Creature Companion

ISSN 0976 - 4801

Edited, Printed, Published & Owned by
Linda Brady Hawke Dear Readers,
Published from
L.B. Associates (Pvt) Ltd ‘Unconditional love’, as they say, is rare to find! But we have a storehouse of

B-4/148C, Safdarjung Enclave it; anyone who has loved and owned a pet knows that a pet can be a source of
New Delhi - 110029 enormous comfort and undemanding companionship. It is probably this quality
Website: www.lbassociates.com of unconditional acceptance that sets pets apart from humans. We have been
Email: [email protected] juggling with ebb and flow of life during this lockdown, so have our pets. Looking

Websites: www.creature-companions.in on the positive side, we got an opportunity to spend enough time with them and
www.lbassociates.com
compensate for all those times when we were not available for them. In addition
to spending time, we can look after them the way we could never do before. Taking
Printed at care of pets not only means to keeping them healthy, but keeping them hygienic
JJ Imprints Pvt. Ltd. too. Hygiene is an inevitable part of their grooming. Good grooming is about more
A-24, Sector-68, Noida 201301 than just having a pretty pet. Our writer, Leisha Motwani, a pet groomer herself,
GB Nagar UP, India
beautifully explains this concept and puts forth insightful tips how you can groom
Patron your pet at home.
Varindra Sewak There can hardly be any more joyfully optimistic moments in life than the day you
Contributors bring home a new pet. Your new bundle of fl uff will add a new dimension to the
Leisha Motwani household, helping you to see your home in new ways. While welcoming a new pet

Dr. Freya Javeri Kharawala into your home is exciting, it can also be a little daunting at first, especially for fi rst-
Ipsita Sarkar time pet parents. Our columnist Ketan Panchal makes an effort to list down a few
Minal Kavishwar breeds of dogs, explaining their characteristics, which are suitable for fi rst-time
Ketan Panchal pet parents. We also have Dr. Irfan, a cat enthusiast, sharing important things that
Dr. Irfan Ahmed you need to keep in mind while bringing home a kitten.
Rajiv Sharma
Raising a pet is a two-fold phenomenon – one from the point of view of pet parents
Editor and the other from pet care business owners’ perspective. Pet parents face a lot

Priyanka Kaushal of challenges while getting to know their pet’s needs and figuring out ways they

[email protected] can fulfil them. Pet care business owners’ are no different. They also encounter
difficulties while trying to understand the needs and demands of pet parents and

Director Marketing & Content their growing pets. In this edition, we attempt to lay before you both the perspectives.
Binoy Sahee
[email protected] Sakshi and Tejwinder, founders of ‘Freshwoof’, a pet food manufacturing startup,
, p
y,
share their experience with us. Similarly, Hamsika and Sairam, pet
Yash Malhotra parents of our ‘Pet of the Month’, Zara, share excerpts from their life of
ara, share excerpts from their life of
[email protected] being first-time pet parents.

Mobile: +91 9911787926
The question is not, ‘Can they reason?’
Jeremy Bentham has rightly said, “The question is not, ‘Can they reason?’
suffer?”. In the present edition, we
Subscription nor, ‘Can they talk? but ‘Can they suffer?”. In the present edition, we
[email protected] try to ponder upon this question. Extending empathy, compassion,
Extending empathy, compassion,
and kindness to all living beings is what Stray Relief and Animal
s what Stray Relief and Animal
Legal Consultant

actively contributes to. Ipsita
Roopa Somasundaran Welfare, a non-profit organization actively contributes to. Ipsita
Sarkar, in her article, gives us a glimpse of the role STRAW is
limpse of the role STRAW is
Design & Layout playing in furthering this cause.
Atul Kumar
We also feature an engrossing narrative by Minal Kavishwar
rrative by Minal Kavishwar
sharing her journey of being the founder of Animal Angels
founder of Animal Angels
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions Foundation and exceptional work done by the latter, an article
one by the latter, an article
expressed in Creature Companion are solely by our aqua columnist, Rajiv Sharma sharing his insights
arma sharing his insights
those of the authors and do not necessarily on fish keeping, and a synopsis of the Indian Pet Industry

the Indian Pet Industry
refl ect those of the editors or publisher. Dialogues conducted on pet product manufacture
duct manufacture
Although all efforts have be en made to ensure by small business owners and opportunities
opportunities
the complete accuracy of text, neither the prevailing in feline market in India.
editors nor publisher can accept responsibility
for consequences arising from errors or Happy Reading!
omissions or any opinions or advice given.
also fi nd us on IIPTF & Creature Companion
www.facebook.com/CreatureCompanionMagazine
www.facebook.com/IIPTF



ISSN 0976 - 4801





JUNE 2020







22
























22- Summer Skin Woes



24- Compassion
Straw’s Compassionate Classrooms




28- My Four Footed Co-Therapists

8- News &
Happennings 32- Pet Keeping
Which Breed Is Suitable For First-Time

Pet Parents?
14- Pet of the
Month

Zara-The retriever


18- Pet Care

Pet Care & Grooming
Under Lockdown

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

JUNE 2020



34













38






34- Feline Matter 44- Indian Pet Industry
Bringing Home A Kitten: Things Dialogue

You Need to Know Pet Product Manufacture by Small
Business Owners
38- Industry Speak
FRESHWOOF 46- Feline Market in India: A Purrfect
Business Opportunity

42- Aqua

Serpae Tetra

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 7

News International



Animal Welfare Group Feeds Stray
Animals in Bali after Decline in Tourism PetSafe Launches
Leaves Them Hungry New Fountain for Pets


etSafe Brand has launched a new
Ppet fountain as an addition to its
existing Drinkwell range and has titled
it as the PetSafe Drinkwell Butterfl y Pet
Fountain. The new fountain includes
a 1.5 litre capacity, which makes the
product suitable for use for both cats
and small dogs. An elegant feature is its
butterfly topper, an optional decorative

element that produces four free-falling
streams. The topper can be removed
to offer a quiet and bubbly fl ow. The
water is kept clean with a carbon
he outbreak of Covid-19 husks and kernels of corn. The filter that helps remove bad taste and

Tpandemic has left animals in program consists of two teams odours while its foam filters pick on

Bali, Indonesia starving without of full-time feeders who will be hair and debris. In case the power on
food. The pandemic led to the doing this for three and a half the fountain fails, an elevated drinking
suspension of tourism in many months. As of now, feeders have tray still retains water. It is made up of
parts of the world. However, Four been working for three weeks BPA-free plastic along with an easy-
Paws, a global animal welfare and have fed nutritious meals to to-clean surface. While speaking to
group and the Bali Animal Welfare the strays. The team’s presence Pet Gazette, Rob Steele, marketing
Association have joined hands on the ground has also had the manager at PetSafe said that they are
to feed the strays who previously unintended additional benefi t of constantly innovating in their health
relied on the tourism industry for providing medical care to animals and wellness category and designing
food. At present, most of the stray that need it, as well as protecting products keeping the comfort of pets
animals have been forced to eat street dogs from being taken in to in mind.
minimal food, scraps like dried the dog meat trade.



Stella & Chewy’s Brings New Products to Market


Stella & Chewy’s recently introduced new dog and cat products, line extensions and new
ingredients to its offerings. They have introduced ‘Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust for cats’
and have added bacon, pumpkin, and quinoa to some of their most popular dog products.
Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust for cats is available in cage-free chicken and wild-caught
salmon with cage-free chicken. The meal topper comes in an ‘easy-to-pour’ spout seven-
ounce bag. Bacon has been added to both the Wild Weenie’s and Dog Magical Dust lines.
Pumpkin and Quinoa have been added to the salmon, beef, duck, lamb, and chicken
Raw Coated Baked and the Raw Coated Blend Kibble and Wholesome Grains lines. They
are available in 3.5- and 22-pound bags. Another new addition is Marie’s Mix-Ins, which
can be served as a treat or topper to a dog’s meal. It includes real, whole muscle meat
in nutrient-rich bone broth and has turmeric added for joint support. Marie’s Mix-Ins is
100 percent human-grade, responsibly sourced animal proteins, and is free from grains,
gluten, peas, and lentils. Flavors include beef, chicken, salmon, and turkey. All include
pumpkin as a primary ingredient and are available in 5.5-ounce packages.


8 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA

www.creature-companions.in



eTailPet Brings pendent pet retailers to ‘quickly and The UK Kennel
E-Commerce easily’ set up an online store and of- Club Partners
fer their customers a vast number of
Solutions to products with a few clicks of a but- with Online

Canadian Retailers tons. This will prove to be a sigh of
relief for pet retailers in Canada that
are struggling to compete with the Vet Joii to

eTailPet and Pan Pacific Pet, a pet dis- big-box stores and large online com- Help Pets
tributor with warehouses in British petition. An online presence gives in-
Columbia and Alberta, Canada, have dependent retailers options for their
formed a partnership to help bring customers to connect with them in a
e-commerce solutions to independ- variety of ways and conveniently get he UK's largest organization
ent Canadian pet retailers. eTailPet’s the products they need for their four- Tdedicated to the welfare
e-commerce platform allows inde- legged family members. of dogs, The Kennel Club, has
announced a partnership with
online vet, Joii, to ensure that pet
owners get access to veterinary
RSPCA NSW on the Road with New care from home when they
Emergency Response Infrastructure need it. Joii that have vets and
nurses across the country has
partnered with The Kennel Club
organization also acquired two to offer members their fi rst video
animal transport trailers, to consultation with a vet, for free.
carry injured animals, and two Pet owners who will sign up to
community outreach vehicles, the Joii app will be able to enter a
which will provide immediate code after registering their details,
animal welfare assistance and which then waives the usual cost
education across the state. of £20 for vet video consultation.
RSPCA NSW staff, including The first app from multi-award

the Inspectorate, will be better winning R&D company, Vet-AI,
equipped to immediately Joii features a free and industry-
SPCA NSW’s new Animal Welfare respond to calls for help with leading symptom checker, free
RResponse Unit is making its way the acquisition of emergency video calls with vet nurses, video
down the NSW south coast this week communication equipment consultations with vets, a range
to revisit communities affected by the including satellite phones, disaster of health clinics with veterinary

recent bushfire crisis. Launched in PPE such as breathing apparatuses, specialists and behaviourists, and
Braidwood on 1 June 2020, the mobile and other vital equipment. The 48 hour delivery on treatment
unit is checking in at some of the commitment to invest in future and medication. The service
129 bushfire affected communities emergency management comes is available 24/7, 365 days a

RSPCA NSW provided assistance to, in addition to the $1.3 million that year. It has a 4.9 rating on Trust
including Batemans Bay, Moruya, RSPCA NSW provided in immediate Pilot. Founded by entrepreneur
Cobargo, and Eden, before making its aid to bushfi re-affected communities Paul Hallett and renowned
way inland to Cooma and Goulburn. during the unprecedented bushfi re veterinarians Robert Dawson
The state-of-the-art mobile crisis this year. RSPCA NSW is also and Sarah Warren, Joii has also
command centre, procured from committing $2.4 million to a series partnered with Animal Friends Pet
the RSPCA NSW Bushfi re Appeal, of robust and long-term partnerships Insurance, which provides Joii vet
is part of the organization’s $2.6 with wildlife organizations to protect consultations, free and unlimited,
million investment in emergency and rehabilitate native animals to their dog and cat customers all
response infrastructure. The across the state. year round.



JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 9

News National




25 stray dogs Odisha to establish hospital for wild animals
poisoned to death,
animal activist the forest spread and
alleges village offi cial the elephant population
behind slaughter in the state, the offi cials
have been directed
n a shocking incident of illegal to adopt a focused
Ianimal slaughter, at least intervention approach
25 stray dogs were allegedly for the development
poisoned to death in Telangana. of elephant habitats
The gruesome incident took in Odisha. Currently,
place in Kuncharam village in the state has around
Medak district. The carcasses 14 elephant corridors
of the stray dogs were hastily and following the
buried at a dump yard on the
outskirts of the village. According meeting, it was decided
to a report in Times of India, the he Odisha government has that two more corridors should be
matter became public after an Tdecided to set up a hospital to developed – Similipal-Hadgarh
animal activist shot a video of treat wild animals. This veterinary and Barunai-Nuagada. To prevent
the dog bodies being dumped hospital will be situated in the the increasing number of elephant
into a pit with an earthmover. Chandka forest area close to the injuries in road accidents, three
The animal activist identifi ed as state capital. This decision was more NH 55 underpasses are in the
Deeksha Deshpande alleged that taken during a state-level meeting pipeline in Dhenkanal, Redhakhol,
the village sarpanch was behind on ‘Elephant conservation and and Athmallik forest divisions. The
the illegal slaughter of the stray protection’. During the meeting, it meeting also aimed to intensify
dogs. Meanwhile, an NGO, People was inferred that a wildlife hospital elephant conservation in Mahanadi,
for Animals, has appealed to could help save wild animals from Mayurbhanj, and Sambalpur
district officials to take action for unnatural deaths caused by diseases elephant reserves spread over 8,509

the slaughter of the dogs. in the forest areas. Keeping in mind sq. km. area.







