Wealthy Donaldo and Filthy Belmondo!

There lived in a palatial house of a wealthy man in Kolkata a dog named Donaldo. The son of the rich businessman, Mithun, was very fond of Donaldo the Alsatian. Donaldo had a heart of gold, just like his little master. He and Mithun used to go for a walk in the evening and morning to a nearby park. After spending some time there watching children playing and frolicking, they would return home.

There also lived in the same locality a poor street dog—a nameless, ownerless dog. This poor dog and Donaldo, the rich man’s pet, used to look at each other when they passed on the street leading to the children’s park. They only exchanged glances, but these glances were enough to sow a seed of friendship in their hearts.

One morning, these two dogs sniffed each other and established a bond. The little master, a broad-minded and large-hearted boy, did not mind seeing his pet getting close to a street dog. He understood their friendship and put his seal of approval on it.

Mithun started bringing a biscuit or two for the poor dog. He also gave him the name Belmondo, a name that rhymed with his pet’s name, Donaldo. The friendship between these two socially differently placed dogs grew to the extent that Belmondo started staying under an avenue tree very near Mithun’s bungalow. Sometimes, Donaldo would sit on the inner side of the house gate while Belmondo would sit on the outer side, and there would be a prolonged, silent conversation between them.

By and by, this matter reached the ears of Mithun’s father. He became angry and started scolding his son for not driving away the 'filthy' Belmondo. He even threatened to call the Corporation people to catch and banish Belmondo from the area.

Mithun was very sorry and sorrowful. He went to his mother and started crying. His mother, from whom he inherited the goodness of his heart and broadness of his mind, consoled him, saying, “Don't worry, dear. I have a plan.”

The next day, she contacted a dog rehabilitation center and arranged for the poor dog, Belmondo, to be given a 'facelift', both health-wise and look-wise. A fortnight later, she received a call from the center. “Madam, your Belmondo is ready. If you see him now, you won't believe your eyes,” said the voice at the other end.

Mithun and his mom went to see Belmondo and bring him home . When the former street dog was brought before them, they were amazed. Belmondo had been transformed into a wonder dog! Clean, chubby, and shampooed, Belmondo looked like the pet of a Hollywood star. Back home, Donaldo was speechless when he saw his pal.

That evening, when Mithun’s father arrived from a short business trip, he was greeted by both Donaldo and Belmondo. “This is Belmondo. We brought him to be Donaldo’s companion,” said Mithun’s mother.

Mithun’s father, who could not recognize the dog he once called 'filthy', said, “Very cute. Where did you buy him from? I like him. You can keep him.”

Mithun, his mother, and Donaldo too, exchanged mischievous smiles. Mithun’s father, a very busy businessman, did not have the time to notice them.