Book Review: 98 Days of Nila: It Takes a Village… to Save a Dog! by Devakee Rahalkar
98 Days of Nila: It Takes a Village… to Save a Dog! by Devakee Rahalkar is an emotionally stirring, real-life narrative that captures the profound depth of love, community, and perseverance. At its heart, the book is a touching tribute to the unspoken bond between humans and their pets—those four-legged family members who often communicate more through silence than words ever could.
The story revolves around Nila, a beloved indie dog who goes missing from a boarding facility near Bengaluru. What begins as a family’s worst nightmare quickly evolves into an extraordinary 98-day journey—one that spans villages, fields, highways, and countless moments of fear, doubt, and determination. As the search expands beyond one family’s grief, it transforms into a remarkable collective mission. More than a thousand strangers, united only by empathy and the power of social media, join in the pursuit to bring Nila home. Their involvement—searching through 25 kilometers of rural terrain, spreading word across local communities, and refusing to give up—becomes one of the most inspiring elements of the narrative. The book beautifully showcases how compassion, when shared, becomes an unstoppable force.
Devakee Rahalkar’s writing is heartfelt, clear, and deeply human. Her storytelling captures both the emotional turbulence of losing a pet and the unwavering hope that keeps the search alive. She brings the reader close to the inner worlds of Nivedita and her family, portraying their fear and exhaustion with sensitivity while balancing it with moments of grace and unexpected kindness from strangers. What elevates the book even further is Devakee’s ability to highlight the resilience and intelligence of India’s indigenous dogs—animals often overlooked, despite their extraordinary ability to survive, adapt, and bond with humans.
Devakee’s own background adds sincerity to the narrative. As a mother to both a young child and an indie dog, and as someone who shifted from corporate storytelling to more soulful expressions, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to every page. Her passion for India’s native dogs shines through; she doesn’t just tell Nila’s story—she advocates for every indie who deserves love, respect, and recognition.
The book is not simply about finding a lost dog. It is about what communities can achieve when love becomes a collective purpose. It is about the small miracles that happen when ordinary people choose to care. It is about the spirit of resilience—both human and canine—and the belief that even in moments of despair, hope can light the way.
98 Days of Nila is a moving, uplifting read that stays with you long after you close the book. It reminds us that miracles are not just stumbled upon—they are created by those who refuse to give up. This remarkable true story is a celebration of empathy, unity, and the extraordinary bonds that define us.
