Living with our favourite pets under the same roof makes us fall in love with them. Our pets can be conversation starters where the talk never ends, and as soon as we sense that there are not keeping well or have been the victims of accidents, the whole atmosphere at home changes to a gloomy setting. Their every painful bark and mew can wrench the owner’s heart. Thinking about their well-being can bring on sleepless nights and result in hourly checks just to see if they are doing fine, but nothing is as rewarding as seeing them get back on their feet and return the same.
Geannine D’Silva from Mapusa is always surrounded by her pets; three dogs, Pirate, Hebri and Guzi; and three cats, Fuzzy, Milo and Muiki. Her time at home is spent in the company of her adorable pets, and the moment one falls sick, the atmosphere in the house changes. “I pamper them with the best of toys and food. Their medicines and vaccinations are taken care of and I even stitch soft cushions in order for them to sleep comfortably,” says Geannine. She recently lost her pet Chihuahua, Tila which left her heartbroken. “She was just a year old and I had to call up the veterinarian at 3am to ask what had to be done. I was with her the entire time, but couldn’t do anything to save her,” adds Geannine.
Peter Fernandes from Duler has eight dogs, who have been lovingly named Bingo, Buddy, Pablo, Cuba, Pepper, Junior, Puma and Coco. They all are given the same love and affection and that can be seen in their cheerful and playful attitude. “I am their doctor. As soon as I sense that anyone is not feeling well, I call the veterinarian, Brijesh, a friend from Saligao. He advises me and guides me on how to care for the dogs. If their illness is too serious, then I take them to him,” says Peter, who bathes them and gets them vaccinated regularly. “Recently, Buddy was operated for a tumor on his paw, I was with him at the clinic for two hours of the operation and waited there till he recovered,” says Peter.
Andrew and Jolene Rasquinha have been fond of pets and have recently brought in a new member to the pet family, a tabby savannah cat, Garfield. “I have five dogs in my house but since we moved to the flat, we thought of bringing in a cat. Garfield is very well trained and since we live on the second floor, the dog would be difficult to handle. We have had pets for over 15 years and there are symptoms which I can understand. For more serious matters, Dr Marvin Lopez is very accommodating. If anyone is not well, either my wife or I will take the day off from work. We usually visit the doctor in the evening and he advises us in the same manner that a doctor would advise a parent about their child,” concludes Andrew.
