There are some amazing stories of bonding between human beings and animals, especially dogs and now in Tamil Nadu, a pet parent has built a temple in memory of his Labrador dog!

Muthu, who is an 82-year-old retired Government official and resident of Manamadurai, has built this temple for Tom, his pet dog and he believes that it will stand for the eternal bond and relationship the two shared.

Muthu’s nephew G. Manoj Kumar told the media that the Labrador had been purchased by Arunkumar, his brother, 11 years ago. As they were unable to take care of the pup after the first six months, their uncle Muthu, agreed to adopt the dog. From then on, Tom had been a constant companion for Muthu till his death in January 2021.

Kumar told New Indian Express: “My uncle took care of Tom for over 10 years and Tom returned it to him with his loyalty. Many a time, Muthu had said the dog was a member of the family and that no one should show any partiality towards it.”

Tom, however, all of sudden had some health issues and passed away without responding to treatment. After his death, Muthu who was heartbroken made a decision to build a temple for his faithful friend who was no more and he spent Rs 80,000 from his savings and got a marble statue of Tom built.

The pictures of Tom clicked by friends and relatives of the family were used to make the statue and it was installed in January this year. Also, a small temple was built on the farmland in Bramanakurichi near Manamadurai.

Every Friday and other auspicious days, food is offered to the statue and it is garlanded.