Artwork by Gregg Rosen

http://greggfineart.com

Mittu ( female parrot )

April 1942

During this period, different close ones would come and go. After Dehra Dun, Ghani and Adi returned to Meherabad in May, leaving Bangalore for good. Papa Jessawala arrived in Dehra Dun on April 12th, and stayed for one day.

Pilamai came to Dehra Dun from Karachi and brought Baba two parrots, a male and a female. The male did not live long, but the female, named Mittu, lived and traveled with Baba and the women for the next few years.

September, 1943

Mittu the parrot was staying with Baba and the women in Amrit Kuti. Baba loved the bird dearly, and it, too, was very fond of him. The parrot would sit on Baba's shoulder and finger, and Baba would kiss it. There were still many pets left behind on Meherabad Hill in the "zoo."

Chummy  ( cocker spaniel )

January 1935

While in Los Angeles, Rano presented Baba with a brown felt hat to wear on his trip back. Before he departed, Baba expressed his wish to acquire a puppy he could take back to India. Soon after, Rano found a pedigreed tan cocker spaniel in a kennel and took Baba to see it. Baba liked the puppy and purchased it for thirty-five dollars. Baba named it "Chummy," since there was a watchdog already named "Chum" at Meherabad.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 1945

In San Francisco, Baba and the mandali took Chummy for a walk in Golden Gate Park before boarding the Cascade train. They continued their journey to Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington and arrived in Vancouver on January 10th. They checked into the Yale Hotel where Baba picked up his mail and telegrams.

Baba left for Hawaii and the Orient at 10 A.M. on January 12th aboard the steamer Empress of Canada accompanied by Chanji, Kaka, Jal, Adi Sr. and Chummy. The puppy had to be kept in the animal quarters, but Baba visited him every morning and afternoon. On the ship, Baba received many telegrams which revealed his lovers' pain of separation.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 1947

February 1935

After arriving in India, Baba kept the puppy Chummy with him for some days and then gave the dog to Adi Sr. to look after. Settled in at Meherabad, Baba continued the fast he had started during the voyage from Singapore – drinking only milk and water. It was only after a month that Baba began eating solid food again.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 1951

Chum

January 1935

While in Los Angeles, Rano presented Baba with a brown felt hat to wear on his trip back. Before he departed, Baba expressed his wish to acquire a puppy he could take back to India. Soon after, Rano found a pedigreed tan cocker spaniel in a kennel and took Baba to see it. Baba liked the puppy and purchased it for thirty-five dollars. Baba named it "Chummy," since there was a watchdog already named "Chum" at Meherabad.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 1945

September 1935

Chum was the dog given to Baba by the Satha family at Akbar Press. He was being kept at Meherabad and had grown into a sturdy, ferocious watchdog. During this seclusion, Baba had the dog brought to be near him and Chum would sit outside the cabin. However, he was so protective that he would not allow anyone near the cabin without barking and growling.

During this period, a cow used to visit Baba at his cabin. Baba would have to take a break from his work and step outside the cabin to feed it chapatis, since the cow would not leave until fed by him. Chum showed that he was jealous and would try to chase the cow off, barking at it. But the cow would not leave and Chum would chase the cow round and round the cabin. It was a funny sight which provided amusement for Baba during his seclusion, and probably lightened the burden of his work.

October 1938

The Hindu festival of Dassera was celebrated on Meherabad Hill.
The women dressed the dogs Chum and Kippy in clothes  and flowers. The rabbit on the hill was also dressed in an outfit to amuse Baba, and Helen Dahm dressed herself up like a rabbit. The women paraded in their compound before Baba, and Valu beat on an empty oil tin as if it were a drum. All had lighthearted fun as Baba happily watched the amusing skits.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2332

September 1940

Before returning to the mast ashram, Baba went with the women to see Lucky and the other pets. Lucky broke loose and misbehaved, smearing toothpaste, so Baba beat him with a stick. They finally caught the miscreant monkey in the bathroom. Baba was not at all happy. He remarked, "If Lucky would die he would be free. My two pets – Chum and Lucky – both have to be kept tied up all day."

  Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2607

Baba said : "Dogs play an important part when used consciously by the Master. In my seclusion of about ten days, I wanted a dog for some work of my own – I won't tell you what. I could not use Chum, nor any of the other pets. The dog I wanted had to be fresh, new, innocent and young. So, before seclusion, it all came about that Khorshed happened to mention an Alsatian puppy, and eventually we got Warrior. I said, "He is my dog." I did not say so about Jingo and Bingo or the other pets. Warrior, you all understood, was Baba's dog! Warrior was not actually a dog, but was temporarily brought down from the spirit world to do this work. I needed a dog for that kind of work. I won't go too deeply into the matter."

November 1955

Baba and the group then walked toward the Tomb. Baba pointed out the spot where he had sat in seclusion in the Water Tank. From there, they proceeded toward his Tin Cabin. Baba had been in seclusion there, too, and told of how the dog Chum used to keep watch, not allowing even the mandali to approach. A cow used to come nearby to graze, but she, too, was barked away. Baba said he used to feed Chum from his own food. Then the gathering was led in groups of ten into the Tomb, where Baba stood with Eruch all the while. Eruch, in a few words, explained how Baba had secluded himself here for about six months in 1927, and how Lahu, who used to bring Baba's coffee once in twenty-four hours, himself was drinking half the quantity while on his way to the Crypt.

