Elsa Angel Rose
PET PARENTING, LOVE LIKE NO OTHER Since childhood, Chrissie Gomes wanted to be a pet parent, and with her loved one Jonathan George, who is also abundantly affectionate towards animals, it became something they both love doing together. “I think I wanted to be a pet parent irrespective of whether I had a partner or not. I’ve always wanted it since I was a child. But my partner is also somebody who is very affectionate towards animals in general, and therefore, it was a no-brainer for us. It was something that we always thought about: we’d get married and get a pet, and that would be fantastic. It’s like a baby that never grows up. You can pamper this baby, cuddle this baby, dress up this baby, and take him out. He’s never going to grow up, and I think that’s the best part also,” shared Chrissie, who is a clinical psychologist by profession. She added, “My relationship with my pet is that he’s my number one baby, and my world does revolve around him. He gives me his undivided attention. He’s my partner when I’m watching a show, and if I’m painting my nails, he’s right there next to me. For people who say pet parenting is not actual parenting, Chrissie has a message: “For anybody who feels that way, I would say: get a pet, open your heart, and truly care for that pet with the same kind of love that you receive from them. Then you’ll understand what it feels like and what it really is like.”
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CHOOSING PET PARENTING CAME NATURALLY
“To me, my pet isn’t just a dog; she’s my child and a part of my family,” said Rasha Sarah DeSouza, a pet parent and entrepreneur from Assonora. Pet parenting is a journey built on unconditional love, comfort, and companionship. For Rasha, no matter what life brings her way, her dog is always there with endless affection and a way of bringing a smile to her face. Their bond is a beautiful reminder of the pure, unspoken connection between a pet and their person, a love that is truly one of a kind. “My child has brought our entire family closer. She fills our home with so much love, happiness, and laughter. We all look forward to coming home because we know she’ll be there, excited to see us. To us, she’s not just a dog; she’s our baby. Every member of the family treats her like a little child, and she truly completes our home. Life feels brighter, happier, and more meaningful because she’s a part of our family,” shared Rasha. For Rasha, becoming a pet parent was one of the easiest decisions she had ever made, given her long-standing love for animals.
A CHERISHED MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
“A loving Nath (granddaughter) to her Aajo, spoilt child of mom, Purva, and Dad, Mandar, partner in crime with her brother Ved, with whom she shares a very close bond, and pampered by all her Didis. She soon became part of our every celebration, daily routine and family moment,” said Mandar Nagarsekar, a pet parent and businessman from Caranzalem. Bolt Nagarsekar blended into Mandar’s family almost effortlessly. Turning six this October, Bolt has found her place at the heart of their home, becoming a part of their celebrations, daily routines, and cherished memories. With every family member, she shares a bond that is uniquely her own, making her presence an irreplaceable part of their lives. For Mandar, the most beautiful aspect of being a pet parent is, “Coming home to someone who is always overjoyed to see you. Bolt does not judge, hold grudges, or expect explanations; she simply loves. Her playful nature brings laughter into the house. She is a clear communicator,” shared Mandar.
PET PARENTING: FUR BABIES, FEWER HEADACHES
There are plenty of reasons to side-eye a human child: they’re annoying, they demand pocket money and eventually your entire inheritance, and just when you think it can’t get worse, they act like they’re embarrassed to be seen with you. Naturally, Cassun Rohan Fernandes, an entrepreneur from Nuvem, decided the smarter move was to become a pet parent instead. “Unlike human kids, my Zac is always loving, is happy with whatever you give him and Only Loves you and misses you every time you step out the door. Every single day, Zac waits for me to come home from work in the evening because he knows it’s ‘Jaywalking time.’ He’s like this lovestruck puppy waiting for me at the door. The second I step through it, it’s the best thing that has happened to him that day. He follows me everywhere, curls up next to me the moment I sit down, and somehow always knows when I need a little extra comfort, keeping his paw on me,” said Cassun. Pet parenting also has its own struggles. “During vet visits, watching them refuse food or water is the hardest part. Mine battled a severe gastrointestinal disorder and spent a month on IVs. Morning, afternoon, and evening, I would sit with him for hours. Everyone thought he was done, but I didn’t, because he came back like Jon Snow from the dead and has been this majestic beast ever since,” shared Cassun.
