Village Bids Emotional Farewell to Beloved Stray Dog ‘Dog-sa’ in Rajasthan

Beawar, Rajasthan: In an extraordinary display of affection and respect, the residents of Rajiawas village in Beawar, Rajasthan, gave a stray dog, fondly known as “Dog-sa,” a farewell fit for a human. The dog, who had been a silent companion to villagers across communities, passed away on the cold morning of January 3, leaving the entire village mourning his loss.

Unlike ordinary stray dogs, Dog-sa had earned a special place in the hearts of villagers over the years. The suffix “-sa” in Rajasthan is a mark of respect, and the dog’s presence had become a familiar part of village life. Though not belonging to any single household, Dog-sa was considered the village’s own.

A Final Journey Like No Other

The villagers decided unanimously that Dog-sa deserved a farewell reflecting the life he had lived. Donations of money and firewood were collected voluntarily, a pickup vehicle was arranged, and a funeral pyre was prepared. Accompanied by devotional songs and chants, about 100 villagers followed the vehicle carrying Dog-sa’s body. The procession resembled the solemn final journey of a revered elder, with a DJ vehicle playing Ramdhun (sacred hymns) throughout.

A Friend in Times of Sorrow

According to Rajiawas Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Brijpal Singh Rawat, Dog-sa had a unique habit that made him beloved in the village: he would accompany grieving families, irrespective of religion, to witness funerals. Whether it was a Hindu or Muslim household, Dog-sa would stand silently outside the home in mourning, follow funeral processions to cremation grounds or graveyards, and linger for 12 days during mourning ceremonies. Villagers say his loyalty was not to a religion but to the sorrow of those in need.

Communal Respect for a Shared Companion

Dog-sa’s final rites were conducted according to Hindu customs at the cremation ground, but members of the Muslim community also attended the ceremony. Villagers emphasize that this farewell was not an extraordinary act, but a natural expression of the bond formed over years. Where stray dogs are often seen through the lens of statistics or safety concerns, the story of Rajiawas celebrates a relationship built on companionship and unconditional presence. Dog-sa’s departure prompted the village to do what he had always done in life: stand together with those in their weakest moments.