All fur love

An eye for the oft-overlooked beauty in human emotions and an altruistic heart that really cares  — Goan designer Suzette Advani is a combination that awes and inspires. She rose to prominence owing to the benevolent side to her  — of taking up the onus of feeding over 30 strays daily and adopting 20 strays, who currently live at her residence.  On the work front, her breezy Indo-western line, Suzette Advani Creatives, has had the cream of the Goan crowd  —  biz brass, political honchos and socialites flaunt her works. But Suzette likes to keep her clientele low key of sorts. “I treat my clients with equality. I design for personalities, not names. I design for all the special people who come to me cause they love my work and me. Each client is special and I treat them all equally, no matter what their standing or background. As I always say, when a client walks in my studio, a human being walks in first and I lend them my hand while I win their hearts,” begins Suzette. “Never have I advertised and I don’t think I ever will. It keeps my focus on work and the reason I’m doing it, which is pure passion. I use the funds for my babies (dogs) that I have rescued from the atrocities of the streets. So, I love what I do in every sense of the word,” she says.

But we can’t help but prod her with questions about her other love — love for animals. Suzette’s love for rescuing, nurturing and showering furry paws with love dates back to her childhood. But it wasn’t until she met her husband that she could pursue it. “I grew up in a household where my dad wasn’t much of a dog lover. In fact, all I remember is being reprimanded for bringing home strays. I’m glad I’m over that phase and are now surrounded by people (husband and daughter) who love dogs as much as I do,” she chimes.

The lady with a love for pets like none other recalls being ridiculed for being altruistic. “So, I have this morning ritual, where I carry buckets of food in my car to feed 30 strays in the neighborhood and while on the way to work. At first, people found it rather strange for a woman impeccably dressed to be doing something as random as feeding strays. But I couldn’t care less as the purpose is solely very altruistic.”

Some of her pets

Today, Suzette houses 20 dogs in her home. Speaking of which, she says, “I have about 10 dogs in my studio, two at the guest level and three at the Amphi theatre level. We have allotted a separate car to tend to their needs. I believe it is very important to be surrounded by people who support the process. My husband takes equal responsibility in the upkeep of our pets and therefore, the whole raising process is very uplifting.”

While her design studio and furry paws take up most of her time, Suzette makes it a point to indulge in other interests. “I love poetry, painting and reading. There’s always time to pursue what you love. So, I always make time for these,”  she smilingly states.

The enterprising Goan with a big heart hopes that one day, her acts will spread the message. “It is very difficult to find people with a regard for animals in India. However, things are changing and I hope people take to the idea that it really takes very little for us to go out there and make a difference. You just need to start.”