Mainak Banik's decision to name his Golden Retriever puppy Star has turned out to be prophetic. The one-year-old participates in dog shows across Kolkata and the districts. And regularly brings home trophies too.
And so popular is he that whenever he wins a trophy, word goes round in his neighbourhood and neighbours come down to congratulate him.
Mainak, a Nagerbazar resident, is understandably proud of his pet. “Star is actually a star. He is a great companion and a wonderful member of our community. He belongs not just to us but to the entire neighbourhood which looks at him as the local star pet. He has this unique ability to bring everyone together,” he says.
Star was born to Sweetie, who is also the Banik family's pet and currently the proud mother of her third litter. Though all of Star’s five siblings from last year’s litter were given away to family and friends, Star remained. “He was the most active and playful and had the best anatomy,” says Mainak, who is a professional handler.
“When I first took him to a dog show, Star was very little. Yet, he caught everyone's eye and won a trophy. That made me realise that he was champion material if given an opportunity. When I came back, I decided to train him for dog shows,” says Mainak.
The decision has really paid off. Star has participated in five registered shows and two pet shows. He has won in his class in most puppy categories. His best showings have been a Best Puppy in Show among all breeds at the Calcutta Canine Club's show and a Reserved Best Puppy in Show in Golden Retriever Speciality at another show by the Golden Retriever Speciality Club.
Being a show dog means being on a strict diet. “We are especially careful about what to put in his bowl if there is a show coming up.” Star enjoys a meal of chicken stew and rice, though he has to take a lot of dog food supplements too.
Sweets are a strict no-no but sometimes family members give in, falling for his languid stare at food items. “I have spotted my mother giving him diabetic sandesh as prasad after completing her puja,” laughs Mainak, adding that such lapses are rare.
While Sweety prefers to lounge and eat and snuggle with human members of the family, Star loves playing in the adjoining garden with his older mate Max, who is strictly a house pet. “Hence Max's upbringing is more relaxed. He has torn currency notes and my text books left on the table. He too is supposed to stay off sweets but I have caught him with sonpapdi in his teeth and the empty packet of sweets lying about. Star would never steal.”
Mainak is a final year undergraduate student at Bangabasi College but attends classes only when he must. “I have always been a dog lover. I have had a dog at home since I was 14. That was Labrador called Guddu who is no more. So it suits me fine to be in this profession,” he says. When he takes Star to the shows, a friend comes along to help as his primary charges are his client's dogs.
“Even if I quit this profession and join our family business, I will always take my own dog to shows,” says the 21-year-old, who is dreaming big for his star pet. “Star is shedding his coat now and hopefully will be ready by next winter when the show season resumes in Kolkata. Let’s see if he can become a champion next year itself,” he says.
If you have a pet you have brought up at home as a family member and which has its eyes only for you, write to us with your contact number at The Telegraph Salt Lake, 6, Prafulla Sarkar Street, Kolkata 700001 or email to saltlake@abp.in