AU REVOIR BOONDA You will live on in our hearts | Daily News

AU REVOIR BOONDA You will live on in our hearts

Boonda was the much loved and cherished pet Bull who belonged to my dear friends Emerald and Kishore Reddy.

Boonda bade farewell to all of us last week as his weight could no longer be borne by his three legs, his fourth having been amputated some time ago. He contacted a fever which coupled with his other disabilities compelled him to say farewell to all those who loved him and he was euthanized by the government vets who performed an admirable job on Boonda. In fact Boonda was happily chomping on his favourite food, ripe Jak, with Kishore and Emerald cradling him in their arms.

Boonda was a part of the family. Emerald and Kishore’s day revolved around Boonda and their commitments to him. Their days started and ended with Boonda. In Emerald’s own words “If anyone had told me I would one day be washing a Bull’s bum I would have thought they were crazy.”

But that’s exactly what took place on a daily basis, actually twice a day. Boonda would be sponged, cleaned up, made to stand and walk, bathed, his sawdust etc changed, cuddled and kissed, twice a day, every day. All this took place over a period of eight years with Kishore and Emerald looking into every aspect of Boonda’s welfare themselves. They were ‘hands on’ parents to Boonda.

Boonda was a lovely, gorgeous, adorable animal. He had the most beautiful and appealing face with a penchant for ripe mango and Jak fruit. The Reddy’s dogs and cats too loved Boonda and would frequent his enclosure to look in on him. Looking after a dog, cat, bird, guinea pig etc is something we are all more or less accustomed to, but a Bull, especially one with three legs is some undertaking. To do so with love and dedication is another. When Boonda was knocked down and his leg had to be amputated eight years ago, Emerald and Kishore handled it all even though Boonda had an owner. When Boonda’s owner died and his family was not willing to look after Boonda, Emerald and Kishore willingly took him over. They loved and cared for him right to the very end. He wanted nothing and knew only love. When Boonda’s artificial leg didn’t quite work, we all knew the writing was on the wall.

Boonda was an integral part of Emerald’s and Kishore’s lives. They are two amazing people and I have only admiration for them. Their devotion to Boonda had no limits or boundaries. If all of us can help just one person or animal this world would surely be a much better place with so much less suffering. You will not be forgotten Boonda, as for Emerald and Kishore, you taught everyone who knows you a lesson in love and selfless devotion!


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