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A Legacy of Love and Loyalty

Mohit Mishra delves deep into Ratan Tata’s indelible bond with dogs.

In a society focused on business and achievement where few shine as models of both prowess and genuine empathy, Ratan Tata stands apart as an industrialist and philanthropist who spearheaded the Tata Group with visionary passion. While numerous accounts highlight his business acumen and impactful leadership, Tata’s abiding affection for dogs has resonated deeply with admirers. During his passing away on October 9, 2024 at the age of 86 years, there was a sense of affection that was truly moving to witness after his death. One heart-warming moment at the funeral was seeing his dog Goa sitting calmly next to his coffin and steadfastly staying by his master’s side without any intention of leaving. The image of Goa, a black dog with white markings, beautifully captured the intense emotion of that moment—a powerful reminder of the unspoken connection between humans and animals.

The Story of Goa

Goa was no ordinary dog, he was picked up from the streets of Goa. It was his luck that he started walking behind the industrialist since he sensed some kindred spirit within him. While others would have petted the dog and moved on, Tata took the dog home and named him Goa. He brought him to Mumbai and for the last 11 years, Goa has been a constant companion. He lived in the legendary Bombay House with Tata which was also the headquarters of the Tata Group.

Bombay House

Perhaps the most heart-warming relationship that Tata had with the dogs was seen in the transformation that he brought to Bombay House. The structure, built in 1924, had long been the corporate headquarters of the Tata Group. But in 2018, under Ratan Tata’s ideal leadership, the building underwent a major renovation. It wasn’t merely about modern offices or more comfortable workplaces for the employees. Bombay House was an abode for stray dogs, for whom there was an especially constructed kennel and an area created with special care for them.

Tata’s decision to introduce strays into the daily scenario of Bombay House was not just a boon it spoke of his faith in compassion and being inclusive. Employees at the Tata Group spoke about the special bonding that Tata had with these dogs, most of whom he had personally adopted. The dogs, like the industrialist himself, became essential to the building with their loyalty and quiet presence.

Loyalty over Accolades

Tata’s devotion to his dogs extended far beyond merely adopting strays, hitting the very core of his ideals. One such incident occurred in 2018 when Tata was due to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Royal Family. The event was set to be attended by Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and all arrangements were in place for Tata’s grand honour. But in a move that surprised many, Tata called off his visit to the UK at the eleventh hour. The reason was one of his dogs, Tango, who had fallen ill. “I can’t leave him and come”, Tata had explained, as he chose to remain by his pet’s side rather than attend a royal ceremony. This incident perfectly captures Ratan Tata’s priorities. For him, loyalty was not a concept limited to business or human relationships. It extended to his dogs, for whom he was always willing to make losses. It was a value deeply embedded in his life, from choosing to adopt strays over expensive breeds to caring for them as members of his own family.

Rata and His Social Media

Tata didn’t shy away from sharing his love for dogs on social media. His Instagram was a window into his private life and there were several posts dedicated to the pets. From pictures of him cradling a puppy to heart-warming messages about the joy animals bring, Tata often used this platform to raise awareness about the importance of adopting stray dogs.

In one such post, Tata shared a picture of a dog with the caption, “Of all the different sufferings that animals today have to go through, my heart truly breaks for the ones that get abandoned by families…” And not just dogs, he was raising awareness for various types of animals in trouble like stray cats, elephants, etc.

Tata’s use of social media to promote pet adoption resonated with many, particularly because it came from someone as influential as him. His message was clear: every animal, regardless of its background or breed, deserves love and care. Stray dogs are often viewed with disdain in many parts of the country and while there are numerous efforts to improve their treatment, Tata’s public advocacy gave the cause a powerful boost.

Through his social media platforms, particularly Instagram, Tata reached millions of people, many of whom may never have considered adopting a stray dog before. His posts were simple yet heartfelt, urging people to choose kindness and adopt animals that needed homes instead of purchasing from breeders. These posts often included photos of Tata with his dogs, sharing personal stories of joy and companionship, reminding the world that even the most powerful and successful individuals can find solace in the love of a pet.

A Wider Social Movement

Ratan Tata’s love for dogs and his advocacy for the rights of animals never stood alone. His action was just a reflection of the general movement in India towards making amends with the issue of stray animals, primarily dogs that are otherwise neglected or ill-treated. Though numerous NGOs and activists are fighting the cause of animal welfare in India, what was more needed was visibility brought through the influence of Tata, a corporate icon.

Tata collaborated with animal welfare organizations to support food, shelter, and medical care for stray dogs. He stressed the concept of corporate responsibility in this area by promoting the integration of animal welfare as a part of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in the business world. His legacy is so deep because he did the right thing by aligning personal values with professional influence in a meaningful way to bridge corporate India and social causes.

His voice was also loud on personal investments in environmental issues. Tata was interested in green technology and sustainable practices. He believes in projects that minimize human interference with the environment. His interdependence sense to all forms of life governed his protection efforts not only of animals but the entire world.

The Legacy of Passion and Compassion

 This commitment towards compassion only deepened in his old age as he began to withdraw from his corporate life. His love for street dogs became even more visible as he spent more time in his residence and the places he visited regularly, always ensuring that needy animals were cared for and protected. In doing so, he reflected an understanding that corporate success and social responsibility must go together with empathy and a feeling that extends to the lowest and most vulnerable of living creatures.

This will be a powerful reminder from Tata: greatness is not just about professional accomplishments but also about the manner one leaves his mark on people’s lives and that of animals. Silent acts of kindness proved for him the difference between good leaders and simply profitable corporate winners, with the former having less to do with profit margins than how the world might be better for all.

Goa’s Silent Goodbye

Tata’s death has left behind a legacy much more extensive than that of the industrialist and philanthropist. His life is a reminder of greatness not from what one does but in the good that one extends to others—human or animal. Doing what he did, Tata inspired thousands of people to view animals, especially stray animals, as being loved and cared for just as he did.

Goa’s quiet watch was a reminder of the deep bond between humans and their pets, a bond beyond words and actions. In Ratan Tata, these values have reflected themselves, be it affection, devotion, or a deep veneration for all living beings. This silent moment with his dog during the mourning of the corporate giant is the essence of Tata’s legacy: a legacy of love, loyalty, sympathy, and welfare forever. As the dog silently sat beside Tata’s dead body, there was the feeling of completion, a well-lived life. His legacy of love and loyalty will continue until the very end, and also beyond the rainbow.
*Some images from the Google

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EVERY POOCH HAS A HEART OF GOLD

Popular actor and model Tanuj Virwani inherited his love for pooches from his parents and counts them as his extended family. Text: Team Buddy Life

Were you raised in a family which appreciated and adored animals? Have you always had a canine companion at home?

Yes I have been raised in a family that has always appreciated and adored animals. We have been pet owners all our lives. My mom had 9-10 dogs when she was in Chennai. My dad also has had many German shepherds over the years. We too have had Alsatians, Dalmatians, Labradors and many more. I think it is very normal for us to be around doggies and they have always been an extended part of our family. They give us a lot of joy and the house feels empty when we don’t have our canine companions around us.

What are your earliest memories of having dogs around?

