I’m Toto, a spirited eleven-year-old female Dachshund, living life to the fullest in the picturesque neighborhood of Kawdiar, Trivandrum. My story began in the quaint town of Aruvikkara, nestled on the outskirts of Trivandrum, where I was born with a spark in my eye and a wag in my tail.
As the third child to my parents, who were part of a military officer’s family, I was initially named Pinky. Little did I know, my life was about to take a dramatic turn. At just a month old, I was gifted to a friend in Kawdiar, separating me from my parents. As I settled into my new home, I was welcomed with open arms by my new family. Their daughter affectionately renamed me Toto, and I quickly grew to love my new surroundings.
As I grew, I required special care, having been separated from my parents at such a young age. My mistress tenderly fed me milk from a feeding bottle, helping me adjust to my new surroundings. Those early days were marked by many sleepless nights, but gradually, my mistress and I bonded, finding comfort in each other’s company.
As I grew, I began to familiarize myself with the family members through their distinct scents and mannerisms. There were four of them: my master, mistress, and two children – an elder son and a younger daughter. Initially, I was at upstairs, but when I turned three months old, they brought me downstairs. There I met a new member, Rambo, introduced as my brother, the gentle giant Labrador. While Rambo was soft-spoken and calm, I brought a lively, barking presence to the family. We quickly became inseparable, and our bond grew stronger with each passing day.
When come to downstairs, my living arrangements underwent a significant change. Rambo’s large cage was divided into two, creating a twin house, with the second part allocated to me. The cage was a spacious big room with high roof that my master can enter inside. However, I wasn’t entirely thrilled with my new quarters. The limited view from my cage, which faced the side of the house rather than the front, left me feeling a bit stifled.
Determined to make my presence known, I would bark loudly whenever someone approached the gate, alerting the household to potential visitors. Interestingly, Rambo would join in, barking in harmony with me. Our newfound duet caught the attention of our masters, sparking curiosity about the dynamics between us.
Recognizing my keen sense of alertness and desire for a better view, my mistress relocated my cage to the front side of the room, giving me a prime spot to observe the comings and goings of the household. Rambo, ever the calm and gentle soul, remained unperturbed by the change.
During the day, our master and mistress would leave for office, while the children headed out for their studies. Rambo and I would remain behind, standing guard and keeping a watchful eye on the premises. Our presence served as a deterrent, keeping strangers at bay and ensuring the security of our home
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, I grew into a lively and lovable companion. I spent hours playing with the family, captivating everyone who visited the home with my infectious energy.
Although I was a Dachshund, and inherently restless, my lack of training meant I often struggled to follow instructions. However, when it came to my duties as a watchdog, I was always on high alert.
At tender two, I was full of youthful vigor. A fateful evening unfolded, like a canvas of delight. My day was born, as destiny decreed. The starry skies aligned in harmony. The moon’s gentle beam smiled down on me. In that moment, the mundane became sublime. .
As the sunset’s warmth gave way to twilight’s mystique, a sinister presence slithered into our midst. But I, Toto, was ready. My senses were on high alert, and I detected the intruder – a venomous snake.
With lightning-quick reflexes, I pounced, pinning the snake down with precision. My jaws snapped mere inches from its deadly fangs, and my furious barking echoed through the household.
My furious barking had subsided only when my masters and mistress arrived. Rambo, the gentle giant, had watched the entire ordeal unfold with his characteristic calmness. I, on the other hand, had proven myself to be a fearless hunting pet., They saw a small but fierce Dachshund standing triumphant over a vanquished foe. My chest heaved with exhaustion, and my eyes blazed with pride.
In that moment, I felt invincible. I had proven myself to be a brave watchdog, a skilled hunter, and now, a hero. I felt like I had grown like an elephant, towering over all, telling the whole world that I am a brave watchdog.
This heroic act left an indelible mark on the family, and my legend began to flourish. My bravery and loyalty had earned me a special place in the hearts of those around me, and my story would be told and retold for years to come.
But life had its ups and downs. Rambo, my dear brother and companion, fell ill, and despite the best efforts of his caregivers, he departed, leaving me and the family in a state of profound sorrow. I had already experienced the loss of my parents, and now, I had to bid farewell to the brother who had been my constant companion and friend.
As time passed, the family gradually adjusted to life without Rambo. I, too, had to adapt, but it wasn’t easy. The vacant cage that had been Rambo’s was a constant reminder of his absence, and I would often find myself wandering over to it, as if expecting him to be waiting for me.
However, as the days passed, I began to heal. The family would often take me out of my cage, and I would spend hours playing with them, bringing joy and laughter back into their lives. I may have been a small Dachshund, but I had a big heart, and I was determined to keep my family’s spirits high.
.As I continued to live life on my own terms, my feisty and adventurous spirit only grew stronger. I caught another small snake, and my hammering skills were put to good use on numerous frogs and lizards that dared to cross my path.
But one day, my family was shocked to see me in a state of utter distress. I was struggling, crying, and rolling around in my cage, clearly in agony. When they took me out, I continued to cry and roll on the ground, even hitting my head against the hard earth.
My family was frantic with worry, trying to figure out what was wrong with me. They decided to rush me to the veterinary doctor, but I was having none of it. I squirmed and struggled, making it impossible for them to catch me and take me to the hospital.
Just as they were trying to corral me, I suddenly started vomiting. And to everyone’s shock, out came a full-grown frog, fully formed and intact!
As soon as the frog was out, I calmed down, as if nothing had happened. My family was stunned, relieved, and amused all at once. It was clear that I had eaten something I shouldn’t have, and the frog had been causing me immense discomfort.