  Lord Meher Volume 13, Page 4693

Cracker ( Scotch Terrier )

November 1946

Eruch had rented the Aga Khan's bungalow in Mahabaleshwar, and on November 30th, 1946, after staying in his "place of seclusion" for more than seven months, Baba left Niranjanpur by train with the men and women mandali. That evening they arrived in Delhi, where Baba and the ten women went to Keki Desai's home for dinner. The men stayed at the station. Since there were about one hundred pieces of luggage, Sarosh's truck was waiting for them at Manmad. They drove straight to Mahabaleshwar, where they arrived on the evening of December 2nd. An additional member of their party was a Scotch terrier named by Baba "Cracker" (like a "fire cracker"), which Baba had brought for the women and they had raised him as a puppy in Dehra Dun.

Lord Meher Volume 9, Page 3141

Jan.30th 1948

Elizabeth Patterson had cried the day before, and when Baba inquired the reason she said, "Foundy is dying."

Baba answered, "That dog will live longer than Mahatma Gandhi."

Gandhi was shot the next day and Foundy lived two days more. Foundy's body was buried on Meherabad Hill. Two other dogs lived at Pimpalgaon: Daney, a black great Dane pup Baba gave Elizabeth, and Banjo, a small dachshund given by Sarosh. Mani's Scotch terrier, Cracker, was at Meherabad.

Lord Meher Volume 9, Page 3236

Nasik goat

February 1935

In Nasik, a goat was given to Baba and it was recommended that he drink the goat's milk to improve his health. Goat's milk is supposedly beneficial for healing colds and coughs; unlike cows, goats eat many different herbs and grasses which give their milk more healthful qualities.

The goat given to Baba had a kid, and they especially loved to follow him around and play with him. Baba, in turn, enjoyed feeding them treats, pieces of chapatis or toast. Playfully, Baba would raise his hand high out of the mother goat's reach, and the goat would stand on her hind legs, putting her front legs on Baba's chest, so she could gain the treats.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 1954

Bhooti (y) aka Gulu ( Tibetan mastif )

Born 1948

December 1956

Kaka Baria too was called to Poona for a day. The dog, Bhooty, had had puppies and Baba instructed Kaka to bring one of the male puppies that most resembled the mother. Baba played with the puppy and instructed Kaka to keep him and give the other puppies away. When Baba returned to Meherazad, he named the puppy "Mastan" – the Mischief Maker.

Lord Meher Volume 15, Page 5140

1958

Baba would walk to the mast's room with the help of a cane. Kaka supported his other arm and Kumar accompanied them. When Baba would clap, Kumar and Kaka would escort Baba back into the hall, where he would pass several hours with the men. There was to be absolute silence during Baba's work with Nilkanth. Kaka was told to be particularly attentive to keeping his two pet dogs, Jolly and Gulu (Bhooty), quiet as their loud barks disturbed Baba.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5496

1959

On Sunday, September 20th, Bhooty (also called Gulu), the female Tibetan mastiff, died. Baba had brought the dog from Uttar Kashi in 1948 when she was a puppy, and Kaka Baria kept her in Meherazad for several years. She was buried at Meherazad, and Baba remarked that she would take a human form in her next birth.

The Prayer of Repentance was recited and Baba himself put the first handful of earth over her remains. Several times Baba repeated: "Blessed is Bhooty, for very few get such an opportunity." Now only two dogs remained in Meherazad, Mastan (Bhooty's pup) and Peter. Mehera was looking after Mastan, and Mani took care of Peter. Sheba had been brought to Meherazad from Satara; but after some time the horse was given to a military officer in Ahmednagar, who wished to race her in Poona.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5649

Sheba ( colt )

June 1953

Two new animals lived with Baba and the women mandali. From Mussoorie, Baba had brought a black cocker spaniel puppy named "Peter," whom he loved very much, and whom he gave to his sister Mani as a pet. On the night of June 23rd, Kumar brought a colt, which Baba gave to Mehera, who would look after it with great love. The horse was named "Sheba."

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4154

It is not so. Mehera, too, I am often reminding to give milk to the colt Sheba, and Goher to see that all the mangoes are picked from the trees. It is hard to believe they have no trust in me, and need things repeated to make them do the work.

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4162

Referring to Sheba, the colt, Baba lamented, "This filly has come – when will there be its end? It needs bedding, it needs fodder, it needs medicine and many other things. So, where is the end?"

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4166

Kumar had brought the colt, Sheba, to Baba, and on June 27th, Baba told him to bring a deer. The deer was also kept as a pet for a while. At one point, Baba explained to Kumar:

You should know that lately I feel much disgust. It will go on increasing. I do all this for a purpose. But there is one thing: I feel that July will prove most critical, crucial, for me. Everything else is a play. Gird your loins, and be fully prepared by the 10th of July. You have carried out one hundred percent the work of buying Sheba. It does not matter to me now whether the horse lives or dies. I am happy you fulfilled my wish as instructed.

