Ramesh Narayan has been working with street dogs, Indies like most dog lovers call them, for quite a long time. Most of his kids (read dogs) at home have been rescued or adopted Indies. Missy is his 10-year-old-baby who inspired him to write during the Covid lockdown. ‘She is the cutest thing that happened to our family.’ (sic) All the random thoughts that Narayan wanted to put out on social media were done in the name of Missy. Animal lovers were thrilled, some others intrigued, some ‘ignored’!

The coffee table book Missys’ Musings is a collection of thoughts that Missy posted since lockdown. It has thoughts about the lockdown, Sundays, the work-from-home concept, Rotarians… among many other random thoughts.

It is interesting and intriguing to note that Narayan happily refers to himself as an ‘old man’ in all reveries. “Well… I am one! So, she is right in calling me one!” quips Narayan. This personal sense of humour is visible throughout the book.

The Rotary Installation chapter is particularly interesting. Missy asks her ‘old man’ to help her join the organization. The conversation between the two is charmingly hilarious. Missy gives her reasons — ‘Well, I’m honest, follow your 4 Way Test, am part of the raison d’etre for you will be having Animal Welfare Committee, I even know a Rotary joke, “have you seen lions making love, no I live with Rotarians!” (sic) Old man responds — ‘Just because chairman is a nice Bawaji doesn’t mean he will admit any Tom, Blackie or Missy’. (sic)

That chapter reminds me of good old Behram Contractor’s Busy Bee’s talks with Bolshoi, his boxer who had an opinion on everything from politics to the rising prices of tomatoes.

Not everything is humour in the book. One can see Narayan’s dedication and passion for various social causes in a few chapters like Laadli, Politicians & Slums, etc. Known for his good work as a gender warrior, it is not a surprise that he is associated with Laadli. However, it’s noteworthy to see the way Narayan deals with serious issues like gender equality, poverty, etc. with a tone that’s light but not demeaning the causes. ‘Of course, we already have gender equality among four-legged ones. You animals need to learn about it.’ (sic) This is such an endearing way to say that humans can learn so much from the animal world to make this world a better place.

The tributes written by Missy when her favourite or non-favourite dog and cat die make you sad and happy at the same time. Sad to know that Missy lost a companion, happy for the way it is written and for the way Missy accepts the truth and moves on.

Missy also gives Management Lessons while wondering why BSchools don’t have a canine quota. She also very candidly advises – ‘Learn from us. Or if you insist, adapt, adopt, innovate.’

Missys’ Musings has photos of Missy, her Dogfather (don’t miss the t-shirt on the old man), and their favourite places accompanied by sketches by Dhananjay Khotpal. Khotpal has also done a brilliant job with the cover of the book. His sketches enhance the value of the text.

“Dhananjay is an old friend and colleague. He understands Missy and my relationship with her and the concept,” informs Narayan.

Ramesh Narayan has published the book for a cause. “One reason that I have published this book as a coffee table book and not a paperback is because I want to position the Indie dog as a brand. For too long we have ignored our own things and run after foreign brands. High time we recognised the value of the Indie dog who is good-looking, hardy, low-maintenance and of course loving and caring. And that’s why Missy recommends Don’t shop, Adopt!” signs off Narayan.

Book: Missys’ Musings

Author: Ramesh Narayan

Pages: 44