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.

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.

My old clothes and me

My old clothes and me

The times are changing

The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are The car parks are full once again and traffic jams have begun to rear their ugly head Thankfully, no honking here! There were more than five people at the ATM – all apparently late for work Pigeon feeding frenzy is at an all time high and when the flock takes flight It fascinates me – it always did . Childish ? The plethora of cats that had inhabited the courtyard are suddenly Conspicuous by their absence – have we frightened them away again? Have they been eaten? Yes, people do eat cats and cats eat pigeons! The malls are seeing footfall once more and people are venturing out Like sloths after the freezing winter – apprehensive and a trifle strained They stare into empty shops – not sure of whether to go in or just play peekaboo ! The buzz and the laughter are missing – so also kids rolling on the floor and demanding candy and playthings The salespersons look happier- not thrilled fifty percent of the salary is better than none, but the cut hurts and hurts bad The media headlines remain “Covid” related – but the tone is gentler and less alarming Other news makes the headlines occasionally – a welcome and much needed relief While actual numbers fluctuate – things do look brighter Data is often the devil but ignore it at your peril The race for the vaccine continues – promises galore – heightened anticipation August - December – 2021- 2022- 5 years away – No silver bullet say some Our world has changed forever – or is it still changing? Who do you believe in this madhouse and why should you? – but the world clings on in hope The hope that makes the present less difficult to bear That is the only way out of this horrid quagmire – HOPE is the saviour Share prices in Vaccine companies rise and owners are joyful It could be a marketing ploy which we the commoners will never fathom World games are back to the drawing board and players are limbering up Palms itching for more millions – satisfaction is rare – it is the “more factor” at play - Pun intended Many teams are already competing in empty stadiums – while starved audiences Sit at home & cheer them on from comfy couches. The IPL will start again and that will warm the cockles of many a heart Meanwhile clothes are being given for ironing and the dry cleaners are a pleased lot The sweatpants and T shirts were oh so comfy! Supermarkets are now abuzz with activity and restaurant tills are jingling Offices are being redone and space is king – sit close at your own risk Education is at the top of the agenda Parents and their wards are indecisive yet hopeful Will schools and colleges reopen? Will they? Won’t they? The jury is still out on that one – it is a tough call for all One can never be too sure – there are plans but are they perfect? The perfect state unfortunately does not exist and therein lies the danger One spike and it will be game over for sure The enemy is miniscule yet lethal – it makes the cobra seem like a plaything Then there are the naysayers – there was no Covid in the first place! This is all a figment of the imagination! A sham to scare the world into disarray! Each to his own – you do have the right to an opinion. It’s your bed to lie on The blame game continues unabated – blame China, blame the US, blame Trump, blame the media, Blame the almighty, blame the bats, the rats, the cats – yes it was the wet markets! It makes no difference – no not at all Elsewhere in the world Fools and fanatics fraternize frivolously, and ignorance rears its ugly head There are Covid parties and Covid games – “Catch Covid if you Can” Is that even a tag line? The height of stupidity. Tens of thousands are parading against their freedom being taken away Some countries are opening out and some closing down. Many are sailing up and down the river – no shore in sight Industries being shut down and new ones opening Jobs being lost – new ones springing up just as soon And amidst all the pandemonium and mayhem Temples are being constructed , elections are being fought, scams are being unearthed Refugees are running, Arsenals are being enlarged, boarders are being fortified Governments are being formed while others are being toppled The rich are becoming richer and millions are facing drought and starvation. The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are

The times are changing

The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are The car parks are full once again and traffic jams have begun to rear their ugly head Thankfully, no honking here! There were more than five people at the ATM – all apparently late for work Pigeon feeding frenzy is at an all time high and when the flock takes flight It fascinates me – it always did . Childish ? The plethora of cats that had inhabited the courtyard are suddenly Conspicuous by their absence – have we frightened them away again? Have they been eaten? Yes, people do eat cats and cats eat pigeons! The malls are seeing footfall once more and people are venturing out Like sloths after the freezing winter – apprehensive and a trifle strained They stare into empty shops – not sure of whether to go in or just play peekaboo ! The buzz and the laughter are missing – so also kids rolling on the floor and demanding candy and playthings The salespersons look happier- not thrilled fifty percent of the salary is better than none, but the cut hurts and hurts bad The media headlines remain “Covid” related – but the tone is gentler and less alarming Other news makes the headlines occasionally – a welcome and much needed relief While actual numbers fluctuate – things do look brighter Data is often the devil but ignore it at your peril The race for the vaccine continues – promises galore – heightened anticipation August - December – 2021- 2022- 5 years away – No silver bullet say some Our world has changed forever – or is it still changing? Who do you believe in this madhouse and why should you? – but the world clings on in hope The hope that makes the present less difficult to bear That is the only way out of this horrid quagmire – HOPE is the saviour Share prices in Vaccine companies rise and owners are joyful It could be a marketing ploy which we the commoners will never fathom World games are back to the drawing board and players are limbering up Palms itching for more millions – satisfaction is rare – it is the “more factor” at play - Pun intended Many teams are already competing in empty stadiums – while starved audiences Sit at home & cheer them on from comfy couches. The IPL will start again and that will warm the cockles of many a heart Meanwhile clothes are being given for ironing and the dry cleaners are a pleased lot The sweatpants and T shirts were oh so comfy! Supermarkets are now abuzz with activity and restaurant tills are jingling Offices are being redone and space is king – sit close at your own risk Education is at the top of the agenda Parents and their wards are indecisive yet hopeful Will schools and colleges reopen? Will they? Won’t they? The jury is still out on that one – it is a tough call for all One can never be too sure – there are plans but are they perfect? The perfect state unfortunately does not exist and therein lies the danger One spike and it will be game over for sure The enemy is miniscule yet lethal – it makes the cobra seem like a plaything Then there are the naysayers – there was no Covid in the first place! This is all a figment of the imagination! A sham to scare the world into disarray! Each to his own – you do have the right to an opinion. It’s your bed to lie on The blame game continues unabated – blame China, blame the US, blame Trump, blame the media, Blame the almighty, blame the bats, the rats, the cats – yes it was the wet markets! It makes no difference – no not at all Elsewhere in the world Fools and fanatics fraternize frivolously, and ignorance rears its ugly head There are Covid parties and Covid games – “Catch Covid if you Can” Is that even a tag line? The height of stupidity. Tens of thousands are parading against their freedom being taken away Some countries are opening out and some closing down. Many are sailing up and down the river – no shore in sight Industries being shut down and new ones opening Jobs being lost – new ones springing up just as soon And amidst all the pandemonium and mayhem Temples are being constructed , elections are being fought, scams are being unearthed Refugees are running, Arsenals are being enlarged, boarders are being fortified Governments are being formed while others are being toppled The rich are becoming richer and millions are facing drought and starvation. The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are

Worried about this madness

While scientists around the world are working 24/7 to fine tune a vaccine to fight COVID, some people in their wisdom are banging thalis, ringing bells and changing slogans of "go covid go" to get rid of the pandemic. If that were not enough there are papads for sale too, which apparently will prevent one getting the virus.. Praying that better sense prevails . PS. Meanwhile, media reports say that around the world, the numbers are hitting the ceiling and going through the roof as young people are celebrating the end of lockdown periods over enthusiastically at bars and pubs without taking necessary precautions. 40 countries have reported large single day increases in infection with over 280,000 new cases over this weekend alone. This is a frightening scenario. At this rate ,and pun intended, the party has only just begun. Such foolishness is calling for trouble. Looks like common sense has vanished the world over.