National Pet Day: Pet parents on cultivating bonding with their furry friends

Bonding with pets is an incredibly rewarding experience that can bring joy, comfort, and companionship to our lives. Whether it's spending time with a furry friend who greets us at the door every day or a scaly companion who loves to snuggle up on our lap, pets have a unique ability to provide us with unconditional love and support. Building a strong bond with our pets not only benefits our mental and emotional well-being but also strengthens our relationship with these special creatures. On National Pet Day, we spoke to pet parents who shared with us their most cherished bonding activities.

"Seeing Scooby's excitement as he dives into the water reaffirms the special connection we share"
"Welcoming a pet into your home is more than just adding another member to the family; it's about building a bond that lasts a lifetime," says Pune-resident Deeksha Dadlani. She consciously attempts to engage with her 18-month golden retriever in ways that are beneficial to him. "For my husband and I, our Scooby is not just a pet; he's a cherished companion who fills our days with joy and love. To deepen our connection with Scooby, we've embraced a variety of activities that cater to his physical and mental well-being while fostering unforgettable moments of bonding," she explains.

Training sessions are at the core of their bonding routine. Through consistent training, they not only teach Scooby essential commands but also establish trust and mutual understanding. "The sense of accomplishment when Scooby learns a new trick or obeys a command reinforces our bond, creating a strong foundation of communication and teamwork," shares Dadlani.

For the whole family, one of their most beloved activities is swimming. "Not only does swimming provide excellent exercise for Scooby, but it also allows us to share moments of pure joy and laughter as we splash around together. Seeing Scooby's excitement as he dives into the water reaffirms the special connection we share," recalls the 30-year-old fondly.

She tells us how they focus on engaging in activities that stimulate Scooby's mind and keep him entertained. "Sniffing games, where we hide treats around the house for Scooby to find, tap into his instincts and provide mental stimulation. Hide and seek is another favourite, as Scooby eagerly searches for us, his tail wagging with excitement when he finds us. Incorporating games that challenge Scooby's cognitive abilities not only strengthens our bond but also ensures he remains mentally sharp and fulfilled. Watching him problem-solve and explore his surroundings fills us with pride and admiration for his intelligence," elaborates Dadlani.

"Weekends are like a mini detox for both of us - away from my work and other people - allowing me to fully focus on Poh"
In this fast-paced world, taking the time to connect with our pets can be a valuable way to unwind, relax, and appreciate the simple things in life. For Goa resident Shivi Talwar, a weekend getaway to a pet-friendly beach resort is the best way to spend quality time with Poh, her seven-year-old culture Pomeranian. "I stay in North Goa with my dog, and book an overnight stay at a pet-friendly resort every few months. When we first moved to Goa, he did not like going to the beach, but now he has grown to enjoy the view. I used to be hesitant in the beginning if he would like the long drives to South Goa but when I noticed him enjoying the breeze on his face and peeping out of the car, I knew we should keep doing this again!"

She further describes her favourite moment, "There's nothing quite like watching the sun go down with your best friend by your side. As the sky transforms into a beautiful blend of oranges and pinks, my dog and I sit together on the porch, enjoying the quiet moment together. My pup snuggles up against me, and I feel his warm breath on my leg as we both take in the beauty of the sunset," shares Talwar.

The 30-year-old works remotely as a ship broker and tells us how these getaways act like a detox for them. "These weekends are like a mini detox for both of us, away from my work and away from other people, with my full focus on Poh. We sit in peaceful silence, just watching the world go by, and I feel a sense of contentment that is hard to describe. This moment is about so much more than just the sunset - it's about the bond between me and my dog, and the simple pleasure of spending time with a creature who loves me unconditionally," explains Talwar.

"In a world marked by complexity and uncertainty, my bond with my dogs remains a sanctuary of simplicity"
"Bonding with my dogs isn't just about adventures; it's about sharing our lives, our joys, and our challenges. As an only child, dogs to me have been like my siblings, my confidants, my everything," shares Harshika Chadha.

She describes her nine-year-old Labrador Scooby, and her four-year-old beagle mix Whiskey as her two adorable best friends. "They are my constant source of comfort, and have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love," admits Chadha.

The 25-year-old recalls how difficult it was to stay apart from Scooby while she pursued higher education and was employed in the US. It was then she had to get creative with engaging with her pet. "Leaving Scooby behind in Delhi was one of the toughest decisions I had to make. However, his presence brought immeasurable happiness to my parents every single day. Despite the distance, thanks to technology, Scooby and I found a way to stay connected. Through FaceTime calls, I could still see his wagging tail and hear his excited barks, bridging the gap between continents and keeping our bond strong."

Away from Scooby, she fostered and eventually adopted Whiskey from a local shelter. "As someone who travels frequently, the decision to foster a dog was not taken lightly. Little did I know that this decision would change my life forever. From the moment he entered my home, he wormed his way into my heart with his soulful eyes. Despite his troubled past and abandonment issues, he exuded a resilient spirit that inspired me."

When asked what fuels their bond, Chadha animatedly responds, "Moving to a new country was particularly daunting, but with Whiskey by my side, I found the courage to navigate the unfamiliar terrain. His unwavering presence gave me the strength to overcome homesickness and adapt to a new way of life. We explored new cities, immersed ourselves in different cultures, and created memories that would last a lifetime.
Through it all, we grew together, learning to lean on each other in times of need and celebrate each victory, no matter how small. His playful nature brought joy to even the darkest days, reminding me to find happiness in the simplest moments."

Now, the product manager splits her time between New Delhi and Goa, and travels often. Scooby and Whiskey live happily together in Delhi. "They've formed a dynamic duo, each vying for my attention and affection in their unique way. For me, they are more than just pets; they are my family. I've come to understand the true meaning of the phrase ‘home is where my dogs are.' In a world marked by complexity and uncertainty, my bond with my dogs remains a sanctuary of simplicity," concludes Chaddha.

"Watching them jump into the tub with excitement and anticipation is always a joy"
"Being a proud pet parent of three beautiful dogs, I always try to make time for each one of them to strengthen our bond," says Mumbai resident Muskaan Khan. She tells us how spending quality time with her pups is not only enjoyable but also essential for physical and emotional well-being.

Khan has two male Siberian Huskies, Blaze (seven-year-old), and Storm (five-year-old) who are quite energetic, and always willing to play. "They love playing with their squeaky toy, and making loud noises all across the house, but their favourite is surely bathtime. During summers, I love giving my energetic huskies a bubble bath. The moment they see the tub filling up with warm water, they know it's time for a fun and refreshing experience. Watching them jump into the tub with excitement and anticipation is always a joy to see. As I lather them up with their favourite dog shampoo, they love to splash around which often leaves me soaking wet too. But it's all worth it to see them happy, clean, and smelling fresh. After the bath, they love to roll around on the floor and rub their fur dry with a towel, which is always a hilarious sight to see," shares the communications professional.

As far as Bliss (eight-year-old Shih Tzu) is concerned, she's not as energetic as the boys and is more of a lap dog according to Khan. "Spending quality time with her is quite simple, yet fulfilling. She loves being around the family and enjoys getting fed. We also let her walk around the front yard sometimes, which she seems to love. She enjoys inhaling fresh air, listening to the birds chirping, and watching people pass by," says the 24-year-old.