Bengaluru Government Grants Rs. 2.5 Crores dogs that will be inducted will be
towards State Police Dog Squad trained to do so. The Bengaluru state
government has granted Rs. 2.5 crore
City Armed Reserve police campus fund towards the upgrade of this dog

in Bengaluru gets a dog activity squad, the first project of which is
park. The city police dog squad the dog park. This will be followed
facilities are not only getting better by the induction of new canines into
but also have plans of expansion. the force, building kennels and other
Around 50 dogs will be inducted into infrastructure to train them. Mr. Rao
the squad to strengthen the force. further stated that there are plans
While speaking to the Hindu, Police to hire the services of the acclaimed
Commissioner Bhaskar Rao stated dog psychologist Amrut Hiranya.
that apart from the play area for dogs, explosives but also narcotics. There Plans are also in place to appoint
the park also comprises facilities is a requirement for more dogs to female constables as dog handlers in
to train them not only to sniff out be trained to sniff narcotics; new future.



10 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA

www.creature-companions.in




Dog with its mouth sealed by tape ‘Heads Up For Tails’
for two weeks rescued in Kerala celebrates 12 years of
success!


eads Up For Tails (HUFT), a pet
Hcare chain led by Rashi Na-
rang, was established in 2008 and
she decided to start scaling it up in
2015. Primarily, it had pet food, ac-
cessories, apparel, and grooming
products, but gradually the com-
pany started offering services such
as spas and birthday parties too.
They also have educational videos
on pet care and training. HUFT has
successfully completed its 12 years
Volunteers of People for Animal secretary for PAWS in Thrissur, told and on this occasion we have its
Welfare Services rescued a dog that The News Minute that the tape had founder Rashi Narang sharing her
had its mouth sealed with insula- almost pierced the animal's skin experience with us.
tion tape around it for two weeks in and its nasal bones were visible.
Ollur of Thrissur district. The dog The dog was taken to hospital after
has now been shifted to an animal being rescued and given antibiot- Stray dog blinded in
shelter home. According to offi - ics and is in stable condition. Ra- attack and saved after
cials, two weeks ago, the Thrissur machandran told The News Minute surgery is now ready for
unit of People for Animal Welfare that the dog seemed to be a pet as adoption in Chennai
Services (PAWS) received phone it had a collar. PAWS runs a total of
calls informing them of a dog with 11 camps and takes care of around stray dog blinded in an attack
tape wound around its mouth that 2,000 stray dogs. The organization A and saved after a fi ve-hour-
was wandering around the Ollur lo- has rescued thousands of animals, long surgery has recovered and is
cality. Detailing the dog's condition ranging from bulls to kittens, in the ready for adoption at Arumbakkam.
when it was found, Ramachandran, past seven years. From CCTV footage, police found
that it was injured after a man
attacked it with stones. He was
PetSutra successfully tracked down but was found to be
completes its 4 years mentally disturbed. He has been
moved to a psychiatric home. The
dog was rescued by the Animal
etSutra is one-stop online pet aquarium friends, which are pro- Welfare Board volunteer. When
Psupply store, where one can fi nd cured from every nook and cor- it was found, one of its eyes had
high-quality pet supplies, which ner of the world. It sells products fallen off and the other one was
helps a pet at every life-stage. Pet- of well-established worldwide decaying. It was taken to Madras
Sutra deals in wide range of dog food, brands and even has its own fl ag- Veterinary Hospital where fi ve-
supplements, treats, toys, dog acces- ship product Chewlicious – the hour-long surgery was conducted
sories etc. It was founded by Amol Yak Milk Chew & other PetSutra to remove the eyes. The volunteer
Sharma in 2016. Along with dogs and products, which are proudly In- conveyed that the dog is up for
cats, it also supplies products for oth- dian. As 2020 marks its 4th anni- adoption now and people who
er small sized pets like Rabbits, Guin- versary, its founder Amol Sharma want to take care of her can come
ea Pigs, Hamsters, Birds, and home shares his journey with us. forward and contact on 9500149181.

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 11

News National




RASHI NARANG



FOUNDER OF HUFT, ON
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING
12 YEARS...













added pet spas to offer grooming
services as well.


From the very beginning, I was clear
that our aim was to make products
that catered to the daily needs of pets
and their families. So we have stayed
closely in touch with our customers
and continue to innovate in order to
make our offerings better. A happy

and it is a joy to see that they do
eads Up For Tails was make a positive difference.
born as a tiny, home
“Hgrown business 13 years Another special milestone was
ago, inspired by my Labrador, Sara: setting up the Heads Up For Tails
This journey has been incredible – Foundation last year. This was the
We recently opened our 30th store realization of a long cherished dream
in the country. The happiest part of of mine. Through this, we hope to
this experience has been witnessing play a positive role in animal welfare
the growth of a passionate pet with the help of education and
community that is committed to building agents of change that work
doing right by our companions. for a harmonious existence between
humans and animals.
On a daily basis, we are so involved
in our work that we don’t often sit Heads Up For Tails has grown with
down and reflect on our journey. I this industry and it is now a much

do remember that when we started by-product of this commitment is busier space than it was back then.
out, the pet space barely existed and getting to know and being able to For us, it’s always about going
there were many challenges in even see so many pets grow up! It is very onwards and upwards. We are as
getting our products into retail stores. fulfilling to see the role our products committed as ever to learning,

Getting a kiosk at the Select City play in the lives of these families. experimenting, and innovating in

Mall in Delhi was our first big break! this space so that we can continue to
From there, we focused on reaching We do work incredibly hard to put provide our furry customers with the
more families by expanding and then together the best possible products best products possible!”

12 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA

www.creature-companions.in








AMOL SHARMA



FOUNDER OF PETSUTRA,
SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE ON

COMPLETING 4 YEARS…



ay 2020 was a momentous month for PetSutra but then this too shall pass, as have all the crests and
as we turned 4 years old and overtook as one troughs of the past.
“Mof the largest pet care players in terms of
monthly users, becoming India's largest inventory-led pet I feel the biggest strength of PetSutra is our team and
care e-commerce Company. Established in 2016, PetSutra an exceptional camaraderie between them, with keen
has had a roller coaster journey with immense learning interest to not only know a pet parent, but their pet as
from the highs and lows that we have been through. Our well. Apart from me and Akshay who joined PetSutra in
vision has been to provide a platform to pet parents for all 2017 as the other Director, rest of the team comprising
their pet care needs, and we have just taken the fi rst step of Chahat, Devam, Mohini, Vasu, Heena, Pallavi, Sakshi,
in this direction. A major driving force for us is to plug Bikrant, and our wonderful warehouse staff work with
the information gap in the market about quality products amazing teamwork and passion and are the true heroes
and services, and provide the right information as per of PetSutra. To sum it up, Think Pets, Think PetSutra.”
nutritional, lifestyle, and behavioural needs of pets.

Along the way, we made a lot of errors in judgment
too that I would want other pet care founders to avoid.
Prior to focusing on e-commerce, we started as a social
network and had reasonable traction but within a year
we realized that a pure play social network would imply
a hefty user acquisition cost, something a startup cannot
have. Secondly, the app had no growth hook or hack.
From my experience, I would advise not to start a pet
care social network unless you have a secret sauce; else
you would burn a hole in your pocket. And do not try to
do everything under the Sun; it is too distracting for a
consumer.

PetSutra had 188,000 user sessions in May 2020. A ‘lesson’
from e-commerce that I would like to share is that one
should not try to own the entire value chain. First perfect
a skill, either e-commerce selling, manufacturing or
importing, and there is a room enough for collaborations
with likeminded brands and manufacturers. I feel India
has tremendous growth potential for next decade at least,
and hence, we would want to build strong collaborations
with brands so that pet parents and ultimately pets get
maximum benefit. Yes, COVID-19 has been a dampener,

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 13

Pet of the Month





ZARA








THE RETRIEVER






Meet Hamsika Mani and Sairam
Santhanam, proud parents of our ‘Pet of
the Month’, Zara the retriever…. We got
an opportunity to touch base with them
and getting to know from pet parent’s
point of view, what challenges they face
while raising a pet. Here are excerpts
from their life of being fi rst-time pet
parents……





WHEN DID YOU BRING ZARA ZARA JUST LOVES HUMANS AROUND HER. SHE
IN YOUR LIFE? IS SHE YOUR WANTS TO MEET MORE PEOPLE, MORE PETS, AND
FIRST PET? ENJOY WITH THEM. WE TOOK HER TO PET FED
She is our first pet. We brought her COMPETITION. SHE WAS SIX MONTHS OLD THEN.

home on 6th April, 2018. We even
remember the date; she is so close to WE WANTED HER TO SOCIALIZE AND TO OUR
us. SURPRISE, SHE ENJOYED BEING IN THE CROWD
AND PEOPLE CHEERING FOR HER.
IS THERE ANY STORY BEHIND
THIS NAME ‘ZARA’?
The brand Zara was very captivating
for us. We observed that there was a
striking similarity between how pet
was responding and the name ‘Zara’.
Literally, Zara means something
blossoming out; her every look
blossomed happiness inside us. We
wrote different names on chits and
let her pick one. Guess what? It was
Zara.

WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GET
HER, WERE YOU LOOKING
FOR A PARTICULAR BREED OF
A DOG?

14 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA

www.creature-companions.in




Hamsika: No, we were open to underweight for a long time. Then Her skin allergies got better and now
anything. At that point of time, we we consulted a vet, and he changed it her fur coat is also better.
just needed a pet. Our families are a to Farmina N&D. Over the period, she
little orthodox and did not like pets at got bored and wanted different items DO YOU TAKE ZARA ALONG
all. Initially, even I was afraid of pets. every day. Then we started preparing WHEN YOU TRAVEL?
But, Sairam loved dogs. He took me egg rice and curd rice for her. We are Of course! Hamsika never likes to
to different dog cafes and to friends Brahmins; still we decided to get her travel without her. Our relatives
who had pets, so that I get familiar chicken. But, after some time, she restricted us from bringing in Zara.

with them first. Then we decided that got skin allergy. Veterinarian put her Moreover, we are Bharatnatayam
we are ready to have a pet now. on hypoallergenic diet. At present, dancers, so we have to travel
we give her Farmina Ultrahypo. She frequently for our shows. At such
Sairam: I remember that incident. loves to eat raw vegetables though. occasions, our friend Rohit takes
When we were in Mumbai, we had care of her. But whenever it is some
been to one of the popular cafes; there major trip, we surely took her along.
was one Golden Retriever, which got Once we had to travel from Mumbai
attached with Hamsi. It was time to Chennai, we inquired about air
to close that café, but the dog was travel; it was restricted in India. We
reluctant to leave her. Café owner were skeptical to take Zara via train
said, “The breed is fixed now”. I was being doubtful of the fact, whether


wary at first, but when I saw Hamsi she would adapt sitting at one place.
was so comfortable with that dog, we Moreover, railways had a rule that the
decided to take a Golden Retriever. person needs to be accommodative
if the pet is shouting or the dog is
WHAT IS ZARA’S DIET LIKE? barking. So finally, we decided to

WHAT DO YOU GENERALLY have a 30-hour long journey by car.
FEED HER? One of our friends agreed to take us
In her early years, we gave her along in his car, just for Zara. While
Royal Canine, but she remained travelling, we stopped by various
‘Dhabas’, where people allowed her in
with us. It was a wonderful journey.
Everybody should try travelling
with their pets. It’s an amazing
experience!

