Homing in on pooch tales

Want to score a few days off from the rigours of a work week sans the lingering thought of where to leave your pets while you’re away? Here’s a piece of news that is bound to please you — a volley of good Samaritans in the city have opened up exclusive spaces for pawed mates at their homes, which will keep them cozy, safe and well-entertained while you’re not around. We chat up with ardent practitioners of the trend to dig deeper…“There’s nothing quite like a human touch, when it comes to nurturing pets.

And pet owners like to keep their pets at safe and comfortable places,” says Anu Ganapathy, owner to two Labradors, who started out with ‘Homecare for Dogs’ in the year 2000. “I began this concept at my home, where I demarcated a space solely for dogs.  The only protocol I follow is that owners need to leave their dogs for a few hours before leaving them so that I can gauge whether they get along with the other dogs in the house.”

Nataasha Chandy, a fellow Bengalurean, who founded Wags, a dog pet-sitting venture that operates out of her residence since the year 2010, reveals how the idea panned out, “ I’ve set up a hygienic at-home environment, where clients drop their dogs at my place. People most call me for boarding to leave their pets for an overnight stay; everything is taken care of for a nominal amount.”

Jessica Jerusha, who runs Jeru’s Lovin Vacation home for Pets at her place asserts the experience has been an inspiring one. “ I began to babysit pets at my house eight years ago. I did this partly for an added income and majorly because I  love pets. I ensure pets move about freely and feel like their home. I’m particular about the selection though. I avoid entertaining fiery ones that could intimidate the others,” says the lady, who houses 35 pets daily.

Expectedly, owners seem delighted about this trend. “Since pets need undivided attention, I feel such homes are a safer bet.” says Akhil Khatri, a photographer, who  depends on home-based pet sitting.

Ashika Chittiappa, an owner of a greater swiss mountain dog believes such arrangements make pets more amicable. “ I feel pets become more social when left with people who you can trust them with,” she adds.