The Loyal Dog of Darhiyar Mountain

The Loyal Dog of Darhiyar Mountain

BY:Khan

The mighty Kirthar Mountain Range, stretching for nearly 270 kilometers, forms a natural boundary between Sindh and Balochistan. Its rugged peaks stand tall, dividing lands and cultures, yet uniting them with stories that have survived for centuries. One of these stories belongs to a mountain known as Darhiyar, the highest peak of the Kirthar range, rising almost 7,000 feet above sea level. At its summit rests the grave of a dog—yes, a dog. But not just any dog. It was a companion whose loyalty and sacrifice carved his memory deep into the hearts of the people of Sindh.

A Grave on the Mountain

Long ago, a young Baloch shepherd was seen on the summit of Darhiyar. With a heavy heart, he dug into the cold, wet soil under a drizzle of rain. His hands blistered, his clothes were drenched, and tears mixed with the rain falling on his face. When the grave was ready, he opened a sack. Inside lay the lifeless body of his beloved dog. The shepherd gently placed the animal inside, covered it with stones, and broke down into sobs that echoed through the valleys.

That evening, he descended the mountain with grief so heavy that even home could not comfort him. What could cause such deep sorrow between a man and a dog? The story begins years earlier in a small mountain village at the base of Darhiyar.

The Foundling Puppy

One day, while wandering in the hills, the young shepherd found a stray puppy—tiny, beautiful, and hungry. He carried it home to his hut, fed it, and nursed it into strength. Over the years, the puppy grew into a strong and loyal dog. Their bond deepened so much that people in the valley often spoke of the unusual love between the shepherd and his companion. Wherever the young man went, the dog followed—whether to the fields, the hills, or even the village market.

But life in the mountains is never without hardship. One year, the rains failed, leaving the fields barren and the people struggling to survive. Food grew scarce, and the shepherd had no money to buy supplies.

A Painful Bargain

Desperate, he went to the only shop in the village and begged the shopkeeper to sell him food on credit. After some hesitation, the shopkeeper agreed—but on one cruel condition: the dog must remain with him as collateral until the debt was repaid.

The shepherd froze, devastated. Parting with his companion was unthinkable. Yet hunger left him no choice. Kneeling, he hugged the dog tightly, whispering into its ears:
"Be loyal to your new master until I return. Do not follow me home until my debt is repaid."

The dog’s eyes filled with tears, as if it understood. With a heavy heart, the shepherd handed over the leash. The shopkeeper chained the dog in his yard. It had never felt the sting of iron before, but true to its nature, it accepted its fate and served faithfully.

The Night of the Thieves

Months passed. One dark night, thieves broke into the shopkeeper’s house. They looted gold, cash, and precious goods. The dog, still chained, barked furiously until the shopkeeper awoke. Realizing the danger, he unchained the dog.

Like lightning, the animal darted into the night, chasing the thieves toward the riverbank. Startled, the thieves dropped their stolen goods as villagers, armed with sticks and axes, rushed to the scene. The shopkeeper was overjoyed—his wealth was saved, thanks to the brave dog.

The next morning, he went to the animal, stroked its head, and said:
"You have saved me from ruin. You are worth more than gold. Your debt is paid in full. Go back to your true master."

He tied a small note around the dog’s neck, declaring the shepherd’s loan forgiven, and set the dog free.

A Tragic Misunderstanding

The dog ran with joy, leaping over rocks and streams until it spotted its master in the distance. As fate would have it, the shepherd was on his way to repay the shopkeeper with the season’s harvest. He had worked tirelessly, and the rains had blessed his fields.

The dog bounded toward him, wagging its tail, expecting love and gratitude. But instead, the shepherd’s face darkened.
"Shameless creature!" he cried. "You deserted your duty and ran away! You have disgraced me!"

The dog whined, circling his master, trying to explain with its eyes. But the shepherd turned away in anger. Heartbroken, the faithful companion realized it had lost the trust of the one it loved most. Its legs gave way, and with a final sigh, it collapsed on the rocky slope—dead from grief.

The Mountain Tomb

When the shepherd reached the shopkeeper, the truth became clear. The note had explained everything. His dog had not betrayed him—it had saved a man’s livelihood and returned only when freed with honor. Overwhelmed with regret, the shepherd carried the body up the treacherous climb to Darhiyar’s peak. There, in the cold rain, he buried his friend and wept until his heart grew empty.

The grave still remains, high above the clouds, where icy winds whistle year-round. Centuries have passed, but the people of Sindh still tell the tale of the Loyal Dog of Darhiyar Mountain—a story of devotion, sacrifice, and the tragic weight of misunderstanding.