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Published by neosmith5588, 2021-03-23 07:16:51

CC_March

ISSN 0976 - 4801





Edited, Printed, Published & Owned by
Linda Brady Hawke
Published from
L.B. Associates (Pvt) Ltd Dear Readers,
B-4/148C, Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi - 110029 The month of love has just passed by, but it seems our love for animals will never
Website: www.lbassociates.com
Email: [email protected] die! As rightly said by Anatole France, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of
Websites: www.creature-companions.in one’s soul remains unawakened”; in this edition, we present to you a story full of
www.lbassociates.com love and empathy for animals – a story of the passionate team of Enactus MLNC,
Printed at which strives to make a difference in society with its various animal welfare
JJ Imprints Pvt. Ltd.
A-24, Sector-68, Noida 201301 projects such as Project Parivartan and Project Desi. Their ‘Desi Club’ is always on
GB Nagar UP, India its toes to rescue animals and find a happy home for them! If you wish to be that
Patron lucky one to welcome a beautiful Indie into your home, then we have a list of Indie
Varindra Sewak Dogs up for adoption at Rainbow Animal Aid, another organization working day
Contributors and night for animals, striving to make their life colourful. So, just open your arms
Neelima Sadanand and embrace them with all your heart, the way Naaz has done – she adopted an
Yashwini Shetty
Ashish Anthony Indie Cat, Cookie. This issue celebrates her amazing joy ride with Cookie, the love
Poorvi Anthony of her life!
Jayel Rao
Dr. Reeja George P. Raising a pet is a journey full of care, affection, adventure, and learning. In this
Yaman Gogia edition, we feature articles put together by renowned experts, which will help
Shahu Sardar
Gopika Nair in making your journey smoother and more playful! Right from the beginning,
Deeksha Garg things to keep in mind while bringing home a pup or a kitten to their grooming
Priyanka Paul and sometimes even travelling with them – this edition has it all! Our Pet of the
Mriganka Chandra
Naaz Shaikh Month segment features a wonderful story of Oscar, the wonder cat and Shifa, his
Editor bestie. She shares with us her magical and soulful experience of living with Oscar.
Priyanka Kaushal Expressing our affection and love in words for our pets is never easy. However, in
[email protected] the issue, Neelima Sadanand gets poetic and tries expressing her fondness and
Design & Layout devotion for her cat Billie Jean. Her impressive poetry is sure to give you
Atul Kumar
goosebumps!
Director Marketing & Content
Binoy Sahee The Industry Speak section carries an engrossing narrative of Mr.
[email protected] Prithvi Jayakaran, CEO of the Glenand Group, where he dwells upon his
Yash Malhotra vision for the company, the growth and challenges of the Indian Pet
[email protected] Industry, and his valuable learning. Along with this, in this edition,
Mobile: +91 9911787926
we also feature engaging reads on orphaned and abandoned
Subscription
[email protected] kittens, pet photography, birdwatching in spring season, setting
up a Betta tank, furry star of 2020, winners of lockdown pet
Legal Consultant
Roopa Somasundaran companion and Ms. Desi Mr. Desi contest, and some unknown
facts about our furry companions.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions Happy Reading!
expressed in Creature Companion are solely
those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect those of the editors or publisher.
Although all efforts have be en made to ensure
the complete accuracy of text, neither the
editors nor publisher can accept responsibility
for consequences arising from errors or
omissions or any opinions or advice given.



also find us on IIPTF & Creature Companion
www.facebook.com/CreatureCompanionMagazine
www.facebook.com/IIPTF



Contents ISSN 0976 - 4801








Story
MARCH 2021 18- My Pet My


19- Let's Get
Poetic

Misunderstood Tails &
Their Love


22- Pet Care
Bichon Frise Grooming At Home

24 The Dog Care Series - How And When
Should You Get Your Puppy
26 Before You Get Your Puppy


















33- Feline Care
Stepping In For Orphaned And

Abandoned Kittens
10- News
36- Feline Matter

14- Events Things To Know Before Getting

Ms. Desi Mr. Desi A New Cat


15- Furry Star of 2020
Furry Star of 2020 - Bira


16- Pet of The Month

Oscar





6 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA



Contents









MARCH 2021 47- Pet Photography
Let’s Foray Into The Field of Pet
Photography

50- Travel Diaries
38- Birdwatching A ‘Joey’ Ride During Pandemic
Spring Is Here! How Do We Know?

52- Adoption Stories
40- Aqua Cookie - The Green Almond-Shaped,

Setting Up A ‘Betta’ Tank Black Kohl-Lined Eyes with A Bump on
Her Pink Nose, Her Aura is Different
























42- NGO 54- Industry Speak
Animals and Coexistence: A Road Glenand - Pioneers in the Pet Industry
We Desire since 1937

57- Did you Know?
45- ADOPT ME PLEASE!
Why To Buy, While Homeless Die! 58- Lockdown Pet Companion



NEWS INTERNATIONAL


Boo Boo’s Best Expands
Professional Pet Sitters Week Celebrates the into India
Viability of Pet Sitting as a Career


fter a challenging year that During this year’s Professional Pet
Ahas underscored the resiliency Sitters Week celebration, PSI hosted
and ingenuity of professional the annual online summit for pet
pet sitters and dog walkers, Pet sitters and dog walkers, FOCUS 2021,
Sitters International (PSI) used the sponsored by Business Insurers of
Professional Pet Sitters Week™ to the Carolinas. PSI’s online summit
once again shine a light on the was open to professional pet sitters
viability of pet sitting as a career and and dog walkers around the globe Boo Boo’s Best, maker of
the importance of using professional and included sessions that covered SuperFood Nuggets Treats for
pet-care services. This celebration topics ranging from brand protection dogs and cats, is expanding its
took place from March 7–13. to attracting your ideal customer. international reach through
a new partnership with ABK
Imports in India. On this
World Vets IVM occasion, Jocelyn Rosenthal,
Organizes Training founder and owner of Boo Boo’s
Best stated that she feels proud
Opportunity for Students to see how company is growing
and it is truly a pleasure and an
orld Vets International honour to bring these healthy,
WVeterinary Medicine (IVM) is natural, delicious treats to dogs
fully prepared to conduct a surgical and cats in India.
and veterinary training program for
veterinarians, ex-veterinarians, and
technician students. This program that experienced veterinarians, The IVM program will also host
is primarily for students who who wish to participate, may work a half-day community outreach
wish to gain clinical and practical as volunteers on a veterinary field program for participants, they will
veterinary experience. Due to the project. The participants will have have the opportunity to help local
epidemic, the IVM event will be held the opportunity to perform spay and community and treat local animals.
around the month of March–April neuter surgeries in a low stressed Free vaccination, vaccination for
in the city of Ottavalo, Ecuador. environment along with their own local animals and basic treatment
The IVM program recommends experienced veterinary instructor. will be provided to every participant.




America’s Top Dog Model Contest Goes Vintage
el 2021. One winner and 11 finalists
merica’s Top Dog Model, a pet will be honoured on a calendar and
Alifestyle brand based in Boca Ra- will star in America’s Top Dog Model
ton, Fla., has begun accepting nomi- YouTube reality series ‘How to Get to
nations for its annual competition the Top’. In addition, the grand prize
that recognizes ‘dogs that make a dif- winner will receive an original water-
ference in people’s lives.’ This year’s colour of winning photo from Connie
contest is inspired by the vintage Benwitt Art, a Puppy Panache Italian
style of America’s most dramatic and leather collar and a YaYa’s Pet Bling
elegant eras, officials said in a state- the best portrayal of ‘Vintage Tails’ custom necklace, among other priz-
ment; the contestant that unleashes will become America’s Top Dog Mod- es. The contest runs through May 28.

10 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA



NEWS INTERNATIONAL


cbdMD and Its Paw CBD Line and Purina Pro Plan
LiveClear Win 2021 Product of the Year Awards in
Respective Categories


roduct of the Year, America's largest CBD Hard Chews for Dogs earned 2021 Product
Pconsumer-voted award for product of the Year honours in the CBD Pet category.
innovation for over 13 years, is chosen annually
by 40,000 American consumers in a national Whereas in the cat care category, Purina's Pro
survey organized by Kantar, a global leader in Plan LiveClear was voted Product of the Year
consumer research. for 2021. Pro Plan LiveClear has a formula for
cats that reduces the major allergen in cat hair
cbdMD is the first CBD brand to win the award and dander. Starting March 2021, three new
in back-to-back years. This year, the company’s Pro Plan LiveClear formulas will be available,
CBD Gummies were named the most innovative product including Adult Weight Management, Adult Indoor and
in the CBD Ingestibles category; in addition, Paw CBD’s Adult 7+ Prime Plus.


Lord Jameson Reveals Annual Canine Carnival Parade in Rio de Janeiro
New Collection
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
street parties and traditional parades
at the Sambadrome were cancelled
to avoid crowds, but the dogs had
their day anyway with the ‘Blocao’.
The word is a mixture of ‘bloco’ that
ord Jameson unveiled its new refers to the traditional Carnival
LFarm Stand Collection. It consists street parties and ‘cao’ means dog in
of soft vegan organic dog treats and Portuguese.
is currently available in two flavors ll the carnivals in Rio de Janeiro
– Apple Pops and Carrot Pops. Both Amight have gotten cancelled, but While speaking to a local news
recipes are gluten-, corn-, soy-, and it seems like nobody informed the agency, the one who has been
dairy-free, with no artificial colours, canines. Pet lovers from all around organizing this carnival since last 18
preservatives or GMO ingredients. the city gathered for an annual event years, Marco Antonio Marinho stated
The Farm Stand Collection will join that made dozens of humans join the that the ‘Cariocas’ carried the joy of
the Everyday Dog Patisserie line, carnival along with their furry ones carnival into their veins. The local
one of Lord Jameson’s most popular to compete for the best furry baby Residents of Rio de Janeiro are called
collections. costume. Cariocas.



Annamaet Petfoods Refreshes updated bags are made with BioFlex
Canine Companion Treat Line materials, designed to convert
what would be trash into clean,
nnamaet Petfoods Inc. renewable, sustainable energy as it
Areintroduced its Canine breaks down within today’s modern
Companion treat line, now featuring landfill environments. Annamaet
an improved packaging design new, modern packaging design, is continuing its partnership with
and degradable bags. Annamaet’s updated to match the look and feel BioFlex, following the introduction
Salcha Treat, Aqualuk Treat, and of Annamaet’s growing range of of eco-friendly bags to all of their dog
Lean Treat have transitioned to a food and supplement formulas. The and cat food formulas in 2019.

12 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

NEWS NATIONAL www.creature-companions.in



Bengaluru Set to Host Its First Exclusive
Pet Flea Market – Furrygami ’21


urrygami ’21 is Bengaluru’s first with a focus on information-based
Fexclusive flea market for pets shopping to create a better quality life
and pet parents across the city to be for your pet!”
held on 21st March, 2021. The team
organizing the event happily states, It’s time for all pet lovers to enjoy a
“We aim to bridge the information gap shopping extravaganza like never
between pet parents and products & before – pamper your furry friends
services available for them, outside with grooming, bond with them at the
of what is regularly advertized – art corner, go crazy at the photobooth,
bringing together over 28 Indian and create memories that last a
entrepreneurs and start up brands lifetime!