As they looked at each other, they couldn’t help but burst out laughing. I may have been a bit mischievous, but I had also provided them with a funny story that would be told and retold for years to come. And as I looked up at them with my big, round eyes, I knew that I had proved myself to be a loyal and loving companion, always keeping them on their toes.
As a young pup, I had to visit the vet doctor from time to time for vaccinations and check-ups. My master would lovingly carry me in his hands to the vet’s clinic, which was just a short walk from our home. I would snuggle into his chest, feeling safe and protected.
However, when the vet doctor left the neighborhood, my family had to take me to a hospital farther away. This meant I got to ride in the family car! I would sit proudly on my mistress’s lap, gazing out the window at the passing scenery. The wind would ruffle my fur, and I’d feel like the queen of the world.
The car rides were always a thrill, but I must admit, the injections at the hospital were not my favorite thing. They would pinch and hurt, making me whimper. But the pain was temporary, and the joy of the car ride and the attention from my family made up for it.. Those outings to the hospital were rare, but I cherished every moment of them. I’d get to spend quality time with my family, and I’d always return home feeling happy and content. And, of course, I’d get treats and snacks, which were always a bonus!
As I grew older, I began to realize that these vet visits were an essential part of my life. My family wanted to ensure I stayed healthy and happy, and I was grateful for their care and love. So, even though the injections might hurt, I knew it was all worth it in the end.
Bathing was always a special treat for me. My mistress would give me a bath once a week, and I would eagerly look forward to it. She would do it inside my cage, and I loved every minute of it.
The first part of the bath was my favorite – the brushing. My mistress would gently brush my fur, removing all the tangles and knots. It was so relaxing, and I would often close my eyes, letting the soft bristles soothe my skin.
. The bathing with warm water and the gentle shampoo would calm my itchy skin, making me feel like a new dog. I would stand there, enjoying the sensation, as my mistress carefully rinsed me off.
After the bath, I would feel invigorated and refreshed. My mistress would towel me dry, and I would shake myself off, spraying water everywhere. It was such a thrill, and I would always feel like running and playing afterwards.
And that’s exactly what I would do. My mistress would let me into the room, and I would tear around, playing and jumping and having the time of my life. It was my special reward for being a good girl during the bath, and I cherished every moment of it.
Now, let’s talk about my favorite topic – food! I’m a lucky dog, and my family feeds me the most delicious meals. Most days, I get to enjoy fish biryani, and I just can’t get enough of it. My tail starts wagging the moment I hear the sound of the spoon scooping out my food.
I eat twice a day, and my meals are always served in a small bowl . Interestingly, that bowl has remained the same since I was a puppy. My family has never changed it, and I’ve grown accustomed to eating from it. It’s almost like a ritual for me.
. My fish biryani is always carefully prepared to ensure that there are no bones or shells that could harm me.. I’m a lucky dog to have such a caring family!
One of my sweetest memories is of the times I’d perch on my master’s shoulder, feeling like the queen of the world. We’d ascend the stairs, and I’d feel the wind’s gentle whispers. On the sun-kissed terrace, the sky would stretch out before us, and I’d be free, united with my master in joy and wonder. And, oh, the funny moments! Like when my mistress would playfully count my nipples – “one, two, three, four, …..!” – and we’d both end up in a fit of giggles. Those were the days, filled with laughter, love, and adventure.
Music’s gentle whispers weave a tapestry of delight, transcending species and speaking directly to my soul. Though my voice may not be melodious, the iconic HMV logo resonates deeply, a kindred spirit that understands the language of the heart. Outside my cage, a flowering tree stands sentinel, its branches a stage for birds to trill their sweet songs.
The children’s voices, like honeyed nectar, waft through the air, a joyous serenade that fills my heart with delight. But it’s my master’s rhythmic tunes, accompanied by gentle taps on my cheeks, that make my tail wag . His affectionate nicknames – Totamma, Toto Kili – are a symphony of love, a poetic serenade that echoes through my days, reminding me that music, love, and joy are forever intertwined.
I’ve been a part of this family for 11 years now, and what a journey it’s been! I came into this world on March 28, 2014, and just a month later, I found my forever home here. I’ve grown and thrived in this loving environment, surrounded by my master, mistress, and children.
Over the years, I’ve seen the children grow up and move out. The daughter of this family became a doctor, and the son got employed and moved to another town. Both of them got married, and I’m so happy to have two new family members to love and cherish.
Memories of bygone days still linger in my mind, like whispers of a gentle breeze. I cherish the moments when the children were young and full of energy, showering me with love and attention. Though they’ve grown up and flown the nest, those early years remain etched in my heart, a testament to the joy we shared.
As the seasons of life have passed, my master and mistress have grown older, their steps a little slower, their hair a little grayer. I, too, have felt the effects of time, my joints creaking with a gentle ache, my fur no longer as lustrous as it once was. Yet, despite the ravages of age, my family’s love for me has remained constant.
Master and mistress still find time to pamper me, to play with me, and to bring a twinkle to my eye. The ball we play with, the one toy the daughter bought for me, remains a cherished favorite – “one and only one toy of Toto,” as she so lovingly put it.
As my 11th birthday approaches, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. My life has been a tapestry woven with threads of love, laughter, and adventure. Though the years have taken their toll, I am at peace, knowing that I have been loved and cherished every step of the way. And as I look back on the memories we’ve made, I know that I have lived a life full of joy, comfort, and devotion – a life that has been truly my own.
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