Actor Rakul Preet Singh is a dog lover and has had many furry friends whose company has only enriched her. The love for the canine companions is what led her to become the face of Drools, a brand that caters to the dietary needs of pets. She engages in a tete-a-tete with t2 and opens up about being a pet parent and creating more awareness about pet care. Excerpts...
We have learnt that dogs are close to your heart and you have had a pet called Blossom, among many others. Can you take us back to your memory of Blossom and also the other pets you have in your life?
I have a deep affection for dogs and have always had them as companions. I enjoy being around pets, whether they are stray animals I encounter on the street or the ones I share my home with. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my life with several canine friends, each one bringing me immense happiness. Our first family pet was a Doberman named Mitsy. During my high-school years, our family welcomed another furry friend, a black Cocker Spaniel named Olive. Olive enriched our lives for a remarkable 10 years. During her time with us, Olive whelped a Cocker Spaniel puppy we named Blossom. Blossom remained a cherished member of our family for over 15 years. Both Olive and Blossom hold a very special place in our hearts, and I treasure every memory of our time together.
What are the things that you have learned from your pets?
Owning and caring for a pet prepares you to be a good parent. It prepares you to be responsible and grounded. They teach us valuable life lessons like responsibility, trust, and compassion. Additionally, there are numerous benefits to having a pet, including improved mental and physical health.
Pets too demand time just like humans. How do you make sure to take out time from your schedule for your pets?
Dogs are known as man’s best friends, but sometimes they call for attention. My pets are a top priority for me, and when you prioritise something, finding time for it becomes easy. Playing with my furry baby is one of my favourite pastimes, especially on my days off from work. Even when I’m on shoot I always make sure to check on them.
I also visit NGOs. Today, there are so many pet adoption and awareness programmes. NGOs have played a major role in improving the lives of stray animals. Through such programmes, people have been made aware of sterilization, vaccination, adoption, health, and education. In my experience, becoming a pet parent is a beautiful road to self-discovery. I never knew I could give so much unconditional love to another being. I have been contemplating the idea of adoption more than shopping. One can even become a foster parent and contribute to a pet’s journey until they find a loving family. Having a pet is all about love and patience, along with systematic behavioural training to nurture a dog. Let us all do our part to provide these animals with the love and care they deserve.
What made you become the face of Drools and what do you intend to do further for pets?
I am incredibly happy to be associated with Drools again. As a devoted pet parent, I know how crucial good nutrition is for our furry companions. Drools’s dedication to high-quality food truly aligns with my values. The brand understands the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet for a pet’s growth, which is why their in-house team of vets and nutritionists formulate the products. These products then undergo stringent quality checks to ensure superior quality food that meets the growing needs of pets. I’m excited to collaborate with them to equip pet parents across the country with the knowledge they need to make informed choices for their pets.
Is your husband Jackky Bhagnani a pet lover too?
Jackky too is a pet lover like me and together we care for a wonderful Labrador retriever named Diesel.
Moving on, talking about your projects on screen, you will be seen in Indian 2 opposite Siddharth. Tell us how excited you are and how it was being a part of the film?
I was thrilled to get the opportunity to collaborate with Kamal (Haasan) sir and Siddharth. Working alongside such esteemed individuals, who have not only excelled in their profession for decades but also retained their humility, was truly inspiring.