Laika And Me

 

Laika and Me – How One Paw-some Soul Changed Our Lives Forever

In my last blog, I shared how our bundle of  joy, Laika, came into our lives and instantly became an inseparable part of our family. Today, I want to take you through the beautiful transformation that followed—how this one furry bundle of joy reshaped our routines, our emotions, and our very way of living.

From the moment she stepped into our home, Laika brought a wave of change with her wagging tail and curious eyes. Our lifestyle adapted quickly to her needs—morning walks, feeding schedules, playtime—and yet, it never felt like a burden. Instead, it felt like discovering a new rhythm, one that added music to our daily life.

My daughter, Gayatri, has always been an introvert. Being our only child, she found joy in solitude and was neither comfortable nor very fond of sharing her space with anyone. When we first told her that Laika could be like a sister to her, she was quick to resist—"She’s our pet mom and dad, and not my sister! She is not a human afterall!" she'd say. But slowly and gradually, Laika crept into her heart. From hesitant pats to belly rubs, from giggles to cuddles, and her pure love melted my daughter’s heart and their bond blossomed beautifully. Today, Gayatri proudly tells everyone, “Laika is my sister!” And I smile, knowing how deep that connection has grown.

Even my husband, the man with serious OCD tendencies, who once found fur on furniture or muddy paw prints unsettling, has undergone a soft transformation. He now shares his space, his time, and even his bed with Laika. The same man who once insisted on perfect cleanliness now says, “I can't imagine sleeping without her next to me.” Laika has healed us in ways we didn’t even know we needed healing.

For me, every morning starts with  a playful bark—her way of saying, "Wake up my lazy Mama!" And every night ends with her snuggling by my side. She is not just a pet; she is a heartbeat of all of us.

I still remember the day we met her. It was raining. At the shelter, she was in a cramped cage with her sibling, covered in her own pee and poop—scared, silent, unaware of what the world had in store for her. That image still makes my heart ache. We picked her up, stopped on our way home to buy essentials—food, a bed, utensils—and brought her into our lives.

For the first two months, it felt like we had a celebrity in the house. Friends and family kept dropping by just to see her. She brought joy, laughter, and love in abundance. She gave us more than we ever imagined—unconditional affection, loyalty, and completeness.

People often say how lucky dogs are to find loving homes. But I always say—we are the lucky ones. Lucky to have been chosen by her. Lucky to witness her growth. Lucky to have her love.

Laika didn’t just become a part of our family—she created the family we didn’t know we were missing.