What began as a tale of a mischievous mutt in Meerut turned into the extraordinary rise of Naash — the class clown who became a K9 hero.
Naash was no ordinary dog. This is his incredible story of how from a mischievous cross breed, Naash made it to the K9 crack force of the Indian Army.
Naash was born out of an accident in the K9 barracks of the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre, Meerut. Being a mutt, it was almost certain that he would not be trained or be inducted in the K9 crack force. Subedar Major Bishnoi, the Chief Instructor of the K9 Force had decided to adopt the pup.
SM Bishnoi, being a bachelor, had to leave the pup alone during the work hours. Separation anxiety set in and the pup destroyed the sofa cushions systematically. SM Bishnoi therefore named the pup, Naash (meaning destroy). He took special permission from his senior officer to allow Naash to accompany SM Bishnoi during work hours. Though not a trainee himself, Naash would keep the whole class entertained. While the other dogs sat stiffly, awaiting commands with unwavering discipline, much to their chagrin and amusement, Naash pretended to chase his own tail and photobomb serious training drills. Soon enough, Naash was declared class clown of the K9 training academy.
His antics were legendary. One time, during an intense obedience test, while the recruits stood stoically, Naash decided to roll onto his back, legs splayed, and demanded belly rubs from the Instructor. Another time, he mistook a dummy grenade for a chew toy and spent half a day playing fetch with himself.
“Oh Naash, what is to become of you my boy,” sighed SM Bishnoi.
But fate had other plans.
Months passed and finally the day of the qualifying tests had arrived. As each recruit leapt on cue from the Instructors, Naash watched them with rapt attention as they executed the tasks and maneuvers bid of them.
The class had performed marvellously; the mood was upbeat. Suddenly Naash sprang to life and started executing the qualifying tasks. One by one he quickly and flawlessly completed the tasks and manoeuvres. The CO (Commanding Officer) gasped and called the Chief Instructor to find out who this amazing recruit was. SM Bishnoi, feeling very proud of Naash, narrated his story.
The CO insisted that the instructor have Naash perform all tasks once again. Waiting for his cue, Naash darted about completing all of it in record time. He then calmly stood on the left of SM Bishnoi, as if he had heeled all his life. The CO asked SM Bishnoi to report to his chamber along with Naash.
For the next 6 months, Naash went through rigorous training and reinforcement of commands and was then formally inducted in the K9 task force.
On receiving his ribbon, Naash licked it enthusiastically. Everyone smiled and SM Bishnoi felt somewhat relieved that Naash had not totally lost his goofiness.
