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| Sunday, 13 July 2003 |
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By Neomi Kodikara It was 1995. Nana Kashimoto recalls it as a year she was left to make many hard choices. With the death of her husband, a renowned Japanese photographer Masami Kashimoto she had to decide whether to go back to Japan or remain in Sri Lanka, and also the fate of his dog. Then having lived here for 13 years, she was quite accustomed to the country's people, culture, food, climate and of course, typical Sri Lankan way of living. "I have more friends here than in Japan, here in Colombo there is so much of activity, I never feel lonely because I have constant company," she points out a few reasons for her stay, which is now almost 26 years. Next was a hobson's choice; whether to let her doggy live and suffer or enter the peaceful world of the dead. "Dai, was very clever, she could understand anything we say, all three languages, Japanese, English or Sinhala," recalls Nana. Dai was brought to their home from Galle and she witnessed her blossoming from a cute little puppy to a strong protective doggy. Dai's change after the death of her master, Masami Kashimoto was heartbreaking. "She used to laze on a rug by the portrait of my husband, refusing to eat or drink." Desolate and melancholy look never abandoned her eyes. Meantime, Nana had to take her husband's ashes to Japan and the date of her return to Sri Lanka was uncertain, so taking Dai with her was not possible. There was nobody to take care of Dai until she returned. "With tears I decided to end our pet's life," she sighs. Needless to say it was one of the hardest choices in her life. Through her turbulent emotions the sense of rationality told her that she had to take a firm stand. "When I was taking her to the doctor, I told her that her job was to look after the master but not me so she has to go to him. She did not suffer any more. She is now in heaven with her master," she muses. In what-so-ever manner you mark her demeanour, Nana firmly believes that life should go on amidst any turbulence. "There was a big age gap between my husband and me, I knew one day he will grow old and die and I was prepared to bear up his loss. I was ready to face his death but the dog was not, it was so sudden and unexpected for her." Nana soothes herself thinking that she brought Dai peace and happiness with her master. After then she never thought of rearing any pet. "You know, I cannot do that," she says. This incident opened her eyes to another sphere of life, and urged her to give a helping hand to those dumb friends. Nana is an ardent believer of the bond between humans and animals and feels that they too deserve the best of care for giving us a lifetime of unconditional love. That is one reason for her to spare a thought for those stray dogs and cats who woefully suffer. Every year she makes donations to a charity programme in memory of her late husband. This year Japanese Ladies Group in Colombo and Pets V Care, Animal Hospital joined with Nana to organise a one-day programme of vaccinations and surgeries for 49 dogs and 21 cats in Bandaragama. Pets V Care has conducted 130 programmes during the last three years and more than 6000 animals had been sterilised. "Our target is to minimise the number of stray dogs, to eradicate the rabies problem by 60 per cent," says Dr. Sumith Wanniarachchi, the Director of Pets V Care and Social and Animal Welfare Foundation. One programme needs about Rs. 60,000, now their target is to raise the necessary funds for the next programme planned to be held in September and October this year. With that inborn photographic eye and the practical knowledge acquired with the assistance of her husband, Masami who was passionate and tireless about capturing the exuberance of the flora and fauna, the grandeur of historical ruins and the richness of the cultural heritage of the two countries, Nana too decided to follow his footsteps. "I was not very much interested in photography, but my husband assured me that I have the talent to become a versatile photographer." She proved to be so. She now is an accomplished professional photographer who has exhibited her work not only in Sri Lanka but also in France, South Korea and Japan. "My efforts and accomplishments are a fitting tribute to my late husband," she says. |
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