Turbo

You can see Turbo’s photograph. Would you ever imagine that this beautiful specimen of a dog had to be given a home? Well, believe it or not he is another of our rescued animals!

T had taken one of our cats to the vet. She met a young couple who had brought their Labrador pup for a check up. They got talking and, as we qualify as experienced pet owners, cell numbers were exchanged. T came home with stories of this friendly pup but soon both owners and pup were forgotten.

Almost a month later, while we were on our way to Digha, T got a call from the lady saying that they could not keep the pup and would we be interested. We certainly weren’t. Our house was bursting at the seams. Moreover, Spotty, our senior most member w was not in best of health and needed care. Chutux was impossibly dominating and we did not look forward to a new entrant who would have to be kept out of CHUTUX’S way.  Life could do without further complications.

Seeing that they were adamant about not keeping their pup we offered to look for a suitable home. I do not know what T had fed the lady with at the vet’s but she wanted the pup to be taken in by us! After repeated phone calls we caved in. she was told that if the pup could win over Chutux , we would consider taking him in. We were almost certain that Chutux would not allow another dog in.

Turbo came over for the day all the way from Patuli which was the other end of the town. He was introduced to Spotty who was as cool as usual. The cats were kept away and Chutux was shown Turbo at a distance and predictably gave a menacing growl.

Just when we thought the ‘baby’s day out’ was coming to an end, we got a call from the owners saying we should not return Turbo! We all felt indignant that this poor pup was being given away in this callous way. We decided we would take him in for no dog deserved this treatment.

Turbo went to Patuli for collecting his papers and medicine and a soft toy. He barely acknowledged his owners, which is very unlike a dog!

Turbo was epitome of good behaviour the first night. Probably he felt that he would be in bad books if he didn’t behave himself. He even avoided the bed made for him preferring the cold floor!

Next morning it was decided that he should get to know the cats. He bounded into the living room and the poor cats got a shock ! there was a loud crash as various cats tried to escape and banged into innumerable doors and windows. However, the cats soon realized that they had nothing to fear from Turbo. The only time they run away is when Turbo decides to intervene in a cat fight. He is an expert and chases away the aggressor without hurting anyone.

Spotty, naturally had no problems with Turbo. He seldom had any issues with anyone. Everybody loved the newcomer but the biggest hurdle had to be crossed. Never for a moment did we forget that Chutux was behind the door waiting to enter the stage- and take over.

Don’t know whose idea it was but we decided to let out Chutux and Turbo in the garden without human supervision. That is to say we all took up positions just out of sight. I was on the terrace ready with a big bucket of water to throw on the two dogs in case a fight broke out. My husband was just outside the gate all prepared to rush in if the situation demanded.  Others, all armed were ready to charge-we could not allow poor Turbo to be murdered.

As I looked down I saw Chutux give a menacing look. Next moment Turbo was being chased round the garden. No rescue operation was needed- Chutux was playing with him. We could not believe what we were seeing!

Turbo bought a gilt edged pass into the house. He has never forgotten that Chutux allowed him in. Turbo may be three times as big as Chutux but she remains the boss. She can do anything and get away for Turbo not only adores her but respects her. He will never try to get his ball if it has landed close to Chutux nor will he try to claim his share of biscuit if it is close to her!

Turbo has been with us for four years now. He is a hulking creature but extremely sensitive. He loves his ball and his newly acquired bone ( a present from a friend who has Never seen him!). He is not a team player in fact he is Uncle Scrooge. He loves to carry around both the ball and the bone- not parting with either. At all times he knows where he has kept his treasures. The only time I has seen him part with his ball was when my husband returned from a stint at the hospital. Turbo did not jump to greet him but came up to the bed and dropped his ball for him! It was a very touching sight.

Turbo had come from Patuli with a ‘dowry’- a plate, some medicines and a soft toy. He has not outgrown his need for a comforter. Whenever I return his one wish is to take away my ‘chunni’ and sit endlessly with the thing in his mouth! No, he never tears it. In fact he has a huge  mouth and loves storing things there- a strip of tablets, some ointment and-on one occasion a night bulb have been fished out of his mouth!

We had all felt very angry with Turbo’s previous owners. However, all I can say is that we have really gained from their stupidity. They do not know what joy they have missed!