Princess Jazmine (Bananahammock) is a 6 month old, fierce Indie puppy, and the newest addition to our family in Bangalore. This is the story of how the adoption came about.
Part 1: Simba
Simba, Jazmine’s older brother, is the biggest dog-lover you will ever meet. Ever since he was a wee 3-month old, nothing has motivated Simba like play with other dogs. He gets along with most of them easily and quickly, and is often seen playing the peacemaker when his friends play a bit too rough. As a puppy, Simba was so full of energy and joy when meeting other pups, that he would play for hours without a break, resting only when isolated. As he grew up, his energy reduced, but his love for other dogs did not. As he was turning 2, his family deemed it was time to get him a sibling- a fellow dog to experience life with. They had faith that he would be a loving and responsible elder brother.
Part 2: Survivors
Jazmine (earlier Skye) was born in a litter on the side of the road, like thousands of puppies are born to thousands of stray dogs every day in India. The puppies did not have much in the name of shelter or food, and were destined to die within a few weeks. Luckily for her (and us), a kind lady, Ms S started taking care of the pups. She fed them and gave them basic medicines. Due to her constant love and care, Jazmine and her brother Ollie survived! This kind lady wanted to find them a nice loving home. Ollie and Jazmine were then put up for adoption.
Part 3: Heat
One day, I sent out the following text to a few people:
Hi! I know through social media that you help indie pups get adopted. I would love to add a second dog to my family. Do you know of any pups up for adoption nearby?
Petstepin, where I often board Simba when we are out of town, told me they had two pups for adoption. They sent me pictures of Jazmine and Ollie. Jazmine resembled baby Simba so much that I fell in love with her immediately. I made my way to meet her, to try to establish a bond with her that would ultimately lead to her adoption. She took to me instantly, and settled in my lap while I caught up on her life so far. I was told that Ollie and Jazmine had been bouncing around from one foster home to the other. They had been living at Petstepin since the last set of fosters just abandoned them. They were suffering from separation anxiety and trauma as a result of changing several homes within 6 months. All this time, Ms S had been providing for them and keeping them updated with their vaccinations. This was my first visit, of what was supposed to be a long process of introducing myself and my family to Jazmine.
In the middle of the conversation, while I was getting to know her, the small puppy came into heat. She could no longer be safely housed at Petstepin even for a night, triggering a crisis. I offered to expedite her adoption, so she could come home that night. Since Simba has been neutered for a long time now, I hoped they could co-exist peacefully even in her first heat. I did not have the heart to sentence her to another foster home during her first period, only to adopt her after the tougher times are gone. After a brief conversation with my partner, it was decided that we are bringing Jazmine home that very day.
Part 4: Home
As I rushed home to bring Simba to meet her, my partner left work to meet her too. Jazmine made an instant connection to our family, and her resemblance to Simba was just uncanny. She mostly ignored Simba during that first meeting- choosing to focus her attention on the two loving humans instead. We shopped for her while her papers were getting ready, and before 8 pm, she was home.
She took her first walk with us, and spent her first night uneventfully, peacefully asleep in her bed. She is getting along really well with Simba, playing and challenging her elder brother more every hour. She already knows her name, and to sit and wait for treats. She wrestles and tugs Simba for custody of toys, and is the undisputed champion so far. She’s smart and beautiful, and is full of love. I can’t wait to have amazing adventures with her!
Princess Jazmine (Bananahammock) has risen. Long may she reign!
If you want to fill you hearts and homes with some canine love, consider adopting an indie. They are acclimatised to the South Asian weather, are not genetically prone to specific diseases and are every bit as smart and loving as any dog. While looking for pups, here are some amazing pups I came across who are still looking for their homes:
- Ollie:
PJB’s brother is as awesome as her! He has really unique features and is a bit shy, but he will love you with all of his heart. He is still at Petstepin.
2. Night
Night is a canine distemper survivor and needs a lot of love. She will be a great first dog, and is really friendly. You can read more about her here.
3. Fluffynut conducts various adoption drives for indie pups.
4. Second Chance Adoption Center is an animal centre run by CUPA. They have dogs of every breed and age up for adoption.
Finally, please neuter/spay your pets. There are thousands of unwanted puppies born every day who need a home. You can play a small role in preventing that by preventing unwanted dog pregnancies. If Simba were not neutered, we would never have been able to bring Princess Jazmine home. I will get her spayed as soon as she is out of heat.