For the Apple of my eye

I'm still finding it hard to come to terms with the grief of losing my Apple. I had her as a 3-month-old puppy, and she recently passed away just two days shy of her 15th birthday.

When I moved out of home to start Gostana in Bandra, I put in a request to adopt a dog. After months of unsuccessful attempts, this adorable 3-month-old chubby Labrador came into my life. Before meeting her, I was told that if I liked her, I should simply nod to the middleman. She needed rescuing because her previous owners intended to use her for breeding. I walked into this shady room in Wadala (where I was also born). This little potato had a chain around her neck that looked heavier than she was. But when this potato was placed next to me, she rested her head on my lap. The moment her puppy eyes met mine, I nodded, and she was mine.

Her 1st day as a boss. 02/07/2010

She was initially named Whiskey, which might have pleased any Sindhi, but it didn't resonate with me. At the time, I was sharing an apartment with two friends, and all three of us had names starting with 'A'. So, we decided on Apple.

Apple, Apple, Apple. Gostana was pet-friendly from its start in 2007, and soon Gostana had its very own Pet Manager. She was loved by everyone. She was unaware of the celebrity she was, with actual celebrities requesting her to sit at their table. One such celebrity, Ms. J. Fernandez, would even ask for an extra straw for her milkshake so Apple could lick the straw dipped in it.

pic courtesy Anisha

Wherever I went, if she wasn't with me, I'd be asked, "Are you Apple's mama?" Yes, her proud mama. She was a companion to solo diners, she facilitated dates for a guest (Hi Thomas) who walked her, she was a therapist to many, and a favorite model for anyone with a camera. She was the best girl.

Apple and Chickoo at work

Eventually, she became a mama to Chickoo, a sister to Bambi, a partner to Zizou, and a crime partner to Dr. Inspector Pinto. Nikko, well, that's another story.

She witnessed the passing of her buddies Chickoo, Bambi, and Zizou, yet she remained strong and kept us strong until the very end.

With Dr Inspector Pinto and Zizzling Zizou

For the last two years, she hadn't been well, but it wasn't like her final few days. We knew we would have to let her go, but being the good girl she was, she left on her own terms, surrounded by our prayers.

She loved her cheese, and she loved her beer. Even as a puppy, she would knock over beer bottles. By the time someone could grab a mop, she had licked up all the beer.

What is it with my dogs and alcohol? Zizou would drink unattended gin, and Chickoo had a fondness for Old Monk.

The chotu in the front is Ami. Our 1st pet who none of these Bhondus met

Keeping the happy memories of my Apple close. I have a feeling that you, Zizou, and Chickoo will be opening a bar somewhere soon, with Bambi as the elegant hostess in her tux.

Cheers, kiddo. Until we meet again.