My method is to create and to abolish. If I tell you tomorrow to sell the horse, you should do it willingly. If I tell you to give it away to someone, that too you should carry out joyfully. You should never have a thought that all your labors spent on buying it were in vain. Had you not bought it, I would have been thinking about it all the time.

My methods and ways are unique. Once a thing is done, I never care what happens thereafter. And so, if you want to please me, then do as I say. You should not think why Baba does this and why he wishes so. If ever the thought of why creeps into your mind, the whole thing is spoiled.

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4169-70

January 1954

Peter, the cocker spaniel, and Sheba, the colt, were also taken to Mahabaleshwar, as were the two boys, Kirpal and Khushal, who used to cook for the mandali in Dehra Dun.

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4247

Meher Baba departed Mahabaleshwar for Hamirpur on Monday, February 1st, 1954, with nine of the men mandali: Aloba, Baidul, Bhau, Eruch, Gustadji, Kaikobad, Kishan Singh, Kumar and Pendu; leaving Donkin, Krishna, Nilu and Vishnu behind with the women mandali. During this period, Mehera was caring for Sheba, whom she would lead to Baba's room in his absence to show the colt that Baba was not there. Sister Mani was doing her correspondence with the West, her typewriter always before her. Goher and Rano managed the household affairs between them, and Naja did the cooking. Meheru would keep busy with various chores.

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4257

October 1954

On October 7th, Dhake, who resided in Ahmednagar, was instructed to come to Satara; Baba's brother Jal also arrived from Poona early the same morning. The Hindu festival of Dassera fell on the 7th, and as was the Indian holiday custom, the horse Sheba was brought to Rosewood (the mandali's bungalow) fully decorated with flower garlands, according to Baba's wish.

That day was also the anniversary of Sai Baba's death in 1918. Baba sent this telegram to Shirdi: "The Ancient One, Avatar Meher Baba, sends homage to Sai Baba, the Guru, God-Incarnate, Sai Baba."

Lord Meher Volume 13, Page 4555 

April 1955

Eruch, and in case he is too ill or dead, then Vishnu or, if the latter dies or is unavailable, then Pendu shall inform Baba immediately about the serious illness, death or any serious calamity actual or reported, concerning (a) the ladies, Sheba and Peter at Grafton; (b) the resident mandali; and (c) those very closely connected with Baba in or outside of Satara.

Lord Meher Volume 13, Page 4628 

Kumar — Duty as watchman, and in case the groom Himat Singh [of the horse Sheba] falls ill or leaves service, then to do his duty as well.

Lord Meher Volume 13, Page 4632

Mehera and Meheru were doing Baba's personal work. Goher always had various medical and household duties. Although a doctor, she had other multifarious chores, such as looking after the servants and keeping the household clean. Mani was looking after her pet cocker spaniel, Peter. The dog loved to play with the tame squirrels near their residence in Satara. Mehera lovingly cared for the mare Sheba. Baba himself would daily feed Sheba carrots, and to kiss him, Sheba would stretch out her neck. Baba loved her much and would kiss her often.

Lord Meher Volume 13, Page 4644

December 1955

Baba next visited Godavri's room, where he was swung in Maharaj's swing. Someone brought a white rabbit inside, and keeping it on his lap Baba petted it for a while before handing it back to Godavri. Eruch commented that Baba loved Sheba the mare and that she was now in Satara. Whenever he offered Sheba carrots, she gave him a kiss.

Baba urged the kanyas, "All of you continue to love Godavri."

Lord Meher Volume 14, Page 4875

October 1956

Sunday, October 14th, was the holiday Dassera, and Mehera decorated Sheba grandly and paraded the horse before Baba. Baba loved Sheba and also Mani's pet cocker spaniel, Peter. That day, Baba took Mehera, Mani, Naja, Rano, Goher and Meheru to see the confluence of the Krishna and Vena Rivers.

Lord Meher Volume 15, Page 5122

September 1959

Sheba had been brought to Meherazad from Satara; but after some time the horse was given to a military officer in Ahmednagar, who wished to race her in Poona.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5649

March 1960

Aloba stayed behind that year to join Kaka Baria and the servants to oversee a major repair work to be done at Meherazad. Eruch's uncle, Homi Satha, was also called to help. Harry Kenmore had suggested that the large room once used as a garage for Elizabeth Patterson's car, then as a stable for the horse Sheba, and now used as "Mandali Hall," have a more proper stone and cement flooring (instead of rugs laid on dirt) on which Baba could walk on smoothly and thus exercise each day. This new floor was the main work to be done while Baba was absent.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5696

Canute ( Siberian Husky )

1936

On December 8th, 1936, Norina Matchabelli, Elizabeth Patterson, Jean and Malcolm Schloss, along with Rano and Nonny Gayley arrived in Bombay on the steamer Elysia. They also brought two dogs with them – Elizabeth's black Boston terrier named Kippy, and Anita de Caro's white Siberian husky, Canute, which she had given to Baba while in Switzerland.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2053