HOW DO YOU AND ZARA
SPEND TIME TOGETHER?
Zara just loves humans around her.
She wants to meet more people,
more pets, and enjoy with them. We
took her to Pet Fed Competition. She
was six months old then. We wanted
her to socialize and to our surprise,
she enjoyed being in the crowd and
people cheering for her. She wants
everybody to pamper her. At home,
we take her for walk, whenever we
are free. In Mumbai, we had space;
she would run for 5 kms a day. After
coming to Chennai, we lacked space,

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 15

Pet of the Month





but she managed to complete her Locally, sometimes we purchase accessories. They need to innovate
walk splitting it in the morning and from ‘Lovely Pets’ also. but at the same time keeping in mind
evening sessions. She needs time to budget of a common man.
run around and relax. Zara is very WHO IS YOUR VETERINARIAN
fond of scooter rides also. In games, FOR ZARA? Whenever Zara gets bored, we make
she loves playing fetch. In Mumbai, it was Dr. Mahdik. He is DIYs for her. We take a bottle, make
the best Vet there in Dombivalli. He holes in it, and put treats in it. She
DO YOU HAVE ANY never charges for normal visits and keeps rolling it to get the treats. Once
FAVOURITE PET SHOPS OR consultations. He liked Zara and was you get a pet, everything becomes
E-COMMERCE SITES FROM 24*7 available on call. an experience for you. You need to
WHERE YOU BUY PRODUCTS understand what your pet visualizes
FOR HER? In Chennai, Dr. Thanigaivel in and start being innovative.
We usually shop for her from Heads Velacheri attends to her. He is also
Up For Tails (HUFT), both in store and very nominal. He is the one who
online. Apart from that, we got her cured Zara’s skin allergies.
a few products from PetWale also.
Pawshbox is our choice for her food; DO YOU FEEL ANY GAP
it is the only place where Acana was BETWEEN WHAT YOU GET
available (Zara was on Acana diet IN MARKET AND WHAT YOU
also for sometime). We explored a LOOK FOR YOUR PET?
lot because we wanted best for her. Product selection needs to be
But majorly, we prefer HUFT for her changed for pet shops. Most of them
accessories and Pawshbox for food. have the same kind of toys and











SHE IS A SYMBOL
OF PEACE FOR
US. IN FACT, SHE
WON FAMILY
RESTRICTIONS ALSO.
WHENEVER WE ARE
ON CALL WITH OUR
PARENTS, BEFORE
DISCONNECTING,
THEY ASK ABOUT
ZARA. THIS JOURNEY
FROM “WHY
ZARA?” TO “HOW IS
ZARA?” HAS BEEN
INCREDIBLE.



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ZARA GIVES POSITIVITY. WHENEVER ZARA IS
AROUND, THERE WILL BE AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE
HAPPY AROUND HER.




well. We see their posts on social baby! Having said that, we also fi rmly
media and what they do in their believe that we should never force a
stores. It is commendable! For them, dog to become human in our lives.
responsible pet keeping comes fi rst We should give them their space.
and profit is secondary. But most When we start humanizing a dog, it

of the pet stores concentrate only gets irritated.

on profit making. Money making is
everything for them. Many of them Zara gives positivity. Whenever Zara
indulge in unethical practices as is around, there will be at least fi ve
well. people happy around her. Whenever
there is somebody who does not like
According to us, it depends upon dogs or is scared, she will fi rst make
pet parents also. People want that person comfortable enough to be
premium products for their pets. accommodative with her.
With regard to food, we have realized They start humanizing their pets.
that quality of food is very low in They mark value of a product with She is a symbol of peace for us. In
India. Whenever we had interaction its price. It is obvious that companies fact, she won family restrictions also.
with breeders and experienced pet manufacturing pet care products Whenever we are on call with our
parents, they advised us to import will focus on the kind of demand parents, before disconnecting, they
food from outside India. We can they are getting. People need to ask about Zara. This journey from
recollect one instance when we were understand what is required for their “Why Zara?” to “How is Zara?” has
in Singapore. There was one popular pets. We are of the view that one been incredible.
pet store; food from the same brand should be a responsible pet parent.
is imported to India as well. But, food People like to show off their pets MESSAGE FOR OTHER PET
delivered to our Indian market is on social media wearing different PARENTS
probably of the third or fourth quality. attractive accessories, which is Do not humanize your pets. Give
Only junk is supplied to India. We not at all required. You can pamper them their space. Focus and observe
were very disappointed that quality your pets for yourself, but when you the qualities of a particular breed
of food from the same brand differed start displaying it on social media they are having. Try to enhance those
in India and abroad. Secondly, India with more accessories, it may give a qualities, rather than doing anything
lacks variety too. In foreign countries, wrong message and people coming and everything with them.
various different varieties are from lower strata misconceive a
available as dried chicken or dried notion that they cannot afford pets. Regarding training – Instead of
beef, which are not found in India. hiring trainers at first, research and

First, pet parents need to be aware study yourself and try to give basic
DO YOU THINK BRANDS and responsible; only then comes the training to your dog yourself. There
ARE DOING ENOUGH TO role of pet care companies. will be a difference in you training
PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE PET your dog, rather than somebody else
KEEPING ALONG WITH THEIR SUMMARIZE YOUR BOND doing it. Trainers need to be kept only
PRODUCTS? WITH ZARA. for high-end obedience and agility
We have seen HUFT doing it very She is like our daughter. She is our training, not the basic one.

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 17

Pet Care




























PET CARE &

GROOMING UNDER


LOCKDOWN



By Leisha Motwani





etgascar Pet Spa was founded Grooming is a great way to bond of us have a lot of free time during
in 2011. We have 4 salons with your pet. It can be quite an this lockdown, let’s make grooming
Pacross Mumbai and provide enjoyable activity if done correctly. a part of our daily routine and try
home service too. Sharing a bond To start with, make sure your dog to get better at it while we keep our
with every pet that we groom, and is comfortable at all times. Never pets comfortable, clean, and happy.
building a connection for even the try to hold him down or take any Even though we really miss our furry
nervous ones to gradually trust us is kind of a threatening stance. You do friends, here are some tips to make
what we aim for. We are a team of pet not want a negative association to sure that pet parents do not miss us
lovers who are very passionate about grooming since it’s a very important groomers too much!!
their work and can’t wait to get to the part of their life. I’m pretty sure all
other side of this pandemic. The love the pets are very happy with their BRUSHING:
and passion for pets and wanting to parents stuck at home. Since many It is the most important step
be around them as much as I can is
what made me choose Pet Grooming
as a profession. I live with 2 cockatiel IF YOU PLAN ON CLIPPING YOUR DOG’S NAILS
birds Brat & Eva and was recently AT HOME CUT VERY NARROW SLICES AT A
adopted by an indie cat Purry. They
have brought a lot of positivity in 45-DEGREE ANGLE AND STOP BY USING YOUR
my life and I can’t wait for the day JUDGEMENT OR WHEN YOU SEE A WHITE DOT.
when a dog will complete our family. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND KEEPING STYPTIC
I consider myself and everyone who POWDER OR CORN STARCH HANDY JUST IN
has an extended furry family very CASE OF ANY BLEEDING
lucky.

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for maintaining your pet during need to be clipped once a month and PAW CARE:
lockdown and also between their it’s been one of my main worries After every walk clean their paws
regular salon appointments. Long during this lockdown. Dogs have a with pet wipes or Johnson’s baby
Haired breeds like Shihtzus, lhasas, blood vessel that runs through their wipes and while you’re at it move
maltese, and yorkies need to be nails called the ‘quick’, it’s the pink a wipe across their body as well. If
brushed twice a day and short haired line you see in the center of light they are too dirty it’s time for a good
breeds like labs, pugs, beagles, boxers nails. If you cut too close to the quick shampoo wash just for the paws and
should be brushed once a day. A it will lead to painful bleeding. If your make sure to use a blow dryer to dry
thorough brushing from head to toe dog has very long nails the quick can them fully. You can also just use a

should take about 20 mins. For a be long as well, which makes it very dry shampoo as a quick fix. In case of
long-haired breed, right brushes to tricky especially when it comes to soar or dry paw pads use paw balm,
have at home are a slicker brush, a black nails. vaseline or virgin coconut oil. Please

flea comb, and a metal comb. For a do not use any sanitizers or bleach;
short haired breed, you will need a If you plan on clipping your dog’s if you really need to disinfect their
rubber curry brush and a fl ea comb. nails at home cut very narrow slices paws you can dip them in betadine
Brushing keeps them clean and can at a 45-degree angle and stop by using solution & dry them fully. Also check
extend the bath time, which means your judgement or when you see for hair under the paws and in
less work for you. Brushing not only a white dot. I strongly recommend between the paw pads, and trim in
cleans the coat, it also facilitates keeping styptic powder or corn starch line with the paw pads. The best way
air flow all the way to the skin and handy just in case of any bleeding, to keep their paws clean and away

prevents excessive shedding. While although the best option would be to from dirt and ticks is to make them
you’re brushing, you also get to keep pay a visit to the nearest vet. When wear Dog Booties. Not all dogs like

a close eye on tick & fleas or any skin getting the nails clipped, remember wearing booties but the earlier you
issues and most importantly mats. to check the dewclaw as well that is start the easier it will be for them to
Long haired breeds can easily get at the side of the paws. We’ve had to get used to it.
their coat matted if not brushed at deal with painful experiences in the
least once a day. past where the dewclaw had curled GROOMING STATION:
up and overgrown right into the paw Consistency is very important,
It breaks my heart to hear a number pad. when it comes to grooming your pet.
of people calling us saying their pets Changing too much, like different
are matted and need urgent grooming grooming areas, will only leave them
during the lockdown. Dematting is a more stressed not knowing what to
process that puts your pet and your expect. Stick to the same bathing

groomer through a lot of stress and area and find a raised platform where
can be painful sometimes. So, brush you can keep your dog high and up
regularly with the right tools and if for blow dry and rest of the grooming.
you spot any mats use your fi ngers or This restricts their movement and
a metal comb to split them a little and gives you better control. You can
brush outwards away from the skin. use a study table or the top of your
You can also sprinkle cornstarch washing machine, your iron board
before brushing out severe mats. Run or just a regular chair. Use a lick
a metal comb to check for tiny knots pad to keep your pet distracted and
after brushing. entertained throughout the process.
Just stick the pad to the wall and add
NAILS: peanut butter or their favorite wet

It’s always better to file the nails food. This works wonders especially
instead of attempting to cut them with the dogs who are not so fond of
at home. You can order a dog nail dryer or are scared of water or simply
grinder online or just use a regular don’t like being stationed.
hooman nail filer. In most cases, nails

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 19

Pet Care





BATH: Use an anti-skid rubber mat or just it at an early age when they are
If your dog smells or is no longer lay a towel to keep them from slipping puppies. If for any reason you can’t
huggable it’s probably the time for and sliding too much. Keep cotton manage to blow dry, towel dry him
a bath. A bath should be given once balls ready to gently place in their ears well and let him dry naturally while
a week to once in ten days. Having to block water out. Place a lick pad on you brush him in a warm sheltered
said that, the frequency depends on the side wall and keep all the supplies environment.
various other factors also like breed, ready because you don’t want to end
lifestyle, length of the coat, health up running for towel or conditioner DENTAL CARE:
and skin conditions etc. Sometimes and leaving your pet unattended at Brushing their teeth daily is the ideal
even two exact same breeds have any point during grooming. Test the thing to do nonetheless even once
completely different grooming water and make sure it’s lukewarm. a week can make a difference. Use
requirements. It’s best to check Be very careful and avoid water and a toothbrush specially meant for
with your groomer or vet and fi x a shampoo from getting into their eyes, dogs as its bristles are much softer.
schedule. ears, and nose during bath. Always Likewise, dog toothpastes are also
use a mild shampoo on the face to available at pet stores. Never use
be on safe side. Thoroughly wash off human toothpaste it can hurt your
any leftover shampoo or conditioner. dog’s stomach. It might take a few days
Even a little soap left in the coat can if your dog is not already used to teeth
cause skin problems. Rinse, rinse, brushing but don’t give up and start

and when you think it’s enough rinse with using your finger if they don’t
once again. adapt to toothbrush immediately. If
your pet is uncomfortable, the other
BLOW DRY: options are to use mouth sprays,
A damp coat can lead to matting dental treats or adding mint leaves to
and skin infections, and this humid their water bowl.
climate only makes it worse. A wet
coat will immediately pick up all EAR CLEANING:
kinds of dirt and dust and other Check your dog’s ears regularly and
nasty things. Most coats that are not clean them once a month or as and
dried right after the bath will develop when they look or smell dirty. A
some moldy smell, which completely healthy amount of wax is needed to
defeats the purpose of bath. Use an lubricate and protect the ear canal, so
While keeping them clean is absorbent towel to cut short drying remember not to clean too often as it
essential, don’t bathe them too often time. Do not rub towel in different can lead to irritation. Ear cleaning
as it will take away natural oils that directions, it will only make mats and solution and ear wipes are available
protect the skin and lead to dry, fl aky tangles. Press and squeeze all over to at all pet stores. Cotton balls or gauze
skin. Do not bathe them more than allow the towel to soak up as much can be used instead of wipes. Gently
once a week unless recommended water as possible. Then use the hair massage the base of the ear after
by the vet. Use dog shampoo only dryer on low heat and keep it moving. squeezing in a few drops of solution
as human products can be harmful. Don’t concentrate the blower on one into the ears. This will help break the
If you do not have access to any dog area as it can burn the skin. While wax. Clean their ears with cotton/
shampoo you can use Johnson’s baby blow drying use your free hand to wipes wrapped around your fi nger
shampoo as a one-off. Using a dog brush through the coat, this will help without going deep into the ear
conditioner is extremely important you keep a check on the heat and canal. Please do not use ear buds. If
and I don’t mean shampoos that speed up the process at the same you see any signs of infection like

include conditioners or conditioning time. red inflamed ears, excess scratching,

shampoos as they call it. Use a proper foul odor or flaky ears do not attempt
conditioner that is meant for your Dogs do not generally like noise of to clean and consult your vet
dog’s coat. hair dryers. The key is to introduce immediately.

