My first pet dog

I was always scared of dogs, ever since one chased me as I ran to catch the school bus.

When we shifted to our new house in DLF, we met our neighbours who had a Labrador.  I used to play with him whenever I visited our neighbour’s house.  As years passed, I realised that I was no longer scared of the dogs and always enjoyed their company.   
I heard that a lady was willing to give away one of her puppies.  My mother contacted the lady to complete the formalities.  It wasn’t so easy.  The lady would not part with the puppy unless she was convinced that we were genuine animal lovers and would take good care of the puppy.  

My mother and I were summoned for an impromptu interview that lasted almost an hour.  We were declared successful and were allowed to take the puppy home.  
Wow! I didn’t believe I was getting my first pet. I had already bought toys and a basket for him to sleep or rest on. I had waited so long for this moment; it was a cold December evening, when we brought the pup home.  I immediately wrapped him in a soft blanket.
Hardly a month old, a golden brown Labrador, Buddy, as we named him, soon became the pet of the household.  
Feeding him was a task in itself.  Like a human baby, he had to be given milk with a feed bottle.

A frisky little pup, he was always up to some mischief. Nibbling at shoes  and saris, dropping things over. If we shouted at him, he would rush into some nook and hide. There is hardly any article in the house that he has not chewed at, my favorite shoes, table edges, duppattas, plastic jars, hair brushes etc.
He is always at the door, wagging his tail welcoming us home. He continues barking till such time he has been treated to a biscuit.  

He has a sweet tooth.  He likes sweets and ice creams.  During summers, he prefers to sleep in the room where an air conditioner is on.
Now he is eight years old, no longer a pup but still as mischievous. Buddy has grown up to be a ferocious watchdog.  He likes to go for long walks every morning.  Visitors rarely drop into our house, fearing his menacing looks. For all we know he wouldn't hurt a fly.  He is practically a member of our family, albeit the most pampered and spoiled one. And as for my fear of dogs, it has been permanently overridden by the mischief and affection of my first pet and we also have a companion for him now.

My mom thinks Buddy is the best thing we ever got in our life.