to metropetpassion@gmail.com
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