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SHEDDING: and facial hair, if needed. Trimming
Shedding is a natural process between the eyes can be a task. Use
and it depends on various factors ballpoint scissors, which is available
like breed, season, overall health, online, to reduce the risk factor or a
medical conditions, etc. Short-haired trimmer if your pet is used to it. Clean
breeds like pugs, labs, beagles and the eyes regularly or the eye matter
double-coated breeds like german will get collected and stick to hair
shepherds, huskies, and sometimes making it hard and pokey. Use cotton
poms shed way more as compared dipped in warm water to clean this
to long-haired breeds like shihtzus, area, comb out the dirt with a fl ea
lhasas, cockers, etc. Pet parents can comb and use Vaseline petroleum
control shedding by daily brushing jelly to keep hair from poking in case
using a rubber brush for short-haired you cannot manage to trim near the
breeds. It takes off the lose coat in eyes. You can also use a trimmer to
one place rather than shedding all clear the hair under the belly. If you
over the house. Dogs that are not are worried about the heat getting
given bath regularly and then blow coconut oil also prevent dogs from to them, there are different things
dried tend to shed more. To control being infected by ticks and fl eas. It's you can do to help with that like
shedding, pet parents can also look been known to help skin conditions giving them buttermilk or vanilla
at providing a healthy diet, keeping like hot spots, bites, stings, or itchy ice cream or a gel cooling pad or
them well hydrated, keeping a check dry skin. It adds moisture to the skin adding ice cubes to their water bowl

on medical conditions like fungal and prevents flaking. It’s edible and or surprising them with some DIY
infections, hormonal issues, and skin safe for dogs, which also makes it an frozen treats.
allergies. amazing natural toothpaste and paw
balm. It can be used as massage oil or I think a lot of pet parents will come
OIL MASSAGE: it can be added to his diet. out of this lockdown with a better
Touch works on a whole other level routine and well maintained healthy
of bonding. I think, since we have HAIRCUT: and happy pets. It’s time to reconnect

time and it benefits in so many ways, Just as you can survive this and reboot. Choose a quiet time
an oil massage could be a perfect lockdown without a haircut, your pet when you and your pet both are calm
gift to your pet. It’s therapeutic and can too!! It’s really not an emergency and relaxed. Rushing through the
can relax your pet and give you as long as you brush them well and grooming process will only make it
another opportunity to connect with avoid matting. Cutting your dog’s more stressful. Plan each grooming
your best friend. Besides this, it also hair at home isn’t a very safe thing step in advance and take frequent
stimulates blood circulation and can to do. Hygiene cut is what is more breaks, if needed. Always remember
help prevent injury and sore muscles. important so just aim to take care to reward your pet with treats and
Make sure your pet is calm and of trimming under the paws, near praise them through every tiny step.
comfortable and start with petting the anal area, between the eyes, We give great importance to playtime
before the massage. Play some soft before and after grooming, which is
music as it makes them feel more something pet parents should follow
relaxed. at home as well to make grooming a
happy memory.
Coconut oil and saffron oil are my
personal favourites. Coconut oil Stay home, stay calm. We can’t wait
has anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti- to get back to the normal world and
inflammatory, anti-septic, and anti- see our poochy pals again.

bacterial properties. When applied to
the skin, it can make hair shinier and
less prone to damage. The effects of * Author is Founder & Head Stylist at Petgascar Pet
Spa.
JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 21

Pet Care

















SUMMER





SKIN WOES



























By Dr. Freya Javeri Kharawala*


s the mercury rises, so do every six months. It may or may not nutrition for your pet and the need for
the cases of many ailments coincide with summer in your pet. dietary supplements if required.
Ain our pets. Loss of appetite, Keep a track of when your pet’s hair
digestive upsets, heat stroke, fall increases. This phase should Ticks and Fleas: Though
and dehydration are some of the not last more than a month. During ectoparasites are a problem for our
conditions we commonly see in the this time, increase the frequency of pets throughout the year, there is often

height of summers. Besides these, brushing your pet from ‘once a day’ a surge in tick and flea infestation in
there are many skin conditions that to ‘twice a day’ routine. Neglecting to summers. Whereas ticks are noticed
are more likely or are aggravated brush your dog’s coat adequately can by most of us when we groom or
in summer months. These can be lead to intense itching further causing interact with our pets, many may

prevented or controlled to a large secondary bacterial skin infections. If miss seeing fleas since they do not
extent with right precautions. shedding is excessive or prolonged, stick to the body. Look out for fl ea
it may be a sign of a nutritional dirt, which are actually fl ea faeces
Hair Shedding: It’s a common inadequacy and could indicate that that appear as small black specks
misconception that all dogs shed their your pet needs to be dewormed or on the dog’s body. Besides causing
coats every summer. All dogs will his diet needs to be changed. Consult some serious disease conditions,
go through a phase of hair shedding your veterinarian for the optimum both ticks and fl eas cause intense

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Allergies: Many dogs are sensitive to
allergens in the environment in sum-
mer months. Allergic dogs will show
intense, generalized itching and red-
dening of the skin especially after hav-
ing gone outdoors. Continuous itching
will eventually lead to secondary skin
infections. Though difficult, it’s im-

portant to try to find out what triggers

your pet’s allergies. For instance, if
you have identified that after your pet

itching, which leads to secondary walks in a particular area he comes
dermatitis. We are fortunate now to home red and itchy, avoid taking him
have so many options for tick and back there. Also consult your veteri-

flea control available in India like narian for appropriate treatment.
sprays, spot-ons, tablets etc. These
choices can often be confusing to Sun Exposure: Lighter coloured dogs
many pet owners and hence it is and smooth-coated breeds are more
always recommended to take advice prone to sunburn. This appears as red
of your veterinarian. Along with skin or hair loss usually on bridge of
control of ticks on your pet’s body, the nose, tips of the ears, skin around
it is very important to control ticks the lips, and at any place where skin
in the environment (your home and pigmentation is low. Avoid taking
garden) where they reproduce. your pet outdoors between 10 am to 6
pm during summers.
Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections:
The heat of summer months causes Foot Pad Injuries: Various surfaces
many dogs to seek cooler areas to outdoors can get unbearably hot
rest in. Dogs will seek out damp areas during summer days. Roads retain
in garden or dig up soil and lie in it. heat even after sunset. Walking on
They may often spill their drinking very hot surfaces will cause serious
water to create a wet area to sleep injuries to your dog’s foot pads. During
in. Prolonged exposure to dampness the summer, exercise your dog in
can lead to skin infections. Keeping MANY DOGS ARE early hours of the morning and very
your pet cool and dry through the SENSITIVE TO late evenings. Check temperature of
summer months will ensure your pet ALLERGENS IN THE the road by touching it with the palm
doesn’t have to suffer recurring skin ENVIRONMENT of your hand. If it feels too hot, don’t
infections. IN SUMMER allow your pet to walk there.
MONTHS. ALLERGIC
Frequent Bathing: During summers, DOGS WILL Summers may be a challenging time
many owners tend to bathe their for us and our pets, but exercising
dogs too frequently believing that it SHOW INTENSE, a little caution goes a long way in
will help them cope better with heat GENERALIZED preventing unnecessary suffering for
of the summer. A bath once in fi fteen ITCHING AND our pets.
days with a mild dog shampoo is REDDENING OF THE
adequate to keep your dog’s skin SKIN ESPECIALLY * Author is a practicing veterinarian at Dr. Chirag
clean and healthy. More frequent AFTER HAVING Dave's Pets' Clinic in Ahmedabad. She is an all-
shampooing can lead to dry, itchy breeds Championship and Obedience judge and a
skin and subsequently secondary GONE OUTDOORS. Council Member of The Indian National Kennel Club.
She and her husband live in Ahmedabad with their

skin infections. five dogs and three birds.
JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 23

Compassion





(Stray Relief and Animal Welfare)
STRAW’S COMPASSIONATE CLASSROOMS: is doing…creating lesson plans and
Teaching Children Kindness & Empathy Towards workshops to encourage children and
college students to be compassionate
All Creatures Great and Small towards animals, the environment,
and humans.

By Ipsita Sarkar*
STRAW, a Delhi-based animal
welfare organization, was started by
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
the husband-wife team of Vasanthi
-Nelson Mandela and Dinesh Kumar, whose mission
was to build a happier world for
voiceless creatures. While Dinesh
grew up with a variety of pets around
him, Vasanthi was absolutely wary
of animals in her childhood and
pursued a corporate career in PR. But
then she decided to give it up all to
start STRAW in 2008. Today, she is a
proud humane educator!

Later, they joined hands with CBSE
and other State Education Boards,
as part of their Compassionate
Classrooms programme. They have
been providing content to textbooks
and teacher manuals on kindness
towards animals, care for the
environment, and human values.





ith great power, comes do they shape you as better human
great responsibility and beings, kinder people? Sometimes
Wthat is true about education they do, sometimes they don’t! What
as well. It can change people. It can if there were degrees like an MA in
change mindsets and habits. Hence, Kindness, BA in Compassion or a
all the more essential to use this tool PhD in Empathy? Would these be
wisely! saleable? But aren’t children naturally
born with these innate values? Then
There is grammar to teach the basic what happens along the journey of
rules of ‘language’; equations and becoming an adult? Where do these
formulae to make you think about values disappear sometimes in a bid The idea was to boost the values
Maths and Sciences. Drawings sow to become more ‘accomplished’ and of empathy and sensitivity among
the seeds for ‘architecture’ while ‘successful’ adults? children towards animals specifi cally
rehearsals and notations hone and the environment at large.
your musical skills. Eventually, Just like the other subjects, it is
sharpening these skills and talents education that can make a difference Vasanthi Kumar, the founder of
make you a better professional. But here again! And that is what STRAW STRAW tells us about its foundation

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IN THE INITIAL DAYS OF STRAW, VASANTHI AND
idea, “Children love animals. It comes DINESH WISHED TO ADDRESS EVERY PROBLEM
naturally to them. It’s only the adults RELATED TO ANIMALS BY HAVING AN ANIMAL
who veer them away by saying
things like ‘kutha katega’ (dogs will SHELTER, VETERINARY SERVICES, AND EDUCATION
bite), ‘cheeti mar gayee’ (the ant is ALL TOGETHER
dead) when a child falls down, etc. So
when children are taught to be kind
and compassionate to animals, they
will grow up to be compassionate
citizens of tomorrow.”


With the advent of Covid-19, news
of animals that had been confi ned
and not noticed for the longest time,
running, walking, waddling on the
streets started happening in parallel
to news of health disasters across
the globe. The oft-ignored topic of
environment related issues due to
human activities started getting
revived. The rampancy of forest
destruction, wildlife crimes, and
pollution-all to boost the economy
was linked with the birth and spread arrests made. These cases covered when the mind was at its purest –
of Corona. the sadistic torturing and killing of childhood.
dogs, cats, horses, birds, cattle, and
So the question arises, in a global other animals. The legal provisions, ‘Compassionate Kids’ and

crowd of qualified and successful such as a measly fine of Rs 10 to Rs ‘Compassionate Scholars’ are the

scientists, businessmen, medical 100, have not been strong enough to two programmes pursued by STRAW
professionals, politicians, who went prevent these atrocities. under the main Compassionate
missing? The carers, the protectors Classrooms Programme. While
and the lovers of Nature and its In the initial days of STRAW, Vasanthi the former is conducted for school
creatures. Corona would eventually and Dinesh wished to address children, community libraries, and
go away, but it has given us lessons every problem related to animals by informal study centres for the under-
too. having an animal shelter, veterinary privileged, the latter is for college
services, and education all together, students. CRPF School, Delhi World
Vasanthi says, “Animals are coming but later realized that all animal Public School, DAV School, Ryan
out freely now. Whether it’s the problems emerge from the same International School, Army Public
flamingoes in Navi Mumbai or the cause, the lack of awareness of what School, and Deepalaya Library (The

peacocks on our balconies, we need the voiceless animals go through in Community Library Project) are some
to learn the simple rule-Live and Let their day-to-day lives. institutions where the programme
Live.” has already been conducted in the
Compassionate Classrooms National Capital Region. STRAW also
Indeed, that is the basic requirement Programme-Kids and Scholars: And conducted a few programs in village
for harmony and peace in society. then the idea of starting humane schools in Haryana.
As per a feature story published in education amongst children
Hindustan Times in 2017, almost was born. The goal was to teach ‘Compassionate Scholars’
20,000 cases of animal cruelty were compassion and respect towards all Programme is for college students and
reported in Mumbai alone with no living beings and the environment the aim is to create awareness about

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 25

Compassion





children were indifferent towards
community animals, but after three
sessions, they turned over a new
leaf, started sharing stories of saving
animals, and felt sorry for pelting
stones at them in the past.”

