BIRTHDAY CHOCOLATE!!!

AND ON THE EIGHTH DAY GOD CREATED CHOCOLATE.... ~ Daniel L. Worona

Quite literally in this case as Chocolate's birthday is indeed EIGHTH March! :)

Chocolate's fifth birthday was celebrated here at Petspace. In attendance were his doggie and human friends and...yummy yummy food not to mention music and FUN. A loving Mom, Rachana baked the Birthday cake as well as took care of all the arrangements along with dad Anurag. It was really sweet to see the family and the love that spilled over and filled Petspace and my heart too. My most hearty wishes and love to Chocolate.

About an year ago, Rachana brought in a most beautiful Golden Retriever with a lovely bronze-gold coat to Petspace. I was even more thrilled to know that he was named Chocolate! As if it was required to feel the irresistible love and attraction to this cutie.

It’s always a pleasure to interact with Chocolate. Like all Golden's go, he is very friendly and affectionate with humans. He is such a 'cuddle-bear' wanting to be petted all the time. He has learnt that he can melt any human's heart to do his bidding by demonstrating his routine of - sit, offering his right paw, his left paw and even standing on his two feet!!!. When he came here for the first time he was not so comfortable with other dogs. That has now changed considerably. Do you know how common it is for people to bring in dogs that (as they put it) 'think they are humans and look with wonderment at the other dogs'!! Well....that's not a stretch, certainly that’s how Chocolate looks and behaves with other dogs:). He is content watching the dogs at play and only when a desirable female come along he moves from his perch!

Interestingly, I came across another quote that went:

THE 12-STEP CHOCOHOLICS PROGRAM: Never be more than 12 steps away from Chocolate!

~ Daniel L. Worona
Lemma 11.9: You can never be more than 12 steps away from Chocolate!

~ Hema :)

Doggie Boarding tips

At times, it is heart wrenching to see the plight of pet owners having to drop their furry companion off at a boarding facility. I have myself gone through these emotions and I fully understand what they are going through . A pleasurable boarding experience is the result of the owner and the boarding staff working in the interest of the pet. I get asked a lot about the preparations that needs to be made before you drop your pet off and what to expect in a boarding.

• If your dog has never been boarded before, consider few hours of day care as well as at least one overnight boarding prior to the actual stay. This acclimatises the dog to the new environment and the staff. It also gives an opportunity to the owner to give any feedback to the staff and vice versa.
• Get your dog used to other dogs, people, new environments, travelling in a car/vehicle and most importantly eating independently (At Petspace we do hand-feed the dogs that do not eat on their own, but some dogs look for their owners to hand feed them).
• Ensure that all his immunizations are current and that he is not suffering from any contagious disease.
• Get your dog on an anti-tick/flea treatment as a preventive. Tick collars and spot-on applicators are effective.
• Get your dog dewormed regularly.
• Bring any familiar clothing/object that smells of home.
• If your dog gets anxious seeing you pack, bring the dog in before the suitcases come out! The less stressed the dog is, he will adjust faster.
• Let the staff know in case your dog has any abnormal fears (water, birds etc), allergies (wheat, milk etc) or has any medical condition (such as epilepsy, hip dysplasia etc).
• Arrive as early as possible in the day, so the pet has enough outside time to make new friends before “lights out”.
• Dogs sense and reflect our feelings; don’t allow a family member to stage an emotional farewell. Keep your good-byes short and happy. Most dogs view their boarding stay as a vacation.
• While at boarding, eating habits of dogs may change – some eat a lot, while some may reduce their food intake. Some dogs tend to gain weight while some tend to lose weight running around with other dogs having a great time.
• It would be best if the dog is kept on the same diet as at home.
• Some dogs do not eat for the first day in a new environment.
• Most dogs sleep a lot for the first couple of days after they return home.
• Your dog will be very excited when you pick him up. Do not feed him for a couple hours as excessive food and water consumption may cause issues as the dog is in a very excited state.