My earliest memory would be around the time when we used to live in Juhu. My father would take me to the beach and even our Alsatian would come for a run with us. We would keep him free and we would run together. The mission was to keep up with the dog. Also, I was a little on the healthier side back then and they wanted me to lose some weight. So, this sort of playful competitiveness was really very good. I also remember he was a very naughty dog. He would bark and at the same time, sit on the lap of the guest’s at home and wag his tail. It was lovely. Also, i believe that when you grow up in an environment around animals, you become more emotionally steady. They can’t speak directly in human language apart from their barks, sounds and eyes. So, over a period of time, when you get to understand what they mean and what they speak, it overall plays a big role in shaping your character and personality.

How and when did you get your present fur baby home? Are there other pooches to keep her company?

Our first dog was an Alsatian and he was gifted to us by a family friend. We have had a history of owning race horses from my dad’s side of the family. I remember when my dad got the gift, the little Alsatian had come home in a cute, little basket wearing a bow down his neck. In those days, we only had one dog because it’s a full-time job and they need to be taken proper care of. However, slowly and steadily, we got the confidence to handle multiple pets and that’s when we had a Lhasa. After that, we have been on a roll and have had a lot of Labradors back to back. A lot of white Labradors and now recently, we also have a number of black Labradors.

Do you groom/ bathe your fur ball? What part do you play in grooming?

Yes of course. I believe grooming is as important as playing with them. They need to look forward to it. In our house, our dogs love getting oiled, sponged, and get their nails done. They even like going to the parlour and sometimes, the kind of 5-star, VVIP treatment that they get, even I don’t get at my home. Jokes apart, it fills your heart with so much of joy because when they are clean and fresh, even they are very happy. Their tail is constantly wagging and it’s a lot of fun. The only thing with Labradors and some of the other dogs is that they shed a lot of hair especially around summer. So, one needs to be extremely mindful of that.

Are the pooches allowed on the couch and most importantly, the bed?

In our home, our dogs are allowed anywhere and everywhere. We don’t worry about the fact that they make the sofa or bed dirty with things like mud in their paws and other stuff. In fact, I recently got married and my wife has also been a pet parent. She understands how things are but right now, she has to be very careful and hence, she’s got this vaccum cleaner at home. Every night, she’s obsessed with cleaning the bed and everything after the furry babies have left the bed. I think it’s the most beautiful feeling if you can go to bed cuddling your buddy and waking up with them in the morning. The first slurpy display of affection from them at f in the morning is so nice. Their love is pure, unconstitutional and unadulterated. In fact, human beings can sometimes be a little selfish since they have stakes attached. But the love of animals, especially dogs’ is always so pure and unadultereted always.

Where do you draw the line when it comes to pampering them?

I personally feel it is important forthe pet parent to be held accountable. For example, the pooches have a set time of going for a small loo and big loo. But sometimes, they end up urinating and pooping inside the house which they need to know is wrong. Of course, it can be understandable when they are small puppies. But as they grow, they have been trained and hence they need to know that there will be consequences. We scold them and punish them. By and large, we haven’t had much issues. Yes, sometimes during monsoon, they aren’t able to go much outdoor and hence it might become a slight issue. Also, once old age kicks in, they have less control over their bladder. However, I think that it is important that without hitting them or being brutal or mean to them, we should let them know that this is not right. They are very intuitive and they understand.

Do you play with your fur baby? What is his/her favourite game?

I think catching the ball has to be the most favourite game. I personally play a lot of cricket and hence I am always toy with cricket ball or a tennis ball. They love playing with it. We have a farmhouse at Lonavala and there’s a lot of open space there with a big garden outside. It’s nice for them because they can run around. They are all playing with each other battling for the ball and then very slowly, they drop it by you to continue playing. That would be my most fun game with them.

Have you ever taken your fur babies for vacations or picnics? If yes, how was the experience?

Well, I don’t think I have taken them to a vacation as such otherwise apart from our farmhouse. It is very convenient. It’s only 2 hours and you can easily load them into the SUV and take them. Some of our pooches also stay at the farmhouse and it was quite a thing at our wedding. We got married at our farmhouse and all the furry friends were there and they even attended the wedding. They even had their own matching bows which was nice. Luckily, we have our own house in Mumbai but it is still a flat. I feel open space is so important and nice for them so that they can be happy and gallop all over the place. I also think they need to be taken outdoor a lot because otherwise as they get older, they get very lazy. You need to keep your pet as much physically active as you can as then, he or she will be a lot more active.

Does your canine baby follow you around? Do you find it annoying or just love it?

My canine buddies don’t just follow me around but they also sit on top of me. They have this funny thing of relaxing on my chest without realising that they are now grown up and not puppies. But the moment they see me lying on the sofa or on the bed, they immediately come to me to sit on my chest. Sometimes, one is sitting on my back, one on my chest, one on my feet. So, I literally don’t need a blanket to sleep at night because I am completely covered by labradors. That’s the reality.

Other than your present pet, have you adopted or supported a rescue or homeless pup before?

Yes. Few years back, we had seen this post on Facebook of a labrador who was brutally beaten up and thrown off a scooter. My mom thought of meeting the poor kid and that’s how we took him in. You could see that he was tormented and it took him some time to get rid of his inhibitions. He would simply tremble at the sight of human beings. We tried to give the best life possible and in the process, he became a total fatty. Unfortunately, he is no more with us as we lost him last year due to old age. But, we have and I believe it’s a very noble thing to do. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a thorough-bred dog. It’s very important because every dog has got a heart of gold and they deserve the best home.

Do you see yourself as an advocate for the cause of animals? Have you ever come up for animals that need to be adopted or spoken of animal rights?

Yes, I think it’s important, especially being a celebrity. I think, a lot of people pay heed to what we say. Not just dogs, any animal so to say. I get very angry when I see certain articles or posts on social media about people just beating them up and treating them cruelly. I also think I should be doing a lot more but it’s easier said than done. I do want to associate myself with an organisation that takes care of these beautiful creatures.

What’s that one quality that makes a pup so endearing to you?

Just their pure innocence. One of my favourite doggies, is Libron and is around 9 year’s old Labrador now. However, even now, he’s such a cute goofball and it’s like he has not matured even now. It’s amazing because as human beings, the older we get and see of life, we tend to get a bit smarter. Dogs however aren’t like that. They always keep that purity and it’s a reminder for us humans. All they need is love, good food, some cuddles and they are sorted. The simple pleasures of a cannines life are nothing compared to the demands of a human.

Who looks after your pooch when you are away or he/she falls ill? Any favourite vet?

Our staff are very fond of all our furry friends and none of them is scared. That’s important for us. Someone or the other is always home. I live with my mom, dad and wife and even if I am out for shoots, someone or the other is always there at home. So, they never feel like they are alone. Very rarely, if we go during family vacations, they might feel like they are on their own. They are very intuitive. The moment they see bags and lift, they know that we are going somewhere and they become sad. Their body language, the way they see everything manage to give you a guilt trip.

There are many stray cats, dogs and cows roaming the streets. Do you think we all should consider building a shelter for these creatures in the near future?

