Privileged pooches!

Pets these days are clearly more than mere four legged companions. These furry paws have gained the status of a beloved family member. Pet owners cringe at the mention of their pets being called just plain dogs or cats. What’s more, they are going full throttle to ensure that their pets are loved and cared for. From throwing extravagant birthday parties and hiring personal groomers, to indulging them on spa days and pet-friendly vacations; the list is endless, and so are the options.

Sunayana Pani’s, Shih Tzu, Leo has his own Instagram page where countless pictures of him are posted. She adds, “Leo loves travelling in the car. We recently took him on a vacation to a pet friendly resort, which was only a two hour drive from the city as long rides do not suit him. Leo also has groomer that ..comes every month to trim his hair and also his nails.”

Pet owner Nikita Miriam ensures that her St Bernards, Rihaana and Zara are pampered thoroughly. She says, “We have our groomer who comes home every month and gives them a full bath, a complete blow dries and also combs their fur. We have a separate police dog trainer who comes and walks them every alternate days for about 20 minutes each for each dog. Since their birthdays are just five days apart, we have a combined birthday. We order cakes and treats especially made for them. they celebrate this day with their friends who are pets of my friends.”

Prateeksha Arvind’s puppy pal Ralph has had his share of vacations. This proud puppy owner adds, “There was a point when animals were never allowed at home. But ever since Ralph came, my mother treats him like a son. We have taken Ralph on puppy vacations to Mysore and Coorg. He loves travelling as this gives him a chance to explore.”

This Bengalurean has four cats and three dogs who are thick as thieves. Tejaswi K Singh adds, “We used to a huge birthday party for all of them every year. But now since one of my dogs has diabetes, he is on a strict diet. Therefore the parties are more mellow.  I make them a cake and each of them gets a new toy.”

Lopa Saikia owner of a popular pet spa in the city says, “Generally,  on their birthdays, pet owners opt to have a full grooming done for their pets.  A grooming for a medium size dog with oil massage will cost approximately Rs 2500. In my experiences the total cost of a pet birthday celebration will cost a bare minimum of Rs 10,000. Some of them opt to celebrate the birthday in the spa itself. Cakes are also customised accordingly and can go upto Rs 2000 for two kgs.  The birthday dog also has his / her friends coming along.”