Yogita Gupta, yet another volunteer
shares a significant memory, “One

of my most beautiful memories was
to be able to take my kid, Junior, to
Seventh Day Adventist School. The
children reacted to him beautifully.”


Ruche Chadha, another volunteer,
decided to give a more meaningful
animal welfare issues among them. Empathy for Animals in Cages, purpose in her life while balancing
This is done through documentary Plastic Waste that enters a Cow’s it with her corporate career. She
screening, presentations, and panel Stomach, Bursting Crackers during says, “I have conducted an animal
discussions. Usually about 100-150 Diwali, and so on. sensitization workshop with Tata
students are sensitized with every Teleservices employees and been
session. Some colleges where they It was not just a learning experience to schools for animal sensitization
have worked with include Shri Ram for children; adults too participated in session. It has such a super odyssey
College of Commerce, Maitreyi STRAW’s mission as volunteers and with Vasanthi and her team.”
College, and Jawaharlal Nehru spread awareness about its lessons.
University, among others. A sense of accomplishment would
Preeti Singh, a corporate professional also prevail over Vasanthi when,
A few topics that they covered in and volunteer with STRAW recalls a after one of their sessions on caring
Colleges included Caring for the memory that struck a chord, from for the puppies to remove fear, she
Campus Animal, First Aid for Animals a session that she conducted at a received enquiries from a school for
with live demos, How to Avoid Dog community library, “Initially, the adoption of the stray pups.
Bites, Problems Faced by Elephants
in urban cities and Adverse Impacts
of Plastic Bags on Animals. Some
of the serious impacts of these PEOPLE WOULD EASILY
sessions would be that a committed CONNECT TO CAUSES
group of students would take on the SUCH AS STERILIZING
responsibilities of taking care of the AND FEEDING STRAY
stray campus animals (dogs, cats, ANIMALS AND BE
birds) and provide them medical CHARITABLE. HOWEVER,
attention whenever required.
THE IDEA OF DONATING
TOWARDS EDUCATION,
STRAW has about six to ten humane
education volunteers/teachers who TEACHING CHILDREN TO
are remotely associated with them; BE KIND TO ANIMALS,
they conduct humane education ENVIRONMENT AND
programmes in schools in their own HUMANS, IS STILL ALIEN.
neighborhoods. Some of the topics
that have been covered include

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Raina Krishnatray, the School Says Vasanthi, “Our ultimate goal
Principal of Delhi World School OUR ULTIMATE GOAL is to take the ‘Compassionate
in Greater Noida recalls about an IS TO TAKE THE Classrooms’ to all the states of India
awareness and sensitization session ‘COMPASSIONATE and to sensitize each child in India
for stray and helpless dogs, “Ms Preeti CLASSROOMS’ TO ALL so that they grow up to be kind and
and Ms Vasanthi drove down the compassionate citizens. They should
virtues of empathy and compassion THE STATES OF INDIA be able to care for the strays so that
in a child friendly way and provoked AND TO SENSITIZE there is no need for shelter homes at
the children to think about strays, EACH CHILD IN INDIA all.”
to be kind to them, to feed them SO THAT THEY GROW
whenever possible. The children UP TO BE KIND AND You too can be a part of STRAW’s
loved sharing their experiences with COMPASSIONATE journey and impact the lives of
stray dogs and attentively listened CITIZENS. children and animals together! You
to the DOs and DONTs to be followed can write to contact@strawindia.
while interacting with them.” org with ‘Humane Education’ in the
In June 2020, they would also be subject line and elaborate how you
However, due to COVID-19 and initiating animal and environment would like to help. You can support
schools remaining shut, STRAW had sensitivity workshops for children STRAW/Compassionate Classrooms
to adapt to the new normal and fi nd through the online platform. project as a volunteer and share your
out out-of-the-box ways to sensitize skills and talents with us or simply
children. In spite of the beauty of the start your own Humane Education
programme, one of the main classes from any city or state in
They conducted online campaigns obstacles that create hindrance in its a school or your neighbourhood.
such as ‘We Are The Sunshine’ smooth flow is the funding. People You could even donate for resource

inviting children to share how they would easily connect to causes creation for the Compassionate
view the lockdown time through such as sterilizing and feeding stray Classroom Program, by clicking on
creative activities, ‘Animals & Us animals and be charitable. However, this link: https://www.strawindia.org/
During Lockdown’ to sensitize the idea of donating towards donate.aspx
children and adults that stray and education, teaching children to be
pet animals both needed to be taken kind to animals, environment and * The author is a freelance Writer, Teacher & Humane
care of and protected and that the humans, is still alien. It would be Educator from STRAW's Compassionate Classrooms
community animals and birds do not great if people could invest towards Programme. She enjoys travelling, trying out new
cuisines, and meeting and befriending 2-legged and
spread Corona. future humane citizens of the world. 4-legged creatures!

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 27

Compassion



MY FOUR FOOTED I
had a golden retriever named
Goldie, who was my companion
CO-THERAPISTS ‘awww!’ when I’d tell them about my
for 13 years. A lot of people will go
golden retriever. But what would you
say if I tell you that she was not just
my companion, but my co-therapist
By Minal Kavishwar*
also? Yes, you guessed it right! She
was a therapy dog and she worked
with me for 11 out of the 13 years of
her life as a therapy dog.

Goldie was the second therapy dog

that I trained, but the first one that
I raised as she was a puppy. Before
Goldie, I had trained a Labrador
named Kutty, for a school for mentally
challenged children. Kutty worked
as a therapy dog for that school
for 7 out of the 10 years of her life.
I trained Kutty and Goldie in 2003,
when people had not even heard
of a therapy dog or animal assisted
therapy. Even I hadn’t heard of it, till
I started training Kutty! When I was
approached to train Kutty, the school
had a little idea of what they wanted
to train the dog for. I suggested a dog
that could provide emotional support
to children. I studied about Animal
Assisted Therapy and went on to
conduct a three year research study
at that school on how therapy dogs
helped children with special needs.
That’s when I started ‘Animal Angels
Foundation’, India’s only NGO working
to create awareness about Animal
Assisted Interventions and healing
benefits of therapy animals. Till then


THERAPY DOGS ON THE OTHER HAND ARE PETS, WHICH
PROVIDE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO A
RANGE OF PEOPLE. THEY ARE WHAT WE CALL, ‘VISITING
PROFESSIONALS’. SO KUTTY STAYED WITH PRINCIPAL OF THE
SCHOOL AND VISITED SCHOOL EVERY DAY ALONG WITH THE
PRINCIPAL; SHE WENT BACK TO HER FAMILY AFTER SCHOOL
HOURS TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE OF A LAB.


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people had heard fl eetingly about that petting a dog makes you happy, then what can a trained therapy dog
service dogs but not therapy dogs. it lowers down your stress and do, when his skills are combined with
The work of a service dog is totally releases ‘oxytocin’ or the ‘feel good’ that of a therapist? Now, contrary to
different from that of a therapy dog. A hormones. These and many more what a lot of people think happens

service dog stays with a person with other benefits of pets make them in animal therapy, it’s not merely by
disability 24*7 to help him fulfi ll the unique partners in therapy. Just petting them that you feel better. Yes,
functions that he cannot due to the imagine, a regular pet at home can that’s just one of the many benefi ts.
disability. A service dog is employed make you forget about your worries, But in Animal Assisted Therapy, the
under the person with disability and therapist incorporates a therapy dog
is not a pet. Therapy dogs on the other in various goal-oriented activities.
hand are pets, which provide mental For example, if a patient in recovery
and emotional support to a range of needs motivation to work his limbs
people. They are what we call, ‘visiting ANIMAL ASSISTED post operation, the physiotherapist
professionals’. So Kutty stayed with THERAPY AND ANIMAL may involve a therapy dog team and
principal of the school and visited ASSISTED ACTIVITIES instead of just asking the patient
school every day along with the ARE BOTH FORMS OF to move his limbs, may ask him to
principal; she went back to her family ANIMAL ASSISTED throw a ball at therapy dog, or brush
after school hours to live a happy the dog in steady rhythmic strokes.
life of a Lab. Goldie and Kutty were INTERVENTIONS, Or a school counsellor may have

the very first therapy dogs in India WHICH IS THE a therapy dog in her set up and as
that were trained by international GLOBAL TERM USED children speak to her, they also pet the
standards, and Kutty was even TO DESCRIBE THESE dog, hence feeling more comfortable
registered as a Pet Partner (globally ACTIVITIES THAT ARE to open up to the counsellor.
leading organization certifying teams MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
of therapy dog-handlers). Another question that crops up in
FOR HUMANS AND people’s mind is, whether playing

So how did Goldie or Kutty help me ANIMALS. with dog or petting a dog is equivalent
in my work as a therapist? A lot of to therapy? Well, playing with a dog,
people, especially pet owners know petting a cat, watching puppies play,
or riding a horse, even watching

a fish tank, will surely give you
therapeutic benefits, but it becomes

‘Animal Assisted Therapy’ only when
it is combined with measurable,
therapeutic goals, and conducted
by a therapist. It is the same way
as there is a difference between
talking to your best friend over a cup
of coffee and going to a trained and

certified counsellor to work out your
problems.

The more casual version of this is
Animal Assisted Activity, which
need not have a specific goal and

can be conducted by a trained
team of therapy dog and handler.
One of our most popular Animal

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 29

Compassion





means, if he is obedient and friendly
in its home setting, will he also be
obedient and friendly in outdoor
settings, full of distractions, amongst
completely new people? Sometimes
more than 20 people at a time! And
most importantly, will your dog enjoy
that kind of attention? This is where

the ‘mutually beneficial’ part comes
in. A therapy dog willingly works in
the set up allotted to him, because
he loves the attention, understands
emotions, and is trained to respond
to them; also, because he enjoys the
process of helping people. Whenever
I used to go to pick up therapy dog
Scotty, a gorgeous golden retriever,
Anushka-Manchanda
he would recognize his ‘work bag’,
get super excited, and would just
Assisted Activity programmes is jump in the car, waiting to go and
the ‘Tails of Joy’ – Animal Assisted visit children. Like Scotty, another
Reading programme. We conduct SO FAR, ANIMAL therapy dog from our team, Lucky,
these programmes in books stores ANGELS THERAPY gets equally excited about visiting
and libraries, where kids come and DOGS HAVE WORKED kids with special needs. But like
read to a ‘Reading Buddy’, which is WITH CANCER Scotty, she’s not a golden retriever.
a therapy dog. Here, the only goal PATIENTS, CHILDREN In fact, she’s an Indie dog, who was
is to encourage children to read out a skinny, injured street dog living by
loud and express themselves freely. WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, a dumpster, picked up from streets
Reading to a therapy dog lowers SENIOR CITIZENS, and nurtured by her current pet
their inhibition and fear of making CHILDREN IN parents. Lucky shows us that we
mistakes and they enjoy it too! Who CONFLICT WITH LAW, can heal our own wounds, learn to
wouldn’t like cuddling up with a dog SCHOOL CHILDREN, trust people, and help others heal in
to read a book? CORPORATES ETC. BUT turn. With the motto ‘breed no bar’
THE MOST POPULAR only personality and temperament
Animal Assisted Therapy and Animal matters, we have an inclusive team
Assisted Activities are both forms APPLICATION SO of Dalmatians, Doberman, Cocker
of Animal Assisted Interventions, FAR HAS BEEN THE Spaniels, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Indies.
which is the global term used to ‘AIRPORT COMFORT It’s not just therapy dogs, you know!
describe these activities that are DOGS PROGRAM’, My cat, Cookie also assisted me
mutually beneficial for humans and WHERE OUR THERAPY in my therapy sessions when she

animals. Here, the part ‘mutually DOGS COMFORTED was younger. Now being 11 years
beneficial’ is very important. When old, she has retired and spends her

we visit a family to assess a therapy THE PASSENGERS afternoons watching pigeons and
dog, they often tell us that their pet TRAVELING FROM being a personal therapy cat to us in
is extremely friendly and loves THE MUMBAI her spare time.
meeting people. But not every INTERNATIONAL
friendly dog can become a therapy AIRPORT. Besides dogs and cats, horses are
dog. A therapy dog needs to have also very popular as therapy animals.
a balanced temperament, which Equine Assisted Therapy is when a

