It all started with a dog attack. Two years ago, the now 13-year-old Sara Monteiro Steven was scratched by a neighbour’s pet. “She became terrified of dogs, running away when she saw one,” recalls her mother Nicola. Thankfully, Sara overcame her fears slowly and began to love canine companions. An adopted child, Sara pressured her mother for a brother but Nicola, a social worker, didn’t have the time or energy for another baby. “She said at least let’s get a dog,” laughs the mother. Eventually, the two started visiting the Welfare of Stray Dogs kennel in Mahalaxmi, attending the NGO’s various workshops on basic first aid and photography for strays. “Since Sara loves dogs, we used to cut articles from newspapers related to dogs and make a scrap book,” recalls the child’s mother about her love for animals.
During one such visit, Sara and Nicole met all the dogs at the kennel that were up for adoption. That’s when they came across Tommy, a three-year-old indie who had been waiting a long time for his forever home. An accident had left the dog’s leg mangled which in addition to his age drastically reduced his chances of adoption. As if the stars aligned, it was love at first sight for both Tommy and Sara. “He was so friendly, jumping all over and we kept visiting him at the Kennel,” says Nicola. “Sara realised she wanted to adopt him.”
Being a social worker, Nicola has always had a soft spot for the underdog. It didn’t matter that Tommy wasn’t a puppy or that he is differently abled. Today, the indie is living king-size in Mahim with his humans. “Sara looks after Tommy completely, even picking up his poop from the compound,” says Nicola with pride. And a month into the successful adoption, all rules have flown out the window. At first, no dogs were allowed on the family beds. “Tommy used to sleep in the hall,” says Sara. “But as soon as mama slides open the door in the morning, he comes to me and licks me all over.” Safe to say, the two sleep entwined every night.
Their love for Tommy is evident in both mother and daughter’s voices when they talk about Tommy’s obsession with cheese and his incredible skill at separating the meat from rice in his food. “He also loves to be caressed and if he wants more, he’ll flop on the floor and give you a handshake until you continue,” says Sara.
They both agree it’s been an absolute pleasure having a fourth member to the family. Tommy used to be an airport dog where the authorities had threatened to have them removed or euthanised. Today, he’s living the life all dogs deserve.