Nimai and the Puppy

Illustration 1. One day Nimai played with other boys in a Navadvipa lane. Several little puppies tumbled nearby.

Illustration 2. Nimai chose one puppy and gently stroked it. The puppy trustingly snuggled against the boy.

Illustration 3. His friends ran home for lunch. Nimai led His new pet back to His house.

Illustration 4. He tied a light cord near the courtyard so the puppy would not get lost. Then Nimai happily played with him.

Illustration 5. Sachi saw her son and asked Him to bathe in the Ganges first. Nimai asked His mother to watch the puppy.

Illustration 6. While Nimai was away, the mother dog came running. The puppy slipped free and ran away with her.

Illustration 7. When Nimai returned, His little friend was gone. He became upset and called for the puppy.

Illustration 8. Sachi wiped her son’s tears and embraced Him. She promised to help Him search.

Illustration 9. Meanwhile, the puppy ran through the streets of Navadvipa. Suddenly he stopped and joyfully lifted his front paws.

Illustration 10. The puppy began to dance and call the name of Hari. Astonished people gathered around him.

Illustration 11. Tears of joy filled his eyes, and his little body trembled. Nimai’s mercy had touched the small animal.

Illustration 12. Then the puppy peacefully completed his earthly life. A shining celestial chariot came and carried the soul to the spiritual world.

Illustration 13. Within every living body is a soul, an eternal part of Krishna. No creature is too small for His love.

Illustration 14. The children remembered how gently Nimai had held the puppy. They became kinder to animals and helped those who were weak.

Illustration 15. Nimai smiled when He heard the news. The holy name had brought great happiness to a little soul.

Authoritative sources

The story was checked against an authoritative narration by Jayapataka Swami, and its spiritual teaching against Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books:

• Detailed narration by Jayapataka Swami: “Nimai and the Puppy”
• Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 15.7
• Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 5.18

The episode itself is told in detail in Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata, Ādi-khaṇḍa, Chapter 6, and in the linked narration by Jayapataka Swami. The Bhagavad-gītā links support the explanation about the soul and care for every living being.