30 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA

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trained horse, along with a trained important thing is willingness of understanding that they may also
rider, and a psychotherapist, work the animal. If a chicken loves to give have a higher purpose in life, than
with the person in need. Horses are hugs to new people and loves to be just sitting at home all day. They have
incredibly intelligent and very good the center of attention, by all means enough love to give to their families
at sensing human emotions. There she can be a therapy chicken!! as well as to those in need. Our appeal
any many therapeutic benefi ts of to people is ‘to share love of your pet
riding a horse. But even being around All this may sound cute! Cuddle a with someone in need of it’. Of course,
horses and doing certain activities bunny, hug a dog, and play with a it’s not just an animal’s responsibility.

with them can benefit us. There are cat. But what about what they want? The pet parent needs to be equally
numerous studies showing benefi ts What about their welfare? What we compassionate and understand the
of therapeutic riding for people have to keep in mind here is – Is the importance of community work. Our
with physical disabilities and body animal enjoying the interaction? Is teams of therapy dogs and handlers,
balance issues. the animal in his natural habitat? from Animal Angels teams across
Is the animal exhibiting its natural Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore, are
So, is it just cats, dogs, and horses that behaviour? The answers to these dedicated towards serving fellow
fit the bill? What about other animals? would not be true for animals like human beings with the help of

Hamsters, rabbits, goats, pigs, lamas!! macaws, snakes, dolphins etc. So our four-footed companions and
Where do we draw the line? Can any essentially animals that have lived therapists.
animal become a therapy animal? along with humans and are used
Well, all animals have a unique to being around, being handled So far, Animal Angels therapy dogs
therapeutic benefit. Like a cat’s purr by humans, can be considered for have worked with Cancer patients,

and the licks from her rough tongue therapy. children with special needs, senior

can help our muscles heal and citizens, children in conflict with law,
improve blood circulation. A rabbit In-spite of working in this field for 15 school children, corporates etc. But

can give us a sense of nurturance years in India, I would say that the the most popular application so far

and comfort, watching fi sh relaxes field is still in a novice stage, where has been the ‘Airport Comfort Dogs
out muscles and lowers down blood a lot of awareness and education Program’, where our therapy dogs
pressure. Even farm animals like is needed. There’s a growing sense comforted the passengers traveling
cows, sheep, and chicken are known of awareness in pet parents and from the Mumbai International
to be therapy animals. But the most families, which are now raising dogs, airport. It was the first and only

comfort dog program on any
international airport in Asia. And
incidentally, the last program that
therapy dog Goldie worked on.

My biggest learning, working with
animals as co-therapists, has been, to
live in the moment and to be your true
self. These two remarkable qualities
in animals make them superior to us.
After having worked with animals as
co-therapists for about 15 years now,
I can’t imagine working without a
four-footed co- therapist.



* Author is Founder, Animal Angels Foundation and
Clinical Psychologist, trained in Animal Therapy and
Play Therapy.

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 31

Pet Keeping





WHICH BREED IS


SUITABLE FOR FIRST-TIME


PET PARENTS?




By Ketan Panchal*


ecoming a first-time dog owner direction. Each of these breeds is

is exciting but it can also be a known for being easy going and easy
Bbit overwhelming. There are so to train. When you decide to bring a
many different dogs out there and it's furry friend home, you must consult
hard to know how to choose the right with a professional dog trainer and are smart and adaptable dogs that
one. Before you take home the next behaviourist. can thrive in most households. This
adorable puppy you see, there are a breed does need regular brushing
few things to consider. TOP 8 BREEDS THAT I to keep its coat free of tangles and
RECOMMEND FOR FIRST-TIME mats. They also need a good amount
CHOOSE A DOG THAT FITS YOUR PET PARENTS: of exercise to keep them in good
LIFESTYLE Bi B physical condition and prevent
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky
T
Make sure you can provide enough Th boredom. Training is essential but
little dog that looks like a bouncy
exercise for your new dog. If you are lit lit not difficult. They love to learn and

looking for a lazy lap dog, then it's cotton ball. This breed is an all-round can be trained to do a number of
best to avoid high-energy dog breeds. great companion. Bichons are fairly things. Golden Retrievers are eager
If you want a dog that can go for easy to train and adapt well to any to please and they love spending
running with you, choose an athletic lifestyle. Be sure to dedicate time and time with their families. They are
dog with endurance. money to regular groomer visits. excellent with children of all ages. It
is no wonder that this is world's one
Box
Boxer
All dogs have basic needs such as 2 x of the most popular dogs!
Bo
If y
If y
house training, socialization, obedi- If you are looking for a medium–large
hig
high-energy dog, look no further than
ence training, and frequent vet visits, hig Pug
Pug
Pug
Who doesn’t love these squishy
but some dogs need more care than a playful Boxer. This is a loyal dog 4Wh
Wh
others. Consider how much extra that forms a close bond with family. faces? Pugs are great dogs for a
time you have, to meet these needs. If you lead a fairly active lifestyle, a
You may actually prefer a low-main- Boxer could be for you. This breed
tenance dog breed as your fi rst one. needs plenty of exercise and a strong
foundation of training. A Boxer's
DOG BREEDS FOR BEGINNERS grooming needs are very basic.
There are hundreds of dog breeds out Guardians by nature, Boxers are
there. Fortunately, each dog breed naturally protective of their families,
has a relatively predictable energy especially children.
level, size, appearance, and grooming
Gol
needs, while each dog is different. 3 l
Golden Retriever
Go
When you know that you are ready to The Golden Retriever is the
The
The
adopt a new friend, following round- quintessential family dog. This
qui
qu
up of the best dogs for fi rst-time medium–large dog is happy, loyal,
owners will point you in the right affectionate, and active. Goldens
32 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA

www.creature-companions.in




novice owner, as they are very low- during their younger years. They also love. They enjoy exercise and are
maintenance but still active enough tend to love all food and can easily incredibly beautiful with their black
to keep you on your toes. They have become overweight if you are not fur and brown markings. These are
wonderful personalities and they careful. Fortunately, they only have social dogs and should be around
love kids. Pug is a good breed choice minor grooming needs. Brush your people and other dogs if possible.
for families with children because Lab regularly to minimize shedding. They are capable of destructive
despite being small, it is not delicate If you take good care of your Lab, behaviour, which could be due to
like many other toy breeds. Properly you will have a happy and lovable boredom or anxiety. Rottweilers
trained and socialized, a Pug enjoys companion for life. bark when necessary and can be
companionship of dogs, and can be reserved around strangers. Rotties
Shi
Shih Tzu
trusted with cats, rabbits, and other 6 are sensitive due to their intelligence
Sh
Shih Tzu is a dynamic blend of an
Shi
animals. Shi and close attachment to their family.
5 attentive and affectionate lapdog, 8

Ger
Ger
German Shepherd
La
and a dignified companion. Within a
Labrador Retriever
La
Th
Th
Th
The Labrador Retriever is one of
Th
the most popular and recognizable home, these little pets just want to be The German Shepherd is very
part of the family. One downside to a
protective and devoted to its family
medium–large dog breeds. They Shih Tzu is that they can be stubborn and home, maintaining a suspicious
THIS BREED IS ACTIVE, PLAYFUL, AND SMART.
LABS THRIVE IN ACTIVE HOUSEHOLDS THAT
CAN PROVIDE PLENTY OF EXERCISE AND
TRAINING. THEY LOVE TO LEARN AND CAN BE
TRAINED TO DO ALMOST ANYTHING. YOU CAN
PLAY FETCH FOR HOURS OR GO FOR A RUN
WITH YOUR LAB, THEN END THE BUSY DAY
SNUGGLING ON THE COUCH.


at times. Bred to be the perfect and aloof demeanour around
companions, and to hold themselves strangers. It can be dominating and
with pride and assertiveness, when it assertive towards dogs, though it is
comes to training and housebreaking, normally friendly with other pets in
are deeply loyal and affectionate these characteristics can make the home. The German Shepherd is an
dogs that form close bond with their process a bit more diffi cult. immensely versatile dog, displaying
households that can provide plenty 7 a keen intelligence while dutifully
families. This breed is active, playful,
performing its tasks. They are
Ro
Rottweiler
Rot
and smart. Labs thrive in active
O
On
a
of exercise and training. They love to One of the most misunderstood intelligent dogs, so they are easy
to train. They are known to be one
is
the
Rottweiler
breeds,
learn and can be trained to do almost recognizable breed with his large of the best breeds when it comes to
anything. You can play fetch for head, solidly muscled body, and training. However, each dog is an
hours or go for a run with your Lab, distinctively handsome black-and- individual so differences can occur,
then end the busy day snuggling on tan markings. He is intelligent, and some may be bred to be better at

the couch. Without plenty of exercise strong, and loyal. You could be the specific tasks than others.
and mental stimulation, Labs may perfect family to take a Rottweiler

get bored and act out, especially in and show them unconditional * Author is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer
JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 33

Feline Matter




















































Bringing Home A Kitten:


Things You Need to Know




By Dr. Irfan Ahmed*

ittens are playful and Bringing a cuddly, appealing bundle
adorable, but they're also of purr home is exciting, whether

Kunique individuals that have the kitten is your first pet or is an KITTENS AND CATS
personalities, needs, and behaviours addition to your current pet family. ARE ATTRACTED
of their own. Before welcoming a Your kitten will be entirely reliant on TO LOOSE WIRES,
new kitten (or kittens) to your home, you to ease its transition from mom SO CONSIDER
you'll need to prepare your home for cat's side or animal shelter to this TAPING WIRES TO
a curious critter with the ability to strange new place. To keep it safe and BASEBOARDS OR
climb, leap, and scratch. You'll also happy it takes planning and patience
need to provide your kitten with for everyone in the household. The THE UNDERSIDE OF
appropriate toys, bedding, litter box, efforts will pay off, as your new TABLES OR DESKS.
and food. little friend grows into a confi dent,

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IF YOU KNOW THE
BRAND, GIVE HIM
THE SAME FOOD HE'S
BEEN EATING AT THE
BREEDERS, FOSTER
HOME, OR SHELTER, TO
AVOID TUMMY UPSETS
FROM SUDDEN CHANGES


affectionate kitty who knows there is As a new kitten owner, your • The Basic Necessities
no place like home. responsibility includes checking At the very least, your kitten will need
your home for potential dangers, these basic necessities: food, a place
Kittens are sometimes adopted at and providing appropriate and safe to sleep, a scratching post or pad, and
six weeks of age, but 10 to 12 weeks options for your pet. You'll also need a litter box and litter. Of course, you
is better. Those extra weeks spent to establish guidelines for kitten won't be able to pass up a few toys.
with its mother and siblings helps behaviour and stick to them. They will make the coming home
a kitten learn acceptable behaviour, experience a little easier on your new
from getting along with siblings to KITTEN-PROOF YOUR HOME addition, especially since he'll be

getting used to human contact. A Your first priority will be to remove isolated from any other cats for the

six- or seven-week-old kitten may serious hazards from your kitten's first few days. Create a shopping list
be stressed and confused at being reach. Among the toughest ones for everything you'll need.
separated from its family too soon; to manage are electrical wires and
your kitten may be fearful of people, outlets, many of which are at ground • Cat Bedding Options
and could try to hide or run away level. Kittens and cats are attracted Although your new kitten may be
from interaction. If a kitten has to loose wires, so consider taping perfectly comfortable in a cardboard
been gently handled and has gotten wires to baseboards or the underside box lined with clean, soft towels or a
used to humans, he will be friendlier of tables or desks. Other hazards small blanket, consider giving him
and better adjusted. In choosing a include kitten-sized openings in a real bed, just like the big guys. The
kitten, look for one that is inquisitive, floorboards and rocking chairs or best bets are beds that are either fully

doesn't shy away from your touch, gliders that can crush an unwary washable or have a washable and/or
and is ready to play. kitten. replaceable cover. Don't spend a lot of
money, though: there's an excellent
Kittens are growth machines for their If you have ever had to set traps for chance that your kitten will pass up

first year and need different nutrition pests, now is the time to be sure that the bed you've prepared for the end of
than adult cats. Extra protein for those traps are disposed of safely. your bed, a spot on the couch, or any
muscle and tissue development, You'll also want to check, to be sure, sunny corner of your home.
fat for fatty acids, and plenty of any breakable or precious items are
calories is the key to kittens' health. above the reach of a leaping, climbing • Food for Kittens


Special foods fitting their nutritional kitten. The first year of a cat's life sets the
requirements should be given until pace for his future development,
the kitten is an year old. SHOPPING LIST FOR A NEW health, and well-being. It is essential
KITTEN that he eats a quality food developed
Away from his littermates or mother, Kittens don't need a great deal. Many for kittens.
the kitten needs to feel secure as are delighted to sleep on your bed
well as warm. Whether you provide or couch (if you've decided to allow For now, if you know the brand, give
a cardboard box lined with a blanket that) and to play with a simple string. him the same food he's been eating at
or a fancier bed from a pet supply You will, however, want to make a the breeders, foster home, or shelter,
store, keep your kitten's bed in a quiet few purchases as follows: to avoid tummy upsets from sudden
place, away from household traffi c. changes. Use a small, low bowl so she

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 35

Feline Matter





you choose is shallow enough for
easy entrance and egress for your
IF YOU'VE NEVER OWNED A KITTEN, YOU'LL little guy. Many people use a small
NEED TO PREPARE YOURSELF A BIT FOR PET plastic storage box of appropriate
OWNERSHIP. UNLIKE SOME OTHER PETS (FISH size, for starters. If you are adopting
AND MICE, FOR EXAMPLE), KITTENS NEED a rescue kitten, ask the foster parents
ATTENTION, COMPANIONSHIP, AND CARE. for advice about the best litter to use.
Bear in mind that some kittens will
take time to adjust to their litter box,
so you may also want to buy some
pads to place around the box in case
of accidents.