Elizabeth Patterson: Help Norina with the ashram accounts; drive members of the group to the bazaar or elsewhere (such as Rahuri or Meherabad) whenever needed; look after the dogs, Canute and Kippy.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2081 

March 1937

In the Ford: Elizabeth, the Eternal, drives; Norina, the Mama; Rano, the Universal Mind; Ruano, the Heavens; Nonny, the Beloved; Kitty, the Love; Canute and Kippy, the Nuisances.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2139

When Baba and the women mandali arrived in Bombay, Baba did not wish any of his lovers to see him at the train station. After spending a day at the Regent Hotel, Baba and the group boarded the Strathnavar on Saturday, July 31st, 1937, and sailed for Marseilles at 1:00 P.M. The two dogs Kippy and Canute also went with them.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2198

After final instructions for Nonny and Elizabeth to come to India after four months, and directing Irene Billo to return to Switzerland with the dogs, Kippy and Canute, Baba left Cannes for Marseilles on Tuesday, November 2nd, 1937. Elizabeth drove him, the women mandali and Kitty. The men mandali and Mohammed the mast followed by train with Rano and Norina. In Marseilles, they met up and stayed overnight at the Hotel Continental.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2233

Kippy ( Boston terrier )

On December 8th, 1936, Norina Matchabelli, Elizabeth Patterson, Jean and Malcolm Schloss, along with Rano and Nonny Gayley arrived in Bombay on the steamer Elysia. They also brought two dogs with them – Elizabeth's black Boston terrier named Kippy, and Anita de Caro's white Siberian husky, Canute, which she had given to Baba while in Switzerland.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2053

Elizabeth Patterson: Help Norina with the ashram accounts; drive members of the group to the bazaar or elsewhere (such as Rahuri or Meherabad) whenever needed; look after the dogs, Canute and Kippy.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2081

March 1937

In the Ford: Elizabeth, the Eternal, drives; Norina, the Mama; Rano, the Universal Mind; Ruano, the Heavens; Nonny, the Beloved; Kitty, the Love; Canute and Kippy, the Nuisances.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2139

When Baba and the women mandali arrived in Bombay, Baba did not wish any of his lovers to see him at the train station. After spending a day at the Regent Hotel, Baba and the group boarded the Strathnavar on Saturday, July 31st, 1937, and sailed for Marseilles at 1:00 P.M. The two dogs Kippy and Canute also went with them.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2198

After final instructions for Nonny and Elizabeth to come to India after four months, and directing Irene Billo to return to Switzerland with the dogs, Kippy and Canute, Baba left Cannes for Marseilles on Tuesday, November 2nd, 1937. Elizabeth drove him, the women mandali and Kitty. The men mandali and Mohammed the mast followed by train with Rano and Norina. In Marseilles, they met up and stayed overnight at the Hotel Continental.

Lord Meher Volume 6, Page 2233

February 1938

Elizabeth Patterson arrived from America in Bombay on February 15th, on the Conte Verde. Her dog Kippy, who had stayed with Irene Billo in Switzerland while Elizabeth was in America, accompanied her to India. Adi Sr. met them. Nonny Gayley arrived two days later on the S.S. Reliance and was met by Chanji. Both were brought to Meherabad in time for the birthday celebrations, and they began living on the Hill with the other women mandali.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2262

October 1938

The Hindu festival of Dassera was celebrated on Meherabad Hill.

The women dressed the dogs Chum and Kippy in clothes  and flowers. The rabbit on the hill was also dressed in an outfit to amuse Baba, and Helen Dahm dressed herself up like a rabbit. The women paraded in their compound before Baba, and Valu beat on an empty oil tin as if it were a drum. All had lighthearted fun as Baba happily watched the amusing skits.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2332

Elizabeth Patterson's Boston terrier, Kippy, had been travelling with the menagerie. Kippy's birthday was observed in Jabalpur on May 5th, and the little dog was decked out in a stunning outfit for the occasion. "Happy Birthday" was sung to her by all, and afterward Baba took the women for a boat ride on the Narmada River by moonlight to commemorate the day.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2416

1940

BABA said : "Take another example: Say, consciousness is God. You, Elizabeth, are conscious of holding Kippy in your lap. Then you imagine you have a tiger in your lap. This imagination is the first shadow of this consciousness. Then comes the shadow of this shadow, the sixth plane, and so on."

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2612 

As instructed, Norina, Elizabeth and Nadine left Ajmer on May 27th, 1941, to do the Master's work of finding property  in America for establishing a center. Elizabeth took the dogs Kippy and Foundy with her.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2693

December 1941

The same day that Baba returned from his mast trip,  December 23rd, the ashes of Elizabeth Patterson's dog Kippy were received from America. They were buried near Warrior's tomb and a headstone was raised over the grave.

Lord Meher Volume 8, Page 2743

Lucky  ( monkey )

DURING JUNE OF 1939, Sarosh brought two English pigs to Meherabad as instructed by Baba. Baba named them Nutty and Gutty. A male peacock was brought who was named Moti, and two female peacocks who were called Idi and Jingi. A deer named Lily was kept, and also a lamb named Meher, and a monkey named Lucky. In addition, there were parrots, blackbirds, serpents, rabbits, dogs, hens and ducks! The women mandali were like game-wardens and had to look after the menagerie from morning to night.

