kukkuripa was a mahasiddha who lived in india. he became interested in tantric buddhist practice, and chose the path of renunciation. during his travels, he found a starving dog in a bush. moved by compassion, he fed the dog and took care of her. the two stayed together and eventually found a cave where kukkuripa could meditate in peace. when he went out for food, the dog would stay and guard the cave.