With a heart weighed down by sorrow, I bid farewell to my cherished Dasher, who passed away peacefully in his sleep last night in my room. A Toy Pomeranian of just 1.5 kg, Dasher was far more than a pet—he was my constant companion, my source of joy, and my soulmate in fur.
From the moment he came into my life, he was a force to be reckoned with—tiny in size but immense in spirit. He was fearless, always ready to take on dogs many times his size, undeterred by his small frame. His daredevilry became legendary among the morning walkers of Vinay Marg,Chanakyapuri,New Delhi, during my deputation with the Government of India (2009-2012), where his relentless barking at big dogs never failed to bring smiles and laughter to those around.
Dasher was also an adventurous traveler, frequently accompanying me on flights. Once, a Delhi-Ranchi flight was delayed by 30 minutes due to a miscommunication between the airline’s commercial department and the flight captain regarding his travel clearance. He was not just a dog; he was a presence—one that commanded attention, amusement, and admiration wherever he went.
His bravery, however, led to a tragic incident. One fateful night in June 2021, while accompanying me to see off a guest after dinner, he was attacked by 4-5 street dogs. Though he miraculously survived after a long and intense 3-4 hour surgery, he lost one of his front legs. But even that did not dampen his indomitable spirit. He continued to run with the same energy and challenge big dogs as if nothing had changed, proving that courage knows no physical bounds.
Last night, as he lay beside me, he quietly slipped away in his sleep, bringing an end to a journey filled with love, mischief, and unbreakable companionship. Dasher was not just my pet; he was a part of my soul, a fearless little warrior who lived life on his own terms.
Rest in peace, my dear Dasher. Your absence leaves a void that words cannot fill, but your memories will forever be etched in my heart. You were, and always will be, my brave little soulmate.
The writer is former DGP of Jharkhand. Views are personal.
