Besesayo, IPS
Retd DGP
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” --Josh Billings
Dog is rightly called a man’s best friend. Dogs’ personalities and sizes depend on the breed; vary from a tiny lap dog to huge guard dog, serving mankind in many ways throughout human civilisation. Probably, one of the first domesticated animals by man, employed in war and peace -- follows man wherever he goes whether his master is rich or poor, handsome or ugly, young or old as long as he gets some attention and feed; always loyal staying and living with him anywhere. Comfortable in palace or street without roof or in jungle or in snow once the relationship is built, will follow and obey the master with his life to the grave jealously guarding and protecting them from all physical dangers by alerting him or even physically dragging him out of danger. It doesn’t matter whether the master is a beggar or king. Dog’s loyalty, dedication and respect will never change.
Nagas have a story as to how dog came to live with man. Long time ago, dog lived in the wild alone but felt lonely and was always in danger from many predatory animals. The inability to hide itself, learnt to remain silent at the approach of dangerous animals thereby risking its own life and exposing its presence prompting him to seek refuge elsewhere from more powerful creatures. As an intelligent animal, tried to befriend the bigger animals like tigers, elephants etc for protection. But whenever the dog barked, it warned the others against the danger from man. Subsequently, the dog decided to approach man to live with him. Man was joyous whenever the dog barked and took it wherever he went as his companion, making the dog felt most natural and comfortable. That was how man and dog became friends and lived together ever since under the same roof -- the dog guarding the master, his house and property in return for protection and regular meal. The relationship was mutually beneficial and symbiotic. The master was alerted at the approach of any stranger or any untoward incident within the vicinity with a series of barking; with superior sense of hearing and smelling power that could detect dangers from a great distance. It was told that when the Nagas were wandering and searching for suitable place for establishing a permanent village, the dog was with them. Together travelling from place to place finally discovering a suitable spot and settled down. The friendship was ancient. The dogs protected the master from wild animals and his enemies, setting up a new village with the master and his people together. Each played their part in the ceremony. The dog showed its approval and saluted the foundation stone with a very loud bark when it was being laid by the village priest and elders. After which the dogs guarded the newly established site against all miscreants and attackers.
The Naga dogs were also famous for hunting wild animals. No hunting party would hunt without them. The hunters would place themselves at strategic points and release the dogs into the thick jungles. Dogs worked in packs. The smartest, strongest and most experienced ones would lead them in ferreting out the animals from their hide-outs for the hunters so that they could kill them easily with spears, clubs and daos without entering the thick jungles themselves and exposing their positions. They chased the injured ones by tracking them down through their scent and blood trails. Also, guarded the village along with the warriors at the gates and around the perimeters against intruders and strangers by alerting them with their loud barking and attacking them physically whenever the occasion arose. Comrades to the village warriors in war -- well trained for attacking and tracking the enemies. During war many of them were killed by the enemies because of the nuisance and harassment. They were reared as family pets for children and companions for aged people. Traditionally, Nagas treated their faithful dogs very well. The hunting dogs were always feted with the meat of the animal killed by them very ceremoniously and ritually by the head of the family with gratitude by offering thanksgiving to the deity, Eternal Spirit, without form or name, for the kill and their health. They would dish out a portion of the family meal to him. Nagas always respected the lives of all living creatures but the life of a hunting dog was considered to be very special, precious and important. No Naga would sell his hunting or guard dogs to anybody as they were treated like a family member. Notwithstanding the Nagas’ love for dogs, they had a very clear conscience about the difference between man and animal. Nagas were not cannibals but they were non-vegetarians. They ate all kinds of animals, birds and creatures, big or small, which are not poisonous. They are highly adaptable and liberal in their eating habits, who can survive quite comfortable in the jungles with minimal requirements by consuming wild meat and vegetables without any adverse effect. They strongly believed that the meat of each animal was medicinal and good for health. Accordingly, they considered eating dog meat as very good for treatment of certain diseases and recovery of health by sick people. Eating dog meat is never considered as taboo in our tradition. It is considered like any other meat though there are many Nagas who never tasted it for their own reasons. Dog meat is considered to be one of the most delicious ones among our traditional food items and it was also associated with some traditional rituals.
It is true that we regard dog as our faithful friend, companion and useful one but we never consider it as equal to human beings in any sense. It is against our culture to be unnecessarily cruel to any animal including dog. We condemn and curse the guilty person and he is severely reprimanded by the village elders. But we don’t consider the killing of animal for food as an act of cruelty. By eating dog meat, we don’t undermine the importance of his role in our life in any way or commit any crime or sin according to our traditional practices and culture. In fact, we acknowledge the service he has rendered to us as one of the most important animals since we first appeared on earth whether dead or alive. Our gratitude to the myriad services the dog rendered during his life time continues beyond his death. We enjoy his meat and build our strength and health with it. May the Eternal Spirit bless the Dog and Its Naga Master!