Absolutely. I too would like to do a lot more and be affiliated with an organisation that takes care of the welfare of these animals. In a massive country like India, many strays are unfortunately not treated correctly. It’s important that as citizens of this country, we come together and do something for them. Our Constitution has laws to prevent cruelty to animals So, I most certainly believe that they should have certain shelter homes so that we can perhaps give them the best life possible.

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Unveiling The Bond

Have you always had a canine companion at home? Were you raised in a family which appreciated and adored animals?

Yes, we have always been animal lovers and our entire family has pets. I grew up with a pair of Pomerian aka Bunty & Babli and then I had a husky. After that, Shelly came in my life who’s an American Coco spaniel and is currently 16-years old. I have lived half of my life and Mumbai career with her. I have my fur baby ‘Emma’. She’s my daughter and the apple of my eye. So, I have always been an animal lover but Emma made me a pet mother.

What are your earliest memories of having dogs around?

I was in school when Bunty and Babli came in our lives. I was very possessive and protective about them. They used to sleep with me and I was in 5th standard, I guess. Those days, you aren’t really aware in terms of what’s good or best for them etc. So as far as what I remember, I used to share my Maggi with them which definitely isn’t allowed. As a child, I wasn’t aware and then of course mom used to see and scream and yell after that. So yes, these would be my memories.

How and when did you get your present pooch home? What’s the name?

Well, like I said earlier, Sherry came in my life long back and is currently 16 years old. I have lived half of my life and Mumbai career with her. And my little one, my fur-baby, her name is Emma.

Do you groom/ bathe your fur baby? What part do you play in grooming?

With my earlier pets, I never groomed them myself. With Sherry also, I used to do everything to take care of her. However, she was always a dog to me. I used to take care of her paws and other stuff and be protective about her as a pet owner. But with Emma, it’s different. It’s the feeling of my newborn with her and so, each and everything is done by myself. In fact, Emma is the one who needs to be fed also. She likes to be in the bathtub with her toys and so, I bathe her and give her a grooming massage with aroma therapy. I clean her paws and each and everything is done by me except the haircut part.

Are they allowed on the couch and most importantly, the bed?

Well, my house name plate is of Emma’s name. What more do I have to say? So, she is not just the owner of the house but also the owner of our lives. So, of course she’s allowed everywhere. In fact, she’s the one who decides where we are allowed and where we aren’t. (Smiles).

Where do you draw the line when it comes to pampering them with treats? What is their favourite food and treat?

Well, we do have it in the back of our mind but we don’t have constant planned measures for it. For us, the health and nutrition of our baby is of utmost importance and we don’t want to spoil her food habits with too much of anything. As parents, we are quite caring and sensitive and hence, we draw the line when we feel we need to base on her food consumption pattern and routine for that particular day. We don’t have a fixed way of going at things. We give her home food. She likes curd rice a lot and those little bone shaped treats. We keep sugar and sweet items entirely away from her as it’s not good for them. So yes, we are indeed careful in the best way possible.

Do you play with your fur baby? What is his/her favourite game?

Yes certainly we do. Whenever we are at home, primarily, our entire attention is for our daughter and hence we do play games. From giving her rewards of treats to playing fetch, tug of war and cuddles, we give our all to her always.

Have you ever taken your fur babies for vacations or picnics? If yes, how was the experience?

Oh yes, we certainly have. We do take our fur baby out. Our little daughter is very young and she always needs her parents around. So, there’s no way we leave her. We choose pet-friendly locations according to her convenience and that’s how we plan our travel.

Who is their favourite person in the family? Any special reason for this?

Well, given the kind of love both my husband and I give our little one, we both are her favourites and we know it. But yes, if I am allowed to take a bit of cute liberty here, I will always say that she loves her mother more. (Chuckles)

Have you ever adopted or supported a rescue or homeless pup?

Yes, I have always come forward to do my bit in these situations whenever I have such cases or instances come up in front of me. Given the schedule we have, it’s not always that you can do a lot even if you want to. But then, I am connected with some nice rescuers who are always there to join hands with me and help. Besides, I am always there to contribute my bit towards feeding such beautiful animals. So yes, I always do my bit in the best way possible and will continue to do so.

Do you see yourself as an advocate for the cause of animals? Have you ever come up for animals that need to be adopted or spoken of animal rights?

Yes. After Emma happened in my life, I am more vigilant about things around and I am more actively involved in terms of getting pets rescued and let them be in a safe surrounding and atmosphere, adoption centres. Prior to Emma, I was a pet owner and it was a different feeling. However, because she is my newborn, the attachment is unexplainable. Hence, I totally get the feeling of having a fur baby in the house and I want every fur baby to do well, so much so that I am even looking forward to starting a hospital along with an NGO for strays in Emma’s name. So yes, if Guruji blesses me, you will soon hear it from us. 

What’s that one quality that makes a dog so endearing to you?

For me, everything since I am personally very attached to my fur baby. But I guess it’s the innocence and sheer trust they have on humans that makes them that endearing.

Who looks after your pooch when he/she falls ill? Any favourite vet?

It’s only the mother who takes care of the child. So, God forbid, if any time she gets unwell, definitely, I am a mother patient mother. However, my husband is an impatient father and he panics a lot. So, in the smallest situations, he would want her to be rushed to a hospital whereas I always see and analyse and then take her. So, after Emma happened in my life, Vatic is the most trusted place where I used to go. I know there are multiple controversies involved due to the recent Thane case. However, if I ignore that, overall, my personal experience with Vetic has always been good, especially the Gurgaon Vetic.

There are many stray dogs and cows roaming the streets. Do you think we all should consider building a shelter for these creatures in the near future?

Yes 100%. If I had the bandwidth and the kind of finances that’s needed for this now, why not? Because otherwise, I will be a boot-strapped company. I would have definitely opened a shelter somewhere close to Delhi-NCR. Here, space isn’t an issue whereas in Mumbai, Maharashtra, space is an issue. In the near future, I am not sure of a cow shelter but a dog shelter and hospital, definitely yes.

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Eight Below – and Counting

Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur’s pack of eight

If you haven’t ever watched (late) Paul Walker’s “Eight Below,” you my friend, have been living in a cave. Every time we (at BuddyLife) watch it, it warms our hearts. If you are a genuine pet lover and haven’t yet watched Eight Below, put this up right at the top of your bucket list.

Meanwhile, not far from home, we chat up celebrity chef Kunal Kapur (a.k.a. KK) who too is a fervent dog lover and has eight dogs! Read on.

BL: We believe that you have as many as eight dogs as pets, which is rather unusual and incredulous. It must be taking some serious time, space and attention portioning skills. How do you manage it?

KK: Having pets is like having kids.

So it’s like having eight kids in your family. But even if there were just one kid, you know, there is no single parent that could take adequate care of the kiddo all by themselves. The entire family has to chip in.

Sometimes you know, you got to talk to your friends, your communities, to kind of come together, to help raise awareness, as well as bring them up in the right manner.

So if I were to say, it’s a one-man job, I’d be lying.

The help should come from within your family or household. Together, make sure the nutrition and health and the emotional well being of your pet is taken care of.

So it’s it’s not something that I do alone. It is something that the entire family comes together for, and takes responsibility of each and every kid that we have (after all they are our fur babies).