The story of how Lucky the monkey came to the ashram is interesting. Baba had sent word to a few scattered disciples that he wished to keep a pet monkey that "would respond to him." Many primates were sent, including an exceptional chimpanzee, but none was drawn to Baba. One day, another crate arrived at Meherabad. It contained a monkey no bigger than a baby squirrel. Baba was called and, as was the usual procedure, he instructed the men to sit in a circle around the cage with Baba among them to see what happened when the cage was opened. Should the monkey jump into Baba's lap first, it would be the chosen one. The cage was opened and the little monkey scampered straight for Baba and jumped on his arm! Baba forthwith gave him the appropriate appellation – "Lucky."

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2424

1940

The mad and a few masts who had been kept in the Family Quarters in Arangaon were shifted up to the mast ashram on September 2nd. Baba indicated he wished to work with them for a month before sending them away. It also seemed to coincide once again with activities related to the war, as from the end of August to the first week in September, London was being heavily bombed by the Germans. The Battle of Britain was raging on.

The women were mostly looking after all the animals, which were still kept on Meherabad Hill in the "zoo." Norina had strained a ligament in her right foot and was temporarily bedridden upstairs. Lucky, the monkey, was put in her charge, under the mosquito net. Baba would come to see him, hold and caress him, and the monkey would in turn kiss Baba's neck.

Lucky was anything but lucky for the women. He proved to be a great mischief-maker. He would break loose from his cage under Norina's net, smear stuff, throw things everywhere, causing noise when Baba wanted silence, and in general proved an incredible nuisance. Mansari had been ordered to translate the contents of Meher Baba Journal into Gujarati every month, and Lucky caused havoc grabbing her ink bottle, papers and pens and running off with them. This annoyed Mansari, but she was on silence and could not shout, "Catch him!" as she would have liked.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2605

Elizabeth and Norina were supposed to be looking after Lucky, and everyone complained to them about him. On Thursday, September 5th, when Baba came, Mansari was so irritated, she complained to him about Lucky. Baba replied:

  Mansari gets exasperated and excited in no time and cannot control her ire, because she is not so strong. And you all cannot help her, because you too are weak. I want you to help each other. I do not want you breaking my orders for a monkey. The more I ask you to be more obedient, the less you all obey. You obey less and help less because you are helpless! Unless and until you keep strict watch over yourselves, you cannot follow my orders. It is not possible! So try!

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2606

Before returning to the mast ashram, Baba went with the women to see Lucky and the other pets. Lucky broke loose and misbehaved, smearing toothpaste, so Baba beat him with a stick. They finally caught the miscreant monkey in the bathroom. Baba was not at all happy. He remarked, "If Lucky would die he would be free. My two pets – Chum and Lucky – both have to be kept tied up all day."

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2607

Alwar Village Lamb - 1940

Mastan ( Bhooti's pup )

1956

Kaka Baria too was called to Poona for a day. The dog, Bhooty, had had puppies and Baba instructed Kaka to bring one of the male puppies that most resembled the mother. Baba played with the puppy and instructed Kaka to keep him and give the other puppies away. When Baba returned to Meherazad, he named the puppy "Mastan" – the Mischief Maker.

Lord Meher Volume 15, Page 5140

1958

Each of the mandali had his usual duties to perform. Kaka Baria was the manager of the ashram in charge of dispensing to the men soap, toothpaste, razor blades, tobacco, et cetera. Among Aloba's duties was to take the two dogs, Peter and Mastan, for walks. Baidul prepared the mandali's tea twice daily and cooked their meals once a day. Baba would be carried to the hall each morning in his lift-chair by Aloba, Kumar and Pukar. Immediately after coming to the hall he would sit on his portable commode. Pukar was to keep it ready and Aloba to clean it.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5496

1959

On Sunday, September 20th, Bhooty (also called Gulu), the female Tibetan mastiff, died. Baba had brought the dog from Uttar Kashi in 1948 when she was a puppy, and Kaka Baria kept her in Meherazad for several years. She was buried at Meherazad, and Baba remarked that she would take a human form in her next birth.

The Prayer of Repentance was recited and Baba himself put the first handful of earth over her remains. Several times Baba repeated: "Blessed is Bhooty, for very few get such an opportunity." Now only two dogs remained in Meherazad, Mastan (Bhooty's pup) and Peter. Mehera was looking after Mastan, and Mani took care of Peter. Sheba had been brought to Meherazad from Satara; but after some time the horse was given to a military officer in Ahmednagar, who wished to race her in Poona.

 Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5649

1962

Meher Baba and the mandali reached Meherazad the same day, July 8th, 1962. Kaka Baria was happy to see Baba. In Baba's absence, only Kaka stayed in Meherazad with the servants. His only companions were the garden boys and the two dogs Peter and Mastan, whom Baba dearly loved.

Lord Meher Volume 17, Page 5917 

1965

Peter was buried and in his memory a fragrant champa tree was planted over his grave. Baba directed that these words be inscribed on his tombstone: "Baba's Pet, Peter." Baba observed, "Peter deserves the good fortune that he has received."

