Always Thinking of Winter

A reflection on companionship, care, and the love we learn from animals

Thinking of Winter by Shantanu Naidu was a book I knew almost instantly I could read in a single night. Sweet, tender, and filled with gentle moments, it unfolds not with drama but with feeling.

At its heart, this is a book about companionship.

We often underestimate what a pet can mean in our lives. Beyond affection, they become steady presences teaching us attentiveness, responsibility, and the quiet joy of noticing goodness in ordinary days. This book captures that truth with remarkable softness.

Winter and His Gentle Ways

I especially loved the opening chapters, where Winter, as a puppy, defies the usual expectations of mischief and chaos. He is not portrayed as unruly or demanding, but as instinctively gentle a golden retriever who seems to sense that his human needs cooperation, patience, and calm.

The early bond between author and dog is built slowly, almost reverently. As Winter learns, so does Shantanu Naidu. Caring for a puppy becomes an unexpected lesson in growing up of shouldering responsibility, of being present for another life.

Ithaca: Nature as Belonging

From a creaky old attic emerges Ithaca a place discovered together by Winter and his human. Nature becomes central to Winter’s happiness and sense of wholeness. He is unafraid of treks, midnight encounters with wildlife even a baby deer.

Reading this, I paused to think of dog owners who go out of their way to create experiences for their pets. Isn’t that a beautiful form of love? Through Winter’s adventures, the author also finds himself becoming more social. A quiet community grows one walk at a time.

Learning to Help the Traumatized

Winter’s instinct to help injured birds or distressed animals slowly rubs off on his owner. Compassion becomes contagious. The act of rescuing of noticing vulnerability and responding to it takes root.

How remarkable that a dog can instill values we never consciously set out to learn.

The Secret Garden

One of the most touching sections is the access granted by Sir Ratan Tata to a garden that feels like a sanctuary amid the noise of the city. It becomes a space where Winter can run free, breathe nature, and simply be.

It feels like quiet luck; space, time, and togetherness aligning when they matter most.

The Holden Brothers

The friendship between Shadow and Winter two dogs bonded by their love for the outdoors unfolds like a fairytale. The camp they inhabit feels enchanted, led by instinct and loyalty.

This anecdote felt especially precious, like a stored memory of joy for a dog deeply loved.

The Illustrations

The illustrations by Sumouli Dutta deserve special mention. They add warmth and visual tenderness, making the reading experience even more intimate.

Echo

Time with a dog is always limited. In the rush of life, we sometimes forget to linger to add one more walk, one more cuddle, one more quiet moment.

As the author beautifully reflects, you echo every paused scold, every unnecessary but necessary walk, every moment you could have stayed longer. A dog understands but also teaches you to remember.

A Personal Reflection

I find it difficult to fully articulate what this book made me feel.

In him, I find companionship. He sits with me when I read or paint, absorbs my good and bad energies, shares my sweet treats, dances with me on Saturday nights. His expressions yes, he has many convince me there is something alive in him.

He is my therapy dog in the way my heart understands.

I know I don’t yet understand the full responsibility, care, and devotion a real dog requires. Perhaps one day I will. For now, Red is my Winter.

And like Shantanu Naidu, I find myself always thinking of him.