Pet moms share their experience of raising a furry baby during the lockdown

“Taking care of a pet all by myself is both a terrific and a terrifying experience, depending on which day you catch me,” shares Priyanka Thaker, a young working professional from Ahmedabad. Priyanka, who is a single working woman from Ahmedabad decided to get a labrador last year. Much like Priyanka, many women decided to become pet mothers this past year. Often overwhelming and taxing, being a pet mom has its difficulties, but there’s hardly anything to complain about when you have your pet waiting at home to offer you cuddles and kisses. This Mother’s Day, we speak to women from different walks of life who have become mothers to some adorable pets this past year.


‘Being the sole focus of a dog’s affection and attention can be an overwhelming thing’


“My labrador Kai, turned one on April 24 this year. When he came along, I had absolutely no idea how I was going to make it work. I paint walls, so it's an all site work, all the time. I travel a lot. And, I live in a rented apartment and wasn't sure if the neighbors or the owner would be comfortable.

But when I saw him, I knew I had to get him. Being the sole focus of a dog’s affection and attention can be an overwhelming thing. It’s just me and him. Since you are the sole provider in a way, you have got to be very disciplined. I used to sleep sometimes as late as 4. The most difficult part was to think of who will take care of him while I am away. I have now managed to make a schedule. On shorter trips, I take him along and for times when I’m out for longer, I leave him at a pet resort. Being a single pet mother is challenging but I have no complaints.”


Priyanka Thaker, young professional from Ahmedabad

‘No one prepares you for the hardships that comes with being a pet mother’


“During the lockdown, working from home started affecting my health. I quit my job and stayed home for almost six months to take care of myself. That’s when I thought I have the time to take care of a puppy and it would also be a loving companion in these gloomy times. While everyone tells you how big a responsibility it is to be a pet mom, you only realise it after you get the pet home. I welcomed Mylo, my pug, in October 2020 and while he makes me happy, it hasn’t been a smooth ride. My breeder had not prepared me for the various health issues that my pet might have. There was a health scare with Mylo and we could save him only in the nick of time. Having said this, Mylo has made me happy and everything is worth the effort when I am greeted with Mylo’s unconditional love everyday.”


Kopal Cheema, a young professional based out of Mumbai

‘Having a pet is a lot like raising a baby’

“I got my furry baby Rufus last year. A pet in such times is an instant mood alleviator. COVID brings with it a lot of worries, irrespective of whether you’ve contracted it or not and a pet can be an enormous distraction. Rufus is attached to me and that he sleeps in my room, he follows me around like my shadow. Initially I faced issues like potty training inside the house, dos and don’ts that we want him to follow (each house designs it’s discipline regime) like we discourage sitting on any chairs or sofas or beds, etc. Having and raising a pet is very similar to having a baby. From late nights, early mornings to having a medicine schedule, food schedule and the like, I have to be on my feet at all times. It is overwhelming at times, but the joy that I get from my pup has been more than any that I have received from a human.”


Pooja Rohan Shah, a resident of Ahmedabad

‘The dogs I take care of are my children, they will always be a part of my life’


“I saw this meme recently - dogs are the new kids and plants are the new dogs. It's true. I have a lot of kids - strays on the street who have funny names given by me, fosters who lived with me, and friends' dogs who find my home to be their vacation spot. I have grown up loving and having dogs as part of the family. Living by myself, I started dog-sitting for friends and before I knew it, I met some amazing rescuers who would send foster dogs my way when needed. As a foster parent, I take care of dogs who don't immediately have a home and help them find a new, permanent home. They live here like it's their home, they share the bed with me, they eat lavish meals, and usually - they are the bosses of the house. They never get the feeling that they were abandoned and in foster care. Even for the short time they spend with me - they are my kids and they will always be a part of my life. All the love, joy, pain, anger, and care my mother expressed towards me - I think I pass it on to these cute buggers. They know my love is unconditional, even when they pee on my favorite clothes or chew on my favorite shoes. Most people ask me, ‘why don't you just keep this dog or the next one?’ but then the dog after that won't get a foster mother like me who will help them find the perfect home.”


Devyani Jethwa, a young professional from Ahmedabad

‘It’s important to be there for your pet as much as they are with you’


I got my pet Zia in June last year. I believe it’s very similar to having a baby, except that this baby will never be able to communicate what she wants. We have had sleepless nights, cheerful days and above all a very expressive pet. She makes sure she let’s us know if she is angry, excited, or wants to pee. There have been times when we think she has swallowed a foreign object and she somehow manages to tell us she hasn’t. I was always afraid of dogs and was even bitten by a stray in 2019 and I got Zia after that. It has helped me be comfortable around dogs. I am an vegetarian and I order chicken soups for Zia and on days she doesn’t eat, I kind of feed the chunks and rice to her by my hand. I’d never thought I’d touch meat but probably that’s what you do once you have a pet, be there for them unconditionally as much as they are there for you.”


Krutika Shah, a young professional from Ahmedabad