Her tuition had started 10 minutes back but Aripra Pandey couldn’t be torn away from CB Park. “We love dogs but don’t have one at home. And now that we’ve come to this show I can’t think of leaving,” said the Class X student of DA Block as her mother Tara tried to drag her away half-heartedly, while herself clicking picture of the pooches.

CB Park was the venue of a recent pet show by Bidhannagar New Town Rajarhat Dog Lovers’ Association and over 65 dogs had registered to participate. It was a picnic of sorts for the dogs and a treat for dog lovers.

Love and war

There were friendly dogs like Jaan the Pug and touch-me-not dogs like Max the German Shepherd. But there was also a female Rottweiler named Fire who had spectators confused.

When Vanshika Paul, an eight-year-old of CD Block, approached Fire to make friends, she reciprocated with immense affection. “How could you name her Fire? She should be named Love,” reasoned the girl as Fire’s guardian Madhumita Kar laughed. “The breeder had named her so…” is all Madhumita could say.

Vanshika had come to the show with her uncle and his male Rottweiler Azure and they were keen that Azure and Fire meet and possibly mate. But no sooner did Azure appear before Fire than she started barking uncontrollably.

“Fire hates males as much as she loves females,” Madhumita struggled to say as she tried to calm her dog down. The male Rottweiler beat a hasty retreat.

Beauty and the best

The guardians had taken great care to deck up their dogs. Bithi Deb said she applies everything from L’Oreal serums to Shahnaz Hussain hair lacquers to get the right look for her Shih Tzu Owen. So much so that she doesn’t get time to deck up herself! “And despite looking so beautiful, Owen is allergic to photographs. Hold a cell phone before his face and he turns away,” Bithi laughed.

The performance of the dogs in the ring brought great joy to the pet parents. “I have won one or two trophies to date but Zabby, our English Golden Retriever, has won eight. And he’s only 13 months,” said Soham Das, a Class IX student from AG Block, brimming with pride.

Triton, a Weimaraner from DA Block, attracted curious looks. “This is a rare breed and people want to know more about him,” said guardian Bhaskar Dutta, who explained how this breed was known for its silver-grey coat, darting eyes and flappy ears. “Triton is very friendly. My three-year-old son pulls his ears and tail alike but triton loves and protects him with his life.”

Secretary of the association, Subhankar Basu, said this was their second annual show and that response was good. “We are happy to give a platform to dogs and dog lovers to enjoy themselves,” said Basu. The Best in Show prize went to Pratap Kundu’s Doberman.

Local councillor Rajesh Chirimar dropped by. “I encourage such shows in my ward and suggest that the club hold fun pet events in summer such as swimming pool parties where all can enjoy,” said Chirimar, who himself has two dogs at home.