This story is about a little boy named Vijay. He had a pet dog named Tiger. Vijay and Tiger were very close. Vijay would spend a lot of time playing happily with Tiger. He loved Tiger dearly, and Tiger was a very smart dog who helped Vijay in many small ways. If any strangers came near, Tiger would immediately alert them. Vijay’s parents were also very happy to see such a strong bond between the two.
Their bond was filled with pure love.
But unfortunately, one day, Tiger fell sick and passed away. Vijay just couldn’t accept it. He became very upset because Tiger had been such an important part of his life. Vijay spent all his time lost in Tiger’s memories. He stopped eating and even stopped sleeping.
“Why did Tiger leave me?” “Why did he fall sick?” “Why did he have to go away from us?”
— These were the questions he kept asking his parents again and again.
His mom and dad patiently explained, “Dear, Tiger was getting old. His body couldn’t take it anymore.”
They tried to comfort him, but Vijay wasn’t ready to listen.
“We can get you another puppy if you want,” they said.
“You can raise it with the same love and care.”
But Vijay said, “No! I don’t want another dog. What if it also becomes close to me and then dies? I won’t be able to bear the pain again. I don’t want any pets anymore.”
He became a very closed-off person. The cheerful, friendly Vijay was gone.
He stopped talking to people. He avoided everyone.
He even forgot how to smile.
Whenever someone invited him to go out, he would say, “I don’t want to come.”
His parents became very worried.
“This is not the Vijay we know,” they said sadly.
“He’s still grieving over Tiger. If this continues, what will we do?”
They kept thinking of ways to help him move on.
One day, Vijay’s father took him to visit the same veterinary doctor who had treated Tiger. He explained everything to the doctor, who then sat down to speak with Vijay alone.
Vijay asked a lot of questions:
“Why did Tiger leave me?”
“Why don’t dogs live as long as humans?”
“Why did he fall sick?”
The doctor gently replied:
“Tiger lived for 18 years, which is very rare. In India, a dog’s average life span is only 11 to 13 years. But Tiger lived longer because of the love you gave him.”
“Your love extended his life. Don’t you think you can give the same love to another dog too? That love might help it live longer too.”
Vijay was surprised.
“Really, Doctor? Is that possible?”
“Of course, my boy. You can even do your own research. Check the average lifespan of dogs. You’ll see that what I said is true.”
“You’re only 8 years old. You knew Tiger for 8 years. But your dad knew him for 18 years. Imagine how much more painful it must be for him. Yet, he has accepted it and is staying strong — for you.”
“If your dad can accept the loss, shouldn’t you also try to move on? Why not adopt a puppy and raise it with all the love you gave Tiger? Think of it as spending time with Tiger again, in a new form.”
“Death is a natural part of life — even for us humans. We have to accept it and move forward.”
Hearing those words, Vijay looked at his father, thought for a while, and said,
“Okay, Doctor. I will adopt a new puppy.”
He turned to his dad and said, “Let’s go shopping for a new pet!”
But the doctor smiled and said, “You don’t need to do that. I already have a special gift for you — a cute little puppy that looks just like Tiger. I brought it here just for you!”
He brought the puppy over and handed it to Vijay.
Vijay’s face lit up with joy. He hugged the puppy tight and began to shower it with the same love he once gave Tiger. He even named the new puppy Tiger!
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Kids, many of you may have pets that you love dearly. When something bad happens to them, it’s natural to feel sad. But we must also think about our parents and loved ones who care for us deeply. We shouldn't make them worry too much about us. Life must go on, and we should try to live happily — just like our pets would want us to.
Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. It means choosing love again.