A pre-Christmas bash thrown by Pet Pleasure was a chance for barkers, meowers, and even floppy-eared furballs to make merry. It was also a chance for pet parents to count their blessings and say a silent prayer for street animals that often go uncared for.
The DL Block pet shop had erected a giant photo frame outside and the four-legged guests smartly strutted behind it for photoshoots. Red was the colour of the evening as most pets came in red coats, ribbons and accessories.
Tuki, the lady Labrador, came in a pink coat and bindi. “The way we dress up for parties, they should too,” smiled Monali Maitra of AL Block. Zoe the Spitz came in a red garland and went berserk in the ball pit that was set up. Sana, the Beagle, had come with all the trophies she had won at the dog show she attended recently.
“Santa Paws” had left for the pets balls, grooming products and bows which Sulagna Das, who runs the store, buckled around their necks. The pets sniffed one another and mingled freely and pet lovers had a ball playing with so many animals.
“Just let me issue a warning before you come close.... She’s extra friendly!” laughed Swarnila Barua, as her Indie Maya happily went into the arms of some dog lovers.
About 40 dogs, three cats and a rabbit — Bhutu — showed up. “Bhutu feels scared of dogs and trembles in their presence so we came towards the end of the party when canines and felines would have left,” said Joy Dasgupta of Karunamoyee, adding how they had taken the rabbit in after his family had abandoned him. “If there’s a message to spread this Christmas, it should be to show some kindness to animals,” he said.
It was the same wish from Surinder Bhatia, whose dog Scraggy had also been rescued from Indore when he lived there. “People can be cruel, so if I had to wish something from Santa, it would be for people to care for street dogs and feed them,” said the BG Block.
Aditi Das had come with her Beagle Niki but shared how disturbed she was at witnessing a recent bike accident. “After the crash, passersby rushed to check on the injured rider but no one turned to the street dog who had also got hurt. People of our city could do with some empathy this season,” said the EE Block resident.
Sulagna said they hold some sort of celebration every year around this time. “Nowadays even Durga puja pandals allow dogs in but there’s no public Christmas party for them.This is why we choose to celebrate this festival,” she said. “And since the weather’s cool the pets are comfortable in the open too.”