I was walking home with a senior friend of mine when she stopped just outside the small front gate and called for Maple. I stood there, waiting for this “Maple” to come and join us. Never did I expect it to be a stray dog.
Maple. The unofficial name for the unofficial pet dog of the students of St Mary's. I first saw her in grade 10. Just a couple of years ago, I watched bhaiyas of grade 12 getting dog food for her. Today, I stand and watch my juniors petting her and showering her with love. As a new batch of students pass out, another discovers her. Maple is a dog who has won the hearts of the students of our school with her loving nature year after year.
She lives in the guest inn right opposite the school and everyday waits outside of it. If you come out of the small front gate at 2pm, there she will be, right outside. Children from different classes, from middle schoolers to the senior most kids, all bring her something to eat or give her tummy rubs, which she absolutely loves.
Maple has a soft spot for kids, more so if they are from St. Mary’s. Even today, when I went to take some pictures of maple in my school jacket after school hours, she came running
towards me the moment she saw me. I was talking to one of the owners of the inn and he said fondly that there is nobody Maple loves more than the kids of St. Mary’s.
She has not only managed to become a favorite of students, but also their parents. It isn't a surprise to see even parents babying her. My tales of Maple have melted even my mother’s heart, and she hasn't even met her yet.
If you ever want to meet maple, just go out from the small front gate during the chutti time, and there she will be, waiting for the students. Don't be scared of approaching her (she doesn't bite or bark). And it's alright if you don't have anything to feed her, all she needs is a few pets and a tad bit of your affection.
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