Furry Friends Battle Distemper JUST DOGS Wins India's Retail
Amid Parvovirus Infections Champions Award 2021


e are proud to announce
t least 60 street dogs and more than a dozen pet dogs Wthat JUST DOGS, India’s
Ahave died in Kolkata in less than two weeks after #1 Pet Retail Store, has won
suffering from suspected viral gastroenteritis, caused by India's Retail Champions
canine parvovirus. It’s a highly contagious disease that Awards 2021 under the
spreads from one dog to another by direct or indirect Specialty Retail category,
contact through their faeces. While parvovirus infection presented by Bhartiya Mall of
continues to haunt pet owners and animal lovers in the Bengaluru and supported by
city, another viral infection – distemper – has been on the Retailers Association of India.
rise, recently. It has proved fatal to scores of street dogs
in the city over the last week. Vets feel the rise in such The award ceremony was held virtually, with some of
infection cases during this time of the year is mostly due the top Indian/International brands in the country in
to the skipping of vaccination (DHLPP) in dogs owing to attendance as fellow competitors. JUST DOGS Stores were
the pandemic last year. Preventive steps must be taken to open throughout the lockdown serving pets and their
protect pets from the virus. parents across 18 Cities where they are located. Through
their commitment and hard work, even during these tough
times, JUST DOGS opened 9 new stores during pandemic,
which made them the winning recipient for this honour.
Siliguri Hosts
Dog Show, The entire Pet Industry takes pride in JUST DOGS for
Draws Huge winning this prestigious award, as this puts ‘Pets’ as an
Crowd Industry amongst all leading industries, and launches
JUST DOGS right at the top as a champion amongst other
massive retail brands.

dog show was organized by North Bengal Exotic Pet Founder & Director, Mr. Ashish Anthony, accepted the
A Association (NBEPA) in Siliguri. Around 125 breeds award, and graciously thanked their customers for their
took part in the event. Event offered fun activities for loyalty and for turning to JUST DOGS for their pet’s every
pets and owners. The objective behind the show was to need. It is a great laurel for JUST DOGS, and they plan to
encourage people to love street dogs and protect animals. soar to even greater heights in future.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 13

EVENTS


MS. DESI MR. DESI Woof Yums, in its bid to encourage adoption and create

It’s Time to Honour Indian Breeds awareness about indie stray dogs, launched India’s first
ever beauty contest for indie breeds, ‘Ms. Desi Mr. Desi’
India’s First Ever Beauty Contest – It’s time to honour Indian Breed, four years ago. The
online contest saw more than 200 entries from all over
for Indie Pets the country.


emember that time when you picked up a crying This year during the month of January, Woof Yums
Rpuppy from a dump? How your mom shrieked? But launched the fourth edition of this event. Prizes got more
then you pleaded with her to let it stay and promised her attractive when A Dog Story – pet friendly resorts and
to take care of the puppy and that it will not spoil anything Critterati, a pet luxury hotel, consented to sponsor the
in the house! online event.

One look at the puppy’s eyes told you that it trusted you. Idea was to curb puppy mill culture and breed specific
You ignored all the sneers and people’s disgust on your purchases when there are millions of homeless strays
visits to the vet or park with your Desi kid. It was again with same characteristics freely available on roads.
those eyes of trust that made you love it. That was the Empathy should be for all without any discrimination.
bond, which carries on! This commitment or bond is what
we strive to honour. Here are a few pictures of the finalists and winners with
emotional stories as to how these kids survived tough
This is where Woof Yums in association with Creature times, defied death, and were finally rescued by families
Companion steps in. who opened their hearts and homes to them.




OreO rawat
He is a rescue pup! He was bitten on the spine at one
month's age; his tender body nerves got damaged
and there was no chance of him walking again. Vets
suggested to put him down as no one would adopt him.
He was so full of life that we could not take that drastic
step and he became a part of our lives ever since! He
has a big brother named Joey, a 13 yrs old indie.


OreO them – this makes him super ChiCO
Oreo has a unique look with popular with all the kids in Chico was rescued by me last year
his right ear up and left ear our colony. His favourite in June. He was in a very horrible
down, which makes him treats are a cup of vanilla ice condition and had faced cruelty at
look cute and handsome cream and doggie biscuits. the hands of our species. Somebody
at the same time. He loves He is very serious about nap had hit him with a sharp object
car journeys and is now a time and will find a sunny that caused a deep wound, which
seasoned traveller, having spot wherever he is to take soon became infested with maggots
already travelled to five states by his afternoon naps undisturbed! He eating his flesh away. I brought Chico
road with us. He loves playing with knows more than ten commands home and treated him by myself.
his Indie best friend Titli and goofing and is very perceptive of human He soon transformed from being a
around with us. He is especially good emotions. He is also an excellent scared and shy puppy to my little
around small children as he is very guard dog and is highly protective T-Rex. He is now 9 months old and a
gentle and careful while playing with of us! very naughty teenager.

14 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

Furry STar Of 2020 www.creature-companions.in



Furry Star of 2020





B I R A











Bira
“My Meowmmy saw me playing with my brother at a pet
store when she went to get a dog. She lifted me up and I
fell in love with her that very moment. I kept cuddling her
for 45 mins. till she decided to bring me home. We are each
other’s favourite company and I wake her up at 5 am; once
she is up, I go to sleep! We love playing with each other. I
don’t leave her alone even in washroom. All her time is
mine and I love her when she gives me treats. She took care
of me for nights when I had fallen off from 12th floor and
would keep me in her arms full night so that I can rest and
forget the pain. She gets me world’s best toys, but I hate her
the most when she photo shoots me during my personal
time. I love her so much that I can even kill, murder, torture,
and eat a spider for her!”





ShiKha LODha, Bira’S PrOuD his 1.5 years in my life, I’ve only
MOMMy had good moments and have learnt
“When I was going through a tough that obstacles don’t block the path –
phase in life and desperately needed they are the path, we are never truly
a superhero, I received paws. Not all alone, how to accept responsibilities,
superheroes wear cape; mine has how to turn flaws into good qualities,
fur and four legs – BIRA THE BILLA. and much more.
His presence has given me strength
to overcome everything else the Every family should definitely
universe has thrown my way – from consider adopting a pet. A pet will
losing my job to changing cities. love you unconditionally. They
Whenever I am worried about his bring joy and fulfilment and are an
health or my life, his supernatural hug antidote to loneliness. They are great
reassures me. His head bangs and mood enhancers. They are a promise
sandpaper kisses wash away all my that we will always have a friend.
doubts and fears. During pandemic, turned months of isolation into some They are great stress busters. They
he gave me a purpose while the of my most cherished moments. He's definitely help us unwind after a long
world held its breath and waited. He been my comfort throughout! With day at work.”



MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 15

PET oF ThE MONTH




OSCAR









Have you ever thought of
making a cat your best friend?
Shifa has made one – Oscar,
the wonder cat! He makes her
come alive, every time she is
downhearted. Shifa shares
with us the magical and soulful
experience with her Bestie.
Here are a few excerpts…




teLL uS aBOut yOur made his entry. Oscar was gifted to what'S the StOry BehinD
jOurney with OSCar SO me by my father when I shifted to thiS naMe OSCar?
far. hOw anD when DiD he Mumbai. He was 3 months old when Nothing much to it; just loved the
COMe intO yOur Life? he came home. A British American name and went ahead with it.
Three years back, I flew down from exotic shorthair cat (not Persian) Though, now I can say, he’s the best
Dubai to Mumbai due to some with a flat face and big round eyes award of my life.
health issues and wanted to setup full of curiosity. Oscar came across
my business in Mumbai. I have a as a very different personality to what iS OSCar'S Diet anD
small work studio, which is also a me. He loves birdwatching and his hOw DO yOu taKe Care Of
co-living space to me. Staying alone sunglasses… well everybody now hiS nutritiOn?
in Mumbai, definitely, has its own knows him with it. With Oscar, I prefer giving him wet
pros & cons. And that’s when Oscar food twice a day and dry food for the
Because of Oscar, I laugh a little entire day to nibble on. He doesn’t
harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot have a meal time in specific, but
more! prefers eating in small quantities
throughout the day. I also give him
He is my therapy cat. Having Oski in his health based supplements twice
my life has helped me deal with my a week.
anxiety issues and has kept me sane
during pandemic. He’s the one who what iS hiS favOurite
fuels me up to keep moving forward PLaytiMe aCtivity?
and understand the fact that ‘ITS Oscar loves to watch birds and be
OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY AT TIMES’ around plants. Since I’m a botanist by
and this is how you roll on with life. profession, having plants and flowers
Life is happy and content with him. around, he has the best time looking
He makes me feel proud, he makes at birds and chasing butterflies.
me feel alive, he makes me feel that
no matter what the world has to hOw DO yOu ChOOSe
say – you shouldn’t be bothered and PrODuCtS fOr OSCar'S
that’s how you live your life. grOOMing anD hygiene

16 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

www.creature-companions.in




neeDS? what PrODuCtS OSCar iS a SOCiaL MeDia
are yOu CurrentLy uSing? Star with SO Many
Oscar, being an exotic short hair fOLLOwerS! hOw DO yOu
breed, doesn’t require much of PerCeive thiS Change Of
grooming. But I prefer combing his PetS having SeParate
fur coat once a day and bathe him iDentitieS On SOCiaL
once a month. I use Greenmade MeDia?
products (a brand from Russia); we Pets raise endorphins and make
source it out through a friend as the people feel happy. People like to
brand is not available in India. look at pets on social media as the
content on pets’ account is usually
frOM where DO yOu LiKe full of cuteness. They are adorable to
tO ShOP fOr hiM? look at and are easier to connect with
With so many emerging pet brands than human influencers. There’s no
having their websites, it’s easy to barrier like jealousy and all you see is
make an online purchase. I always buy people showering in comments like
his supplies from an e-commerce site “Oh my God! Oscar you’re the cutest
or try new local brands on Instagram. little chubster”. It makes us feel good
that through his page we are able to ease out the entire ‘Travel with a Pet’
DO yOu taKe OSCar aLOng make people smile. And currently, process.
when yOu traveL? that’s what the world needs!
YES, he is my constant travel partner DO yOu feeL there iS any
and has got used to it. Sitting comfy gaP Between what yOu
in his capsule bag and exploring the LOOK fOr OSCar anD what
world through the glass shield; he iS avaiLaBLe in MarKet?
loves it to the core! We are big time A year back or so, I used to feel that
admirers of Suki – The Cat and wish the market is actually dog centric
to travel the world like her. with just a few things available for
cats. But, with so many emerging
I FEEL EACH ONE OF brands and local businesses up on
US IS BLESSED AS WE Instagram, now we have quite a lot
HAvE THEM IN OUR of options for cats as well and this
LIvES. NOBODY IN makes me happy!
THIS ENTIRE UNIvERSE
CAN UNDERSTAND any MeSSage yOu wiSh
tO COnvey tO Other Pet
EMOTIONS BETTER ParentS.
THAN ANIMALS. I feel each one of us is blessed as we

have them in our lives. Nobody in
have yOu gOt OSCar this entire universe can understand
regiStereD with fCi? emotions better than animals.
why DO yOu thinK thiS iS With most of us going through an
iMPOrtant? emotional turmoil and losing hopes
Yes, Oscar is FCI registered. Getting on life, I believe these little fur balls
pets registered is very important as are just a stress buster. Enjoy each
the process provides you with an and every moment with these li’l
ownership certificate. Also, if you cuties, as when times passes, these
have international travel plans, these will become memories to cherish on
documents are a must and they for lifetime.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 17

My PET MY STORY
















By Just Dogs


ets tend to become a part of
your family; they even become
Pyour children or siblings.
Taking care of your pet and thinking
of their needs while planning
anything in your life, effectively turns
you into a pet parent. Jaimin and
Alka definitely think so! They are the
proud parents of 7 cats, one of which
they adopted during pandemic!