Peter's companion Mastan greatly felt his separation, as both used to play together. Now only Mastan was left in Meherazad. Baba, too, missed the little fellow and remarked, "Even I, who am God and know how truly blessed Peter is, miss Peter's presence as 'Peter.' "

Lord Meher Volume 19, Page 6376

January 25th,1969

These last days, Baba was eating better, taking breakfast at 8:00 A.M. He drank Complan (a protein mixture) with water at 10:00 A.M. and later coconut water. Baba would have his supper between 5:00 and 5:30 P.M.; often he would feed the dog Mastan pieces of mutton.

Lord Meher Volume 20, Page 6705

Swiss puppy

Peter ( Cocker Spaniel )

 Check out ; MSI Collection - http://msicollection.zenfolio.com/

1953

Two new animals lived with Baba and the women mandali. From Mussoorie, Baba had brought a black cocker spaniel puppy named "Peter," whom he loved very much, and whom he gave to his sister Mani as a pet. On the night of June 23rd, Kumar brought a colt, which Baba gave to Mehera, who would look after it with great love. The horse was named "Sheba."

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4154

1953

Peter, the cocker spaniel, and Sheba, the colt, were also taken to Mahabaleshwar, as were the two boys, Kirpal and Khushal, who used to cook for the mandali in Dehra Dun.

Lord Meher Volume 12, Page 4247

1955

Mani was occupied with her correspondence with the West;

Mehera and Meheru were doing Baba's personal work. Goher always had various medical and household duties. Although a doctor, she had other multifarious chores, such as looking after the servants and keeping the household clean. Mani was looking after her pet cocker spaniel, Peter. The dog loved to play with the tame squirrels near their residence in Satara. Mehera lovingly cared for the mare Sheba. Baba himself would daily feed Sheba carrots, and to kiss him, Sheba would stretch out her neck. Baba loved her much and would kiss her often.

Lord Meher Volume 13, Page 4644

1956

Sunday, October 14th, was the holiday Dassera, and Mehera decorated Sheba grandly and paraded the horse before Baba. Baba loved Sheba and also Mani's pet cocker spaniel, Peter. That day, Baba took Mehera, Mani, Naja, Rano, Goher and Meheru to see the confluence of the Krishna and Vena Rivers.

Lord Meher Volume 15, Page 5122

1958

Each of the mandali had his usual duties to perform. Kaka Baria was the manager of the ashram in charge of dispensing to the men soap, toothpaste, razor blades, tobacco, et cetera. Among Aloba's duties was to take the two dogs, Peter and Mastan, for walks. Baidul prepared the mandali's tea twice daily and cooked their meals once a day. Baba would be carried to the hall each morning in his lift-chair by Aloba, Kumar and Pukar. Immediately after coming to the hall he would sit on his portable commode. Pukar was to keep it ready and Aloba to clean it.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5496 

1959

On Sunday, September 20th, Bhooty (also called Gulu), the female Tibetan mastiff, died. Baba had brought the dog from Uttar Kashi in 1948 when she was a puppy, and Kaka Baria kept her in Meherazad for several years. She was buried at Meherazad, and Baba remarked that she would take a human form in her next birth.

The Prayer of Repentance was recited and Baba himself put the first handful of earth over her remains. Several times Baba repeated: "Blessed is Bhooty, for very few get such an opportunity." Now only two dogs remained in Meherazad, Mastan (Bhooty's pup) and Peter. Mehera was looking after Mastan, and Mani took care of Peter. Sheba had been brought to Meherazad from Satara; but after some time the horse was given to a military officer in Ahmednagar, who wished to race her in Poona.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5649 

1960

Don Stevens and Alain Youell stayed in Meherabad and were driven to Meherazad every morning, returning to Meherabad in the evening. Each day Baba asked Alain Youell about his health and if there was anything special he wanted to eat, remarking that he should gain weight. In the mornings, Baba would discuss with Don Stevens publication plans for a new edition of God Speaks, at which times Alain Youell would go out to talk with Mani and play with her dog, Peter.

Lord Meher Volume 16, Page 5675

1962

Meher Baba and the mandali reached Meherazad the same day, July 8th, 1962. Kaka Baria was happy to see Baba. In Baba's absence, only Kaka stayed in Meherazad with the servants. His only companions were the garden boys and the two dogs Peter and Mastan, whom Baba dearly loved.

Lord Meher Volume 17, Page 5917

1965

On the same day of Pudom's death, July 8th, in Meherazad, Mani's pet cocker spaniel, Peter, was put to sleep. The dog had cancer, and Dr. Alu Khambhatta administered the injection. Peter breathed his last in Baba's presence in his bedroom. A few moments before, Baba lovingly caressed the dog and Peter wagged his tail feebly. Peter had been with Baba and the women mandali for twelve years, and was very dear to them. His body lay "in state" in Baba's room until a pit was dug between the row of seven mango trees (the seeds of which had been given to Baba by a mast from Madras years before). Baba had his handkerchief placed on Peter's body and often repeated that it should be buried with Peter and the dog's body should be laid to rest in the position he had died.

