A LETTER TO MY BELOVED TRAVEL COMPANION: MY DOG

Dear Pintu (Caesar),

Hey brother, it's been three years since I held your head in my hands and repeated "I am sorry" “please come back” with tears gushing down my face while I observed you take your last breaths. Why I'm writing a letter to you? You are a dog and you are not even alive. I don't know but I feel it might be a noble thing and it would help me. Above and beyond, you were always so smart that you would listen to me talk and I could see it in your eyes that you were trying hard to catch what I was speaking to you. A best travel companion one would ever ask for.

I spent a lot of time looking for you. It sometimes seemed impossible, lonely, and inescapable. Nothing and nobody could live up to the expectations you had for a trip partner. Even people lack the enticing trait you possessed.

There are many things in life we can control, and choosing our travel companions is occasionally one of them. However, if I had an option, I will always choose you. Not just because I like you, but also for a lot of other reasons. You're my go-to travel companion whether it's a daytrip or a journey around the globe.

Remember when dad made chits with car names on them when we were ready to buy our first car, and you got to pick one. Dad bought a car that you choose. You loved the car so much that every time I unlocked it, you would bark like you were trying to say, "Let's go for a lovely drive!"

Together, we set out to discover our hometown, constantly enjoying each other's company. I knew that travelling would be the same. You supported me for over 8 years.

Remember our first journey? I made the decision to go five hours to bring our sister up from another city when you were just a year old. Our most exciting trip at the time. You used to always consume the food that our mother had packed for you in your bowl. You were so intelligent that you never requested even a tiny little bite of human food.

It hasn't always been simple, I'll admit. I remember when ghat section made you sick, but we hung on to one other, never letting go. I immediately recognized you as the ideal travel partner at that moment.

You used to be robust and full of life, but time has not been kind to you. Every time I got behind the wheel of a car, I felt a void in my life and a hurt in my heart. My mind still wants you to take you for a drive.

I love you sweet little brother, the first thing we did after burying your body was to go for framing your photo and hung it in car. Now I get to see you every time I drive.

Thanks for being my travel companion throughout all these years. We had some great time together.

With love and appreciation

SheeSha