Both Alka and Jaimin have loved
animals since childhood. Alka states
that her mother never went to her
friends’ house to look for her; she
would always look first where all – currently at 7 beautiful cats, they most intuitive, as she comforts Alka
stray dogs would be, Alka was sure are very pleased with their situation. whenever she feels low.
to be there! “I actually got my first cat “Our cats feel like our children. This is
through a friend, who already had exactly what we’ve always wanted!” “It’s been over 11 years, and we still
two cats. My friend was going to have are not planning on having children;
children in the house soon, so she Jaimin and Alka have also converted as our cats are our babies, why
asked me to take one cat for myself. many of their friends into pet parents, would we need any more? We are
The rest is history”. Since then, for when their pets have had kittens – completely satisfied as pet parents;
Jaimin and Alka have had many cats their friends adopted the furry babies. we love taking care of them. If there
A total of 28 kittens have been born, is any happiness, any excitement in
and their friends and family members this house, it’s because of our darling
WE ARE have adopted all of them. “We are one cats. Once you get a pet, your life
COMPLETELY big cat group! Cats are so loving, and shines brighter”. Even if you do have
not very high-maintenance, so they
children, growing up with pets in the
SATISFIED AS PET make for perfect companions”. Alka house changes them. They become
PARENTS; WE LOvE claims that her house is now ruled more patient, loving, caring, and
TAKING CARE OF by the cats, as there are more felines responsible as they grow up, because
THEM. IF THERE IS than humans. Jaimin and Alka have they grow up caring for another living
ANY HAPPINESS, one Indian breed, one Persian cat, and being. Pets change you for the better,
ANY ExCITEMENT five mixed breeds, all of which are and mould you into upstanding
IN THIS HOUSE, IT’S playful and loving. Their Indian breed members of society.
cat is the queen of the household, as
BECAUSE OF OUR she is the most royal-like and is the Keep your eyes open for new uplifting
DARLING CATS. bossiest of them all! She also is the stories every month!


18 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

LET'S GET POETIC www.creature-companions.in


Misunderstood Tails



& Their Love




By Neelima Sadanand



They said “they aren’t affectionate beings,
Their love is only for food it seems.
Getting a dog would be so much better.”
How could I explain to them, they hadn't met her!



Billie Jean, name inspired by the song,
Came home tiny with a meow not very strong,
Week 1, she kept MOM #1 awake all night with her banter,
But by the morning, all mom wanted to do was pamper.



Week 2, I (MOM #2) was more than ready to take her on,
And yes that meant she was sprinting and bouncing – 0 yawns,
But nobody tells you how divine it feels,
When at the end of the night, a kitten chooses to sleep between your
heels. She would run to the door to greet us after work,
She would demand attention even if it meant sitting on our laptops
while we couch surfed,
She would melt every house guest’s heart,
And in them, a love for cats she would start.


As she grew, she was more queen less cat,
Long gone were the days of her hiding, us panicking and finding her
under a hat,
She knew she had us all wrapped around the finger,
Wherever we travelled, memories of her little paws would linger.



So the next time you consider a cat,
(Of course they have a say in choosing you back),
Know that they can love and heal,

With a purr & tail whisk
Your heart they can and will steal!

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 19

and fleas are the forerunners in
causing itching and pruritus and
consequently leading to dermatitis.
These ectoparasites dwell on the
skin or the fur regions and feed on
the blood of the host. Fleas bites and
DITCH THE ITCH – CANINE sucks blood while ticks attach to
one point. Nevertheless, both these
ATOPIC DERMATITIS FAQ GUIDE parasites are extremely irritating
to the skin of the pets and causes
inflammation.
By Tanvi Shendye
hOw tO DiagnOSe thiS
cratches, Itches, and the hell 1. Bacterial Disease COnDitiOn?
of hair loss, there often comes There are N number of bacterias It’s a pretty simple task if you start
Sa moment when your pet is that reside on the surface of our ruling out the probable causes one by
really irritated and tired of scratching skin, and they’re majorly harmless. one.
because something on their skin (or They’re known as commensals (they 1. Rule out food allergies
maybe inside) keeps bothering them. do not cause any damage to the Your vet will guide you the best about
Is your pet annoyed and itchy? Does skin) however In conditions such this. They will ask you questions
it have constant irritation on the as allergies/Hypothyroidism or flea such as your pet’s food history and
skin? Why is this happening, what’s allergy the immune system gets if milk/meat/wheat is causing the
wrong? Let’s find out! In this mini- triggered and reacts with normal irritation.
FAQ guide, we will share with you the skin flora and hence hypersensitivity
causes, effects, and treatment of this occurs. 2. Rule out ectoparasites
vicious cycle of skin irritation. Also In immuno-deficient or If your pet has fleas or ticks that
what iS thiS COnDitiOn compromised pets, bacterial could be one of the prime reasons
for pruritus and itching. The fleas
CaLLeD? infection occurs concurrently with have the nature of biting the skin
Atopic Dermatitis is a kind of skin fungal or yeast infection. of animals and sucking blood while
disease wherein your pet has flares 2. Fungal or Yeast Infection ticks have the nature of attachment
and periods of constant irritation. Due to low immunity, fungal and sucking blood. Both of which
They scratch their bodies with their organisms have the ability to attack are seriously annoying to pets and
paw vigorously as if something’s normal skin and hence cause can lead to further infection and
bothering them endlessly. More often infection and the same goes for yeast dermatitis.
than not, it is an allergic reaction to as well.
allergens (outside particles). Allergy More often than not, mixed infection 3. Rule out other ectoparasites
can be due to food or environmental is seen. i.e. bacterial and fungal both Demodex, Sarcoptes are mites that
pollutants or dust mites. Dermatitis organisms are present triggering burrow under the skin and cause
means Derm – Skin, and itis – itching and skin allergy. massive damage. The condition
inflammation, Dermatitis hence is they cause is called “Mange” and
an inflammation of the skin. The 3. Allergies depending upon the causative agent
inflammation is due to allergens or Due to some food allergies or they’re referred to as Demodectic
bacterias or fungus or due to trauma non-specific allergies such as air Mange or Sarcoptic Mange.
caused to the skin by constant pollutants or dust mites, dogs may Your vet will perform a skin scrapping
scratch bites, etc. Also, it could be get itchy and get dermatitis. exam to check out the causative
because of parasites such as ticks For example, some dogs may not organism under the microscope.
fleas and mites. tolerate wheat and hence if given 4. Microscopic examination
But what eXaCtLy CauSeS ‘Rotis’ or flatbread made out of wheat, To find out if the infection is due to
thiS COnDitiOn? they start showing Fur loss or itching. fungal or yeast organisms, skim
The reasons are many, we have 4. Fleas and Ticks. scrapping is again very essential to
shortlisted the main ones for you. The most dreaded parasites, ticks, check out if it’s a fungus or mites that

20 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

Advertorial



are leading to the skin infection and Due to the infection, and again due 2. Oral medications
dermatitis. to scratching, fur loss is observed. Certain corticosteroid drugs are also
what are the SignS tO watCh And hence you can evidently see effective against itching.
Out fOr? the redness of the skin along with

If you wonder what exactly is wrong excessive loss of fur and scaly
with my pet, and if they have atopic appearance of skin.
Dermatitis or not, watch out for the 5. Smell
signs! Sometimes, the skin which is
Most signs develop secondary to affected by this infection will start to
self-trauma (excessive itching) and/ smell. Reason? Bacterial and Fungal
or due to the presence of secondary overgrowth and infection.
bacterial infections.
These organisms when affecting the
1. Constant itching and scratching. skin cause damage to the skin and
You can’t find any reason why your off-odors start emanating from the
pet keeps scratching it’s ears or skin. skin.
They keep on scratching their paws Homeopathic Veterinary Medicine
or their ears or their abdominal 6. Papules Along with the conventional route of
region. They often bite the sites of Due to infection, the area can appear medication, our product DERMISULE
irritation. This causes aggravation of swollen (a little bulgy). It is a small, for pets is the best remedy for
the condition. raised, and tender bulge in the skin.
It may or may not be painful. Yes, it is dogs suffering from different skin
Where do they scratch exactly? due to excessive irritation to the skin conditions like eczema, allergies,
• Ear Pinna layer. rashes, lesions with hair loss,
• Armpit area (front legs) redness, dry, scaly, pus, or bloody
• Ventral Abdomen. It’s interesting to note that certain discharge. Specific or general lesions
• They try to bite their back or breeds are predisposed to Atopic or spots as in Mange disease can also
chest area Dermatitis. Few examples are – be improved.
• Groin area Boxers, Lab Retrievers. Lhasa Dermatitis is a really awful condition
• Thighs and legs Apso, Shih Tzu, Dalmatian, Golden that causes havoc in the lives of pets,
• Elbow or Carpal joints Retriever but it’s easily manageable if caught
• Paws hOw tO treat? what iS the early on.
2. They’re constantly irritated treatMent PrOtOCOL fOr Do not delay if your pet shows
They keep on biting their own skin atOPiC DerMatitiS? symptoms of excessive itching or fur
and as if something’s constantly The treatment of Dermatitis usually loss or redness. It’s easily treatable
bothering them. takes a few weeks to a few months with conventional medicine and
depending upon the severity of the
3. Redness of skin our amazing product DERMISULE,
Due to itching, scratching, and biting condition. The smaller or local lesion which manages the skin conditions
the skin gets inflamed and hence will take a few weeks or even days very effectively and efficiently.
the skin appears reddish. This is to get cured however generalized Quick action is necessary for quickly
due to excessive mechanical trauma lesions will take a lot more time! treating the skin issue. Dermisule is
caused by constant scratching the Patience is the key. effective in the apt management of
skin surface. Sometimes due to biting 1. Medicated baths and shampoos skin conditions. It’s important to note
own skin too, redness is seen. Again, Certain medicinal shampoos that skin diseases and disorders can
this could be because of trauma or containing Benzyl Benzoate or quickly spread throughout the body.
because of infectious agents. Ketoconazole etc. are effective With patience and vigilance, you as
4. Loss of fur against various infectious organisms. a pet owner can manage this disease
Fur loss is evident as you start These drugs in the shampoo act on with ease.
observing a lot of fur lying on the the skin surface and work effectively Let’s Ditch the itch with our product
ground or on your sofa or bed. against the microorganisms causing Dermisule, the medicine which
the skin disorder. works wonders like a fuel!