BL: You make it sound so easy. Surely it isn’t a mean feat. How do you really deal with eight pets with each of them having a bladder that has a mind of its own? Are there any tricks to managing their bio breaks or, they keep going out and coming in, one after another?

KK: You know, this is kind of interesting.

My first adoption was a stray, and ever since I got him, it was like magic because he was already like a three or a four year old dog. Every time his bladder got full and he had to go out, he would paw the door and I was like, huh, maybe he needs to go out. He’d relieve himself and come back.

Then came the 2nd, and the 3rd adoption at different ages and then others followed on, the youngest of whom being a wee four month old puppy (who obviously you wouldn’t expect to have any bladder control), to our surprise, all of them when they grew to about 9 to 10 months old, they just followed the older one.

They will hold on to their bladder, but they’ll never ever do anything inside the house, even when it’s raining 24/7. Isn’t it magical?

I’ve never had any toilet training problems; really, they go by themselves, they come by themselves. You don’t need to accompany. It’s not as if they’re doing their business somewhere in the middle of the road, they have designated places for it.

If the kiddo is small, obviously there has to be somebody to accompany him. We eventually figured out that rather than everybody go at different times, a pre defined schedule for the whole pack would work better. Morning this time around , everybody wakes up, including all eight of our fur brats.

So we take them out four or five times and make sure that they don’t litter outside of the designated spaces. We pick up every little litter, keeping the outside hygienic, and don’t give anyone a reason to complain about. It has almost become like this system and I did not have to put in a lot of effort training them because they just followed the older dog and they all do the same. I’m telling you, it’s magical!

BL: Wow, it definitely sounds so. How about their other activities? Are all the activities a single group activity or there are multiple groups within, depending on their activity level or age?

KK: I think you correctly put it. Every one of them is an individual and everything isn’t necessarily hunky-dory amongst all of them. It’s like kids quarreling amongst themselves.

Incidentally, one of our dogs is blind from both the eyes and she’s very old. It takes a lot of effort on her part to just walk and she’s somebody who needs care a 100%.

When you take her out, she has to be taken alone, because she just cannot see, but her sense of smell is very heightened. Her sense of hearing too is very heightened. So she knows where to go.

At the same time, there are these two very aggressive younger puppies, so we need to take them separately because they just become this Jai and Veeru (of Sholay) together and then they just go beserk on seeing every other dog! Holding them back becomes an issue sometimes.

I think a lot of times your pets are a reflection of who you are. They imprint.
If you are somebody who is very aggressive, or somebody who’s very dominant, they kind of latch on to your personality a bit as well. I think if you are calm with them, they kind of figure it out that they have to follow a certain line. They have to follow a certain pattern.
Are there days when they do just the reverse and do what they want?

Yes, but does that happen all the time? No.

BL: How about their movement in the house?Do you have a single rule book that applies to all of them, or do you have some rules for, you know, the lapdog kind of smaller dogs, but you don’t allow the bigger dogs on beds or sofas or all of them move about freely and share all the space?

KK: So one of the things that we have done earlier on is that we’ve never chained the dogs. We’ve never confined them to a room. If a guest or somebody is coming to visit us, we say that it is their (our dogs’) house that you’re coming to. So I encourage people that when you come, let them sniff you, let them feel that you are not a threat.

Let them be OK around you.They may just put the their two paws on you and try and be friendly, but let them do that for 5 minutes. Once satisfied, they go their ways.

That’s generally what happens.

And in terms of places, there is this one fellow who is super spoilt and is allowed to go wherever he wants, climb the bed, sofa, etc. But all the others have specific mats which they go back to. Wherever we place the mat, is where the dog will sit.So let’s say if it’s winter, during the daytime, wherever the sunlight is, we’ll place the mat there for them to bask. And because there are different ages, some would play, some would just chill, Occasionally they growl at each other.But you know the good part is rarely, do they bark. It’s only when somebody is at the door or on the sound of the doorbell. They bark basically alerting you. Otherwise they don’t bark at all – and they’re very talkative. They have their own language and they communicate all the time, so that’s something that I enjoy.

BL: Do they ever create a ruckus or pandemonium and when they seem to be out of control?

KK: Yes, definitely.It’s a happy ecosystem, They create chaos every once in a while.The two dominant males try to outdo each other at times, especially if one of the females is in heat.

At such times, you tell them that this is something that is not acceptable, whether it’s by raising your voice, by sending them out of that room, or whether, it’s by sometimes restraining them or yanking their chain just to show them that they have done a bad thing; a tap on the nose with a very stern voice and a stern face too works.They all gather and understand. So yes, there is always a tussle.

BL: We are curious. How do the group dynamics work? Is there an hierarchy amongst the dogs? Is there a pecking order, for example, when one dog is around, the other dogs simply cower away or something like that? Also, do you have a chief troublemaker dog?

KK: There are no enemies. The interesting part is that they feign hostility and growl at each other to assert themselves when the food is being served. But the moment there is a movement outside the house or the doorbell sounds, one dog will dash and all the others follow and then the pack is strong again.

So they may have their differences, but when it comes to guarding the house, they all are together as one. Which kind of defines what brotherhood is. You may be having certain quarrels and you don’t like to see each other. But if there is a problem you stand together as one family. So I kind of admire that.

We haven’t had a case where one is super dominant and one is super submissive. They all have their different zones and things to do and I’m fine with it.You know, you don’t need to get along with everybody all the time, it doesn’t matter so long as you stay in harmony with the others. It’s my house, my rules. That’s what you have to abide by – and they understand that. Chief troublemaker dog you ask? I actually have two of them!

BL: Any interesting anecdote or experience that you might want to share with our readers?

KK: Yes, indeed. Unfortunately a lot of people think of pets as a social status symbol. It’s something that they like to boast about – that I have a certain breed of dog, and it becomes almost like how you flash your new car or a new house or any vacation that you went to – the poor pet becomes a thing to showcase.

You might be putting in a lot of effort in keeping your pet physically fit, but one must remember that there is also an emotional need of the pet. More the time that I spend with them, the better I get connected with them. Sometimes when I have to travel, I can sense a distance growing between us.

You just come back from a seven day tour and they don’t even acknowledge your presence in the same room. So it’s very important that you keep connecting with your dog all the time and it’s very important for their emotional well being.One should make an effort to spend as much time as possible with their pet – not because it’s something to flash, but because it brings you joy. If it’s for flaunting, then I am sorry, you have a pet for a very different reason than what I believe in.

BL: We also have come to know that you feed as many as over 100 strays. How do you manage this?

KK: Yeah. I think this started as something which I used to do where I used to feed dogs just outside my house which was quite straight forward. But when Covid hit, I then had all the time in the world. And that’s when I realized that because there was no movement outside, and mostly stray dogs would eat whatever we would throw as garbage, there was not much of garbage coming. Whatever garbage was coming, may not be very healthy for the strays, and that’s where I started feeding.

Umm, you know, dogs in and around my area where I stay in Delhi, and it so happened that it kind of grew to a number of 50, then to 80, and then to about 100 dogs. I wasn’t counting.

What do you do?

