THE DOG'S DIWALI

During Diwali, my dog Sando (a hardy Indian dog) has a ritual: he starts living under the bed until the fireworks go away. This includes staying put during mealtimes: He would rather die of starvation than face the fireworks. We feel sorry for him and he gets served under the bed. But even then most of the time his bowl stays untouched.

I don't know why Sando feels safe under the bed because the noise level cannot be any lower there. Or for that matter anywhere else. My other dog, Kalu (another Indian dog), blissfully gets through Diwali without any complaints. On occasions, when the blast-and-burst sounds cross a certain decibel, Kalu may frown, sigh, and change his position. His subtle protest. But running for cover under the bed is just not his style.  And his considerable appetite is not in the least affected.

But one thing is very strange about Sando. For a dog who is so petrified of loud sounds, he never gives up on his walks: come what ear-shattering firecracker. The moment he hears "walk-walk", he sprints form under the bed and posts himself at the gate.
On the road too Sando is a brave soul. While other dogs go cowering under cars and drains, Sando struts the streets. Kalu, of course, is the coolest. I know Sando is scared deep down because when we head back home and near the gate, he runs into the house and dives under the bed!
But call out "walk-walk" and he's ready in a moment to glide the streets and ignore the detonating bombs. Just what is this dog thinking?!