Do you have a pet ?

You know that you have entered the home of a pet lover when 1. Pet utilities are something you spot as you enter – various bowls, mats, cages. 2. You are greeted by pet sounds as you ring the doorbell- Barking, birds screeching. 3. You see the pet as you enter – cats, dogs, birds. 4. If you do not spot them right away, you spot their hair, their feathers or you just get a different scent. 5. Dogs lick and jump, cats come and smell and birds – well they make some sound or the other. God forbid if you are allergic to any. 6. Mid way through the conversation the pet reappears and tries to take centre stage – and succeeds without much ado 7. Thereafter the conversation veers towards the pet and continues unabated for some time. Pet owners love to talk about their pets and believe that the guest is enjoying the stories. So you are told about when they wake, when they rest, when they sleep, what they eat and who they love most in the family . 8. If two pet lovers meet- stories are traded with each speaking about how intelligent / loving their pets are and all the stuff they do. 9. Pet tricks are then displayed – dogs begging, cats encouraged to jump on to the lap, birds been made to talk. 10. Pets are cuddled, fondled, and kissed more than usual for the benefit of the visitor 11. Pets are fed in your presence and the food described in pretty detail. 12. Photographs and videos are shown of the pet posing and in action- a nonstop commentary accompanies the same. 13. However fierce the pet is, the owner will always say – “He/ she does not bite”. I have been attacked by dogs for sure - geese and parrots too. Nothing serious but enough to cause consternation. Raising pets surely brings many forms of satisfaction and joy for animal parents and I am sure the pet feels as happy. Now with the pandemic and more “home time” at their disposal, pet owners all over the world are enjoying more mutually loving and rewarding relationships than ever before. Pet adoptions have gone up 36 % the world over. Gone are the days of keeping a pet in the backyard and feeding it scraps from the table. I know quite a few people who kept dogs like that! These days there is specialized pet food , pet snacks, pet grooming , pet shampoos , pet toothpaste and tooth brushes , pet perfumes , nail clippers and scissors , massage creams, pet medication, pet vitamins and not only for health but for better fur/ feathers etc. – all of these come in different varieties and some of the prices are mind boggling . There are also pet toys, pet beds, pet mats, specialized cages, climbing toys and the like . Pet grooming is very big business all over the world and once again you need to be ready to spend big bucks to keep your pet in top shape and healthy. This can be done at home too. Pet groomers now have home service whereby they come to your house in their van to groom your pet. God forbid your pet gets ill, the expenses at the clinic are truly exorbitant. Going on a vacation? They are pet hotels, kennels and general boarding establishments who will take care of your pet for a price. Dog parks are aplenty but there is also a restaurant where you can go for a cup of coffee or a snack and play with / interact with the cats who are resident there! Am told it is therapeutic and more so for kids. Interacting with pets has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that pets at home can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. Apparently, it makes you more productive too. Pets are especially good for children and even those with special needs as the bonding helps build empathy, improves the mood, and brings joy and a feeling of peace. It is believed that the presence of a pet in the house improves motivation and speed when completing tasks and increases listening skills and concentration. As a family, we are confirmed pet lovers and that is why when I see videos of cruelty to pets, my blood boils. There need to be more stringent laws in place to deal which such scum of the earth. It is indeed heart-warming to see people taking care of and feeding strays and birds in many parts of the world – especially the UAE I enjoy spending time with our little cat and it really relaxes me. Why don’t you try adopting a pet! Nothing like it – believe me.