Layers of Us

Chapter 21: Haven of Compassion & Realization

The evening was serene as the sun began its descent, painting the skies in hues of orange and pink.

Tripura parked her vehicle in front of the sprawling animal shelter, a sanctuary of love and care she had built from scratch.

The air around the place carried the sounds of happy barks, gentle purrs, and the rustle of leaves from the large trees that shaded the grounds. Holding Siya’s tiny hand, Tripura walked through the gates, warmly greeted by the familiar security guard.

With a polite nod, she entered, and the haven she’d worked so hard to create spread out before them.

This shelter wasn’t just a place; it was a promise Tripura had made to herself and the voiceless souls she cared for.

The ground stretched wide, designed to let dogs roam freely. Lush grass, shaded corners, and play areas made the space a paradise for its inhabitants. There were no sharp edges or objects, ensuring the utmost safety for these delicate lives.

Pools of clean water glistened under the sunlight, ready for the dogs to splash and play. A specialized spa was housed in one wing, offering relaxation and therapeutic treatments for these precious babies. The best doctors were always on the floor, ready to provide medical aid.

The shelter didn’t just cater to dogs and cats; Tripura had also extended her compassion to birds, rabbits, cows, squirrels, and any injured animal that found its way here.

For her, this was a place to spread love — a beacon of hope for the abandoned, injured, and helpless. And the most beautiful aspect was its openness; people from the community were encouraged to come, pet the animals, and share in the joy of their company.

As they stepped inside, the shelter came alive. A wave of excitement rippled through the dogs when they sensed Tripura’s presence. In no time, a group of tail-wagging, happy - faced dogs came sprinting toward her. Some jumped around her, while others showered her with wet kisses.

“Amma! Look!” Siya exclaimed, her giggles blending with the joyful barks as the dogs began showering her with kisses too. “They’re so cute!”

Tripura knelt down, opening her arms wide for the dogs. “Hello, my babies! Did you miss me?” she cooed lovingly. Wagging tails and playful barks were her answer.

She spoke to them as though they understood every word, and perhaps they did. Siya, on the other hand, was running around, playing a game of tag with some of the gentler dogs, her laughter filling the space.

Tripura stood up with a fond smile, watching her daughter bond so effortlessly with the animals. She then walked towards the intensive care unit, where the paralyzed and severely injured dogs were cared for.

The area was quiet but warm, filled with soft beds, therapeutic equipment, and the gentle presence of workers attending to the dogs.

“It’s feeding time,” one of the caretakers informed her as she entered. She nodded and walked over to the section where some of the dogs were already eating. The sight of their small victories — wags of their tails, attempts to move—brought a bittersweet smile to her face.

“You’re doing so well, my babies,” she whispered, kneeling beside one of the dogs who wagged its tail weakly at her presence. She stroked its fur gently and kissed its head. “I’m so proud of you.”

The workers approached her, updating her on the progress of some of the dogs. “The new therapy seems to be working wonders for Bruno,” one of them said, pointing to a large Labrador who was slowly learning to walk again.