As always, feel free to call us at 9900020364 for any suggestions or information.

Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

Today I’m gonna write about Kennel Cough…an infection that has been prevalent at times in our city. Read on to know some more about the symptoms, causes and possible resolutions to this common disease.
Kennel Cough is a fairly common ailment in dogs and is mostly seen in spring and summer. A talk with the vets confirms that the virus is “in the air” in Bangalore. If your dog does develop kennel cough, don’t panic! The way this illness operates is analogous to the common cold that we humans sometimes catch. Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition.

What is Kennel Cough?

Kennel Cough is caused by an airborne virus (parainfluenza) or bacteria called Bordetella which is highly contagious. Transmission of both the Parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bacteria occurs primarily by dog to dog contact or contact with aerosolized droplets (airborne transmission). The Bordetella bacteria resides in almost every dog, however a good immune system keeps the bacteria under control. A low immune system or stress can trigger bordetella to take hold and causes infection. Anytime your dog is in the vicinity of an infected dog, there is a potential for infection. The incubation period is 4-10 days, meaning your dog will not display signs of illness for 4-10 days following exposure to the virus. However, after the infection has been resolved, the affected animal will continue to shed the bacteria for 6 to 14 weeks and can spread the disease to other susceptible animals during that time.

People tend to associate it with dogs that have been in a boarding kennel. But your dog need not be in a kennel to catch the cough. The healthier the dog the best chance he has of getting rid of the disease fast, or not getting it at all. That is why the best thing is to build your dog’s immune system with a healthy diet. This is also the reason for not every dog in the kennel (or house) getting infected if there is an outbreak.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough. Your dog will start coughing a lot, with a sound that seems as if he has something stuck in his throat. He will usually cough up phlegm after rounds of cough. As long as the colour of the phlegm is light and he seems to be in good spirits, the disease will probably take its course and go away in about 10 days with good care. A watery nasal discharge may also be present. With mild cases, dogs continue to eat and be alert and active. If the dog still shows the symptoms of kennel cough after 3 weeks and if he becomes weak or has dark phlegm, then he will need to be treated immediately, as he has probably developed a secondary bacterial infection which could be fatal if left untreated.

What precautions do we take at Petspace?

• Kennels have very good ventilation and are disinfected with germicide daily.
• Any dog that is found having the symptoms is quarantined immediately.
• Food/water bowls are kept separate for each dog, in their kennel.
• No common water bowls or balls or toys in the play areas.
• If the owner so chooses, there is an option of not socializing the dog, but is given adequate time out in the open alone.

Please feel free to contact us on advice or inputs regarding Kennel Cough: info@Petspace.in

Ceaseless Caesar & Tireless Cyrus!!

“Who said the search is still on for an unending source of energy? Haven’t you met children or puppies!!”


Yep! There is the quote for this post. And it isn’t from some famous, long gone philanthropist. It’s from a simple doggone woman staring speechlessly at two mischievous pups running amok: Me!

I’ve cultivated this rare skill of feeling the temperament of a dog even as he walks in for the first time. There it was! I knew there was something in him when Caesar the 3 month old Beagle strutted into Petspace. And yet, for the first day he was quiet. My sixth sense foretold me of the storm that comes after the calm. I waited for the entire day. Nothing happened.

The next day a cute little 3 month old Golden Retriever, Cyrus, joined the party. He looked and felt like a walking, running Teddy Bear! I could just forget myself as I stood cuddling him and pampering him with love. The minute he entered the play area, Caesar started troubling him like he was an old pal who just had to be harassed!

The first day went with Cyrus playing the underdog. May be he was just too taken in by the excitement in Caesar to even react. I guess the long hours of the night made for some quite resolve and planning from his side. The next day onwards started this non-stop play between the two pups! They would just go on and on and on…

At some point I thought, maybe I should play the referee and induce a little break time between rounds. What does a woman do, when she looks into the eyes of a cute little Beagle with the most precious eyes, like he was wearing kajal! Believe me, every one remarked on this feature of Caesar. Besides, I have not met anyone and I certainly am not the one who could look at a Teddy Bear and feel even an iota of strictness or firmness.

