Perfect Sunday evening….

After a long break, yesterday I visited the ‘DOGGY PARK’ with my two (now huge) best friends..my pets, Spike and Rusty.

Doggy Park, located along the seaside in the suburbs,is a long open-to-air green patch, meant only for our adorable four-legged community. Previously this space was a walking zone, but after much struggle it got reserved for pets. It’s amazing to see people travel long distances, just to bring their loved ones here almost every evening. The place is packed on a Sunday evening with tons of doggies. From the tiny Chuahuahua to the mighty Great Dane, the varieties are endless. From tiny cud able puppies to full-grown handsome dogs, size does not matter. All the doggies learn to play, wrestle and interact in harmony with each other. Sharing their toys, food and water..sometimes even squabbling over trivial matters. Each and every doggy has a blast!

The mind is at ease, completely serene, sitting along the promenade with the wind blowing past your face, watching people of all ages interact, dogs running around, playing with their owners…trainers doing their jobs, passerby’s stopping by to pet doggies. Even the road side vendors along with kiddies’ ride stalls make great business on a Sunday. An excellent ambience, an evening dedicated wholly for dog-lovers.

Pet keeping has developed drastically from what itused to be before. Now it’s a mad craze, the pet (mostly dogs, occasionally cats) is looked after as ifit were another member of the family. To the extent,that an unfortunate loss of it creates a ruckus in the family. Loads of money is spent on its hygiene, daily meals, vaccinations, medications, accessories and evendog shows. Mumbai has many dog parlors where various doggy needs are catered to. E.g. shampoo, conditioner, haircut, blow-dry, grooming, even manicures. Likewise the accessories too are a long list. Colorful leashes,doggy garments for every season, toothbrush, paste, collars, beds and bowls, flavored bones, dog chewies,water bottles, doggy perfumes, name it, and the list is never-ending!

It’s interesting to see the acceptance and priority, pets get in ones life. There is so much involved in keeping a pet in ones house, but today people are ready to take up this responsibility and stick by it. Looking after pets is not an easy task. However for me spending Sundays with my doggies is very peaceful and relaxing. I look forward to many more of these with my two adorable babies!