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Pune pet moms on celebrating Mother’s day with their fur babies
On the occasion of Mother’s Day, we speak to pet parents, who have brought up their pets as their own kids. From giving them the family name to managing their social networking sites, these pet mums go the extra mile
From giving up jobs and friends, to spending the night in a car, these pet moms have done everything under the sun to ensure their fur baby is safe and happy. On Mother’s Day, we request moms to share their story of finding their pet babies, their best moment with them and more.
Sheetha Chacko, media professional; three babies: Bingo, Rexi and Tyrion
My best pet mom moment: I have those every day. It is hard to point to one such moment. However, I distinctly remember that once many years ago when I was upset, I was crying and my boy Bingo licked my tears away, while Rexi kept looking at me and hugging me. They won’t let me cry. They do things to comfort me and cheer me up in some or the other. My babies cannot stand negativity in the house and they always go and sit next to someone when they sense that the person is upset or unwell. We have changed our lifestyles to suit the puppies.
Plans for Mother’s Day: I will prepare for them a special meal and get a cake done from my friend Sonal Zalkikar. I will give them more time than I am able to usually. Due to my busy work schedule, it becomes extremely difficult for me to spare time. So, this time I am planning to spend more time with them and plan to do office work accordingly.
The most extreme thing I have done for them: This might sound a little too much, but during my college days, I used to bunk classes because Bingo would cry. Now I say no to assignments or jobs where I realise that it will take me away from my babies. In fact, I have set up my office at home and my babies are stress busters for my team.
Priti Chauhan, canine behaviourist and trainer; baby: Sundaree
My best pet mom moment: Sundaree is my 10-year-old fawn coloured Labrador retriever, who was born to my earlier baby Haseena. All I know about parenting today is what I have learnt from Haseena. Sundaree is a live bomb and fun to be around. Once during our regular trekking days, Sundaree was off the leash as usual. I got stuck on a climb. She saw me struggling and immediately came and stood by my right foot. She kept looking at me, talking through her eyes, wagging her tail and encouraging me to move. I first thought it was a fluke. So, I tried again and again to climb, and she did the same thing. I sat there holding her and spent time with her as there was nothing more beautiful than that moment.
Plans for Mother’s Day: Sundaree is a complete water baby and I am planning to pamper her by taking her to play in the water. I may take her out for a swim, if it is a lake, then I shall swim with her too.
The most extreme thing I have done for her: I don’t know how to gauge extreme. I live with her and more than feeding and the walks, I ensure that she is happy. I make sure she is taken out for her favourite activities like trekking, swimming, meeting other dogs and also people. Probably, I am like any other pet parent that wants the best for my girl.
Baishali Barthakur, graphic designer; baby: Bailey
My best pet mom moment: I did not choose Bailey. I did not go to any adoption centre to get a cat for myself, rather got him as a gift from a friend. I was to take care of him till I could find a suitable house for him. Well, I tried looking, but in the end I was the one to adapt my tabby cat who is still a little less than a year old. He is the most hyperactive cat I have ever seen. Unlike other cats who like to run after laser beams, my cat loves to fetch balls like a dog. The best moment was when Bailey showed his affection towards me by licking my hand. I knew at that moment that he has accepted me as his friend, which is a fairly tough job for anyone.
Plans for Mother’s Day: I am planning to spend the whole day with him. He will, reluctantly, have a bath and will take him on a drive with me. Bailey enjoys looking out the window of a moving car.
The most extreme thing I have done for him: I would say I took an extreme step when me and my friends were to shift to a new place. I broke my promise of sharing a house with one of my friends because she wasn’t comfortable with Bailey and I had to let go of one. Without a doubt I chose to stay with Bailey. Another instance was when I had to spend a night in the car with him because of some painting work in the house. Unfortunately, none of my friends were ready to keep him at their place for a night and I wasn’t comfortable keeping him at a shelter. That’s when I decided to spend the night in the car with my pet instead.
Jui Aruna Anvar, illustrator artist; baby: Simba
My best pet mom moment: We brought Simba home around five months ago and he has been adding fun (and menace) to my life ever since. He is the most lovable cat I have ever come across. I have best pet moments with him. He is a mumma’s boy and ignores his dad. Jokes apart, the sight of him waiting for you when you get back home is priceless. You come home and he purrs continuously while you pet him. That makes me melt every day.
Plans for Mother’s Day: My plans are to feed him his favourite treat, give him a nice bath and spend the entire day with him. That is, if he allows me to do all that.
The most extreme thing I have done for him: Many housing societies still have a problem with pets, especially if you rent a place there. I go out of my way to ensure he faces no problem at such times.