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 21

PET CARE




Bichon








Frise













GROOMING

AT HOME























By Yashwini Shetty*



ichon Frise is a cheerful, USE DETANGLING your dog lots of attention and love,
small dog breed with a love of SPRAY; IT CAN HELP you’ll get it back tenfold from an
Bmischief and a lot of love to EASE OUT ANY adoring Bichon. The Bichon Frise is
give. With its black eyes and fluffy known as a ‘high maintenance’ dog
white coat, a Bichon looks almost TANGLES WITHOUT breed. Their grooming might look
like a soft toy. They are super playful CAUSING YOUR DOG complicated, but we’ve got lots of tips
and intelligent, and even novice pet ANY DISCOMFORT. and tricks to help your dog look fab
parents and apartment dwellers BEGIN WITH A COMB with less effort!
will get along great with these dogs. OR SLICKER BRUSH.
However, they do need plenty of TEACH YOUR DOG TO Bichon Frise is just one of those dog
playtime and activity, and they don’t breeds you can’t help but love! In fact,
care for being left alone at home for LIE DOWN ON ONE SIDE a Bichon Frise named ‘Flynn’ recently
long hours of a day. If you can give DURING BRUSHING. surprised the world by achieving top

22 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

www.creature-companions.in




honours at the West Minister Dog give your dog a bath, this is a good
Show, beating 3000 other dogs. time after you have done your initial
brushing to remove tangles. Once
tyPe Of fur you have washed and dried your
A Bichon Frise has a very soft coat dog then do another comb through
with a velvet feel. This dog breed to catch any tangles that may have
was nicknamed as ‘Powder-puff’. formed during bathing and drying.
Their full adult coat is double layered; Then you can use a pin brush to fluff
these two layers give the coat its the fur and add finishing touches.
soft velvety texture. A properly Brushing distributes natural oils,
groomed and healthy Bichon coat leaving a shiny, healthy coat.
will naturally spring back when you
touch it. tOOLS requireD fOr
BruShing
when anD hOw Often tO • Detangling spray
grOOM • Comb
For adult dogs, give a brushing at • Slicker Brush
home at least two to three times per Yashwini Shetty with her dog Tank, who won the • Pin Brush
Indian Grand Championship last year
week and preferably daily. In addition
to at-home brushing, you should also This gives you the option of brushing hairCut
take your Bichon for a professional hair upwards away from the skin. A classic show clip should follow the
grooming every two to three weeks. This is more comfortable and less lines of the dog’s body. Head should
For owners who don’t have time at likely to cause skin problems. It is be trimmed in a rounded shape
home – should schedule weekly also a more relaxing position for but left long so as to showcase this
professional grooming to keep the fur dogs. Use a comb or slicker brush that breed’s ‘powder-puff’ appeal. The
free of tangles and mats for a healthy can reach down through both layers moustache, beard tail, and ear areas
skin. of fur to gently remove trapped shed can also be left longer. Hair inside the
hair. You may brush the body region inner ear and between the paw pads
hOw tO grOOM first and then move on to finer areas can be clipped for health reason; it
Your Bichon Frise will need two where mat and tangles are more is a tricky job, so it is advisable to
types of regular coat care – regular likely (legs, tail, face). If you want to visit professional groomer and not
maintenance brushing and full attempt this at home, unless you are
grooming every one week. Full well trained for the same. The only
grooming includes a bath, ear time a Bichon Frise should ever be
cleaning, teeth cleaning and gland shaved is when its coat has become
squeezing, nail trimming, and coat tangled or matted; otherwise the hair
trimming; it would take care of the should always be left at a medium
whole dog. For full grooming, it length even clip.
is advisable to take your dog to a
professional groomer. Hope this timely guide to basic
brushing and grooming your Bichon
reguLar MaintenanCe frise at home has been helpful!
BruShing at hOMe
To start with, use a detangling spray;
it can help ease out any tangles * Author is an internationally certified pet stylist and
has been grooming for over 2 years. She can style
without causing your dog any all breeds of dogs and cats! She has a pet salon
discomfort. Begin with a comb or and store named ‘Pet Grooming Tales’ at Goregaon
slicker brush. Teach your dog to lie east. She can be reached at her Instagram handle
@pet.grooming.tales and on Facebook you can
down on one side during brushing. follow her page @petgroomingtales.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 23

PET CARE




THE DOG Breeder: Things like selecting right parents, going

through the routine of de-worming and vaccinating
CARE SERIES the mother before conception of puppies, looking at the
genetics of parents, etc. – a breeder will look after and
take care of these things. A breeder will also select which

HOw ANd wHEN SHOuLd puppy to sell to whom and how much to set the price at.
However, it is not likely that breeders will always have a
YOu GET YOuR PuPPY litter, and they will stick to very few breeds (2 or 3 breeds
maximum). This is because breeding is a very technical
field, and breeders specialize in one or two breeds only.
By Ashish Anthony*
Kennels: Kennels would have a larger number of puppies,
some more organized than others, and they have a
proper business set up with a spacious place for breeding,
manpower, etc. Here you can find a wider variety, but
due to the large number of pets kept in one area, there
might be silent carriers or future infections. A lot of
care is typically taken, with a lot of hygiene procedures
enforced, but when large number of pets are together, this
is unavoidable.


Pet Shops: In India, most pet shops will only act as a go-
between, and will try to get you the kind of pet you are
looking for and are willing to pay for. They will get you
what you want at a slightly higher price, so that you can
avoid the hassle of doing all the checks yourself.

(P.S. There are good as well as not-so-good people in
all these categories, and in every trade. You need to do
a background check regarding reputations before you
decide who you should deal with, irrespective of the
source).

SeLeCting yOur PuPPy
When selecting a puppy, be careful! All puppies look
adorable; they’re cuddly and loveable, and people tend to
where ShOuLD yOu get yOur PuPPy frOM get side-tracked. People have a tendency to feel sorry or
There are many different places to get your puppy, right become protective towards some puppies, but make your
from private owners, kennels, breeders, or pet stores. choice wisely. The puppy you are bringing home will live
Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. with you for approximately the next 12–14 years. Here are
some things to look for:
Private Owners: Private owners can give you much better
information about the mother and puppies, but once you 1. Select a puppy with a glossy coat, bright eyes, and a
get the puppy, you are on your own as this will come bouncy personality.
under unorganized business. Since it is an unorganized 2. The gums ought to be pink, and not pale.
business, there are no guarantees. Also, private owners 3. Smelly ears mean infections, which a vet can take
do not go through the general breeding norms, which a care of.
reputable breeder definitely will. 4. Check for parasites like ticks.

24 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

www.creature-companions.in






5. Check if the puppy is eating and What you feed your puppy during its food as these might be missing
drinking water. puppyhood dictates its well-being from the balance if it’s not a
6. If possible, check and make sure in its adult life. Generally, puppies commercial dog food.
the puppy doesn’t have diarrhoea. are parted from their mothers once
they have been weaned from their The growth of a puppy from weaning
yOur PuPPy’S firSt Day hOMe mother’s milk. Breeders will typically to adulthood is very rapid, therefore
The first day is very important for tell you what to feed a puppy, and a concentrated vitamin and mineral
a puppy as well as you, as it can be how. They might give you a diet supplement is essential for the proper
a handful for both of you. For the chart; please stick to it unless you are skeletal development. Deficiencies
puppy, a new home is going to be experiencing troubles, in which case in the above often lead to a lot of leg
very frightening and lonely, as it’s a vet can help you out. related problems, like the collapse
your puppy’s first time away from of front legs at the wrist, or hind leg
its mother, siblings, and familiar The basic diet of a puppy will comprise issues. It is difficult for an average
surroundings. All the new faces of fat, proteins, carbohydrates, person to institute a really effective
are bound to scare the puppy. You vitamins, and minerals. These diet by using a mix of rice, vegetables,
must reassure it by giving as much ingredients can be best supplied meats, etc., and that is why most vets
company and attention as possible. through a commercial dog food, and experts advise pet parents to
For this reason alone, it is usually a which has been balanced specially always use commercially prepared
good idea to get a puppy on a Friday by a nutritionist. You can also provide and balanced diets.
or Saturday. Try to get a toy or a the same in a balanced manner
bowl from your puppy’s old place, as yourself. Here are some foods that are hOw MuCh ShOuLD yOu feeD
the familiar smell will reassure it. good to give to your puppy: yOur PuPPy?
In case your puppy keeps whining The fastest growth spurt in dogs occurs
and crying, keep a clock next to it; 1. Milk: This is a good source of between 6 weeks and 3 months, that’s
the rhythmic tick-tock noise will protein, fat, and minerals. This when you should feed your puppy in
calm it down. A bottle of warm water milk can be commercial milk spread-out intervals of 4 hours, about
under the blanket or bedsheet will replacement like Lactol, or raw 3–4 times a day. After your puppy is
also reassure it, as the warmth will goat or cow milk. This should over 6 months old, you can go down to
remind it of its mother. be mixed with water and given feeding your puppy twice a day. Create
warm. a habit in your puppy that it satisfies
Changing your puppy’s diet and food its hunger in one continuous sitting.
plan is not advisable, at least for the 2. Porridge: Porridge or Cerelac Do not let your puppy eat in bits and
first 3 days. Stick to the pre-existing (the dog variant) is a good option pieces over a prolonged time period;
routines. Do not overexert your puppy to give during winter, for it will this would help you in the long run.
while it is sleeping. Let it sleep; once increase your puppy’s weight and This will put it in the habit of eating as
your puppy wakes up, ensure that protect it from cold. soon as its bowl is filled, and to focus
someone is there to supervise in case purely on food, and not on other things
it needs to go to bathroom. Quite like 3. Chicken or Meat: Chicken or during meals.
humans, puppies are frightened of Meat from a good source is also
loud noises, so avoid making loud recommended as a part of the If you follow these tips and tricks,
noises as much as possible. If you diet, as well as eggs. You can start sharing your life with your furry best
have to leave house to run errands, off with soups that have little bits friend will be an easier and smoother
leave TV or radio on in the next room, of meat, chicken, or eggs (which process. Now, go ahead and immerse
so your puppy feels like someone is you can crack into the soup itself). yourself in puppyhood, it’s the best
around, and won’t feel lonely. You can also crush eggshells, part of your puppy’s life to experience!
as these are a good source of
what ShOuLD yOu feeD yOur calcium. Be sure to add vitamins * Author is the Founder of Just Dogs, a pet retail
PuPPy? and mineral supplements to the brand in India.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 25

PET CARE




espite being in the third month of 2021 now, we college/work or that you may have a very good possibility
are still getting used to the new normal with this of moving out of the country for work in future. If it is
Dpandemic affecting everyone worldwide. One indeed on the insistence of your kids that you are getting
thing that has helped countless individuals and families a puppy, please know that you or your partner would still
during these stressful times is the company of their pets. have to remain the primary caretaker. Who would take
It has been proven scientifically that petting, cuddling, the responsibility of your pet in that case? Would you be
or even making long eye contact with our pets releases willing to take the pet with you in case of relocation? You
‘feel good’ hormones like oxytocin, serotonin etc. and also need to discuss this with your family before deciding to
helps in lowering our blood pressure. One of the benefits get a pet.
of pandemic was the work from home option available
to almost everyone. And a majority of us have taken reSearCh On the BreeD
the big step of getting a puppy during this time. Let us A lot of times, kids (and sometimes we adults too) are
take a look at the points that all prospective pet parents fixated on a particular breed. But not all breeds are suitable
need to consider before getting a puppy, be it a pandemic for all families! High energy breeds like a Labrador or a
situation or otherwise: Boxer may not be suitable for a family where the primary
caretaker is looking for a sedate pace in life. Similarly, it
LOng terM COMMitMent would be unfair to get dogs that are bred to be in severe
Pets are a long term commitment for at least 10–15 years. cold climatic conditions to live in a hot and humid place.
They would be dependent on you for their food, water, Beagle is a small breed and sometimes an obvious choice
exercise, and vet visits. Getting a pet home for an apartment dog, but a beagle pup would require
should be an informed decision and more mentally stimulating games to keep him out of
not an impulsive one! You mischief. You may consult a trainer or a behaviourist who
need to consider that can understand your family dynamics and recommend
your kids would an appropriate breed for your family. Or if there is a
e v entually specific breed of your liking then they would help you
grow up and understand that breed and what you can expect in terms
go away for of breed specific qualities and quirks, the type of exercises




Before




You Get





Your





PuPPY








By Jayel Rao*

26 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

A PET HEALTH GUIDE

MAINTAINING PET HEALTH DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK




TOGETHER, WE ARE THE HEALTH GUARDIANS IMPORTANT TO KNOW
OF OUR PETS

We all want to provide the very best health for ourselves, Human Coronaviruses belong to a family of viruses called
our families, and our pets. In these extraordinary Coronaviridae. Coronaviruses tend to be species specific.
circumstances, it is important to keep good health
practices top of mind. This means it’s ok to continue to love your pets as always.
There is no evidence showing that pets can be a source
In an effort to help you, here is practical information to of infection to other animals or humans. There is also no
foster the health and well-being of your cats and dogs, evidence that humans can infect their pets*.
now and always.

























