Together in life and death: Pet dog dies soon after owner's demise in MP's Betul

Betul (MP), Jul 13 (PTI) Overcome with grief, a pet dog, "Duggu", passed away minutes after the funeral procession of his owner started in Betul city of Madhya Pradesh, a family member said on Monday. The loyal canine followed the funeral procession of his owner, Pradeep Jain (67), who died on Sunday, collapsed during the last journey and passed away, according to eyewitnesses. The incident took place on Sunday evening in the Civil Lines area of the city. Touched by their unbreakable bond, the dog was buried near the cremation ground at Ganj Mokshadham where the last rites of Jain were performed, according to local residents. Jain passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal and his body was later brought to Betul for cremation. A member of the Jain family said while relatives and well-wishers were preparing to bid final farewell to Jain, 'Duggu' refused to leave his master's body. He said the family locked him in another room, but after some time, seeing his restlessness and distress, the pet was taken out. An eyewitness said when the funeral procession began, Duggu walked with the bier for a while and then collapsed. Initially everyone thought the dog had fainted, but upon examination, it was discovered that 'Duggu' had died. After this, the family prepared Duggu's bier and took them together for the final journey. Family members and locals said 'Duggu' was not just a pet, but like a family member. One of the relatives said, "The pet accompanied his master throughout his life and did not leave him alone even during his final journey. This incident once again proves that selfless love, loyalty, and belonging are not measured by words, but by relationships." Dilip Jain, the younger brother of Pradeep Jain, said the latter had raised the dog and lovingly named it "Duggu." He said over the past 15 years, the two had developed such a deep bond that whenever his elder brother fell ill, the dog would also fall ill. "Duggu was so attached to his master that he did not leave his side until the very end and departed from this world with him," Dilip Jain added. PTI COR BNS MAS RSY