In a poignant incident highlighting the deep bond between humans and animals, a pet dog in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh refused to leave his owner’s side from the moment the man was found dead until the completion of his funeral rites.
Tragedy at Badora village
The incident was reported from Badora village under the Karera police station limits. Police said Jagdish Prajapati (40) was found dead at his home on Monday. Preliminary inquiry suggests that he allegedly died by suicide and may have been under emotional distress after his wife left the house following a marital dispute.
Police have registered a case and said further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to his death.
Dog’s silent vigil
When family members discovered Jagdish’s body, they found his pet dog, Sheru, sitting beside him. Villagers said the dog remained there throughout the night, unmoving and silent, as if guarding his owner.
On Tuesday morning, when the body was taken on a tractor-trolley to Karera town for post-mortem examination, Sheru ran behind the vehicle for nearly four kilometres. Seeing the dog’s exhaustion, family members eventually lifted him onto the trolley, where he stayed close to the body during the journey.
From post-mortem to funeral pyre
Residents said Sheru remained present even during the post-mortem procedures and returned to the village with the body. The dog was later seen sitting quietly near the funeral site during the last rites.
Villagers noted that Sheru neither ate nor drank during the entire period and did not move away from his owner’s side. His behaviour moved many in the village, who described it as a powerful reminder of unconditional loyalty.
Community reacts
While the investigation into Jagdish’s death continues, villagers said Sheru’s actions spoke volumes. “People may leave, but the dog didn’t,” a resident remarked quietly.