‘Tik Tik’: A dog’s tale of love

‘Tik Tik’ speaks the universal language of love

There are some books we read in life that keep us gripped only until the last page. Then, there are other books we come across that resonate deeply within us and leave us pondering long after we have closed the last page. ‘Tik Tik’ by Ragulan Tharmakulasingam is one such book where the contents may seem normal but it carries a message that is both powerful and moving. 

The first impression of the book is the arresting cover. There’s something about silhouettes and sunsets that capture one’s eye and having a silhouette of a dog gazing at a couple sitting in the distance just conveys that message that the book is all set to be a heartbreaker. The reader knows just by looking at the cover that the book tells the tale of that all-encompassing love a dog shares with a human. Written from the viewpoint of the doggy hero himself, ‘Tik Tik’ starts off with the tale of Simbutu – the furry protagonist – when he was just a wee pup.  

The first few chapters are dedicated to exploring Simbutu’s earliest feelings and experiences – his first meeting with his ‘dad,’ his new home, and new companions, all told in a simple style that conveys to the reader the wholesome joy, newfound wonderment and eagerness Simbutu experienced. The story flows on, capturing the many incidents that take place in his life – the highs and the lows, new experiences, new connections and lessons, and then to that one fateful accident that changes Simbutu’s life forever.

Each significant part of Simbutu’s life portrays to the reader the resilience, unquenchable curiosity and zest for life, power of his love and faithfulness, and his unshakable optimism, so beautifully written that the reader clearly realises the message our little furry friend conveys. Indeed, Simbutu’s resilience even in the face of adversity and his optimistic outlook on life is the biggest takeaway from the book for all readers.  Simbutu shows, in his own little doggy way, the power of not giving into challenges, however painful it may be. His poignant story makes readers truly understand the power of loving fully, the importance of savouring every moment in life, and the feeling of fulfilment in being a beacon of hope to those around us; creating joy for ourselves and touching people’s lives with positivity and warmth. His story shows us that happiness and contentment is the secret to a life well lived. 

From the moment he sets his paws into his home to his final battle, Simbutu’s story is one that will move your heart, whether you’re a pet lover or not. This book is a comfort and an affirmation for pet lovers of the affection they share with their pets and a heart-warming read for others. From the first word to the last, ‘Tik Tik’ is a book that is simple in its message, delightful and yet utterly compelling, thought-provoking and a book that speaks the universal language of love.