From stealing the toys, the cutlery, your socks, and shoes, and now the seat next to you in cafes and restaurants, these furbabies manage their way in to sneak and steal our hearts. Dogs have always truly been “A Man’s best friend”. These furballs and bundle of happiness have managed to cool the heat off the people being chained to the rat race. Psychology and studies have proven that bonding with these furry friends can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.
Not only does human-dog bonding increase productivity, engagement in physical exercise, and more outdoor activities, but also opportunities to socialize with those humans glued to technology and gadgets.
Goa, being one of the greatest tourist attractions of the country, thoroughly imparts space, time, and hospitality to this special bonding of pet parents with their furbabies. The popular get-away destination is a hub for different themed cafes, and unique architectural restaurants serving varieties of cuisines, accompanied by mesmerizing music and complimented with drinks. Themed cafes have been one of the trendsetters in the hospitality sector, booming with food, music, art, and cafe-hoppers. Dog-themed cafes and pet-friendly restaurants have also been one such prominently themed cafes to get the stress off the pet parents, and also a great platform for their fur babies to socialize and bond with others’.
Pavina D’Souza, one of the restaurant owners, added, “Having them is as good as having children.” She also described the way these cafes are specially structured and have specific arrangements in their interior and seating arrangements so that the customers can have free space to indulge in a memorable dining experience along with their pets. She also added these cafes make sure the pet can sit around comfortably, without getting anxious, and maintain a healthy distance from other customers, as well as their pets. “We also ensure that we have balls, or some small pet or dog toys, or sometimes treats, to appreciate the good boys and girls,” said another restaurant manager, Sebastian Lobo. He also stated that a few restaurants include basic dog food like chicken and rice, in their menu, and serve it on demand. One such restaurant in the North, also lets their customers play with their dogs.
“I have two dogs, Luna and Dobby. They are both Indies that were rescued from the streets. Before I take my pets out to cafés or hotels, I always call the institution before visiting, even if I have previously visited with my pets. I call to book a table that is away from a busy area in the restaurant. I need to ensure the comfort of my pets as well as be careful not to inconvenience any diners.”Griselda Costa, one of the pet-parent and a regular visitor at pet cafes also ensures that she orders something simple like boiled eggs, boiled chicken breast, etc. for her pets. Pet parents also ensure they have probiotics prominently included in their pets’ diet as they aid in maintaining a healthy and help the dog to digest food, making the absorption of vitamins and minerals, resulting in a healthy immune system.
Helping humans to reconnect with themselves, and indulge in activities that boost serotonin, and secrete dopamine, and of course, with nature, these cafes have been getting quite the spotlight; and the pets? Quite the desired attention from their parents!