And so, for the 10 days of their stay, we were witness to the longest ever bouts of unstoppable play. As the self-appointed Ref, I concluded that the ‘game was the winner’ at the end.

Watch the video clips of the two of them at it on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/petspace.in

I’m sure it gives some clue of how CUTE they could be if you held them in your hands and looked them in the eye… phew! There I go…weak in my knees at the very thought!!! :)

Of Cats & Dogs!!

“Dogs come when called. Cats take a message and get back to you.”
A Very Happy New Year to All!! :)

The run up to the New Year at Petspace was quite a nice play of coincidence. It rained ‘cats & dogs’ as we neared the big NY day. And we had cats & dogs boarded too! I’ve written a lot about dogs so will write about cats in this post.

Being a dog and cat owner myself it just felt nice to connect with these amazing beings filled with so much love. Recently, I came across these ‘Cat Laws’ and one of them read: Curiosity never killed anything except maybe a few hours. Watching Wally, a (Siberian looking) Persian kitty walking around exploring my office at Petspace made me agree with that law totally.

He walked with an ease and fluidity of movement that only cats could possess. He looked at the curtain drapes and with the alacrity of a seasoned gymnast used it with finesse to sit on my desk looking into my eyes and purring his messages softly. Even as I sat mesmerized he took a walk around as if inspecting the place and being satisfied with what he saw made himself comfortable allowing my calls to him be recorded in the ‘answering machine’ inside his mind!

I’m sure you’ve seen the movie ‘Cats & Dogs’ and the hilarious spoof of the wondrous Bond & other Secret Agent movies with new 4 legged characters. While dogs shower us with their attention and love I do believe there is great merit in owning a cat. Just remember that a) To a Cat, “No” means “Not while I am looking!” and b) Anything not nailed down is a Cat Toy & c) After dark all cats are leopards (Native American proverb) :)

Hmm! And what can I say about those many dogs that made my New Year ever more special. The calmness and peace of cats is matched by the excitement and verve of the dog family. They ushered in the new year at Petspace with their trademark barks and wags! It is at once an overwhelming and exulting feeling to watch 15 or so dogs running to greet you every time you walk up to them. No wonder Aldous Huxley explained the popularity of dogs thus: ‘To every dog his owner is Napolean’.

While Bangalore welcomed NY2012 with rains like cats and dogs, I welcomed it with them :)

Sitting with Buster and Misty I also realized that it’s true what they say: “Dogs believe they are human; Cats know they are Divine”. Well, whether you have one of these ‘humans’ or ‘Divine’ in your home, here’s wishing you ALL a very, very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Haffun! :)

Petspace on TV!!

“Television:  chewing gum for the eyes."  ~ Frank Lloyd Wright
Over the last few months we had crew from two TV shows shoot Petspace and the dogs residing / playing here. It was also my first media experience. I had been interviewed by journalists from the print media earlier but this was a whole new experience. I am really grateful and could see the amount of hard work that goes into the creation of a video episode / TV show.

TV9 (Kannada): Ladies Club!

The first shoot was by TV9 in Kannada for their “Ladies Club” episode that showcases innovative business ideas. When I got the call from them about the coverage I was very excited and wondered how the day would go and how the dogs would behave with a bunch of camera crew focusing on them all day.

The day when the TV9 crew landed at Petspace was quite a hot summer day. In the sweltering heat while we managed to coax few of the doggies to come up and face the camera, I also found a few really ‘cool dudes’ who found the experience very engrossing and appealing! They put up quite a show strutting around the camera and exuding a sense of general merriment and fun.