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR
YOUR NEW PET
If you've never owned a kitten, you'll
need to prepare yourself a bit for pet
ownership. Unlike some other pets
(fish and mice, for example), kittens

need attention, companionship, and
care. But that doesn't mean you need
to turn your home over to your pet. In
fact, just like human beings, kittens
and cats thrive in settings where
rules and expectations are clear.
With that in mind:
can reach inside (many cat bowls and feather dusters. However, be
are intended for larger adults). It's very careful as feathers, string, and • Be sure you and other family
very important, too, to provide your other fun ‘toys’ can become choking members have time to spend with
kitten with plenty of clean, fresh hazards if they detach from toys. your new pet.
water. Change the water each day,
and consider investing in a low-cost • Scratching Posts • Agree as a family on the rules
‘cat fountain’ which recirculates No one who loves cats would ever you'll be setting for your kitten.
water and is often more attractive to consider declawing their feline May she sleep on the furniture?
kittens than a simple bowl. friend. As a result, your new pet will What's your rule about jumping
have claws that need exercise. Some onto counters and tables?
• Interactive Toys kittens will want to claw at your
You're going to spend a lot of time carpet or walls; to avoid damage to • Where will your kitten spend the

in the first few weeks, bonding with your home, you'll want to provide night? You may want to keep her
your new kitten and establishing your kitten with a scratching post. in one location for the fi rst few
a close relationship that will last A favorite ‘starting scratcher’ among weeks, as it's easy to ‘lose’ a kitten
a lifetime. One of the best ways to feline aficionados is an inexpensive, who decides to hide.

start this bond is by playing with the long-lasting cardboard incline with
kitten with an interactive toy. You a corrugated cardboard scratching
can purchase low-cost or expensive surface.
items at the pet store, but don't forget
another favorite game is ‘fetch’ with • Litter Box and Litter * The author is a professor by profession. He is a self-
a wadded-up piece of paper. Other There are many litter boxes in the confessed cat slave who has loved cats all his life. He
is a pet parent to 3 ragdoll cats. He runs Mallika's
fun cat toys include string, yarn, market, but make sure that the one Cattery - a cat boarding service in Bengaluru.

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JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 37

Industry Speak





FRESHWOOF




FRESHWOOF is a popular name for Urban Tails Private
Limited. As they say, it is an initiative to bring back the
‘real food’ in your dog’s bowl. We got an opportunity
to have a conversation with its proud founders Sakshi
Sharma, a certified Canine Nutritionist and Tejwinder
Singh, a dog enthusiast. They are active in serving
‘ready-to-eat’ human-grade fresh food that is free from
any preservatives/chemicals or artificial ingredients.
They discussed about their company’s inception,
products and marketing strategies. Following are the
excerpts from the meeting…..




WHEN DID FRESHWOOF prefer feeding my dog the packaged ‘Freshwoof’ is the product of our hard
COME INTO BEING? WHEN DID food. work over the two long years.
YOU DECIDE TO START THIS
VENTURE? Tejwinder: When Sakshi explained WHY DID YOU CHOOSE
Sakshi: It all started when we were in me all this, a thought popped up VEGETARIAN PET FOOD? WHY
college. Once when I introduced my in my mind as to why not start our DO YOU THINK IT IS GOOD
dog to Tejwinder, he asked me out of own healthy dog food venture. Then FOR OUR PETS?
curiosity as to what do I feed my dog. we started working upon this idea Sakshi: I have been feeding my dog
I told him that I feed her only home- followed by intense research. Finally, with vegetarian food from last 13
cooked meals. His second question after around 8 months, we had three years. I have researched a lot and
was obvious that why not packaged recipes with us. Next step was to get consulted various veterinarians.
food available in the market and why the taste test done, so we spotted 15 Then I realized that dogs that eat
only home-cooked food. I explained dogs in Ajmer and served them our meat based diet are more prone to
him that after researching enough recipes. Unfortunately, not a single heart ailments, obesity, skin diseases
about the kind of food that should dog tasted our food. We did not lose as compared to dogs that are fed
be served to our pets and after hope and again started from scratch. vegetarian diet. Second reason is
speaking to various veterinarians, It took 8 another rounds to fi nally get that there is a misconception among
I have come to a conclusion that our three likeable dog food recipes, people that as dogs are descendants
food that is available in the market which are part of Freshwoof now. of wolves, so meat based food is the
is mostly filled with preservatives, only good diet for them. But, they

by-products, harmful chemicals, and Sakshi: Freshwoof was incorporated need to understand that dogs have

artificial ingredients, which are not in December, 2019, but we started been living with humans from last

fit for human consumption. So, I don’t working on it in January, 2018. So, thousands of years and they have

THE CONCEPT BEHIND THIS NAME ‘FRESHWOOF’ IS THAT WHEN
ANYONE EMPTIES A FRESHWOOF PACKET IN THEIR DOG’S BOWL, EACH
AND EVERY INGREDIENT IN FOOD CAN BE FELT AS IN THE CASE OF
HOMEMADE FOOD. WE ARE USING ‘READY TO EAT’ TECHNOLOGY, IN
WHICH NUTRIENTS AND INGREDIENTS REMAIN INTACT.



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evolved a lot. They have developed WHEN YOU LAUNCHED
such genes that help them digest YOUR VENTURE, WHAT
vegetarian food, which is not the CHALLENGES DID YOU
case with wolves. So, dogs may FACE IN PROMOTING YOUR
belong to the Order Carnivores but PRODUCTS?
biologically, they are omnivores and Sakshi: The biggest challenge that we
can lead a happy and healthy life faced was that people are reluctant to
being o vegetarian diet. serve vegetarian food to their dogs as
they are of the perception that meat
IS THERE ANY STORY BEHIND based food is the only good diet for
THIS NAME ‘FRESHWOOF’? dog’s health. We struggled a lot to
The concept behind this name convince people that vegetarian
‘Freshwoof’ is that when anyone meals are equally good and nutritious
empties a Freshwoof packet in to maintain their dog’s health. We are
their dog’s bowl, each and every still facing this issue.
ingredient in food can be felt as in
the case of homemade food. We are Tejwinder: In abroad, many startups
using ‘ready to eat’ technology, in are dealing in vegan and vegetarian
which nutrients and ingredients pet food; the only difference is that
remain intact. The food served by
Freshwoof is completely fresh and it there people are more aware. In
is for your woofs – hence the name WITHIN ONE YEAR, India, awareness level is low. Dogs
‘Freshwoof’. need protein not meat. Meat is not
WE SEE FRESHWOOF the only source for protein. There are
IS IT A SCALABLE BUSINESS? AS A COMMUNITY OF many other good vegetarian sources
HOW DO YOU SEE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE of protein as well. We are set to bust
BUSINESS IN ANOTHER ONE WELL AWARE ABOUT all such myths about dog food.
YEAR? WHAT THEY ARE
Tejwinder: Yes, it is a scalable FEEDING TO THEIR WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS
business. The technology is very old ON INDIAN PET FOOD
and there are many units in India that DOGS AND AT THE MARKET?
are using ‘ready to eat’ technology, so SAME TIME SUSTAINING It is going to boom in next two years as
it is absolutely scalable. OUR ENVIRONMENT. awareness is increasing and number
of dog adoptions has considerably
Within one year, we see Freshwoof as gone up. Also, we believe that this
a community of people who are well boom is towards the healthy pet food
aware about what they are feeding because now people know what to
to their dogs and at the same time feed their pets.
sustaining our environment.
WHO ARE YOUR MAJOR
Sakshi: Freshwoof has been COMPETITORS?
introduced as a supplementary Anyone who is selling preservatives

meal. It is not nutritionally balanced. and chemical filled pet food is our
You have to feed Freshwoof with competitor. We believe that if we
additional multivitamins. In the have same vision of feeding dogs
coming months, we are planning with a healthy diet then there would
to make Freshwoof a complete not be any competition, we will grow
nutritionally balanced meal. together.

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 39

Industry Speak
































HOW DO YOU RETAIL YOUR Right now, we do not have any such
PRODUCTS? DO YOU SELL in-house team. But we do have a
THROUGH PET STORES? board of advisors consisting three
Currently, we do not have any Sakshi: We are reaching to our veterinarian doctors, who guide us

offline stores; neither do we supply customers through social media in maintaining the nutritional value
our products to any pet stores. Our handles, by blogging about our of our food. Also, we have incubated
products are available on our own products online, and by talking in Start-Up Chaupal, an incubation
website and on online platforms like to more and more people about centre in Jaipur. Their team is also

amazon and flipkart. We launched Freshwoof so that we can establish helping us.
our products in March and then a direct connect with our customers.
this lockdown happened. As soon WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU
as things normalize, we will shift Tejwinder: Our strategy is basically WISH TO CONVEY TO PET
towards offl ine stores. to be real. We believe in maintaining PARENTS REGARDING PET
complete transparency and above all FOOD?
ARE YOU FINDING ANY our food is human-grade. So it is very Sakshi: Pet owners should always
DIFFERENCE IN THE healthy for dogs. check ingredients of packaged
RESPONSE YOU ARE GETTING food that they buy for their dogs.
ON YOUR OWN WEBSITE HOW MANY VARIANTS OF PET Randomly picking up food without
AND ON OTHER ONLINE FOOD DO YOU HAVE RIGHT any knowledge can adversely affect
PLATFORMS? NOW? their pet’s health. Secondly, please
We are getting more orders through Currently, we are serving three do not hesitate to spend more on
our website. As more and more people recipes: Beany Rice, Chicky Oats, your dog’s diet; it is about their
are coming to know about Freshwoof and Tofunoa. All are based on lacto- health. They are like all other family
through social media handles, they vegetarian diet with less than 5% of members. Feeding preservatives and

visit our website. egg in them. by-products filled food will result in
deteriorating their health.
WHAT STRATEGY DO YOU DO YOU HAVE A TEAM
FOLLOW SO THAT PRODUCT OF NUTRITIONISTS Tejwinder: Along with knowing
COULD REACH MAXIMUM FOR FORMULATING the ingredients, they should also
NUMBER OF PEOPLE? HOW AND MAINTAINING THE understand the importance and
DO YOU MAKE YOUR BRAND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF value of each and every ingredient.
REACH THE PET OWNERS? YOUR PRODUCTS? They should start researching more.

