Page 43 - Buddy Life

GIVING INDIAN

BREEds THEIR

DUE

Family friendly Pet Awareness Show that welcomes
both dogs and cats irrespective of their breeds as long

as they are well-behaved

olkata-based NGO, Pet Wellness Society, organized the 7th Pet Awareness
Show on January 7, from 10 am until 10 pm at Auckland Park, opposite Mira
Mandir. A free health checkup and vaccination camp was also organized
at the venue for the dog and cat show that was open to both pedigreed
and local Indian breeds. Mousumi Das, playback singer and promoter of
Kthe NGO that provides shelter to homeless dogs and promotes adoption of
Indian breeds, said we need to stop calling the Indian dogs as street dogs. She said, “The
very famous German Shepherd was once their country’s stray. But Germany took up this
matter and gave the breed a proper name. This is the main motto of Pet Wellness Society
also. We have taken this matter to the President of our country and we expect things will
soon change.” She said being the founder of Pet Wellness Society, it was her responsibility
of doing everything possible to get international recognition for our Indian breeds. “Unless
we change people’s perception, Indian breeds will keep getting step-motherly treatment in
their own country also,” she said. “Skilled, sturdy, and well adapted to the country’s tropical
climate, our breeds are great workers and excellent companions, but no one wants to adopt
them. This is really sad.” Founded seven years ago, the NGO organises a pet awareness
show that honours dogs and their humans. The comfort, safety and wellness of the dog is
paramount at the show held annually. This show is an all-day-long event where all types of
dogs, including physically challenged, are encouraged to participate. In fact, what makes
the show unique are the awards for the mixed breeds, local breed dogs and, of course,
the physically challenged dogs. The registrations are generally done with the help of the

Jan - March, 2018 BUDDY LIFE 43