ACTIONS TO TAKE


i Keep clean water available for i As you and your family spend more i Always practice good
your pets at all times. time at home, it is important that hygiene and proper hand
each pet receives the exercise it washing when handling
needs. Find new ways to play inside pets.
i Ensure that each pet receives – feeding puzzles and indoor toys
the nutrition that its health can help stimulate your pet’s mind i Contact your veterinarian if
needs (this is especially so and exercise its body. you have any concerns for
for pets that have a special the health of your pets.
veterinary diet). Please ensure i Make sure your dog is sufficiently
you have sufficient quantity walked outside, following
on hand and contact your government’s guidelines. When i If you need to be separated
pet nutrition supplier with walking your dog, practice ‘social from your pet for a period
any questions about product distancing’ with other people and of time, make plans for its
availability. animals. ongoing safety and care.



HEALTHY AND HAPPY TOGETHER

Scientific evidence demonstrates that pets can provide Studies have also shown that animals can act as ‘stress
tangible health benefits - physical and emotional – buffers’. They often ease the distress associated with
to their owners. Pets can help us cope during these anxiety-provoking experiences, and help decrease our
times.** perception of physical and emotional pain.**

* Source: World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
** Source: Waltham Human Animal Interaction Playbook

PET CARE




they would require, and in general, any breed that you want. Such yOur DOg iS yOur
the common ailments that the breed middlemen get you very young reSPOnSiBiLity
is prone to. This would give you a pups, separated from their mother Your dog deserves to go to various
fair idea on what to expect. Also, in a tender age of <30–35 days. A places with you. But it also means
speaking with families having the puppy should stay with its mother that they need to behave well in
breed you are looking for would help and its littermates until at least 7–8 those (public) places! Hence, training
you immensely! weeks. It helps the pup not only to your dog is your responsibility, and
get stronger but the mother dog also the training should ideally begin
aDOPt Or Buy teaches her puppy to control its biting from the day they come home and
Once you have done your research behaviour, among other things, while not 6 months later. Yes, it is true that
about the breed that would suit you it is teething. A very young puppy dogs can be trained at any stage of
the most, then comes the question is susceptible to catch air borne their life, but then if you start their
of where to get your puppy from? infection very easily. Infections like training, say 6 months later, they
There are two options – you can look Parvovirus and Distemper can be would have to unlearn a lot of things
at adoption and open your home to fatal in unvaccinated puppies that and learn them afresh. Wouldn’t it
a deserving dog or you can get your travel from the puppy mill breeder to be better if they learn it correctly the
puppy from a breeder. your home. first time?

If you are looking for adoption, do I would like to reiterate my point A couple of points to keep in mind
consult a behaviourist who can that getting a pup should not be an while training are:
help you do temperament testing. impulsive decision. These days most
A temperament testing would help pet parents from a housing complex • Whether you train them or hire
in understanding if the dog would are connected on WhatsApp groups. a professional, please do not use
do well in your family environment. Make that your starting point. punitive methods or let anyone
For e.g., if a dog gets stressed in the Connect with as many pet parents use them on your dog.
company of kids then it wouldn’t as you can. Ask them where did • A reward based training works
adjust well in a family with young they get their pups from and their wonderfully.
children but can blossom in a family experiences? You should also speak • Your puppy should look forward
with grown up kids or only adults. with as many breeders as possible. to the training sessions and not
Similarly, a dog who loves human Good breeders would be the ones be scared of the trainer.
company would not do well to be who would ask you a lot of questions. • An effective trainer would
sent to a farm house where owners They would want their puppies to go actually train you and your family
visit only occasionally. Once you to good families. A good breeder may to train your dog.
have decided to go ahead with not have a litter readily available but • Use these training sessions and
adoption and the puppy/dog comes it would be worth waiting for a pup the daily walk & play routines to
home, get a trainer/behaviourist on from them. A good breeder would create a bond with your dog.
board to help the dog adjust well in have a litter from a healthy male
new environment and also to help and female, both having an even Your puppy is going to be a very
you understand your dog so that the temperament. Many common breed integral part of your family, hence,
transition is smooth for everyone. specific ailments are genetically take all the above points into
transferred. For e.g., large breed dogs consideration and be sure that your
Let us look at the other option now. like German Shepherd, Rottweiler, decision is not just based on your
As a general rule, I would advise Labrador, Golden Retriever etc. current situation but also keeping in
against going to a pet shop. They are generally predisposed to Hip mind the upcoming 10–15 years of
source extremely young puppies Dysplasia at later stages in their your life.
from puppy mills where female dogs life. It can severely affect the quality
are bred continuously in inhuman of a puppy’s life if it is genetically * Author is a Chartered Accountant by profession
conditions. Avoid agents who say inherited and the symptoms start and a Certified Canine Trainer from Mumbai. She’s
trained under Shirin Merchant, pioneer of positive
that they can get you a puppy of showing in a young puppy. reinforcement training in India.

28 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA









FELINE CARE www.creature-companions.in








































Stepping in For


Orphaned and abandOned

KITTenS











By Dr. Reeja George P.*


ittle kittens come into this happens, the cat mom could have the cat mom will keep or lose her
world with their eyes and behavioural problems that stand in kittens. The instances of cat owners
Lears all snugly closed, totally the way of her caring for her kittens, abandoning new born kittens have
oblivious to the cacophony of a or she may not be able to produce become painfully common. As a
wide range of sounds, as the world enough milk for them and in cases responsible, humane pet owner
goes about, bustling with its busy of a difficult birthing, she may not one should remember that if you
life. The early days are crucial to be able to respond to the needs of didn’t want kittens, in the first
their survival, for which they rely her kittens. In very unfortunate place, you should have spayed your
heavily on their mother for all instances, we may even lose the cat cat. Throwing helpless kittens into
important warmth and of course mom. Of late, humans have made streets is cruel and one of the most
an unending source of valuable cat a rude entry into life cycle of a cat, inhumane ways of responding to
milk. But sometimes, the inevitable sometimes deciding on whether such a situation.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 33

FELINE CARE




100oF). In case a kitten feels cold,
you should immediately wrap her in
two to three layers of towel and place
her on a heating pad turning her over
every five minutes till she responds.
You should also rub her well in
between. If she fails to respond
within twenty minutes, take her to
the vet. Never attempt to feed an
unresponsive kitten. Small bottles
filled with hot water and wrapped in
a towel can also be placed near the
kittens. However you should change
the bottles regularly.

72 F or 22 C. The orphaned kittens feeDing OrPhaneD KittenS
o
o
KITTENS SHOULD should be kept in a box, wrapped in Cow and goat milk contain higher
IDEALLY BE FED ON two to three layers of towels with a amounts of lactose and hence
STERNAL RECUMBENCY large blanket on top. In case you are not recommended for kittens.
OR LYING ON THEIR live in area with very harsh winters Orphaned kittens should ideally be
fed kitten milk replacers. Generally
where temperatures go very low,
BELLY WHILE you may also have to use a good kittens are bottle fed with special
ALLOWING THE KITTEN quality heating pad for pets. Heat is neonatal bottles with much smaller
TO PUSH OFF WITH very important for young kittens up nipples than that used for human
ITS FRONT LEGS AS IT to four weeks of age. The room in babies. Nipples on such bottles come
WOULD HAvE PUSHED which you keep the kittens should without a hole. Make a hole with a hot
AGAINST ITS MOTHER also be free from draughts or cold needle so that the hole is just large
WHILE SUCKLING. winds and you could warm it with enough to allow milk to slowly drip
a room heater. Be careful with the
out of the bottle when held bottom
bedding and check it regularly for up. A smaller hole would tire the
Coming back to our subject, in all dampness. Change damp bedding kitten and a larger one would lead
such instances where kittens lose immediately. Touch the kittens and to aspiration of milk. Kittens should
their moms, it is imperative that a pet check if they are warm (their ideal ideally be fed on sternal recumbency
parent steps in and dons the garb of temperature is between 98.6 and or lying on their belly while allowing
a human cat mom. It is admittedly the kitten to push off with its front
a daunting task – there is no doubt legs as it would have pushed against
about that – but it is also a very its mother while suckling. The nipple
rewarding one! You will need to do should be placed straight into the
your homework, and in case you mouth and not tilted and the kitten’s
need any help, your vet could advise neck should not be over stretched.
you.
For the first 24–48 hours, each kitten
warMth would need around 1ml of milk
The most important issue for a just per hour. You could increase this
born kitten is, besides milk, warmth. amount by 0.5ml per feed, each day,
Without its mother’s warmth, it is till she consumes a maximum of 7ml
doomed to hypothermia. It is very per feed at the end of the first week.
important to keep the room in which She needs between 1–7 ml, per feed,
you keep kittens, at not less than in the first week. Generally newborns

