11 Comments
User's avatar
Catherine Wilde - SoulCareMom's avatar

As a mom, this reminded me how often our homes are filled with tiny power dynamics… and how much heart lives in those everyday moments. Thank you for sharing this gem! 💎

Expand full comment
Isha Jain's avatar

Hi Catherine, you are right. The heart beats in those moments. So happy you could connect with the story.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Oswalt's avatar

HAHA this is adorable. My husband can relate. Both of our dogs were in our wedding. I'm pretty sure I had something in my vows about how I promise to love my new husband *almost* as much as my dogs. ;)

Expand full comment
Isha Jain's avatar

I can imagine Riva saying the same😂. Tell your husband he is not alone, Raj feels the same. Maybe one day they would finally realize no one come above our dogs.

Expand full comment
Allen Kwon's avatar

This was such a fun read—Raj’s “strategic warfare” with Chiku had me cracking up. The petty revenge, the peeing on the shoes, the secret meetings… brilliant. And bringing in Simba? A masterstroke. Can’t wait to see how that plan plays out 😂

Expand full comment
Isha Jain's avatar

So happy to hear that you enjoyed the story. The next part is up if you want to know how bringing in Simba played out

https://theindianstory.substack.com/p/how-could-a-dog-not-love-riva

Expand full comment
Anton's avatar

This was absolutely delightful. Raj’s slow descent into strategic warfare against Chiku had me grinning from start to finish—especially the “military training” idea and the covert canine arms race that ended in Simba’s grand debut. I love how you blended domestic drama with playful absurdity and just the right touch of emotional realism. Honestly, I’d read an entire novella about Raj plotting against his dog like it’s Cold War espionage. 😂

Expand full comment
Isha Jain's avatar

So glad you liked this, Anton! That is just what I wanted, for readers to grin. About the novella thing...you will love the next post that will be updated tomorrow.

Expand full comment
Larry Bone's avatar

This is a great story about man versus dog. The conflict is so real. We hear all about Raj's viewpoint but how does Chiku look at this? Golden retrievers are supposed to be less self centered than other breeds. Though dogs often feel they need to be confident and have a certain swagger when dealing with humans. Thanks for this. It could be the beginning of a serialization.

Expand full comment
Isha Jain's avatar

Thanks, Larry! Chiku certainly has swagger. Maybe his brother Simba will rein him in. I didn't look at this from the viewpoint of dog. But now that you have put the idea in my head...

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
May 2
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Isha Jain's avatar

Happy to hear!

Expand full comment