In the light of alleged or ‘fake’ rumours about trouble in cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s paradise (his wife and spiritual guide Bushra Maneka moving out of their residence in Islamabad over a domestic dispute over the ex-cricketer’s pet dogs), we can’t help but ponder over a rather interesting observation: about how pet owners often feel the need to get validation of their furry paws – and how the rapport with the pet goes a long way in defining equations! In a candid chat, pet parents document responses – some funny, and the others, really ugly!
“I got married four years ago. I have six cats and three dogs, now. Initially, I just had two cats and one dog. My husband and I were asked to leave my cats out on road because my in-laws don’t like animals,” shares Shreedevi Navaneeth, a pet owner who then went on to start a city venture – Pawsome Glitz. The struggle to convince them was draining, but Shreedevi believes it was well-worth it. “We fought against them, justifying that they are our babies. But, my in-laws went ahead spreading that my dogs and cats are the reason I am not conceiving, and I have some diseases because I am with animals. They brainwashed my husband to put them into an NGO. But, my husband said that will never happen. We have a baby now. We never entertain them to come to our place and disturb my pets.”
For beauty expert Charumathi GR, the concept of taking hygiene too far always irked her, she adds. “I’ve begun to draw clear boundaries around people who believe they know more about pet hygiene than responsible owners themselves. I understand that people may or may not be pet-friendly but at the same time, I fail to understand why they cannot accept the fact that home dogs are perfectly safe and clean to touch or play with. It’s important for people to understand that it’s downright absurd to find vaccinated dogs ‘not safe enough to play with your kids’. Honestly, the drama you create is not safe for my pet!”
Foster parent Sanidhi VJ, who adopted strays lets us in on a rather harrowing instance, She says, “I’ve known people who think their food leftovers are ‘treats’ for my doggies. I had a guest who left half-eaten chips for my newly born pup. It’s downright vile to bring leftover morsels to a pet owner’s house. People should stop thinking of pets as furry dustbins. I have always had to tell many guests to hold back as it upsets my pets stomach and is also very cheap. It’s about time people learn that the way you treat a dog throws light about your personality. And that, to me plays a huge role in determining where you stand in my life.”
Husband and wife also bicker about pets, and for some consensus, like having boun daries for pets, so to adapt.
Expert Quote: Dog lover and psychologist Dr Karan M Pai believes the whole concept of thwarting pets away from one’s sight stems from a narrow mindset. “Back in the day, in small parts of villages, animals were considered inferior living beings. It was okay to stone them, starve them or even try out some ghastly tricks on them. There has been a lot of progress on that front, but the message that it is okay to treat a pet like it’s s**t is something most people still believe in. And, the clash comes when genuine pet lovers get a first-hand feel of it. I believe, like most areas, adequate education is the key.”
