Heartwarming tribute: Farmer honors beloved pet dog with statue and charitable deeds

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Ampapuram village in the Krishna district has paid tribute to his deceased pet dog, Anji, by installing a beautifully crafted statue outside his residence. Sunkara Gnana Prakasa Rao, deeply attached to Anji, adopted the loyal companion in 2007 after his daughters had married and moved away from home. To Rao, Anji was not merely a dog; he was an integral part of the family.

Tragedy struck in July 2016 when Anji fell seriously ill and, despite Rao's best efforts, passed away. Devastated by the loss, Rao plunged into a profound state of melancholy. He performed a solemn funeral to bid a tearful farewell to his dear friend.

To commemorate Anji's memory, Rao started an enduring tradition of charitable deeds in the name of his beloved pet, a tradition that has continued for the past seven years. On a recent Saturday, the village witnessed a heartening ceremony as Rao unveiled the enchanting statue of Anji, surrounded by an aura of devotion. To mark the inauguration, Vedic scholars presided over the event, offering prayers and blessings to the departed soul of the dear pet.

The statue was thoughtfully protected from the elements by a small roof, ensuring that it would stand as an everlasting symbol of love, sheltered from both rain and sun. In an exclusive conversation with TOI, Rao expressed his profound emotions towards Anji, emphasizing that the cherished pet was, in essence, a treasured family member. The void left by Anji's departure remains unfilled, but his memories continue to live on in their hearts.