Sheru, indeed man's best friend

Canine hit by bullet at CST station during 26/11 attacks enjoys privileges at hospital; officials say he prefers human company to dogs

A bullet in his forelimb triggered a chain of events, which led Sheru the dog from being orphaned to having a home and several patrons.

Sheru, the mongrel who was shot by one of the terrorists at CST station on 26/11 is now living a cushy life at Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (SPCA), Parel.


Sheru is adopted by an anonymous Parsi woman who sends Rs 5,000 per month to cover all his expenses

Strangely, he prefers the company of humans to dogs, say people at the centre. He even has a special donor who sends Rs 5,000 every month for his well-being.

Doctors at SPCA say that Sheru is a huge attraction for visitors even after two years of the incident. "He has a huge room for himself, which he does not share with any of the other dogs.

The moment you put a dog next to him, he becomes restless and starts barking aloud. However, he doesn't mind a human. With a human he is very comfortable and also seems happy," said Dr J C Khanna, secretary of SPCA.

While other rooms at SPCA have at least two to three dogs sharing, Sheru lives alone.

"He is the king of his room. He is calm and friendly when people come to visit him but if another dog comes close, he starts barking. He has gained weight and is doing well," said Dr Manu Sharma of SPCA.

Officials at SPCA said that keeping Sheru in the hospital is no problem as his expenses are covered, as an anonymous Parsi woman has adopted him.

According to officials, she sends Rs 5,000 per month to cover all his expenses. "The woman has sort of adopted Sheru and sends money every month. During festivals, she sends more money and even sends blankets," added Khanna.

However, there are some who are curious to know what will happen if Sheru is sent to CST the spot where a bullet pierced him under his shoulder blade.

Putting a rest to people's curiosity, Sharma replied, "The dog will be happy. He might go to the places where he used to sit and sleep and if the dogs with whom he grew up are still there they might bark at each others."