Write an article about Salem the beagle, never far from Kumudhini’s side .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from Seven-year-old Salem is a playful yet gentle companion to Kumudhini Selva Kumaran and her family. (Kumudhini Selva Kumaran pic)
PETALING JAYA: In the quiet moments of family life, and busy days as a school doctor, Kumudhini Selva Kumaran, 35, finds comfort in a pair of floppy ears, a wagging tail, and a cheerful bark.
His name is Salem – a lively beagle born on Oct 20, 2017, and very much a part of Kumudhini’s family.
“I grew up in Melaka with my not-so-little family of six,” Kumudhini told FMT Lifestyle. “Dad always had big dogs at home like German Shepherds and Rottweilers. It was fun growing up with them, but I always wanted a little home dog.”
Now based in Seremban, that dream took root when she settled into her own home with her husband.
“We were searching for a small-breed dog, but had nothing in particular in mind,” she said. “We went around scanning through pet shops and homes, just to see if any of them clicked with us. One day, we drove to see some beagles. Salem was in a cage with the others. But he was the one we picked.”
His name also carried a special meaning. “I met my husband in Salem, India,” Kumudhini revealed. “That’s where we studied and got to know each other. So when we were figuring out a name, this just stuck.”
Kumudhini regards Salem as her first baby. (Kumudhini Selva Kumaran pic)
Like many new pet parents, Kumudhini and her husband were eager and nervous, and nothing could have prepared them for the challenge they’d face just two weeks in.
“Salem became super tired, started vomiting and had blood in his stool,” she recalled. “He was diagnosed with parvovirus, and the doctor told us it was unlikely he would survive. It was a very difficult time because he was our first baby.”
Armed with medical knowledge and driven by love, they refused to give up.
“My husband did all the reading and research. He kept Salem hydrated and gave him water injections, because sick dogs won’t eat or drink on their own. It was scary.”
Then, one morning, a sound pierced the quiet. “He woke up and started barking. That’s when we knew he was feeling better.”
When Kumudhini was pregnant and unwell, Salem would sit quietly by her side for long periods of time. (Kumudhini Selva Kumaran pic)
Since then, Salem has been a friend and quiet guardian. “When I got pregnant, I was vomiting a lot. Salem would just sit quietly next to me. I felt that he knew, even before we told anyone,” she said.
Now, he’s grown into a playful, affectionate dog. “What stands out is his quirkiness and excitement. He’s always curious, and constantly wants to sayang us.”
When asked if Salem was scared of fireworks, or bigger dogs, Kumudhini had a different answer altogether. “He sure is afraid of me if he does something silly like running out of the house. He gets an earful and we walk together to his cage,” she shared.
Kumudhini said that, all things considered, Salem is a simple dog at heart who loves home-cooked meals made specially for him. He’ll eat just about anything, though chicken is a firm favourite – and he has a soft spot for bread.
Though he was once the smallest pup in his obedience class, he proved he had tricks up his sleeve. “It’s really amazing. After all these years, he still remembers some tricks from his classes. He can do a tummy roll and hi-five!”
Kumudhini’s two sons are growing up each day with Salem by their side. (Kumudhini Selva Kumaran pic)
When asked who Salem’s favourite human is, Kumudhini asserted: “Me. I take that honour. But to be real, he’s attached to all of us.”
That moment of introducing Salem to the newborns was filled with some anxiety, but the Beagle passed with flying colours.
“We let Salem sniff the boys in the early days and slowly, he started hanging around them more,” Kumudhini shared. “He took his time, but he did well. He kept sniffing, wanting to know about their bums!”
And their bond has only deepened over time. “I love watching my Salem grow with my boys.”
Looking back at her relationship with Salem, Kumudhini said it best, in just three words: “My companion. Always.”
This article was written by Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle. Read more pet stories here.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.
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