Pets fill those voids in our homes that we never knew existed.
These furry little non humans have their own way of reminding us of our humanity. They require no words or worldly possessions to fill our homes and make them complete. Their actions at once exasperating and endearing keep us busy and grounded. In their short lives they remind us of the importance of small pleasures and contentedness.
The Checkup Magazine reached out to our doctor-writers-pet parents to share the shenanigans of the animal kingdom in their homes.
HOME MAKERS.
Covid hit us hard in 2020 and it changed the lives of many men and women. We lost our dear ones and most of us were struggling to make the two ends meet in those two years. Imagine the plight of our four legged family members! They were deprived of food, and at times even the shelter. Some of them were driven off and made destitute. I happened to get all my three pet children in 2021-22 from different homes. Their original owners had shut doors on them and that is how Jack (Labrador), Jessy( Pug) and Buntya (Persian) came to our home.
I have been an ardent pet lover since my childhood and always had a pet in the home. At times, we had two or three in our small Mumbai home but I never regretted having them. They make house a home and make it worth living. Come home after a grueling surgical emergency and the entire platoon is standing at the door to welcome you, irrespective of the time of day and night. Initially I had fear and trepidations about their mutual acceptance. Bunty gave one tight slap to Jack when he approached him for the first time and resolved the issue of “Who’s the BOSS?” Everything then followed in line. Now they have accepted each other very well and in fact are protective of each other. If I scold Jessy for being naughty, Jack burst into barking. A special hair dresser visits every month to give them bath and a proper hair do.
What have they done to me? They have given me an opportunity to become Father after 65, they have given me unconditional love and have made me a sober gentleman. I cannot imagine our flat without them.
– Dr. Sanjay Oak.
About the Author
Dr. Sanjay Oak is a renowned Pediatric Surgeon with nearly 38 years of clinical standing and a rich experince of health sector administration of nearly 19 years.He joined Government Medical College, Miraj in 1977 and held a very illustrious academic career winning several awards and Distinctions in Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine and General Surgery. He did Masters in General Surgery and subsequently his Masters in Pediatric Surgery. He was awarded Hon. FRCS by Royal College Of Surgeons Of Edinburgh. He has published more than 250 scientific papers in pediatric surgery and laparoscopic surgery in children in journals of international repute and has also contributed in health administration and university education. He has written 52 books in Marathi and English. He has been a very sought after columnist in Sunday Loksatta for 7 years and now for Lokmat. A prolific orator, a mentor and a role model for several young medical students, he has been awarded Dr. B.C. Roy National award in the year 2005, for the development of superspeciality.
Me and My Pets: Merrier by half a dozen
I am not someone who does things halfway. So, when I decided I wanted the presence of a furry companion in my house, I didn’t just stop at one. I got half a dozen of them. Three dogs and three cats. And yes, you have guessed correctly, they are quite a handful.
There is Bruce, the gentle yet fierce German Shepherd. He is the most loyal dog a person could ask for. Although growing up, he was a real piece of work. He had once bit through my Beyerdynamic headphone cord and had the audacity to look at me with his pleading puppy dog eyes when I got mad at him.
Then there is Patch/Robin, the skittish indie. He lives like a prince; sleeps on the bed, does what he wants and has no reservations about it. But he is the one who will cuddle next to me when I need some comfort.
Chester, the Golden Retriever is a menace. He listens to no one and his shenanigans know no bounds. I sometimes wish I’d named him “Pester” instead.
Then there are the cats. Leo, the eldest is a wise sage. He is an orange cat and acts like it. Although it is never a good idea to test his temper.
Skye is a playful cat. She loves going outside several times a day and will jump around happily till she’s had her fill.
Iris is the newest addition to our family. She does not like being held and is a real diva.
I have grown so accustomed to the presence of my fur babies in my house that I cannot imagine spending even a day apart from them, and on the rare occasions that I have to, I miss them with all my heart. The only wish I could ever make if I were given the chance, would be to give these six wonderful babies long and happy lives.
– Dr. Sampanna Sawant.
About the Author
Dr. Sampanna Sawant lives in Kudal, Sindhudurg. She is a dentist as well as a singer-songwriter and am an avid reader and writer. She loves animals and has six pets. She also takes care of a few strays outside her place. She is grateful for this opportunity to write this piece.
With Love
We recently welcomed a new member into our family, a brown-eyed bundle of joy who instantly stole our hearts. From the very first day, every tiny movement became a moment to watch, her soft yawns, her gentle stretches, the way she curled and turned.
My son and daughter-in-law carried her tenderly from room to room, introducing her to every corner of the house. It was as though they were sharing with her the map of her new kingdom, one cozy space at a time. Wherever they went, she was nestled in their arms, perfectly content.