34
34 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol . XIV • Issue 3 • No I d A
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www.creature-companions.in


have to be fed nine to twelve times a for temperature before being fed to CLeaning, grOOMing,
day, which works out to ‘a feed every kittens. vaCCinatiOnS, anD
two hours’. As they grow up, this DewOrMing
frequency tends to decline. By the There is a homemade kitten milk Each feeding session should
second week, kittens would require replacer called the Hoskin’s formula, be followed by a grooming one! Give
nine feeds a day and each feed being which is a mixture of 90ml of them a full body, once-over, wipe
between 7–9ml. You could slowly condensed milk, 90ml of water, 120ml with a barely damp cloth. Make
introduce a gruel mix from the third of plain yogurt (not low fat) and 3–4 short stokes to mimic the cat mom’s
week onwards, 3 times a day along small egg yolks that could be fed to grooming style. Besides keeping
with the bottle feed. At three weeks, kittens in case it is difficult to get a their fur clean, this procedure also is
she would continue to require nine commercial preparation. Homemade a quick lesson for a kitten, on how to
feeds a day of 10ml milk replacer milk replacers are associated with groom. Rubbing them this way also
per feed. By four weeks, they should slower kitten growth rates and hence makes them feel wanted, giving them
be given around 4–5 bottle feeds a it is generally recommended that you the mothering attention that they
day along with 4–5 feeds of gruel as use a commercially available formula need. Kittens rescued from streets
well. And by 7 weeks, they can be rather than a homemade one. should be wiped extra well and their
placed exclusively on solid food. If ears should also be checked for tell
she is well fed, her stomach would MOnitOring weight gain tale signs of ear mites. Check their
have a rounded appearance. Be very Regular monitoring of the weight bodies as well for fleas, for which
careful not to over feed her. The milk gain of kittens is important to know your vet will give you proper sprays.
replacer should always be fed at if feeding is adequate. Orphaned They should be given medicine for
maternal body temperature of 38.6oC neonates should be weighed twice worms and be vaccinated as per
or 101.5oF; a drop placed on the back a day for the first two weeks. the schedule that your vet would be
of your palm should feel slightly Generally the kitten would double happy to share with you.
warmer than your skin. Directions on its weight by the end of the first
a commercially available kitten milk week and thereafter gain 1–2gm of tOiLet training Of OrPhan
replacer have to be followed carefully. their anticipated adult weight, each KittenS
day. By the end of the first week, For the first three weeks of life, kittens
All feeding equipment should be she would weigh between 100 and rely on their mother’s rubs to urinate
washed thoroughly and air dried. 200gm, increasing to 200–300gm in and defecate. In case of orphaned
Formula should be mixed only in the second week, 300–360gm in the kittens, you will have to help in by
the required amount, preferably third week, 320–420gm in the fourth wiping the anogenital region with
to last for a maximum of 24–48 week, 400–500gm in the fifth week, a warm wet cotton ball just before a
hours. Any unused formula should 450–500gm in the sixth week and by feed. Generally kittens are quick to
be refrigerated and then warmed by the seventh week she should weigh respond to such wipes and will void
placing it in hot water and tested between 500 and 700gm. a couple of medium yellow coloured
stools in a day. Normal kitten urine
should be pale yellow or clear. Watch
out for dark yellow or orange coloured
urine; this could be a sign that you
are not feeding her enough. In such
situations, increase the frequency of
feeding and not the amount per feed.





* The author is Associate Professor, Department
of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension,
College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,
Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences
University, Thrissur, Kerala 680 651

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 35

FELINE MATTER




hile scrolling through
social media sites, every
Wperson has thought at least
once, “Maybe I should get a cat”. And
at times, people go through with
that idea, and get themselves a cute,
cuddly feline. However, research is
always important when it comes to
bringing a cat into your life, and there
are a few things that you should
keep in mind once you become a cat
owner.

aSK yOurSeLf if yOu are
reaDy fOr the reSPOnSiBiLity
Getting a pet is a big responsibility,
and is a long-term commitment. A
cat lives up to 16 years on an average,
so you have to prepare yourself to
make adjustments in your plans,
keeping your cat in mind the whole
time. If you think you would be able
to afford all the costs and give the
attention required, only then should
you get a cat.





PLAYING WITH YOUR
CAT IS A GREAT WAY
TO KEEP IT HEALTHY,
AND THE MEMORIES
YOU MAKE TOGETHER THINGS TO
WHILE PLAYING ARE
PRICELESS. KNOw BEFORE
GETTING A





MaKe Sure yOu Create a Cat- NEw CAT
frienDLy envirOnMent
Cats are very playful animals;
however, new places tend to scare By Poorvi Anthony*
them. Be patient and make a gradual
introduction to the new place. Add
bars to your windows and balcony
if you live in an apartment building,
to prevent the cat from accidently

36 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

www.creature-companions.in


slipping and falling down. Cats are
curious and rambunctious in nature,
and can easily get stuck in drawers
and washing machines. It would
be wise to keep such doors shut, so
as to prevent such accidents from
occurring. Get a cat bed or crate to
create a special corner for your cat.

Buy the neCeSSitieS in
aDvanCe
Be prepared! It’s always a good idea
to buy the basic necessities your
cat will need, before you bring your priceless. To start off, buy a variety Maintain rOutine heaLth
furball home. Items like a scratching of toys to burn your cat’s energy and CheCK-uPS
post (so the cat doesn’t scratch all to make strong bonds. Toys are a To make sure your fur baby lives a
your carpets and furniture), litter box great way to get your cat to trust you long, healthy, and happy life, regular
(so that you can start potty training and become comfortable with you. health check-ups are vital. Keeping
immediately), food and water bowls, Moving toys are an easy way to keep your cat up-to-date with vaccinations
a bed, cat food, and a few toys should it entertained, and bring out your and grooming (trimming claws,
already be in your house before your cat’s natural hunting instincts. full body spa, etc.) should become
new cat arrives. a part of your routine. Precaution is
Learn hOw tO grOOM always better than cure, so visit your
Note: Some cats may take time to yOur Cat veterinarian regularly to make sure
transition to new food, so introduce Cats are naturally very clean animals, everything is perfectly fine.
it gradually to avoid your cat from but even they need to bathe every
falling sick. Most food packages 4–6 weeks. Use products that are Now that you have some primary
come with a feeding guide that specifically made for cats, as they have information to start off with, go
should be followed. mild and neutral pH. As cats tend to ahead and shower your new furball
hate water, you can use products like with love and attention!
get a variety Of tOyS fOr waterless cat shampoo. Make sure to
yOur Cat brush your cat regularly to keep their
Playing with your cat is a great way skin healthy and coat shiny.
to keep it healthy, and the memories * Author is the co-founder of Just Dogs, a pet retail
you make together while playing are Finally, last but not the least: brand in India.

























MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 37

BIrdWaTchING


Spring Is Here!


How Do we Know?




It ‘Calls’ Out To You… Let's Listen!


By Yaman Gogia*
Green Bee-Eater

n my home city, Gurugram, of insects, bees, and butterflies to our green Bee-eater
around this time – in the hugely populated cities. What in turn A common Asian bird also found in
Ibeginning of March, while a lot also come as welcome guests with Africa and the Sub-Saharan region –
of us look forward to long drives these visitors are creatures we envy this one is seasonal and as the name
and morning runs, and walk without a lot because they (or at least most suggests, it survives on insects such
fear of extreme cold winds slapping of them) defy the laws of gravity by as bees, flies etc. March, April are
our face or the fog blurring our flying. usually the months when you will
vision, one thing that most of us do see this long-tailed friend with a
not look forward to is the soaring I don’t know what the meteorological beautiful combination of blue, green
temperatures during daytime. department has to say about the body and dark red eyes. Its trap-like
forecast for next week or month in beak allows it to capture insects and
Unless you are in hills and closer to terms of climate but one thing I can flies mid-air and hence, you would
the Himalayas, the concept of spring assure is that you can catch some of rarely see it on the ground.
is something we get to experience my favourite ‘creature companions’
only in romantic poetry or in modern as you take those leisurely morning THE SPRING SEASON
day context, we get to witness it on strolls or jogs in parks at the break of
Instagram when people go to Japan dawn and hear them whisper in their IS AS BEAUTIFUL
like places and post their Cherry language of sweet bird calls: ‘Spring AS WE IMAGINE IT
Blossom pictures from there. Does is here!’ TO BE! WE TEND TO
that mean we don’t have spring? FORGET THAT BIRDS
While it is true that our spring may So let's meet these beaked and AND INSECTS ARE AS
be short and we go from winter to feathered guests that come to visit us MUCH A PART OF THE
summer in a much shorter span of as the fruits start to ripen and the sun SEASON AS TREES
time as compared to the western gets brighter each day.
countries, it would be inappropriate AND FLOWERS.
to say that we don’t have spring at all!
Nature still gives us enough evidence hOOPOeS
to be blessed with the change we Often confused with woodpecker by
can experience in colours (of leaves, some, this one you can particularly
grass, and even birds as some are in see resting and looking for a fresh
full plumage around this time), sights meal, starting April–May, on fresh
(resident birds come back home for dewy grass while you are on your
breeding), and sounds (bird calls, morning walk. I refer to him as the
crickets) in our surroundings that Johnny Bravo bird because of its
feel very different and put the ‘spring’ appearance which resembles the
back in our feet. popular hairdo of the animated
Hoopoes character. Like its other spring peers,
Spring doesn’t just invite new this too feeds on insects but the
flowers but also new fruits and lots ones that reside on leaves and fruits.

38 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

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Hence, the ripened fruits and leaves Purple Sunbird
that fall on the floor are its favourite
hunting ground.

PurPLe SunBirD
This one welcomes the spring
and warmth of the Sun like none
other and what a treat it is to the
eyes, fluttering away almost like a
butterfly! Very aptly named, Sunbirds
are in full plumage around this time
as they start to breed in spring. So,
while you might see this bird during white-thrOateD KingfiSher White-Throated Kingfisher
the winter months or at other times in The breeding season of this multi-
the year, it will not be quite purple but coloured bird starts in March and
rather of a dull black/brown shade. goes on almost until the monsoon
This pattern is similar to what you months. Amongst its other friends
see in Hummingbirds. In fact, their of the Kingfisher family, this is
breeding, nesting, and fruit picking the most common one! Hence, its
patterns are also comparable to that visibility during these months in
of Hummingbirds. Hence, as the big cities is becoming less rare. Do
breeding season begins, you will see consider yourself lucky if you spot
this little one in dark, leathery purple this one near your house but do not
and black shade, gorging away on be completely shocked when after
its pickings and hovering from one a sudden shower, during your walk
branch to another to feed itself and in a green patch, you see this little
its little ones. With regard to its prey, superstar looking for a sumptuous
it is akin to the Bee Eater feeding on meal of worms and centipedes.
small insects and flies, and hence, In fact, without breeding these birds,
it has a similar looking beak while The spring season is as beautiful as these fruits will go to a complete
it also sucks in nectar straight from we imagine it to be! We tend to forget waste and there will be no insects
flowers. Next time you are walking that birds and insects are as much a coming near trees, hence, leaving
under a fully flowered tree, do look up part of the season as trees and flowers. the cycle incomplete. And, after all,
– this one might give you a little peek there must be a reason why nature
and show off a bit. Brown-Headed Barbet is designed in such a way that not all
fruits can be consumed by humans.
BrOwn-heaDeD BarBet So let’s cherish and welcome these
While being slightly bigger and friends as they enjoy the sweetness
louder than its peers, this one is of the spring and warmth of the sun,
perhaps more vegetarian than the which brings more life and creates
others featured here. The Brown- more joy all around us!
Headed Barbet has a wedge-shaped
mouth and a chewing process that
helps it in ingesting fruits just like * Author is an advertising professional living in
we do. Where there are berries and Gurgaon, working with a digital marketing firm as
a senior consultant. A student at heart, when he is
mangoes, you can hope to find this not busy taking calls and meetings with his clients,
one! Although chances are that by he likes to take off and drive around or simply go
the time you spot it, it will be gone, for a bicycle ride to spot birds, amphibians or
reptiles on extended weekends in an attempt to
being more shy than others. learn about these mysterious creatures.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 39

aQua



























SETTING UP A ‘BETTA’ TANK







B ETT A F IS h D ESE r v ES B ETTE r!



