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Given the rise in the number of pet photographers in town, and hangouts categorically designed to accommodate our furry companions, it comes as little surprise to surmise how pet-friendly a city, that Bengaluru is. And, in a refreshing trend of sorts, namma ooru’s popular faces are indeed going the extra mile — to fuel the concept of stray adoptions by bringing home rescue pets and egging their followers on to treat the path. Bengaluru Chronicle chats up with the young bunch for more...

Taking us through how being a pet-parent was a case of sheer serendipity, Bengaluru-based South Indian actress, Parvathy Nair shares, “My tryst with petting animals began when I was gifted a Shih Tzu by an acquaintance. The love and the joy of having buzzing energy around you  led me to make room for more dogs in my life. That’s when I took to adopting two strays. Stray dogs are multi-fold times more grateful. They’re lovable and their adorable mannerisms teach you a lot about giving it your all sans any expectations. The other thing about adopting strays is predominantly a ‘feel good’ factor, associated. At the end of the day, you’re adopting a homeless animal and giving it a new lease of life. That, to me, is one of the best ways to protect unethical practices like forced breeding and other forms of animal cruelty.”

For Anil Shetty, National President, Nav Bharat Democratic Party, the approach sprouts out of a more holistic perspective. “Dogs have emotions close to humans. I think one of the easiest ways to heal yourself is to buy a pet. I also feel it teaches you ways to be more patient. So, couples who are thinking of family planning should consider petting strays, as this helps hone your parenting skills.”

Enthusing how taking to stray adoptions came as part of an upbringing, Sandalwood actress Samyukta Hornad pipes, “There were a few dogs in front of our house, who  lost their mom. One of them was really unwell. I adopted him. All stray dogs and country dogs are fighters. They fight to survive. They are so warm and need a home.  I  urge youngsters to take to stray adoptions as it teaches you tolerance and to become a lot more responsible.”

Asserting how it’s more of a social responsibility that drove her, Lopa Saikia, a young dog trainer opines, “Stray dogs  are the most evolved breeds when it comes to love and affection. When I lost my first dog,  the void of losing a pet was filled by a stray. Not many people accept strays as they are found on the roads. But to me, giving a home to a needy is more important than filling the pockets of a breeder.”