Soon, Father’s Day arrived. The family gathered, and greetings flowed generously towards the fathers. Each card and message carried its own warmth. Yet the most endearing message was for the “Cat Dad,” my son, delivered with a playful cat emoticon. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about love, care, and belonging.
My son bent down to stroke Misty, his voice gentle yet full of pride.
“Hey, Misty, are you listening? So proud of you.”
I laughed saying Cat Dad. Suddenly a notification ringtone sounded, and the message on my phone read ‘To the sweetest Granny.’
And in that simple exchange, love filled the room, love for family, for fatherhood, and for the little soul who brought us all joy.
-Dr. Swati
Dr. Swati is a dentist by training who designs smiles and a writer by accident. She now crafts medical content that informs, educates, and empowers both patients and healthcare professionals. Her work combines clinical accuracy, clear communication, and passion for emerging health technologies.
From Streets to Souls: The Dogs Who Chose Me
“Sometimes the ones you rescue, rescue you back.”
We all talk about love — family, friends, partners. But there’s another kind of love, quieter and wordless, yet the loudest in your heart. For me, that love came in the form of three dogs — my pet Messi, and two society dogs, Tipsy and Princess.
To anyone else, they might look like “a pet” or “strays.” But to me, they’re pieces of my life — my teachers of love, loyalty, and joy.
Messi – The Spoiled Royalty of Our Home
Messi isn’t just a dog; he’s my 7-year-old boy and the most pampered member of our family. But the person who spoils him most is his Nani — my grandmother. To her, he’s the grandchild. She buys him toys, sneaks him paneer and butter, and fusses over him like he’s a baby.
How Messi came to us was pure destiny. My grandmother once saw a girl carrying a tiny injured puppy. She stopped and asked if she could pet him.. The girl, my brother’s friend, had rescued him after he was attacked by bigger dogs and needed someone to foster him temporarily. Within hours, that “temporary” puppy had found his forever home with us. What she didn’t know then was that this puppy would soon be ours.
Messi didn’t just stay — he chose us. And for the last seven years, he’s ruled our home like royalty. He refuses to eat vegetables, won’t touch biscuits, and his rice must be perfectly cooked in clean broth. He loves butter, demands auto rides (“ghumi ghumi in auto”), and often sneaks cat food out of jealousy.
Messi is spoiled, demanding, and a complete brat, but he’s ours. And honestly? Life wouldn’t be half as fun without him.
“Messi didn’t just join our family, he chose us. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Three years ago, when I moved into a new apartment, I met two indie dogs in our compound — Tipsy and Princess.
Tipsy – The Fierce Sweetheart
Tipsy, whom I first nicknamed Oreo for her black-and-white coat, was fierce and confident. She scared most people with her bark, but with me, she was soft. I was the only one she let touch her. She would lean into my scratches, demand endless massages, and give me those pleading eyes that melt your heart.
She knew my schedule, the sound of my Activa, and would wait every evening — not for food, but just to see me. One rainy evening, I saw her standing at the gate, drenched but waiting. That was love — silent, pure, and unconditional. “She didn’t wait for food or treats; she waited for me.”
Princess – The Attention Queen
If Tipsy ruled with strength, Princess ruled with sweetness. Her rich brown fur earned her the nickname Bournvita. She was lazy, chubby, and full of drama — a total cuddle addict.
She’d climb into my lap, roll over for belly rubs, and place one paw on my leg so I couldn’t move away. She demanded constant affection and had no shame in using emotional blackmail to get it.
“Princess didn’t ask for attention, she claimed it — loudly, adorably, and with all her heart.”
Messi, Tipsy, and Princess. To outsiders, they might look like just another pet or just another stray. But to me, they are everything.
- Messi showed me that sometimes, family finds you when you least expect it.
- Tipsy taught me that trust is the greatest form of love.
- Princess reminded me that love doesn’t whisper, it demands, and that’s okay.
They don’t just live in my world, they make my world. They are the laughter in my day, the comfort in my loneliness, and the unconditional love I never knew I needed.
“In a world that asks for so much, they asked for nothing, only love. And in giving it, they gave me everything.”
Written with love by – Shreya Nagpal
About the Author
Shreya Nagpal is a dynamic marketing executive at The Checkup Magazine (TCU), blending creativity and strategy to deliver impactful campaigns. A shy extrovert with a passion for connection, Shreya thrives in bringing ideas to life. A foodie at heart, she loves exploring cuisines and cooking up delightful meals for her loved ones. When she’s not crafting marketing strategies, you’ll find her surrounded by dogs, pursuing her artistic passions, or discovering new ways to fuel her creative soul.