I also gave my own ‘sound’ bytes on pet care (pun intended :) ) later following that up with an ‘interview; at the TV9 studio with Radhika, the anchor of the show. It was a FUN experience and I do hope that some of my comments and suggestions could be valuable to customers and dog lovers. You could catch the show @ Petspace Featured on TV9Part-I&Part-II

NDTV Good Times: Heavy Petting

I was introduced to this show by a customer. I watched the show and I loved the way it’s done. All credits to Seema Rahmani (the anchor) for hosting such a terrific show, among the first to showcase pets and pet related stories in India. I’d already pressed the ‘Like’ button in my mind for this show at first glance. So when I got the call from Arun of NDTV-GT for a shoot with Seema I was looking forward to this shoot.

With the experience of one shoot (TV9) behind I felt pretty confident that our koochies could only look good on cam! This experience was quite different in that the crew just waited patiently for capturing each dog in his elements. Patience (and perspiration) swelled from the crew as they just waited to ‘pick those moments’. Again I realized that somehow few dogs just LOVE the camera! Do they actually watch TV when they are home??!! I wonder! :) This is set to be aired sometime in August.

(I must add that those who know me would be surprised with my husky voice as I suffered with a sore throat on that day :( )

Close on the heels of these two shoots I was also glad to be chosen and interviewed for a book that will be published in association with IIMB. The book is on women entrepreneur’s journey starting up a business. In all, this summer has been quite an experience with new experiences from an altogether unexpected corner: the fourth estate!I came across this quote recently and it brought a smile to me face.

“Time has convinced me of one thing.  Television is for appearing on, not looking at.”  ~Noel Coward, attributed :)

‘Soulmates’ @ Petspace :)

“Our Soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person.”  Richard Bach

Of course you read it right! I am indeed talking about ‘Soulmates’ :)  It is no surprise that I write on this topic given that day in and day out I am at a place that abounds with one quality: LOVE!

On the 15th of April’2011, Don, a pug(!) came to stay at Petspace during the holiday season for a long vacation and there started a beautiful story of friendship that I now share with you. Don loves to play with other dogs and makes me wonder where in his cute little frame does he have the source of this much energy to play ALL THE TIME! I guess among God’s inimitable imagination and creation lies this little secret power house or store house of energy that He gifts children and dogs alike! But not all can keep going as much and as far as Don could! You must see him to believe him.

Nemo’s temperament is quite the opposite of Don’s, (at least initially it was!). He seemed a bit more sobre and ‘gentleman-like’. In his previous visits he seemed to be the ‘calm’, ‘quite’ types! And yet…yet, they proved a simple physics rule to be true, the law of magnetism: Opposites attract!

Nemo, the Cocker-Spaniel loves balls while Don plays with other dogs. And when these two cute brats get together, they seem to forget everyone else around them in the world. Like a true color Bollywood masala movie of the 80s and 90s, initially Don troubled Nemo and then Nemo returned the favor. But after that initial phase they struck such a close friendship that they were pretty much inseparable. In fact, Don gets so engrossed in playing with Nemo that he caused me worry about his forgetting to eat! Nemo boarded at Petspace thrice during the period when Don was here. Each time when Nemo would leave for home, Don would actually sit sadly at the gate watching him go. I felt his cheerful attitude was at its peak when he received Nemo the next time he came to Petspace.

Watching these gestures of pure love among these friends makes me wonder how often we humans actually give of ourselves so completely and selflessly to just be in the moment and share the joy of a moment created with our love for one another.

And yeah, I used the word ‘Soulmates’ coz like all true love stories the friendship is forged between all sizes and shapes :)
Take a look at these friendly pairs for instance:
Chocolate (a big Golden Retriever) & Anya (a small pug)
Bela ( a mastiff) & Ach (a lab)
Spark (a lab) & Buddy (a Shih tzu)
They have nothing in common excepting pure love and a happy-go-lucky attitude :)

Well, as for me, I am really happy to see these blossoms of friendship that seem to create a welcoming and homely ambience for the next pooch walking in…!! :)