A Viral Sensation
A charming canine named Thumki has recently captured the internet's attention, thanks to a delightful video showcasing her confident stroll through the grand
lobby of the Taj Bengal hotel in Kolkata. The video was accompanied by a playful caption, seemingly written from Thumki's perspective, humorously describing the hotel as an 'annexure of Thumki estate' where humans stay in exchange for 'paper' that can be used to acquire treats. The caption further elaborated on her perceived duty to 'periodically take rounds to see if all my staff are working as promised,' emphasizing her serious business approach to treat standards. The hotel's official Instagram account responded with warmth, acknowledging the 'watchful supervision' and noting that 'Treat standards duly noted,' adding to the lighthearted and engaging narrative surrounding Thumki's presence.
Thumki's Origins
Thumki's story began right on the hotel grounds, where she was born to her mother, Chumki. While her sibling eventually found a permanent home elsewhere, Thumki remained an integral part of the Taj Bengal community. Over time, she has woven herself into the fabric of the hotel, endearing herself to both the staff and the guests with her remarkably calm demeanor and quiet self-assurance. Her presence has evolved from a simple campus resident to a cherished member of the hotel's extended family, demonstrating how a single animal can create such a positive and unifying impact within a professional environment.
A Day in the Life
The dog's daily regimen has become something of a cherished legend among the hotel's employees. Each morning commences with what the staff affectionately term Thumki's 'perimeter rounds.' This involves a brisk trot across the entire property, which often includes brief, playful moments of 'occasional bird-chasing.' Following this initial sweep, she conducts a 'supervisory sweep of the grounds' before the day's activities truly begin. Once guests start to populate the hotel and move about their day, Thumki gracefully retreats to her comfortable shelter, conveniently located near the parking lot. Throughout these interactions, she consistently displays a deep respect for her human visitors, maintaining a polite distance and never intruding, further solidifying her gentle reputation.
Community Support
The well-being of Thumki, alongside other dogs residing on the hotel campus, is a testament to the dedicated care provided by the hotel's Senior Vice President of Operations, K Mohanchandran, and his wife, Seema, who is herself an animal rescuer. Their active involvement ensures that Thumki and her fellow campus dogs are provided with secure and safe shelters, receive essential vaccinations, and benefit from consistent, ongoing veterinary care. This collaborative effort highlights a strong commitment to animal welfare within the hotel's operational framework, ensuring a high quality of life for its four-legged residents.
Widespread Admiration
Unsurprisingly, Thumki's charming presence has garnered widespread adoration on social media platforms. Content creators have expressed their eagerness to meet her, with one user, Scherezade Shroff, exclaiming, 'Can’t wait to visit.' Similarly, Aradhana Chatterjee commented, 'Whaaatttt???? I’m coming to meet you as soon as possible, Thumki. Didn’t know Taj Bengal had you!!!!' This outpouring of affection was further amplified by another Instagram user who remarked, 'When indie dogs are being killed for simply existing. Thumki at Taj Bengal stands as a symbol of compassion and coexistence. Respect to Taj Bengal and Sir Ratan for choosing humanity over hate.' This sentiment underscores the broader message of compassion and acceptance that Thumki's story represents.