He remarked, "Peter is immeasurably blessed, for this is the first instance during my Avatarhood that any animal has passed away in my physical presence. Now, after a year, he will take birth in a male human form, and will come to me as a baby boy to be held in my arms and cuddled by me."

Peter was buried and in his memory a fragrant champa tree was planted over his grave. Baba directed that these words be inscribed on his tombstone: "Baba's Pet, Peter." Baba observed, "Peter deserves the good fortune that he has received."

Peter's companion Mastan greatly felt his separation, as both used to play together. Now only Mastan was left in Meherazad. Baba, too, missed the little fellow and remarked, "Even I, who am God and know how truly blessed Peter is, miss Peter's presence as 'Peter.' "

Lord Meher Volume 19, Page 6376 

Daney  ( Great Dane dog )

January 30th, 1948

Gandhi was shot the next day and Foundy lived two days more. Foundy's body was buried on Meherabad Hill. Two other dogs lived at Pimpalgaon: Daney, a black great Dane pup Baba gave Elizabeth, and Banjo, a small dachshund given by Sarosh. Mani's Scotch terrier, Cracker, was at Meherabad.

Lord Meher Volume 9, Page 3236

Pegu ( Siamese cat )

 http://www.meheryuga.com/search?updated-max=2011-03-10T08%3A12%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=1

April 1963

One day, during Baba's stay that year, a male Siamese cat, named Pegu, came to see him from the bungalow opposite Guruprasad. The cat would not leave Baba alone and would wait for him outside his bedroom. As soon as Baba would come there and have the door opened, the cat would precede him inside, lie down and rub his head on Baba's feet. The cat's owner was Dolly M. Diddi. She loved the cat very much and was anxious about its disappearance. After a few days, she came to Guruprasad in search of Pegu and the cat was returned to her. But as she was taking Pegu home, the cat jumped out of her arms and came running back to Guruprasad and went into Baba's room. Mrs. Diddi did her best to induce Pegu to come away with her, but the cat was drawn to Baba's magnetism and would not leave. The end result was that Pegu began staying at Guruprasad and her owner became devoted to Baba. "How fortunate Pegu is," Mrs. Diddi said, "and how fortunate I am to have found Baba through my cat."

Lord Meher Volume 18, Page 6133

May, 1963

Just then the Siamese cat, Pegu, entered the hall and jumped onto Baba's lap. Baba explained that the cat belonged to Mrs. Diddi staying in the bungalow near Guruprasad. The cat had been coming to Guruprasad for the past few days and would not go back home in spite of frantic attempts by Mrs. Diddi. Pegu wanted Baba's company. Baba explained, "Any animal coming into contact with the Avatar's body gets a human body in its next birth."

Lord Meher Volume 18, Page 6177

April, 1964

For the most part, Baba kept himself secluded in Guruprasad, not allowing any outsiders to come and see him. Only Maharani Shantadevi was allowed to see him daily for a week in April. No ban was imposed against visiting for Sadashiv Patel, Meherjee, Meherwan Jessawala, brothers Jal and Beheram, nephews Sheroo, Rustom, Sohrab, and Jehangu. But most had jobs and so they would come only on Sundays, when Baba would call lovers such as Madhusudan, Ramakrishnan, Pratap, Narendra, Kisan, Kamble, Shinde and Pote to play card games. Pegu, the Siamese cat, also received much attention from Baba. As a whole, the atmosphere at Guruprasad that year was quiet and peaceful, as Baba's seclusion work continued.

Lord Meher Volume 18, Page 6243

July, 1966

One day while she was in Poona, after July 1st, S. D. Mohite, the caretaker of Guruprasad, came with the news that the Siamese cat, Pegu, had died after having been hit by a car while crossing the road in front of Guruprasad. Pegu would be missed, for the cat entertained and amused Baba.

Lord Meher Volume 19, Page 6455

Begum

July, 1950

A mare was bought for the women in Satara, which Baba named Begum, meaning "Lady." But she followed the women so much, she might as well have been called "Mary's Little Lamb." She had the run of the house and would even enter their rooms, and would not leave them alone. It was marvelous how she behaved more like a pet dog than a horse. Baba would pat her and feed her carrots. Begum would frequently go to Baba, and unless she was petted, she would not leave. Baba enjoyed her antics and purposely delayed stroking her. Begum quietly stood by, and only after Baba's attention was given, would the little horse happily trot off.

Lord Meher Volume 10, Page 3616

October, 1950

TWO WEEKS PASSED. On Sunday, October 1st, Baba, the women, men and the pet horse, Begum, moved to Mahabaleshwar, where they stayed at the Agha Khan's bungalow.

May, 1951

On May 21st, 1951, the baggage from Mahabaleshwar had been dispatched to Hyderabad in two trucks sent by Sarosh; Pendu and Vishnu accompanied them. The rest of the servant-companions proceeded by train, and Baba and the women left on May 25th in Meherjee's car, driven by Adi Sr. The little horse Begum, who had become the women's pet, was given away to someone in Mahabaleshwar who promised to take good care of her.

