Having a pet at home is definitely a valuable asset. In case you do not like social interactions much, only a gaze at that innocent face or those two eyes seeking your constant attention would keep you constantly engaged, both physically and mentally. They give you all the relaxation that you may need away from the hullabaloo of the outside world.
Vijay AR with Spikky ( the red Iguana) and Iggy (the green Iguana)
DC speaks to experts and proud pet owners across city to understand how it helps to have a pet in terms of physical, mental and emotional well-being, the companionship aside.
Dr Vivian Kapil, psychiatrist, asserts, “When a person feels alone, there rises the need for somebody to be there and make him/her feel that he/ she is not alone and pets can fill that void. Pet therapy has been used abroad and it has a calming effect on the individual, it provides them with a sense of security, offers unconditional love and an avenue for socialising, more so in old age which can complement other therapies of depression and sometimes even in Alzheimer’s dementia. Children with ADHD who tend to be hyperactive could also benefit from pets as playing with them can be a channel to release their excess energy. Pets also help in case of children with autism as it could be part of sensory integration activities.”
Imran R
When DC spoke to happy people who have a bundle of joy back at home, various stories of bonding came out - both mental and emotional.
Rahul Prasad, a 23 year old software developer, says, “For me, Minnie (an Indian mongrel) is more than a stress-reliever. Any pet can fill the void which may be there in the family. You may not be engaging with the other members of your family on a daily basis but when there is a pet at home, there is always an energy, Minnie has been that energy in the house.”
Karthik Dhandapani, a sales professional from Ramapuram, says, “A pet is always positive energy and a stimulation that keeps you going, apart from the mental relaxation that you constantly derive from it being around. There are days when I am back from office, totally exhausted and then I remember I have to take Bhadra for a walk and then instantly I feel that positive energy and I head out.”
Sudan Raj Kandan, an avid fish lover, has a different story of his connection with his pet. “Initially I used to have dogs also but as I moved to new house, there were some restrictions and now I find my happiness in my aquarium. I found my love for fish from a cousin who used to have fish. And my mother was also very supportive. Her point was I had to ensure a good maintenance of the fish, only then I could buy more. There is amazing thing about my fish. Once I was going through financial difficulty and I did not have enough shoots to cover our basic needs for the month and I was telling my mom about it.
We were sitting near my aquarium, and I could literally see the fish coming near me as if they were listening and could feel the hardship I was going through. Very surprisingly, I got a call for a shoot assignment within 15 mins. I can even see my fish smiling at me.”
Imran R, a risk and audit manager by profession has an African grey parrot. I have been an ardent animal lover since childhood and it has lead me to own a pet and that has completely changed my life! I own an African grey parrot named Babloo, She is 3 years old now. She came to me as 2-month-old baby and it was a tough challenge for me to take care of her initially! But raising her changed my whole perspective about pets completely! Raising a pet is not much different from raising a child. Right from feeding her to giving her a bath- it has built an attachment to her and I have become a very calm person and it has also helped me reduce my stress immensely. As time passed, Babloo became a part of our family member. Now she wishes me before I leave home for work, shouts at me when I am not looking at her. She even wishes me Assalamalaikum when I enter home. The entire day she keeps on talking and or whistling in her cage. We have not clipped her wings and we let her fly inside our house. Having a pet is definietly a life time commitment to one.”
Sivani Nanda, super proud of her and her husband’s princely possessions Browny and Bruno, talks about her life-changing moment with her dog adoption. “I have always been a dog lover and so has been my husband. I am a part of Chennai pet adoption group, from where we adopted Browny and Bruno. We always wanted to adopt two so the duo could play around with each other when we are off to work. And these two kids’ mom was torn to death….so they have already been through a trauma.. A dog is someone you know is always there for you unconditionally. And they make you a more responsible person. Taking them out for walk, giving them obedience training - like I will give you a biscuit if you do this, and then gradually withdrawing the rewards, making them pick up commands - the whole process gifts you a lifetime thing called patience. It makes you learn a lot too.”
Vijay AR of Tamed Pets , who is not just a pet dealer but also father to two Iguanas and 2 bearded dragons, shares how a day goes in the family with pets around. “ Iguanas are so bright and colourful that it instantly lifts your mood. The look and the feel work like magic. However, kids should not be left with Iguanas alone, adult supervision is a must. My kids spend more time with their pets rather on mobile phones and video games. I feel if kids are raised with pets, they will become better human beings as from early age they learn co-existence and taking responsibility. “