By Shahu Sardar*

etta fish, one of the coolest fish Creating envirOnMent
around – they are hardy, look For setting up a betta tank, start with
Breally cool, and make one of gravel. Gravel should be soft and not
the best fish pets! But their extreme hard big sized pebbles and never put
hardy nature and ability to adapt to brightly coloured or neon coloured
various conditions have led them to pebbles in the tank.
really sad conditions in the aquarium
hobby. Everybody knows that bettas You can either go for artificial plants
are seen as fish that can be kept in or live ones. Bettas like both, live
bowls or in any other water body and plantation as well as artificial plants,
can be fed anything. But, actually, so the choice is yours. If you are
betta fish also do need care and better setting up artificial plants, make sure
tanks to grow and remain healthy. So they have blunt ends so that they
I am going to guide you to setup a don’t injure the betta fins. Live plants prolonged periods as that may cause
perfect betta tank. work best with bettas and also there stress. I also suggest a lid for the tank,
is less chance of injury to them. Go as bettas have a natural tendency of
tanK for broad leafed plants with lots of jumping out. If your betta thinks his
First of all, never get a fish bowl for spots to hide. Also keep some empty tank is not good, he will definitely
a fish – your betta will only suffer place to swim and play. Add caves jump out.
and die. Get a minimum 18–20litre and tunnels, because bettas love cozy
glass tank. The tank should be square places to sleep. Also you can keep a water ParaMeterS
or rectangular and not circular. small mirror in the corner, which pH: 6–7
Remember to wash the tank once would be of great excitement for Temperature: 24–28C
with only water. your betta. But never keep mirror for Hardness: 5–20dGH

40 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

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fiLter bettas, it can lead to stress! Bettas • Should have no deformities
Bettas don’t produce much waste, wake up and play when you turn on like missing eye, torn fins, and
still a simple hang-on back filter is lights, and go to sleep when lights are abnormal swimming patterns.
recommended. Also, if your filter has switched off. So follow a day night
flow controller, keep it at least power, schedule for light in the tank. tanK MateS
because bettas live in still water so Bettas cannot be kept with many
the water flow should always be Setting uP the tanK species because of their territorial
gentle. Sponge filters also work great • First of all, rinse all decorations, and aggressive behaviour. Bettas can
for bettas due to their slow currents. plants, and gravel with normal be housed with short-finned small
water to get rid of small dust species like tetras, barbs, and guppies.
Without a filter you will have particles and other materials. But always have a second tank ready
ammonia accumulation, which • Add gravel and setup plants. Plan as you never know when your betta
would lead to sickness. the placement of plants according can get extremely territorial killing
to the environment discussed all the others.
above.
• Install your heater and filter. feeDing the Betta
• Once you are done with it, Bettas are not fussy eaters and
slowly fill it with water and add will eat whatever you give them.
some Dechlorinator and water But mostly prefer carnivorous diet.
disinfectant. Also, their diet should be varied for
• Switch on your light, filter, and optimum health. Common diet for
heater, and start cycling. bettas includes – bloodworms, brine
• To do this, just add some food shrimp, and betta pellets.
pellets in the tank and leave it
for 15 days. This helps to buildup Feed sparingly, 2 times a day. Just
good bacteria in the tank. put enough food that it can complete
• When cycling is over (after 15 within 15 minutes.
days), you can add your Betta fish.
Bettas can make really great pets
ChOOSing the right Betta and are just perfect for beginners and
heater fiSh children. They need proper care and
Bettas are tropical fish, so heater There are good chances that betta best life as any other pet. Stop anyone
is a must. Keep temperature from fish in the store is ill, this is because from keeping bettas in fish bowls! If
24–28C. Remember, cold water they don’t treat bettas well. They are proper care is taken by following the
will kill your betta. It will slow their generally kept in small plastic cups steps given above, your betta can live
immune system and lead to death. or small pouches that are almost for 3–5 years. Perform 20% water
Heaters primarily keep constant the same size as the fish! So this is change every week to
temperature in the tank, which helps how you choose a healthy and happy keep the environment
in maintaining good metabolism. betta: healthy.

OXygen PuMP • Bright colouration, bright eyes,
Bettas don’t really need air pumps and no dullness.
because they can breathe oxygen • Should be active. If they have kept * Author is one of the youngest Fish keeping
from water surface. But make sure it in a small pouch or glass, ask hobbyists and enthusiasts from Pune, Maharashtra.
your tank is well ventilated. them to put it in a tank for some He has been in this hobby from the age of 10
and has really learnt a lot about freshwater fish
time, to see if the betta is really keeping. He also runs his own fish keeping blog
Lighting active. named AquaNation (www.aquanationURL.blogspot.
Many people keep their tank light • Should flare his fins when he sees com), where you can find all fish tank maintenance
related articles. Also, soon he is going to start a
running for the whole day… but with other betta or you. You Tube channel of his own.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 41

NGo























ANIMALS AND




COEXISTENCE




A RoAd We desiRe










By Gopika Nair and Deeksha Garg*


he founding principal of Delhi. Acknowledging the patriarchal
Enactus MLNC has always mindset in the communities, we
Tbeen animal welfare. We trained these women to manufacture
accept as true the idea that it is various dog accessories like collars,
our responsibility to look over leashes, dog sweaters and rope toys.
all aspects of animal well-being Helping the underprivileged women
including feeding, sheltering, disease to acquire a skill set and earn a
prevention and treatment, and livelihood through the same became
overall care of the animals. From the one of the objectives that Project
very starting, we are trying our best Parivartan aims to fulfill. The team
to bring about a positive change in members provided these women not
the human–animal bond and our only training but also raw materials to
founding projects, Project Parivartan start the manufacturing of products.
and Project DESI, cater to that very Soon after the manufacturing of
goal. these products started, we launched
a brand called BeDesi, where our
Project Parivartan was initiated back exclusive line of dog accessories,
in 2014, where we collaborated with which provides customers with
6 underprivileged women residing in an array of options and designs
the Chanakyapuri community of New to choose from, made by these

42 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

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underprivileged women are sold. dogs, it is a home to more than 30
We also started collaborating and million strays, and they are often
established partnership with various seen being mistreated by people.
offline and online stores to further Till today, animals are treated in an
extend sales of these products. Now, inhumane manner by large sections
7 years later, these women are still of people in the country. In a country
working with us and have earned the where some animals are given as
badge of ‘Entrepreneurs’. much respect as gods, others are
thrown from buildings, ran over, and
As a part of our revenue from selling tortured in various ways for apparent
the dog accessories goes to these fun. Through Project DESI, we intend
wonderful women, they have become to curb issues like overpopulation of
financially independent and bring in stray dogs, rabies, aggressiveness in
a share for their households as well. dogs and much more. Till now, we
Since then, the list of products that have got more than 130 dogs sterilized
are sold has grown substantially; we and immunized successfully by
have successfully launched a variety conducting regular drives. Project
of 15 plus pet product lines. DESI also works majorly towards
education and awareness of people
Enactus MLNC started another regarding human–animal welfare,
project in 2014 called Project DESI as we believe that knowledge
for animal welfare. DESI stands for and awareness are the keys to a
Duty to Empathize, Sterilize, and greater change! We have effectively
Immunize the stray dogs of Delhi. educated and made aware over
India has a huge population of stray 120000 people on serious issues like








































MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 43

NGo






rabies, dog bites, and overall human–
animal welfare. Recently, Project
DESI achieved a huge milestone in
the form of a very generous donation
from The Pollination Project, which
is a USA based funding organization.
With their help, we are able to get
more and more dogs sterilized in
Delhi NCR.


As the pandemic became a greater
and only cause of various deadly
issues such as unemployment,
increased death rates etc., the virus cohesive work for society, the world
was also affecting those who didn’t can be made a better place. Her
have a voice. Losing their only source religious hard work and exceptional
of getting food, many stray animals leadership qualities have brought the
were subjected to starvation and THE DESI CLUB ALSO association together to accomplish
death caused by the same. They were WORKS TOWARDS so much for the society and achieve
further mistreated because of various landmark goals for all the projects.
rumours, which stated that the RESCUING THEM AND She has been the backbone of
virus could be transmitted through GETTING STRAY INDIE Enactus MLNC through thick and
animals. Such rumours further led DOGS ADOPTED. SO thins we faced and a major source
to many families abandoning their FAR, WE HAvE GOT 26 of inspiration for our 75 plus team
dogs in middle of nowhere. We could HOMELESS INDIE DOGS members.
not keep quiet seeing the extent up ADOPTED AND OvER 10
to which animals suffered and we ANIMALS RESCUED. For each and every member of
realized that the campus animals Enactus MLNC, animal welfare holds
were neglected the most. We met Ms. great deal of importance. Project
Maneka Gandhi to discuss this grave the way its animals are treated.” We, Parivartan and Project DESI have
issue and a remedy to the same. at Enactus MLNC, believe and live by worked conscientiously towards
In collaboration with People For this motto. Our aim is to create a safe betterment of human–animal
Animals (PFA), India’s largest animal environment for stray animals by relation; we have come a long way
welfare organization, we came up awakening a sense of responsibility since we started and have achieved
with an idea of DESI Club, which and sensitivity amongst people for so much more than we could have
fulfills the empathy part of Project these animals. ever imagined. But this success
DESI. DESI Club is a volunteer-based hasn’t put a stop on the work we do,
service curated for feeding of dogs in Under the guidance of Ms. Lakshita rather it has made us more ambitious
and around college campuses along Shee, President of Enactus MLNC, and has driven us to set new and
with creating a safe environment we have achieved great success for bigger goals and work relentlessly
for the voiceless. The DESI Club also all the projects under Enactus MLNC. towards the achievement of those.
works towards rescuing them and Lakshita is a 3rd year B.Com student
getting stray indie dogs adopted. So of Motilal Nehru College. She became * Gopika Nair, a second year student pursuing
far, we have got 26 homeless indie a part of Enactus in her 2nd year B.A. Programme, is the Content Head at Enactus
dogs adopted and over 10 animals and quickly rose through ranks to MLNC. She works for Project Parivartan and the
rescued. Mahatma Gandhi once said become the president. She stands for Marketing Department.
that “The greatness of a nation and all the ideologies that Enactus MLNC Deeksha Garg, from 2nd year English Hons., works
primarily for Project Prabhakshay and is also a
its moral progress can be judged by works for and believes that through part of Marketing Department of Enactus MLNC.

44 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

adoPT ME PLEASE! www.creature-companions.in





Why

To Buy,


i! My name is Jigna Hiten and While
I'm the one behind Rainbow homeless
HAnimal Aid, the very first &
only registered Not-For-Profit Animal Die!
Charity working for the betterment of
street animals in Diu, a remote island
near Gujarat.

More about our work for street
animals and NGO details will be
up on the next edition of Creature
Companion Magazine.

For now, I'm sharing a few of my
hand raised rescued foster babies
who are in desperate need of ‘Forever
Homes’ anywhere in India and
abroad because ‘Why to buy while
homeless die!’