You can’t leave them on the road, Delhi winters especially, can be very harsh. Oh, and then there is this traffic and other elements compounding the challenges, so you help them get adopted. Several accidents routinely occur, where dogs have been run over and nobody takes care.
So, you know, I have made contacts in the right hospitals where you could send them for treatments, or whether it be for their immunization, or whether getting them spayed or neutered. It’s very important that you also take care of the dogs or whichever animals, whether it’s dogs, cats, cows, donkeys or whatever stray animals that you find outside, they all have the right to, you know, dignity and food.

As a kid, I remember when my grandmother used to make any food, especially anything which was Methi or Palak. The stems were never discarded. She used to say, “bachaa kar rakho, kal subah jub gaaey aaegi, toh unhe khilaangey” (Tr: Save the stems, we shall feed it to the feral cows, should they come by tomorrow morning). So I think my entire upbringing has always been to feed animals – just making sure that they are fed.Your waste could be a treasure to somebody else. So I think it just grew from there and today I’m able to do that.

There are multiple organizations that I’m in touch with, who help me or ask for my help.

BL: Would you like to share your experience on how you keep your pets healthy and hygienic and safe?

KK: Yes, another important aspect with keeping pets at home is hygiene. How do you make sure that your floors are clean and hygienically sanitized for yourself, for your kids and for your pets as well? Cleaning the floors happens in my house at least three to four times in a day, minimum three. And when we have time, we’ll do the fourth time as well and that’s because of the sheer magnitude of movement.
I’ve been using ITC Nimyle, which delivers 100% natural actions.
A lot of floor cleaners leave some chemical residue. Not mine. Nimyle does not leave any such chemical residue. As a habit dogs like to lick whatever and wherever they are.

Sometimes their paws, or sometimes there’s food on the floor. They’ll lick it. So it’s safe for them. At the same time, Nimyle is eco-friendly and has the goodness of Neem and it is biodegradable as well. So make sure you are using a product that is safe for your pets as well as for you and your children. Pets at home often climb on your bed, sofa, chairs, literally everywhere. So you’re floor needs to be super duper clean.
Not just be limited to superficial cleaning, be sure to use a proper product that helps you get rid of the germs and the bacteria.

Full disclosure: Kunal Kapur is brand ambassador for ITC Nimyle.

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Bow Wow to Your Hospitality

Aditi and Vishal Kamat’s home throngs with joy as tails and feathers lap their love.

An avid animal lover and environmentalist Vishal Kamat, executive director, Kamat Hotels India is parent to three canine kids. Despite a busy schedule of steering top notch hotel brands like Orchid, VITS, Jadavgadh and Lotus Resorts he and his wife Aditi, a restaurateur and chef, have fun time rearing the fur babies. A formidable pack of four including Bubli, a German Shepherd, Pedha, a lively Labrador; Tara, an extremely intelligent indie accompanied by the witty chatter box Johnny the African Grey Parrot, keep the household exhilarated. Vishal and Aditi’s love for their fur balls is intense, packed with unconditional affection which the pooches reciprocate with their loyal companionship and playful antics.

Team BUDDY LIFE in a tête-à-tête with the couple.

Inputs by Mr Vishal Kamat, Executive Director, Kamat Hotels India Ltd. and Ms. Aditi Limaye Kamat, Restaurateur and Chef Have you always had a pup at home? Were you raised in a family of animal lovers?

While having a pet, especially a dog, is almost every child’s dream, it wasn’t looked upon favourably in our house when I was growing up. When I married Aditi, she already had two pets, Masti, a Labrador, and Pugli, a pug. Aditi’s wish was to have them in our house, and when we moved into our own home, they became a part of my life, full-time. Initially, it was challenging for me to adjust, but Masti and Pugli’s very human-like nature won me over. They made me realize what I was missing in my life – the joy of having someone who’s always happy to see you, even if you’ve been away for just a few hours.

What are your earliest memories of having dogs around?

I used to enjoy playing with dogs at my friend’s house, but I was generally quite scared of them. I don’t recall meeting any adults who tried to help me overcome that fear. Consequently, I make it a point to encourage young children and even adults who are scared of dogs to interact with our current three playful companions: Bubli, a German Shepherd; Pedha, a lively Labrador; and Tara, an extremely intelligent indie. Removing misconceptions about dogs during childhood is essential for fostering more accepting and compassionate individuals as they grow up.

How and when did you get the three fur babies at your home?

Masti went through a traumatic incident when she was attacked by street dogs, which led her into depression. My wife, Aditi, found Bubli through a friend during this challenging time, and brought her home. Bubli’s mischievous nature, while initially bothersome to Masti, ultimately helped her recover from her depression, and from then on, we never looked back. Pedha came into our lives coincidentally after Masti passed away, and a friend, Sonia, wanted to give him away, insisting that it had to be us. Despite initial reservations, we couldn’t say no, and he won over my reluctant mother-in-law, Smita. Tara’s story is more dramatic – I found her as a 15-dayold puppy during a cyclone in Mumbai, abandoned and alone. When I reached my building, I saw this little puppy alone in a corner. The drivers in our building around that time also didn’t know where the puppy came from. We went looking for the pup’s mother and any trace of the rest of the litter, but to no avail. I spoke to Aditi and it didn’t feel right to just leave the puppy to herself, and so we decided the best would be to bring her home and give her a temporary shelter, at least till the storm passed and then search for the mother. Initially, we didn’t plan to keep her, but she turned out to have a phenomenal personality, and we ended up becoming the parents of four incredible dogs, including Pugli, who passed away 9 months later.

Do you groom/ bathe your fur babies? What part do you play in their grooming?

We used to bathe them at home, but now we “prefer taking them to a professional salon because they do an excellent job, including nail trimming, and make them look better than our home washes. There are also professional groomers who come to our home equipped with grooming kits, offering convenience for pet owners interested in at-home grooming.

Are they allowed on the couch and most importantly, the bed?

Before our house renovation, they were allowed almost everywhere. However, post-renovation and under the strict instructions of our dog trainer, they are not allowed on the sofa or other places they used to sit on, especially Pedha. Yes, they are allowed on the bed, but Bubli prefers to sit in the corner like a diva, while Pedha thinks the bed is his domain, and we are guests.

Where do you draw the line when it comes to pampering them with treats? What is their favourite food and treat?

Pampering our dogs with treats is not about making us feel good, but rather using treats as a reinforcement tool for good behaviour. Discipline in us is more important than discipline in our furry friends. Many pet owners feed their pets just for the sake of it, but we use treats as rewards for desirable behaviour. Our dogs are well-behaved and social, thanks to the training we received initially. Every dog owner should actively participate in the training process to earn their dog’s respect.

While you have at home, virtually a “mini zoo” with Bubli, a German Shepherd, Peda, a labrador, Tara an indie and Johnny, an African Gray parrot, your Orchid Hotels allow dogs only? Any plans to include other pets?

While I love animals, extending our love and passion to places where many others gather can be challenging. During the lockdown, we made our hotels pet-friendly, but there were several challenges, such as not all pet owners being diligent about their pets’ behaviour. Additionally, those without pets or with concerns about someone else’s pets may not be comfortable, leading to conflicts or negative experiences. Hence, we prefer to keep our hotels neutral in this regard. However, I do occasionally visit pet-friendly hotels, which tend to attract like-minded families and pet parents.

