Opening Doorz

By Anita Antao | Opening Doorz Editorial | March 31, 2025

Deaf Dog’s Big Move: A Balcony with a View

I am sitting on the ledge of the balcony where my Grandma lives, basking in the sun, staring from a height I’ve never been before. My name is Blitz. I’m an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, all white. I’m deaf, but all my other senses are sharp.

My parents, Rohan (Dad) and Jess (Mom), adore me. Do you know they fostered me despite my deafness—or rather because I was deaf, and on the way to being put down? How kind, caring, and nurturing they are! I’m the lucky one! And they didn’t want me to be alone and lonely, so within less than a year, I had a companion, a brother… Pickles! A Staffordshire too, but British if you please—dark brown, almost like a black panther, especially at night. Pardon me, I’m not being racist; I’m just stating facts. He, too, was fostered, but from a couple parting ways.

Pickles and I get along splendidly—except when he suddenly disturbs me from a deep sleep.

The Big Move: From Australia to India

No one will believe it—we’ve made the biggest move ever! Yes, from Australia to India. Brisbane to Mumbai, to be precise.

Of course, it’s not our first move. We moved from Sydney to Brisbane once, but what a joyous ride that was! Mom and Dad were with us, and we made many stops—to answer nature’s call, stretch, or enjoy the great outdoors. But this? This was different.

As soon as Dad returned from meeting his family in Mumbai, there was a charged atmosphere at home. Mom missed her family and friends, and Dad had this brainwave. He was concerned about his mom and mom-in-law, both widows. He and his siblings were so far away from their mother, who appeared tough and independent but leaned heavily on him for all things ‘accounts.’ At times, it drove him crazy.

This was an opportunity to keep his wife and both moms happy and gain some peace of mind. He could work remotely and visit Oz twice a year to meet his clients.

Financially, it made sense. They purchased another home, where the rent from both properties covered their mortgage. However, for any additional spending or saving, Dad needed to continue working, and that too on Australian time. I think Dad’s turning into a workaholic, but somehow, he always makes time for us.

The Journey Begins

Once the decision was made, the wheels were put in motion. Pickles and I were the priority. Agents were arranged for our export and import. We sounded like cargo. We were cargo! We had to take those painful shots, and Pickles had a little scare—a tiny lump on his chest. It was an anxious moment for all.

The added stress came from cyclone warnings. We couldn’t step outside to go to the bathroom or take a walk. Dad joked about us wearing capes like ‘SuperDogs’ so we wouldn’t get blown away! We said our goodbyes to Seb and Raf, as well as their parents, Caitlyn and Jono. We also said farewell to Gary, Alisha, Ethan, Eyra, Grandpa Eddie, Grandmas Emma and Bella, and Aunty Cherie. Of course, we had our final day at dog care with Tahu. They were all sad to see us go.

The Unexpected Detour

We had no idea what was coming. Then, one morning, a vehicle stopped at our gate. Pickles and I rushed out, excited to greet the visitors. Two open crates sat in the back. Oh, were we delighted! We leaped right in. Before we could say Jack Robinson, the shutters came down. Locked in. Off we went. No Mom, no Dad.

We later learned we weren’t put on our scheduled flight. Somewhere, someone had messed up. The family was tense! Mom and Dad didn’t know whether to take their flight or stay back. The agents convinced them to board, in case they could not receive us in time. And so, with six suitcases and fervent prayers, they left. Luckily, we got clearance for the next flight.

Pickles and I travelled in our respective crates, not knowing if that was to be our permanent home. Would we see each other again? Would we see Mom and Dad again? Relief washed over us when we were taken out and walked by our handlers during a stopover in Doha. Then, back into the crates, and off we went again.

A Grand Reunion

We heard that Mom and Dad hadn’t slept a wink. They had left home in the wee hours, waiting at the Mumbai airport’s cargo section. The formalities took forever, and mosquitoes made them seek refuge in the car. Finally, we were out! Straight into the arms of our doting parents—reunited and relieved.

(By the way, our agent in India, Dominic, was eager to meet me. He had never met a deaf dog before and flew in from Bangalore just for me. Aren’t I a Very. Important Pooch?)

The car ride home was comforting after the long hours in a crate. The sights, smells, and sounds of Mumbai city engulfed our senses.

The Battle for Territory

You’d think that was the end of our travails. But no. We had to meet our eldest sibling, Zoe—the queen of this castle for almost 15 years. Now we had to share the space with her. We didn’t mind sharing; we had spent time in doggie care and were used to it. But Zoe? She barked and threatened.

We barked back. Pickles and I, of course, outwitted her. Poor Mom and Dad had to put up barriers at home for peace to reign. Outdoors, we were the ideal triplets—walking side by side, projecting perfect harmony. Indoors? Demons unleashed. Barricades became a necessity. No more outings together—someone had to be home to ensure no one got hurt.

The Clash of the Titans

There were two close calls.

Once, Pickles unwittingly barged into Zoe’s room. She had her hackles up, one bark, and he was ready to attack. I was right there to back my brother of six years. The second time, Dad and Uncle Karan (who had dropped by to check on us) were left alone in the hall. Mom and Grandma were busy elsewhere. Suddenly—Zoe barked, Pickles charged, and she ended up with a scratched, bleeding snout. I stood firmly by Pickles.

On reflection, I’m certain that if Mom and Grandma had been there, the mishap could have been avoided. The female of the species is wiser and more alert than the male. Men will be men—casual and easygoing.

Zoe no longer felt like a queen. Now, we take turns being prisoners in crates or rooms. It’s claustrophobic! Freedom seems like a distant dream. But Pickles and I are treat-motivated, so as long as we’re fed, all is well. Zoe, on the other hand, has lost a huge part of her empire. She is always wary, constantly seeking Mom, Dad, and Grandma’s attention.

Awaiting the Next Adventure

And now, as I rest on this ledge, I recall all we’ve been through during this move of a lifetime. But more awaits! Soon, we’ll be making our final move to Goa.

Until then, we look forward to more adventures.

(Blitz and Pickles, both Staffordshire Bull Terriers, belong to Rohan Antao and Jessica Mellocastro, who have moved from Australia to India. Zoe, an Indie, belongs to the author, Anita Antao, mother-in-law of Jessica and mother of Rohan.)

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