To Gorby with Love

George Clooney is one of the most intelligent, politically- savvy, talented and versatile of our Hollywood stars. Ofcourse, it goes without saying that a bulk of his female admirers go for the drool factor. But Clooney has something else on his mind these days. Memories of Max, the pig , his deceased pet haunt him so relentlessly , that he has now enlisted the help of a psychic . Mr Clooney hopes the medium will help him get in touch with the spirit of his beloved "Max The Star ," who left for his heavenly abode three years ago. Apparently, Max has been his companion for 18 long years which must be Clooney's record of sorts for holding onto a sustaining relationship.( He's onto yet another cocktail waitress these days) .To be fair to Mr Clooney, Pets are an infinitely better option when you are looking for comfort and companionship. I'm sure all of us who have had pets who moved on to the next world will agree. Every time my daughter's friend sees a dalmatian, she would wistfully whisper " Bobby ".Bobby was her their family's first pet, atleast the one she knew from the time she was born.

When I read this news item , my mind went back to Gorby, my pet Lhasa Apso who passed away many moons ago under tragic circumstances. He too was more than a pet dog. From the day he walked into our home and hearts as a helpless little bundle of fur, he had us all eating out his hand..Gorby was the most important member of the family as far as my father and I were concerned. There was a point when my brother accused us of frequenting only restaurants which served Butter Nans and Chicken Tikka, just so the one waiting in the car could eat his favourite dishes . Our other dogs who lived a less previleged life in the kennels too envied Gorby's high flying lifestyle. He travelled widely, endeared himself to whoever he met ( except the folks in the hotel we stayed in Chennai , who wouldn't allow him to stay in our room ) and lived life Kingsize so to speak.Someone once remarked, that he must have been some noble being in his last birth fated to lead do a dog's life this time around..Whatever, it was Gorby was Gorby- companion, family member and creature comfort. If I could enlist the help of Mr Clooney's psychic, what shall I ask Gorby? Do they serve you Nans and Tikkas in heaven, Gorby ? Is there some way I can send you a parcel?