It began with a dip in the pool and ended with a mouthful of pie. In between they played, pranced and made new friends, both canine and human. Nawab Dastan, the FD Block pet clinic, had thrown a pool party for dogs on Sunday that everyone enjoyed.
“We had read about this doggie pool in The Telegraph Salt Lake and wanted to bring our Labrador Cleopatra to it. It was her first time in a pool and she was curious,” said Nabonita Bose Mukherjee of Purbachal 4RA. “It’s rare to have occasions centred around pets and we want Cleo to enjoy herself.”
Urbashi, an Indian dog, made an appearance in a bathrobe specially designed for dogs. It had a belt to tie around the waist and velcro to fasten the hood. “We bought it online,” smiled guardian Ashima Dutta Roy, who also runs the pool.
Urbashi is 11 years of age and so to help her swim, Dutta Roy has also got a canine life jacket. Rottweiler Bubulu tried out the jacket and loved it. “Bubulu got hip dysplasia as a puppy and the doctor said she must swim,” said Suparna Ghosh. “We have been getting her to this pool for the last three months and she looks forward to every visit. She doesn’t need a life jacket but she liked swimming with it today.”
After all that exercise, it was time for a snack and Dutta Roy had baked a “dog pie” for the furry guests. “It has quail eggs, fish, chicken and herbs that are essential for dogs. There is absolutely no oil or sugar and just a pinch of salt,” she said. “Even when partying, one should never compromise on diet.”
Shonamoni, an Indian dog brought in by Jaidip Banerjee, did the honours of cutting the pie along with Dutta Roy. Several dogs had by then surrounded the pie hungrily. “Our GSD, Dogtor Dre, is fussy with food,” said Arijit Sett as his mother Sujata tried in vain to feed him. Sujata couldn’t help but notice Bubulu, who had come up close, smacking his lips. “Would you like a bite?” began Sujata and Bubulu had engulfed the entire slice before she could finish her sentence!