Please share a list of all your pet-friendly hotels.

None of our hotels are currently pet-friendly. However, I can tell you that during the lockdown, our pets enjoyed their time at Fort Jadhavgadh and Lotus Murud Dapoli in Konkan. There has been a lot of popular demand from my staff at these hotels to welcome the kids again, especially Pedha.

Have you ever taken your fur babies for vacations at your hotels? How was your personal experience?

Like I mentioned, we have taken them to two of our hotels and our personal experience has been positive. We don’t hesitate to clean up after them, as some pet parents unfortunately neglect this responsibility. I must say that many pets are more well-behaved than some people’s children.

You have conducted various pet adoption camps at the Orchid Hotels. How was the response?

We conduct an annual adoption drive at The Orchid Hotel Pune in collaboration with an organization dedicated to finding homes for dogs. It has been highly successful, with many on-the-spot adoptions taking place. We are fortunate to have spacious lawns at The Orchid Pune, spanning 50,000 square feet, which allows us to host such events. We aim to expand this initiative to other hotels wherever there is space to conduct similar activities.

Have you ever adopted or had a rescue pup at home? Or maybe a homeless?

Yes, as I mentioned earlier, we adopted Tara when I found her as a puppy during a cyclone in Mumbai. Additionally, my wife, Aditi, and her restaurant team at Home Chef Dadar recently adopted an abandoned Pomeranian named Snow. Snow was found by Aditi’s friend, and not knowing what to do, they decided to adopt her. Snow has turned out to be a well-brought-up and enthusiastic biker dog, enjoying rides with the staff. Snow likes to sit on the bike whenever she January sees the staff go around with their materials for work. She claims her own role and sits and balances perfectly while the bike zigzags through traffic.

Do you see yourself as an animal advocate? Have you ever spoken up for animals that needed to be adopted, or in support of animal rights?

I don’t consider myself an advocate, but I believe in leading by example. I prefer to inspire others through my actions rather than imposing my thoughts on them. Rescuing animals from cruelty is something I strongly advocate, but it’s crucial to strike a balance between helping animals and ensuring they don’t become a public menace when left on the streets. There are a lot of people who are misguided in my opinion, about what it means to speak up for animals and animal rights. Rescuing those who cannot speak from the clutches of cruelty is something I advocate strongly but at the same time allowing animals on the road to become public menace is again not right, so there has to be a balance between things.

We actively support various initiatives, including helping birds at our hotels and protecting turtles in Orissa. Our contribution extends beyond our home to society and the environment. All our hotels help grow the population of Sparrows, Parrots, Mynahs and even Crows for that matter because all are an important part of the environment that we live in. We also have a lot for deers at Fort Jadhavgadh, especially in the summer when water is scarce on the plains around so they come and drink from the lake within our property and we also keep some food for them which helps.

In Orissa at Lotus Konark, where all the Olive ridley Turtles come, we do Turtle Protection Drives and Beach clean-ups so that our contribution is not limited to our home but to our society and the world at large.

What’s that one quality that makes a dog so endearing to you?

The unwavering loyalty and boundless joy that a dog brings are unmatched. No one, not even your children or spouse, can match the sheer energy and affection a dog showers upon you within the first few seconds of entering your home. There have been times when I’ve waited for our three dogs to return from their evening walk because I couldn’t bear to enter an empty home without their warm greeting.

Who looks after your pooches when they fall ill? Any favourite vet?

We’ve been fortunate to have fantastic veterinarians in our lives, thanks to Aditi. Additionally, our house helpers, who love our dogs as much as we do, play a crucial role. They ensure the dogs receive their medicines on time, monitor any changes in behaviour, and make sure they are never bored. Our house helpers even enjoy traveling with us when we take the dogs to Lonavala or pet-friendly malls.

There are many stray dogs and cows roaming the streets. Do you plan to build a shelter for these creatures in the near future?

Rather than building our own shelter, I prefer to support existing initiatives led by dedicated individuals. We regularly donate food to shelters and assist in finding homes for strays. I believe it’s more effective to bolster the efforts of those already doing remarkable work in this field than to start something anew. Our goal is to contribute positively to society and the world at large.

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Precious parents pawsome pooches

Someone who is golden hearted loves family which includes pooches. Such people are affectionate and giving, like Jyoti Saxena, our cover girl. Love your parents, love your pooches. It’s all one soul.

A Daughter’s Love Shines Bright on Her Mother’s Special Day and that is for actress Jyoti Saxena on the most important day of her life, that is on her mother’s birthday. As we always say words can never express what our moms mean to us. Their unconditional love, sacrifice, and support make us sail through all the ups and downs. Actress Jyoti Saxena on this special day took to social media to express her love and gratitude for her mother. Jyoti also expressed her love for her mother on her special day as she surprised her mother with a special birthday gift which we all as children always aim for.

Jyoti Saxena has a special gift for her mother on her birthday, Actress gifts an international trip to her mom

Jyoti Saxena says, “My mom is my world she is my guiding light, my confidant, and my biggest cheerleader. Her love has been my greatest strength. I would just like to thank my mom for being there for me on all the ups and downs, for believing in my dreams, and for teaching me the true meaning of love and resilience. You are my biggest blessing ever. Today, on her special day, I just wish her all the happiness and love in the world. Happy Birthday, Mumma, I love you the most.”

My mother has taught me the true meaning of love and resilience, she is my biggest blessing”, says actress Jyoti Saxena on her mother’s birthday

She further expressed, “We all do something special on our birthday, but I make sure to do something or other special for my mother’s birthday, I wanted to make her day as special as she has made every day of my life. I surprised my mom with a special international trip to Thailand. I booked the flights, arranged luxurious accommodations, and planned an itinerary filled with exciting activities and sightseeing for us. From exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok to relaxing on the pristine beaches of Phuket, I have made sure to make my mother’s birthday trip nothing short of magical.”

Jyoti’s heartfelt gesture not only showcased her love for her mother but served as a beautiful reminder that no matter how busy life gets, the love and appreciation we have for our parents should always take center stage.

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Going Places

Meet Jyoti Saxena, a rising star on the Indian entertainment scene. It is easy to be enamored of her glamourous looks and well sculpted body, but there is much more to her. Contrast her brilliant portrayal of the plain Jane “Sursuriya” in the film “Laachhi”, with her sizzling looks in the music video “Khoya Hun Main” and you get a glimpse of her versatility. She most surely is going places. Interestingly, Jyoti is an ardent dog lover too. Jyoti shares her delight of having a pooch at home with Buddy Life.

Would love to take him on sets with me, as he would be my source of motivation and my stress buster.

Are you from a family of animal lovers? Who was your first pet?

Yes, I belong to a family of avid animal lovers. My very first pet was a dog. I had always wanted someone younger than me who I could pamper and shower my love on. My dad saw this and got me this Pomeranian pup. We named him Mowgli. Unfortunately he passed away very soon. I was very young then and it broke my heart. And now after so many years I have this small pup which was a gift from my friends. It did take some mustering of courage after the loss of Mowgli.

Who is your four-legged baby now?