40 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA



Aqua
























SERPAE TETRA




(HYPHESSOBRYCON EQUES)




By Rajiv Sharma*




erpae tetras are popular short-finned Serpaes. They should

schooling fishes. These are also be kept in a school of more than 6
Sknown as Callistus tetras or fishes. They show their true colour

Blood tetras. They are very beautiful and behaviour in planted aquariums.
fl ame-coloured slow-moving fi shes. Their vibrant red-fl ame-coloured
They are easy to care for and are elongated laterally compressed oval-
robust; many aquarists keep them in shaped body adds colours in planted
community and planted aquariums aquariums.
around the globe.
FEEDING HABITS AND
APPEARANCE BEHAVIOUR
Serpae tetras’ body is small, fl ame to Serpae tetras are omnivores and
bright red coloured. Their dorsal fi n is easily accept flake foods and pellet

black with white spots. The anal fi n is foods in aquarium like other tetras.
also black with white patches on fi ns. In nature, they depend on insects,
Females are fat and bigger in size in SERPAE TETRAS fishes, and vegetation. Their mouth is

comparison to males; their colour is ORIGINALLY BELONG small, so offer only small sized fl ake
also faded. Males are smaller in size TO BACKWATERS or frozen foods. Proper feeds improve
and brighter in colour. They belong to OF PARAGUAY AND colouration of Serpae tetras. They
Characidae family. SOUTH AMERICA. happily accept lettuce, fl ake foods,
THEY LIVE IN DENSELY dry worms, frozen worms, and blood
The can live upto 4–5 years in VEGETATED AND worms in home aquariums.
aquariums. Serpae tetras exist in
two variants i.e. short- and long- SLOW-MOVING They are peaceful fishes and can live


finned Serpae tetras. Long-fi nned RIVERS, LAKES, AND happily with other same size fi shes.
Serpae tetras are more attractive PONDS. They are also known as fi n nipping
and slow movers in comparison to fishes. Serpae tetras can nip the fi ns

42 Creature Companion | JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA

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of same species at feeding time. A TWO FEET AQUARIUM IS SUITABLE TO
They can also nip fi ns of other fi shes

having long fins, so it is not advisable HOUSE A SCHOOL OF 6 SERPAE TETRAS. THEY
to keep them with long-fi nned fi shes LIKE ACIDIC MURKY WATER. ADDING SOME
such as bettas and angel fi sh. Sarpae DRIFTWOOD IN AQUARIUM IS HELPFUL FOR
tetras can also harass slow-moving MAKING WATER ACIDIC.

fishes. They are peaceful but can also
show aggression towards small tank
mates.

WATER QUALITY
Serpae tetras originally belong to
backwaters of Paraguay and South
America. They live in densely
vegetated and slow-moving rivers,
lakes, and ponds. The water of these
water bodies is calm, murky, soft, and
slightly acidic with lots of vegetation.
In home aquariums, aquarists should
try replicate their natural habitat by aquarium. They provide natural be kept in mind in order to maintain
adding a variety of aquatic plants shelter and food to fi shes. a Serpae tetra aquarium:
and providing a lot of swimming area The latter also lay eggs over
and acidic water. The temperature plant leaves. Arrange plants in a. Water should be clean with slow
range should stay between 24 and 27 bunches along with aquarium to moderate circulation. Clean its
degree Celsius. walls. Middle area should remain filter from time to time. Serpae

open to provide them space for tetras can live happily in a wide
TANK SETUP swimming. range of water parameters. Water
A two feet aquarium is suitable to e. Water circulation should be should be chlorine free.
house a school of 6 Serpae tetras. moderate to slow. They don’t like b. Keep them with dark substrate
They like acidic murky water. Adding high water circulation. to enjoy their vibrant red colour
some driftwood in aquarium is f. Amazon water bodies don’t allow contrast.
helpful for making water acidic. It too much light to reach into c. Most of the living creatures like
is advisable not to keep them with water, so keep subdued lights for greenery. They belong to water

aggressive fishes: It is best to keep an ideal Serpae tetra aquarium. bodies full of vegetation, so
them only with peaceful fi shes. Any Some floating plants may help in keep them in planted aquarium

large sized fish can harass and eat reducing light. with a lot of space available for

them. Some important points to keep g. They can be kept in a community swimming.
in mind when setting up a Serpae aquarium with other small sized d. Never keep them with territorial
tetra aquarium are as follows: fishes such as tetras, danios etc. and aggressive fi shes.

Keeping Serpae tetras with big e. Introduce them in a properly

a. Dark or gray coloured substrate or sized, long-fi nned fishes is not cycled aquarium. Slightly acidic
sand helps in replicating murky advisable. water and subdued light will be

environment. beneficial for them.
b. Water should be soft and acidic. It TAKING CARE OF SERPAE
is advisable to use RO water. TETRAS Happy Fishkeeping!
c. Plenty of driftwood mimics the Keeping Serpae tetras is not a rocket
black water habitat. Woods also science. They are easy to keep and
work as natural water conditioner. maintain. They don’t have any The author is founder of online aquarium forum

d. Plants are considered very specific requirements. Following are www.aquapetz.com, an aquarium hobbyist and
planted aquarium designer. email id: rsrajivji@
important for Serpae tetra some important points that should gmail.com, Ph. 9958075234
JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 43

Indian Pet Industry Dialogue




WEBINAR

PET PRODUCT WITH SUDDEN
OUTBREAK OF
MANUFACTURE BY SMALL CORONAVIRUS,

BUSINESS OWNERS PET INDUSTRY
WAS BUSTED
WITH SEVERAL
By Priyanka Kaushal*
HURDLES, WHICH
ndia made pet products are being CONSIDERABLY
manufactured in different cities AFFECTED THE
Itoday. They are growing slowly but SMALL BUSINESS
surely making their presence felt in OWNERS. FOREMOST
the Indian Pet Market. To understand
the scope and challenges they face, AMONGST THEM
Creature Companion magazine WAS THE DEARTH
decided to organize the Indian Pet IN AVAILABILITY
Industry Dialogue on ‘Pet Product OF WORKERS AND
Manufacture by Small Business DELIVERY PERSONS;
Owners’, a webinar held on 29th May, THIS IN TURN MADE
2020. Various industry leaders and IT CHALLENGING
entrepreneurs attended this webinar.
It was moderated by Rashee Kuchroo, TO MANAGE
founder of ‘Doggie Dabbas’ and a PRODUCTION AND
successful entrepreneur herself. LOGISTICS.
Rashee Kuchroo, Doggie Dabbas
The panelists for the day were as
follows:


Ashwin Kashyap, certifi ed doggo-
holic and founder of the ‘Bow Chow’
Fam

Dhrishti Brahmania, founder
of India’s first brand of organic

grooming products for pets, ‘Happy
Puppy Oraganics’

Swagata and Sundeep, founders Ashwin Kashyap, Bow Chow
of ‘Canine Craving’ and proud pet
parents of ‘Cassius and Bailey’ The learned panel dwelled upon With sudden outbreak of Coronavirus,
various challenges that small pet industry was busted with several
Preeti Sharma Sood, founder of business owners face in the Indian hurdles, which considerably affected
‘Poochmate’ and an internationally pet industry and strategies that the small business owners. They
certifi ed groomer they can devise to overcome these faced severe issues such as dearth in
challenges. During discussion, a availability of workers and delivery
Srishti Bhatia, founder of ‘Fresh for special reference was made to the persons, loss in production capacity
Paws’ current pandemic situation. and logistics, and consequently,

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Swagata and Sundeep, Canine Craving





Dhrishti Brahmania, Happy Puppy Oraganics


supply could not be proportionate to
demand.

Speaking about the growth in Industry
excluding Coronavirus episode,
majority of our panelists agreed that
having own website and directly
building rapport with customers is Preeti Sharma Sood, Poochmate
the best distribution model for small
business owners. Building trust… (Pls customers. They also mentioned
compete this) Moreover, they feel that small business owners need to
that good product appeals for itself be innovative and creative to grab
and spreading word of mouth helps attention of potential customers.
them reach maximum number of Srishti Bhatia, Fresh for Paws Collaborating with the infl uencers
people in a constructive way. can be another way of promoting
quality of their products and services; their products.
Regarding Indian products competing this can prove to be the best strategy
with foreign brands, our panelists to compete International brands. In the end, our panelists concluded
agreed that people are biased with an observation that though
towards International products Discussing about the migrant labour currently, international brands
due to their higher availability and crisis, our panelists were of the view dominate Indian pet care market, but
low prices. However, the concept of that stocking up of resources and in terms of ‘quality’ Indian brands
‘Vocal for Local’ is becoming relevant products and focusing on fast selling will thrive slowly and steadily. Small
in present times. They observed products can be a workable strategy business owners need to collaborate
that visibility of Indian products is in this situation. and grow together in order to
increasing gradually, and their quality compete international companies.
is attracting people’s attention. Speaking about the limited budget
One of our panelists emphasized strategies for marketing their
on the ‘game theory’, wherein all products, our panelists emphasized
the Indian manufacturers should on maintaining the online presence
form collaboration, maintaining the and directly engaging with the *Editor – Creature Companion Magazine

JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 45

Indian Pet Industry Dialogue






WEBINAR
OUR EXPERT
FELINE MARKET IN INDIA: SPEAKERS

A PURRFECT BUSINESS DISCUSSED THE KIND
OF DEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITY THAT IS HAPPENING
IN INDIAN
FELINE MARKET,
By Priyanka Kaushal* CONSEQUENTLY

GIVING RISE TO
VARIOUS BUSINESS
n last five years, we have seen 50– OPPORTUNITIES

60 % increase in cat population
Iin Indian households. This is the FOR BUDDING
outcome of luxury and urbanization. ENTREPRENEURS.
Moreover, cats are more convenient AT PRESENT, CAT
animals as compared to dogs. With POPULATION IN
an increase in cat population, also INDIA IS AROUND
comes an opportunity for business 2 MILLION AND
in different product categories such THIS NUMBER IS
cat food, supplements, veterinarian
products, toys, cat litters etc. ESTIMATED TO GET
Creature Companion team organized DOUBLED IN COMING
a webinar on 6th June, 2020 to 5–6 YEARS.
conduct Indian Pet Industry Dialogue
on growing business opportunities in
Indian Feline Market. It was attended Fatema Siamwala
by various budding entrepreneurs
and industry leaders. Fatema Orange Pet Nutrition is an The Feline Club of India has been
Siamwala, a cat enthusiast herself, organization that offers world class super active from past one and a
hosted the Dialogue. pet foods to Indian pet parents. Their half year in creating awareness
products range from snacks to meals about cats. It has conducted several
The Panelists for the day were as and encompass the entire gamut registration drives and conventions
follows: of pets from a loving Labrador to a in order to register cats on account
happy hamster. of breed, colour, marking, and
Saquib Pathan, president of the ownership, and to educate cat
Feline Club of India Our expert speakers discussed owners about various cat issues.
the kind of development that is Registration is a major step in its
Feline Club of India is the fi rst happening in Indian feline market, cause to introduce ancestral tracking
and ‘only’ cat registry in India. It is consequently giving rise to various all over the country. This prevents
working for the betterment of cats business opportunities for budding inline breeding and helps improve
in the country through series of entrepreneurs. At present, cat the Indian Breeds’ Standards.
conventions, registration drives, and population in India is around 2
cat shows. million and this number is estimated Discussing about the International
to get doubled in coming 5–6 years. brands’ perspective towards Indian
Bharat Pittie, founder of Orange Pet So, there is tremendous scope in market our panelists observed that
Nutrition Indian feline market. the former look upon India as a

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Bharat Pittie, founder of Orange Pet
Nutrition
THE SIZE OF RETAIL
SHOPS IS QUITE SMALL,
THERE IS NOT MUCH industry, the retailers will fl ourish;
SPACE FOR DIFFERENT then new varieties can be introduced
VARIETIES TO GET IN. in the market and people will have
WITH THE CHANGE more options to make choice.
IN DEMOGRAPHY Importance of Cat shows was
OF PET INDUSTRY, discussed at length. They empha-
THE RETAILERS WILL sized that Cat shows educate
FLOURISH; THEN NEW about temperament, cleanliness,
VARIETIES CAN BE health, breed standards etc. of cats.
INTRODUCED IN THE Canine also offer breed specifi c food. They inculcate competitiveness
However, as the size of retail shops is
and establish the importance of
MARKET quite small, there is not much space grooming, hygiene, litter habits,
for different varieties to get in. With and nutrition of cats. They work as
growth story. Gaining customer base the change in demography of pet a catalyst for the industry people.
in India makes a lot more difference Manufacturers of the products can
for them as in their home ground come in direct contact with the end
market is already at its peak. They users i.e. their customers and this
reflected that in next two years, way they are of great help to the

there is going to be a big change in newcomers in the market.
the Indian market and there is a
lot of scope. Thorough study of the In the end, our panelists concluded
market backed by proper research by observing that with increase in
can work wonders in favour of Indian cat population, there is tremendous
companies. scope in Indian Feline market.
People need to research more and
Our panelists agreed on the point participate in the cat shows that are
that cat food forms major chunk of conducted to educate people.
the feline market, followed by litter
market, and then grooming products.
Currently, a few brands such as Royal Saquib Pathan, president of the Feline *Editor – Creature Companion Magazine
Club of India
JUNE 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 5 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 47

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RNI NO. UPENG/2008/26403




























































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