‘Doggy’ gets proper farewell in Mussoorie

A strange but emotional show of compassion took place at Mourning Ceremony (Teharvin) in memory of a dog was held in Kincraig, Mussoorie, at the house of eminent journalist and author Sudhir Thapliyal on 2 December. ‘Doggy’, a mixed breed black dog died after a prolonged illness 13 days ago at the ripe age of 11. Distinguished personalities from Mussoorie attended the mourning ceremony. A minute’s silence was also kept on the occasion.
Floral tribute was paid before the portrait of the dog amidst chanting of mantras by a local priest. There were tears in the eyes of the neighbours, who were acquainted with Doggy.
Sudhir Thapliyal, a prolific dog lover and ‘the father to Doggy’, said she was like a daughter to him. Its loyalty surpassed imagination. Doggy is survived by three dogs, Mis-T, Doggy 1, Doggy 2 and a cat, who were her mates since childhood. The bereaved owner of the dog, Sudhir Thapliyal said that Doggy has been very loyal to the house and saved him from a leopard attack, few years ago. He also said that since he lived alone, the animals were his only companion and Doggy was his favourite.
Mathura Dass, former
member of the band, “Bindoo Babas” and Sudhir Thapliyal’s neighbour said that doggy was a quiet but intelligent animal and was very loyal to the house. She was its guardian. The local Vet, who treated her when she was bitten by a leopard some years ago, said that doggy was a brave and resilient dog.
It fought the wounds caused by the leopard and had recovered very quickly. Prem Thadani, himself a dog lover, said that this ceremony was symbolic of the fact that the animals, who lived with one through thick and thin, deserved the same compassion as humans. He also said that he was there to participate in grief of his friend Sudhir for more details go to