After Mowgli’s demise, I never dreamt of having another dog, but my friends and close ones knew how crazy a lover I was of dogs and so they gifted me a pup. I wanted him to have a unique name, so I named him Cuddle.

What breed is Cuddle and how old is he?

Cuddle is a pure breed pug. He was about 8 weeks old when I got him. He is almost 4 months old now.

How pampered is he? Is he allowed on the bed and the couch?

In my house its just about Cuddle and only Cuddle the entire day. My brother and I are nobodies. He is a pampered child and yes, he is allowed everywhere including the bed and the couch. At night he sleeps in his crate which is his ‘me time’.

How much time do you spend with Cuddle and does he experience separation anxiety when you are not around?

I make sure to spend a lot of time with my baby but due to work commitments I need to travel around and during those times I miss him a lot. Actually I miss his presence around me always. But I make sure whenever I am at home I give him as much time, love and kisses as I possibly can. At present he does not have separation anxiety issues since my mom is at home with him. Actually it is I who has the separation anxiety when I am away from him!

In my house its just about Cuddle and only Cuddle the entire day. My brother and I are nobodies.

How often does he accompany you for holidaysor shoots?

I would love to take him on sets with me, as he would be my source of motivation and my stress buster.This little munchkin is very small now so he hasn’t been on the sets yet but will soon be.

Walks and exercise are very important for our pooches too. Do you take him for walks?

Yes indeed. Walks are very important and Cuddle goes for it twice a day. Once up, early in the morning, when he can also soak in the warmth of the sun and walk freely on open grass and for a second time at night. In the morning my domestic help takes him for a stroll and I train him with some small exercises like shake hands, salute, and roll. But he will do those only when he is in the mood for it, else he just ignores us and walks off. At night time usually I am around and I take him out to play with his ball.

Do you bathe and groom him?

Does he like to be bathed and groomed?As advised by his vet, we bathe him once every 12 days which usually happens at the groomer’s. Sometimes the groomer makes a house call. Alternatively, my domestic help bathes him. He likes baths but hates when it comes to grooming or cleaning.

We need to have a strong law protecting animal rights and their right to healthcare and wellbeing.

What food and treats do you give him?

Being a typical Punjabi and like my mother, I believe that a dog shouldn’t have to survive solely on kibble and dog food. Instead we make sure to supplement his dog food (which is wet or dry Pedigree) with fruits and vegetables (like watermelon, cucumber, carrot, etc.),We also give him hot rotis and Dahi (yoghurt), but all are approved by his vet.

Do you have any plans to work for strays and the shelterless?

Oh yes! I would love to do something for strays. I have a plan to set up a shelter for them someday. Their state especially during monsoons is very heart breaking. I’d like to set up a shelter where they can be treated well, fed well and have a proper place to rest.

How do you rate the veterinary facilities in our country?

I feel the veterinary facilities in our country lack in many ways and are not up to the mark. Yes, a lot of people have started to come forward expressing their kindness and concern for strays. Social media posts has helped boost support and care. While household dogs and other pets have access to vets and adequate treatment, sadly the strays on the roads go uncared for. So yes, I do as much as I can personally for animals on the streets but I feel we need to have a strong law protecting animal rights and their right to healthcare and wellbeing.

A dog shouldn’t have to survive solely on kibble and dog food. Instead we make sure to supplement his dog food (which is wet or dry Pedigree) with fruits and vegetables.

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Travel Furrend

The travel is planned on a bike to give Maggie mesmerising memories in her last days as told by Rajat Parashar

A dog is said to be a man’s best friend. But it takes loads of love, care, attention and dedication to make a dog feel that a human is his best friend! I met Maggie nearly 13 years ago when she was slightly bigger than the palm of my hand. Bringing her home was met with frivolous remarks from friends and family. As the years passed by, the bond between us only grew stronger. As I developed from a nonchalant boy to a responsible young adult, Maggie accompanied me in every phase of my life. Life was filled with ups and downs, but Maggie stood firm as a pillar for me.

That’s when the tumour was diagnosed. You only see such stuff in movies and TV shows never for once considering the possibility that it may happen to you. It was a devastating blow for me. I never felt so helpless in my life and the future looked bleak. But how could I let my one source of light go out into the darkness without a fight? That’s when I planned it. The Journey of 2 Best Friends

We had done everything together for as long as I could remember. And when it felt like the time had come to part ways- I was determined to have one more journey together. I decided to explore the country along with my best bud.

Life was filled with ups and downs, but Maggie stood firm as a pillar for me.

I wanted to give her the happiness and thrill of the journey while at the same time creating memories that would etch forever in the minds of the people who would be touched by us. But there was one burning question- How to go about it? It wasn’t as easy as it seemed. There were many factors to be considered. The route, the finance, the timeline and above all- our bond and willpower to go through the journey unscathed. Keeping all this in mind- I founded Doge biker.

As I was driving with a steady pace, I was stopped by three guys in the middle of the road. I even get goosebumps while typing about it.

Doge biker

Doge biker was the name I gave to my dream. My dream of creating mesmerising memories with Maggie. I set up all my social media handles with the same name and it helped me generate funds with the help of few sponsors. It was the start of something new, something fresh with my friend. We both embarked on a journey that would bring us even closer. On our journey we had many setbacks, many obstacles- but it was only the power of our friendship that saw us through.

Still remember that fateful night. We were on the road and it was around 8:30 PM. The road was deserted and there was no sign of any other vehicle on either side of it. As I was driving at a steady pace, I was stopped by three guys in the middle of the road. I even get goosebumps while typing about it. They couldn’t see Maggie because she was perfectly wrapped in her carrier. I told them to take whatever meagre amount I had in my wallet. I was concerned about Maggie’s safety and didn’t want them to know that I had her with me. But they started exploring the bike and my bags and that’s how they unclipped Maggie’s carrier while removing the blanket that covered her.

Out came my best bud with full ferociousness and rage as she saw me being surrounded by three goons. She barked at the top of her voice and caught them by surprise. I snatched away my bike keys, placed her back and left in a hurry. We didn’t stop till we reached our destination.

On another occasion, both I and Maggie were staying in Pathankot transit camp. We were woken up from our slumber pretty soon because of the sound of the trumpets. One soldier was kind enough to bring us tea and also told us that more breakfast would be served to us pretty soon. The whole atmosphere was magnificent. Since

it was an army camp; I wasn’t allowed to record anything. So, I just clicked a few good photos for memory and bid adieu to the new friends I made on this journey. When I left Pathankot, I had no clue about the journey ahead. So, I resumed my journey without any worry in my mind. It was when I reached a suitable distance ahead that it struck my mind that the SIM of any other state wouldn’t work in J&K. I waited till 12 PM for the shops to open up so I could refill the fuel in my bike. The last check post in Punjab was where all my COVID-19 vaccination-related documents were verified. I purchased a new SIM card that cost me around Rs 500. People around that shop gathered around us and started taking photos with Maggie. The temperature kept on dropping. I gave ample water to Maggie and drank enough myself so I wouldn’t need to stop amidst my journey.

