A day with furry friends

Far away from the city’s hustle and bustle, the fourth edition of the Bangalore Pet Show opened its gates to hundreds of enthusiastic animal lovers recently.

This year, along with the annual pet show that showcased  exotic breeds of dogs, birds and aquarium fish, a feline international convention and cat competition were also held — said to be the first in India.

The gates to Manpho Exhibition Centre opened at 9:30 am, but even before that one could see several excited pet owners and children waiting outside for the event to begin.   Dog owners and breeders brought their four-legged companions to walk the ramp inside the convention centre. Surprisingly, none of the dogs were hassled even with the presence of so many people and other canines around them.

Owner of Rudra, a beautiful black newfoundland dog, said, “It is wonderful to get such opportunities to mingle with other pet owners and breeders. And it’ s like a day out for him too. Because he has such a thick coat and is so huge, he usually stays in air-conditioned room all day.”

Beagle, Pug, English Mastiff, Great Dane, St.Bernard — you name a breed and they were all there, including a 40-day-old siberian husky puppy, who was an instant favourite among all the little children and ladies.

On a casual visit to the pet show was animal lover Pooja Rai, a resident of Jayanagar, who was delighted to see all the rare canine beauties.

“I am so thrilled to see all these different dogs. They are all so calm and friendly. I am loving it here right now,”  she said.

“I have an Irish setter back home, but I did not bring him here today.” Pooja added.

21-year-old Daksh is the owner of Tuffy, a cute black and white english bulldog. He said “I have come all the way from RT Nagar, just to have a bit of fun with Tuffy, who is just six months old.”
Asked if he had owned dogs before, Daksh says, “I have been around dogs since I was born. I have a Doberman, Dachshund and a Boxer back home too.”

The event also saw an adoption tent set up just outside the venue, where many street puppies were waiting to be taken to loving homes.

“All you have to do is fill up a form and you can take these babies home,” said the owner of Lucy, a tiny toffee-coloured stray puppy.

The feline convention was a two day long knowledge-based event with seminars on cat diseases, pain management, grooming and more, by international and national speakers.
Held on May 20 and 21, the Bangalore Pet Show, also had a Korean Dosa Mastiff and Alaskan Malamute as showstoppers.

There was also a pet quiz, free raffle draws, games for children, a flea market and food stalls.