Lord Meher Volume 10, Page 3695

Rajah ( black calf ) & Pradhan ( white calf )

June, 1943

Baba asked Sarosh to bring two English calves to Meherabad within twenty-four hours. Sarosh sped off to the military dairy in Poona. The next day, with much difficulty, he managed to bring a white calf and a black one in his car. He presented the calves to Baba, who gave them to Mehera to look after. She fed them milk from a bottle, and Baba, too, would sometimes feed them. Baba named the black calf Rajah (King) and the white calf Pradhan (Prime Minister). Mehera, with Mani's help, was also looking after the garden.

Lord Meher Volume 8, Page 2895

Indian puppy

Meherabad calf

Baby Goat

Baby ducks

Donkey ( Egypt )

The ship docked at Alexandria at 5 P.M. on August 23rd. Baba, Kaka and Chanji went directly to the station and took the train to Cairo. They arrived at 10:30 P.M. and stayed at the Luna Park Hotel.

On August 24th, Baba rode a donkey to the pyramids and Sphinx in Gizeh, and also visited the local zoo. In Cairo, Baba revealed to Kaka and Chanji, "The Coptic Church contains a cave where Mary and Joseph stayed after fleeing Herod. The reason I came to Egypt is to visit this church."

Lord Meher Volume 5, Page 1705

Rabbit

Puppies

English Lamb

 East Challacombe, Devon, UK.

On September 18th 1931, Baba went hiking with the group to see a cave. A discussion thereupon ensued about photographs being taken: one was taken of Baba holding a lamb. Meredith said that a photograph of Baba should be taken in a natural pose, wearing only his sadra, and then one of Baba with the group.

Lord Meher Volume 4, Page 1423

Tiger ( London Zoo )

Monkey ( London Zoo )

Myna Bird

Venetian Pidgeons

Marseilles birds

 Foundy  ( Newfoundland dog )

March 1941

ONE DAY, Baba sent Elizabeth to the railway station in Quetta on some errand. She saw a large black Newfoundland dog on the platform, who began following her. Elizabeth, always drawn to a wayward dog, did not know what to do. On inquiry, she learned that the dog's owner had abandoned him and gone away.

The thought came to her that Baba had sent her to the station only for this dog, and so she took it back. Baba was happy to have it; he named it "Foundy," and fed it himself for a few days.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2680

As instructed, Norina, Elizabeth and Nadine left Ajmer on May 27th, 1941, to do the Master's work of finding property  in America for establishing a center. Elizabeth took the dogs Kippy and Foundy with her.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2693

July, 1947

Norina and Elizabeth arrived in Bombay from America on July 11th. Elizabeth had brought the dog Foundy back to India. She also brought Baba two American DeSoto cars for Baba's use, which Adi and Pendu drove the two women in to Satara on July 13th, arriving that afternoon. They were allowed to meet with Baba for only two minutes. Baba kept them in a separate bungalow named Jal Villa. Dr. Goher was told to stay with them, as prior to coming, Norina had been seriously ill with a heart condition; in fact, her doctor had advised her not to travel so far away to India.

February, 1948

Elizabeth Patterson had cried the day before, and when Baba inquired the reason she said, "Foundy is dying."

Baba answered, "That dog will live longer than Mahatma Gandhi."

Gandhi was shot the next day and Foundy lived two days more. Foundy's body was buried on Meherabad Hill. Two other dogs lived at Pimpalgaon: Daney, a black great Dane pup Baba gave Elizabeth, and Banjo, a small dachshund given by Sarosh. Mani's Scotch terrier, Cracker, was at Meherabad.

Warrior  ( Alsatian )

August, 1940

Baba said : "Today I've talked much. I won't do it every time. I don't like it. In the mast ashram I don't talk; I work.

I want you to start sending Warrior (one of the pet dogs) over to the mast ashram every day at 2 P.M. for a week. The night watchman has reported that every morning at 3 A.M. two wolves have been seen prowling outside the compound, so be careful of the ducks and hens."

On Thursday, August 29th, when Baba was with the women, he commented, "To be with me at this period needs infinite good sanskaras of the past." Baba instructed the women not to send the dog Warrior anymore, because he would be shifting the mad and other masts up the Hill from the Family Quarters.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2604

Dogs play an important part when used consciously by the Master. In my seclusion of about ten days, I wanted a dog for some work of my own – I won't tell you what. I could not use Chum, nor any of the other pets. The dog I wanted had to be fresh, new, innocent and young. So, before seclusion, it all came about that Khorshed happened to mention an Alsatian puppy, and eventually we got Warrior. I said, "He is my dog." I did not say so about Jingo and Bingo or the other pets. Warrior, you all understood, was Baba's dog! Warrior was not actually a dog, but was temporarily brought down from the spirit world to do this work. I needed a dog for that kind of work. I won't go too deeply into the matter.

Lord Meher Volume 7, Page 2618

December, 1941

The same day that Baba returned from his mast trip,  December 23rd, the ashes of Elizabeth Patterson's dog Kippy were received from America. They were buried near Warrior's tomb and a headstone was raised over the grave.

Lord Meher Volume 8, Page 2743

MEHER BABA'S PET GRAVES AT U.MEHERABAD & MEHERAZAD, INDIA

Images courtesy of Anne Giles