Since the cold was starting to show its effects, my hands had literally started to freeze. I covered Maggie in a blanket and made sure that she was warm while we continued our journey. We stopped in a hotel in Udhampur and I felt that it would be a good idea to give Maggie some non-veg food. I went to a place where some people were drinking but since it was the only shop where non-veg was being served, I had no choice but to give it a visit.

I parked my bike and went inside to get some fresh food for Maggie. When I returned, to my surprise, Maggie was not there. I searched for less than a minute when I found out that the people who were drinking behind the shop were trying to give her some food. I went there to take my companion back when one guy from the group said to me- “Your friend will betray you, hand her to me.” I replied-“I will feed her on my own, you do not need to help.” He tugged at her strap but I brought her back with me and fed her. He kept on abusing me in the local language but I started packing my stuff and going back to my journey when I heard the guy reversing his car and then driving it towards us at full speed. Then suddenly I heard a screeching sound as hand brakes were applied and the car came to a halt. I was afraid at that time. But deep down I knew that if needed, I would have fought for Maggie till my last breath. I had never expected Kashmir to be this dangerous. Shrugging off this event, I continued with my journey….

This was one such incident where my best bud had my back, even without me asking her to. It was a long journey filled with many such incidents. Incidents that brought us together and proved to me just how strong the power of a friendship is.

By God’s grace, we were able to have the tumour operated up on and removed. Now Maggie and I look forward to have more journeys together. We know that with new journeys would come new challenges, new curveballs and many new obstacles. But if you have the support of your best friend- no power in the world can harm you in any way whatsoever.

The New Journey

As we both embark on our new journey, I thank God every day that I got an opportunity to have many more memorable moments with her. I thank my friends and family for their support. I thank my subscribers, my sponsors for their help without which I couldn’t have completed my dream.

A dream to give my best bud the journey she deserved. A dream to share the road with my best friend.

A dream to be on a journey- not a journey of a man and his dog. But a journey of 2 best friends!

Follow him on:
www.instagram.com/dogbriker?igshid=ZDc4ODBmNJlmNQ
www.youtube.com/@dogbiker

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Arthritis Management in Dogs

Arthritis is a common condition that affects dogs. However, with proper management, the symptoms of arthritis can be minimized, improving the quality of life for affected dogs

Arthritis is a common condition that affects dogs, especially as they age. It causes inflammation and degeneration of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. However, with proper management, the symptoms of arthritis can be minimized, improving the quality of life for affected dogs. In this article, we will explore various strategies for arthritis management in dogs.

Veterinary Care: The first step in managing arthritis in dogs is to consult a veterinarian. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend a suitable treatment plan. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor the progression of the disease and make necessary adjustments to the management approach.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for dogs with arthritis. Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, exacerbating the symptoms. A veterinarian can suggest an appropriate diet and exercise routine to help your dog achieve and maintain an optimal weight.

Exercise: While dogs with arthritis may be less active, regular exercise is still important. Low-impact activities such as short walks, swimming, and controlled play sessions can help keep the joints mobile and maintain muscle strength. However, it’s crucial to avoid overexertion, and exercise routines should be tailored to the individual dog’s needs.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can be beneficial for dogs with arthritis. Techniques such as hydrotherapy, massage, and range-of-motion exercises can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen muscles. Consult a professional veterinary physical therapist for guidance on suitable exercises and techniques.

Joint Supplements: Certain supplements can support joint health and reduce inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are commonly used to promote cartilage repair and improve joint function. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate pain. Discuss with your veterinarian to determine which supplements are appropriate for your dog.

Medications: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to alleviate pain, but they should only be administered under veterinary supervision due to potential side effects. Other medications, such as corticosteroids or disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs), may be recommended in certain situations.

Comfortable Environment: Creating a comfortable environment for your arthritic dog is crucial. Provide a warm and well-padded bed where they can rest comfortably. Consider using ramps or stairs to help them navigate elevated surfaces, such as stairs or furniture. Non-slip surfaces can also be helpful to prevent accidental falls.

Assistive Devices: Various assistive devices are available to support dogs with arthritis. Orthopedic beds, joint-supporting braces, and mobility aids like carts or harnesses can help alleviate pressure on the joints and provide stability during movement. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if any assistive devices would be beneficial for your dog.

Alternative Therapies: Some dog owners explore alternative therapies to complement traditional arthritis management. These may include acupuncture, laser therapy, or herbal remedies. While research on their efficacy is limited, some dogs may experience relief from these treatments. Discuss with your veterinarian before trying any alternative therapies.

Monitoring and Adjustments: Arthritis is a progressive condition, and its management needs to be regularly evaluated and adjusted. Monitor your dog’s symptoms closely and communicate any changes to your veterinarian. They may recommend modifications to the treatment plan, including medication adjustments or additional therapies.

Last but not the least, managing arthritis in dogs involves a multi-faceted approach that focuses on veterinary care, weight management, exercise, supplements, medications, a comfortable environment, assistive devices, alternative therapies, and regular monitoring. By implementing these strategies, you can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall well-being of your pooch.

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Labrador Retriever, a friend forever

Known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and versatility, Labradors have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide

The Labrador Retriever, often referred to as the Lab, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and versatility, Labradors have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide.

The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where they were initially bred as working dogs. Fishermen relied on these dogs to retrieve nets, haul ropes, and retrieve fish from the icy waters. Their exceptional swimming ability, webbed paws, and water-resistant coat made them ideal for such tasks. In the early 19th century, Labradors were imported to England, where they gained popularity and were further developed as versatile sporting and family dogs.

Characteristics: Labradors are medium to large-sized dogs with a strong, muscular build. They have a broad head, expressive eyes, and drop ears. The breed’s coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which helps keep them warm and dry even in wet conditions. Labradors come in three primary colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them excellent family pets and companions.

Temperament: One of the defining characteristics of Labradors is their friendly and gentle nature. They are known for their exceptional temperament and are often described as “gentle giants.” Labradors are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They have a natural affinity for people, including children, and get along well with other animals, making them an excellent choice for families.

Versatility: Labradors excel in various activities and roles due to their intelligence and athleticism. They are widely used as service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs for the visually impaired, and assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities. Their remarkable sense of smell and trainability also make them successful in scent detection work, such as drug detection or search-and-rescue operations.

Exercise and Training: As active dogs, Labradors require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They have high energy levels and thrive in environments where they can engage in physical activities. Daily walks, play sessions, and interactive games are essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Labradors also respond well to training and enjoy learning new skills. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to ensure they grow into well-mannered dogs.

Grooming: Labradors have a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding seasons. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition. They are generally considered a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. However, attention should be given to their ears, teeth, and nails to prevent infections and maintain overall hygiene.

Health: Labradors are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are prone to certain health conditions. Common issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), exercise-induced collapse (EIC), and obesity. Responsible breeders conduct health tests on their breeding stock to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary diseases. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being.

In conclusion, the Labrador Retriever is a remarkable breed known for its friendly temperament, intelligence, and versatility. Whether as a working dog, family pet, or assistance animal, Labradors continue to win the hearts of people around the world. Their loyal and affectionate nature, coupled with their adaptability and trainability, make them cherished companions in many households. If you’re considering adding a Labrador to your family, be prepared to provide them with love and care.