On a tight leash – The Hindu

After the charm and quiet of Chandigarh, Mumbai seemed to me sheer madness. Looking out of the 18th floor flat, I made out everything below to be rows of ants crawling out in all directions — why all this rush and bustle so early in the morning?

The sight of the majestic Shivaliks in Chandigarh has given way to miniature parks and slides in Mumbai. As I commence my morning walk, with my gentle Pomeranian trotting beside me, I shut my eyes and try to form a mental picture of peace and quiet. I hold Sheru on a leash, but with enough leeway for him to gently roll on, on his own rhythm.

Peace and quiet are, however, not much in demand here. The moment I step on to the potholed road, the streetlights fade out (too much of a coincidence). Boldly, we march on, taking the middle of the road where potholes are at least more visible. Many middle-age and elderly persons are up early, shuffling along the road, in what passes for regular morning exercise in Mumbai.

Once you reach the Bandstand promenade, a stiff warning greets you, “Dogs not allowed.” Beside the side entrance, even wiser dictum is made available: “Dogs and other eatables not allowed!” However, with all these signs around, the first thing that meets you once you enter is a pack of stray dogs. They come in batches, bark, snipe, and leave, just as chaperoned and well-behaved dogs have to make do by trotting outside the periphery.

Sheru is such a quiet and well-behaved dog that I sometimes forget that he is tailing me along. Usually, he stops once-in-a-while to sniff at some vegetation; or simply look up, admiring the scenery around. When we conclude the morning walk, normally Sheru is more refreshed than me.

Not any more. At the end of two weeks in Mumbai, we encountered aggressive and well-knit groups of strays seemingly waiting at street corners, before dimly lit societies, and suddenly pouncing on passing dogs, with furious barks.

The scene is reminiscent of old horror films.

I am not aware whether any other city suffers from similar menace. When we are out for our morning walk these days, there is a tight leash separating us, leading passers-by to speculate whether I am leading Sheru, or it is the other way around.

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