To Adopt or for more details on any
of them, feel free to send us an email
on [email protected]
or contact us via our Social Media
platforms – details are at the end of
the article.We have various Dogs/
Pups/Cats & Kittens in need of good Luigi DuMBO
homes. If you are above 20 years of • Age: 5-6 months • Age: 5-6 months
age and if you feel, you are capable of • Gender: Male (Neutered) • Gender: Male (Non-Neutered)
15+ years of commitment, send us an • Breed: Sudh Desi Indian Breed • Breed: Sudh Desi Indian Breed
email on rainbowanimalaid@gmail.
com • Vaccinated, Dewormed & • Vaccinated, Dewormed &
Healthy Healthy

For adoption of any kid from us – • No resources guardian or • No resources guardian or
Potential Adopter has to agree for aggression agression
House Check, Legal Adoption Form • Good with other dogs, cats, kids • Good with other dogs, cats, kids
Criteria, Family Meeting, Mandatory & adults & adults
Sterilization (if not done by us), and • Speciality: Hypothermia & • Speciality: Parvo-Virus Survivor
Surprise Visits. No Bargaining in any Dehydration Survivor • Cuddle bug. He loves to be petted
of this will be encouraged. Also, emails • He loves to be petted but under and is just a perfect couch
asking for free breed pups and kittens his limits. He still has a way to partner. He just has abundant of
will be immediately removed. Being go but he's full of love if given love and kisses for you.
a proud Indian, open up your homes proper time and training.
and hearts for our fellow Indies!

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 45

adoPT ME PLEASE!
























DittO yuMiKO nanny
• Age: 5-6 months • Age: 5-6 months • Age: 5-6 months
• Gender: Male (Non-Neutered) • Gender: Feale (Non-Spayed) • Gender: Feale (Non-Spayed)
• Breed: Sudh Desi Indian Breed • Breed: Sudh Desi Indian Breed • Breed: Sudh Desi Indian Breed
• Vaccinated, Dewormed & • Vaccinated, Dewormed & • Vaccinated, Dewormed &
Healthy Healthy Healthy
• No resources guardian or • No resources guardian or • No resources guardian or
agression agression agression
• Good with other dogs, cats, kids • Good with other dogs, cats, kids • Good with other dogs, cats, kids
& adults & adults & adults
• Speciality: Serious Head Injury • Speciality: Naughty, immature, • Speciality: Mature
Survivor childish baby girl Understanding Personality like a
• Cuddle bug. He loves to be petted • Cuddle bug. She loves to be human girl
and is just a perfect couch petted and won't get tired of • Cuddle bug. She loves to be
partner. He just has abundant of belly rubs and is just a perfect petted and is just a perfect
love and kisses for you. couch partner. She just has couch partner. She just has
abundant of love and kisses for abundant of love and kisses for
you. She'll roll over and over for you. She's acts like that mature
a treat. best friend of yours and will
listen to your complaints and
arguments endlessly without
BenefitS Of aDOPting an passing any judgements.
inDie KiD:
• They are made for Indian weather There's nothing wrong in adopting a
and unlike Pedigree Breeds, they breed animal as there are abundant
don’t need much maintenance pedigree adults available in NGO's &
or care, be it winter, summer or shelters waiting for homes since years Adopt Don't Shop!
monsoon. but buying a pup from a backyard
• They have high Immune System, breeder or a pet shop that makes mon- Adopt an Indie!
which makes them very less prone ey out of lives is unethical because the
to infections and diseases because one in need, is the best breed. Follow us on:
their ancestors had been on roads Email: rainbowanimalaid@gmail.
and are built of strong bones. Pets are like family members – you com
• They deserve homes more than cannot buy but can only adopt one! Instagram: @rainbow_animal_aid
breeders and pet shops need your Facebook: Rainbow Animal Aid
money! Why to buy, while homeless die! You Tube: Rainbow Animal Aid

46 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

PET PHOTOGRAPHY www.creature-companions.in





Let’s Foray
Into the FIeLd oFPet





Photography




By Priyanka Paul*



et photography is an art where
we aim to capture the soul of
Ppets and the beauty of their
goofy, crazy world!

It comes as a surprise to many that
pet photography is a profession
and is gaining popularity. However,
this is not new for pet owners. Pet
owners have always tried to capture
the right moments with their pets
and have countless pictures of them
stored on their phone or computer.
But, quantity does not always equal
quality and they are left unsatisfied.
This need to capture the perfect
fun-filled moments with their pets
has resulted in the increase in pet
photography services. In my opinion,
it is better to have a small collection
of creatively captured pet photos that
showcases the true personality of
pets.

Another factor that has played an
important part in the growth of
this profession is the bond between
pets and their parents (not owners).
Pets are no more being treated as
guard animals or a status symbol,
but are seen as a part of the family.
Rather, they are family! Pet parents
understand that they deserve love,
attention, and care just like humans.
This is clearly evident on social
media platforms where people not

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 47

PET PHOTOGRAPHY




photography service. The idea came sat down, cuddled, and played with
from a simple, yet beautiful incident them. As I stood there watching her,
that I witnessed on a normal sunny I was overwhelmed by her actions,
day. As I was taking my regular the joy she was spreading, and the
evening walks, I happened to notice happy wagging tails. This was their
a woman at a distance who stepped moment and they were living it to the
down from her vehicle with a large fullest. Though I couldn’t capture that
bucket. All the strays began to special scene, it still remains close to
gather around her. Curious, I walked my heart. I knew then, that if I had
a little faster to understand what to do something with my camera it
she was trying to do. As I reached would be to capture moments that
a little closer, I saw her filling food spoke a thousand words, just like
into bowls from the bucket she the scene I witnessed. Ever since,
carried. She gently placed one bowl I’ve been capturing the beautiful
for each dog and waited until they moments of pets and cherishing
licked their bowls clean. She then every memory.




TO BUILD THESE
SKILLS, ONE REqUIRES
only have their personal accounts A GREAT AMOUNT OF
but also pet accounts. Pet parents CREATIvITY, THE ABILITY
want to showcase their love for their TO vISUALIzE THE NExT
fur buddies in every possible way, be ACTION OR REACTION
it celebrating birthdays, ‘gotcha’ days
or just a picnic experience. Pets are OF THE PET AND TO BE
constantly doing something that is READY.
photo worthy – even when they’re
being naughty, and the need to
capture these priceless expressions
has created a place for professional
pet photography in people’s lives.

DOwn the MeMOry Lane
While I was aware of the growing
demand for pet photographers,
the decision to take it up as a
profession was not pre-planned or
even something I thought I would be
doing in the long run. Photography
was my passion and I have always
felt that it is more about pictures that
narrate stories. Being a product and
fashion photographer for 2 years,
I have always felt lack of emotion
and inspiration. It was during this
time that I found my reason to
start OneShutterMoment as a pet

48 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA

www.creature-companions.in




wet nOSeS, fanning taiLS, education in the field of photography
anD DrOOLy KiSSeS – a new provides knowledge about the
eXPerienCe everDay technical skills required, the creative
The experience and process experimenting with different props,
of starting a new venture has angles, and frames is what brings
surprisingly been a smooth sail for reality into each picture! It is the
me. The reason is definitely the love constant trial and error, the ongoing
I have for animals, which makes effort for improvement, and practice
work seem more of a fun experience. that is required to make a mark in
Every pet has a personality of its this fast growing field of service.
own. Some are goofy, some are Although there are no specifically
energetic and outgoing, while others curated educational courses for
might be silent and loving. Despite upcoming pet photographers, one
their varying traits, all pets spread can attend various workshops and
love and happiness. The wet noses, events organized by established
their fanning tails, and drooly kisses photographers. These events help to
understand the requirements of pet
photography, to gain an insight into
the personalities of pets and how to
deal with them. There are creative
workshops that inspire young minds
to provoke their imagination and
create art with photography.

Bright future
Even with the minimum exposure
the center of attraction. While it is given to pet photography as a
essential to ensure the pets’ comfort profession in terms of educational
when there are new faces and bright resources and the general lack
lights being focused on them, it is of awareness among people, it is
our responsibility to not miss the slowly gaining popularity among
perfect emotion or expression that the millennial pet parents who
captures their quirky personality. want to celebrate their pets and
are what I look forward to. It’s not This explains that it is not just the create an unforgettable experience.
about waking up to go to work – importance of photography skills but The increasing interest in pet
OneShutterMoment is about waking also the vision behind each photo photography can be partially credited
up to new experiences every day! shoot; to understand the character to social media that is encouraging
of each pet, the requirement of pet youth and the experienced alike to
viSiOn BehinD the CaMera parents, and the beautification of a foray into this field and establish
Being a pet photographer has its wonderful moment – plays a vital themselves. By looking at increasing
perks but the amount of time and role in this profession. pet adoptions and ownerships, it can
energy that has to be invested in be concluded that the future prospect
the process to capture that ‘one Creative eXPeriMenting of pet photography is bright.
in a million’ moment that would – Creating art with
otherwise slip away is the key PhOtOgraPhy * Author is the founder of OneShutterMoment.
element. An immense amount of To build these skills, one requires a Her passion for photography and love for pets
planning and patience is required great amount of creativity, the ability has been her source of inspiration to begin a
while allowing pets to adjust in new to visualize the next action or reaction professional pet photography service. She began
OneShutterMoment in the year 2020 while she was
environment where they are being of the pet and to be ready. While working as a product and fashion photographer.

MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA | Creature Companion 49

TraVEL dIARIES


A ‘JOEY’ RIDE DURING



PANDEMIC







By Mriganka Chandra*


ravelling with a two-
month-old puppy is such
Ta tough row to hoe and
on top of that travelling from
one state to another during a
pandemic – this is what made
my heart beat a million times
faster! I had prior experience of
travelling with my Rottweiler,
but my golden retriever puppy,
Joey, was nothing like him. The
pandemic had already made
life exceedingly complicated
with unbound constraints, fear,
and uncertainty.

One fine evening, came the scary,
sudden order of dad’s posting
from Mhow in Madhya Pradesh to travel along with carrying
Jamnagar in Gujarat. I was already our food. The anxiety was crippling.
overwhelmed by dealing with my come across anyone justifying their
2-month-old over-energetic and Our journey started with me being name as my doggo. He lives to eat
pampered golden retriever and to thoroughly packed with much more and chew on anything edible. With
add on to my stress levels, I began stuff of Joey than my own. Being this, I come to our first milestone.
dreading the 14-hour road journey as little as he was, in the beginning, Travelling in times of a nationwide
with 7 people and one pup in a car, he settled with me on the last seat lockdown, we had to eat our meals in
topped with the distress of following but constantly kept hopping from the vehicle itself. Joey would not let
all the covid-19 protocols considering backseat to the front one until he was anyone of us eat peacefully; he would
that 3rd lockdown was in action. bored enough to eventually snooze keep barking and jumping on the
off in my arms. person who had food like a greedy
My preparations for our journey little monkey. Regardless of Corona,
began one week in advance, I have severe motion sickness, which we had to take breaks to bring Joey
beginning with veterinary visits increases when I am sitting on the down; he, being a two-month-old
to make sure Joey was ready to last seat of an SUV but Oh! Things one puppy – how long could one expect
embark on his very first road journey. does as a mom – ‘Baby dog before self' him to hold his business?
Fortunately, making him relaxed in was definitely my motto! Joey was
the car was a cakewalk as he loved named after the character of Matt Moving onto our second milestone,
being there. We had to take limited LeBlanc in ‘Friends’ and trust me, though Joey was fond of being in
halts, ensure social distancing, and my fellow pet parents, I have never the car, he was quite alarmed by the

50 Creature Companion | MARCH 2021 • Vol. XIV • Issue 3 • NoIdA


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