Puppy love

When Major (retd.) Habib Rehman buried his favourite canine Gori, near the ruins of Allauddin Khilji’s Siri Fort in the Capital, he resolved to build a memorial dedicated to his best friend. Now, five years down the line, Major Rehman, who retired as the director-in-charge of ITC’s hotels, travel and tourism and food businesses, has built the memorial and has also penned down a memoir on the good times shared with his pet Spitz.

The book titled, A Home for Gori (Roli Books, Rs 150) was launched on Thursday, July 30 evening at the The Maurya by former Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh and Chairman of ITC Ltd., YC Deveshwar. “This book is not just about Gori, it’s also about Major Rehman. He is a very private person and the book reveals interesting facets of his personality,” said Deveshwar.

The story of Gori is unique in it’s own way. When Major Rehman’s wife got the puppy into their house, he showed absolute disinterest in her, because he preferred larger breeds and did not fancy a relatively smaller one. But with time he became extremely attached to Gori, and it is this bond that he has written about in the book. “The day I buried her, there was an anguish inside me, which lingers till date. The book talks about my love for Gori,” he said in a voice choked with emotions. Gori apart, Rehman has had a special relationship with canines, with as many as 14 high pedigree dogs in his Delhi residence.So there are mentions of other pets like Bullet and Baba besides Gori, as the readers are taken through interesting milestones in his career. Captain Amarinder Singh too spoke fondly of his love for dogs. “Dogs become a part of your family. Rehman’s book is brilliant. I finished it in one night — it was so gripping and intense,” he said.

Full report here Indian Express