A Bond Beyond Words: Our Life with Akku 1 and Akku 2
Dr. R. J. Totla, (Pediatric Surgeon), Dr. (Smt.) S. R. Totla, (Ophthalmologist), & entire Dr. Totla Hospital parivar.
Aurangabad (CSN), Maharashtra India.
Love has many forms — some speak, some smile, and some simply wag their tails. For us, that love came wrapped in fur, warmth, and an unspoken language of the heart. Our journey with our beloved pet sons, Akash 1 (Akku 1) and Akash 2 (Akku 2), remains one of the most beautiful chapters of our lives.
Akku 1 — Our First Ray of Joy (2000 – 2006)
At the dawn of the new millennium, a little soul entered our lives. We named him Akash — meaning Sky — for his boundless energy and limitless affection. Affectionately called
Akku 1, he was not just a pet but a heartbeat that filled our home with laughter.
Every corner of our house echoed with his playful steps and soulful eyes that understood our silence.
His loyalty was unwavering, his love unconditional. When he left us at the tender age of six, struck by a stomach malignancy, it felt as though a part of our own sky had fallen. The emptiness he left behind was immense — yet his memories became our comfort, teaching us how deeply animals can love, trust, and give without expecting anything in return.
Akku 2 — The Legacy of Love (2007 – 2022)
A year later, destiny brought us Akku 2 — another divine gift, as if Akku 1 himself had returned to complete the unfinished story.
For 15 glorious years, Akku 2 became an inseparable part of our world. His presence transformed ordinary days into moments of joy.
He had an uncanny understanding of emotions he celebrated our happiness, comforted us in sorrow, and stood by us with silent empathy. Every time we returned home after long hospital hours, his eyes sparkled with a love that words could never describe.
In 2022, he passed away due to cardiomyopathy, leaving us heartbroken yet grateful. Fifteen years of companionship is a lifetime of devotion, laughter, and countless memories — all etched forever in our hearts.
When Pets Become Family
To the world, they were “pets.” To us, they were sons. Their innocence, loyalty, and unconditional love were divine reminders that compassion transcends species. We often tell our patients’ families that healing is not just medical — it is emotional and spiritual. Akku 1 and Akku 2 embodied that very truth.
They taught us patience, empathy, and the beauty of presence — to live in the moment, to love without conditions, and to forgive without hesitation. Their silent companionship often healed the fatigue of long surgical hours and filled our home with serenity.
A Part of Our Hospital Parivar
Even at Dr Totla Hospital, they were part of our extended family. Visitors, patients and staff knew them as gentle souls who greeted everyone with affection. They reminded us daily that medicine heals the body, but love heals the soul.
Their pawprints are still visible — not on the floor, but on our hearts.
Losing them was one of life’s hardest goodbyes. Yet, their love continues to guide us — pure, selfless, eternal. Perhaps that’s why people say that dogs don’t die; they simply rest beside your heart forever.
For us, Akku 1 and Akku 2 will always remain our sons embodiments of loyalty and love in its truest form. To our beloved Akash 1 and Akash 2 — thank you for blessing our lives. Till we meet again, beyond the rainbow bridge… 🌈🐾
Dr R. J. Totla, Dr (Smt.) S. R. Totla
& Entire Dr Totla Hospital Parivar, Aurangabad (CSN), Maharashtra
🌐 www.totlahospital.com
To My Dearest Brother Vaikuntha,
To My Dearest Brother Vaikuntha,
“God’s finger touched him, and he slept forever ”
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my arm; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows he is hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he gets excited. Without him, I am only another women. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my hand can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me whenever wherever, in case I need him. And I expect I will, as I always have. He is just my lovely pet Vaikuntha.
My Adorable Bacha, I have loved you so much, I know you were suffering but you had no words to say yet I could see the pain in your eyes and the grief of still living with all struggles. You will be forever engraved in our hearts, because the light and happiness you created has made us love you extremely and always.
I know you are my best friend whom I could talk, share, play and laugh with.
If having a soul means being able to feel love , loyalty and gratitude, then V, you are better off than a lot of humans.
Love you forever you are always remembered Vaiku with tears in my eyes.
Your sister, Nikita ..
– Dr. Nikita Pawar
About the Author
Dr.Nikita Pawar is a General Practitioner by profession and has completed her (MBBS PGDCR). She has previously worked in GMC Hospital Dubai & is currently attached to a hospital, corporate company and Clinics in Mumbai. She is passionate about medical article writing and always strives to maintain commitment towards achieving professional growth as she transitions from one phase of her career to the next.
