Pampered pooches

Maylyn and Carlos Gonzalves do not spare much expense when it comes to their four adorable pet Pugs (a breed of dog). Bappa and Ie have been a part of the family for four years, whilst Koila and Kajol are the new additions, just five months old.

This husband-wife duo are wholly committed to taking the best care of their loyal friends and in doing so, go out of their way to provide a home that is as good as it gets.

“We give them everything. If my husband and I do not spoil them rotten, then their carer or my other family members treat them like royalty,” says Maylyn.

“The dogs follow our daily routine. They wake up with us in the morning and take an afternoon siesta when I do. Despite them having their own cane cots, the rascals always manage to slip into our bed.

Apart from their weekly bath, they are sponged twice a day. We even condition their fur.

In fact, we have engaged a boy to look after them. In addition to washing, cleaning and feeding the dogs, he also changes their bed linen, daily,” discloses the doting owner.

Lap of luxury

As one can see, these dogs truly live in the lap of luxury. They are even provided with air conditioning during the scorching summer whilst simply traveling or just lazing about the house.

Although the selection of pet luxury products is endless, Goa, au contraire, lacks variety when it comes to pet food, toys and apparel.

“Besides ‘Puppy Love’ (a pet store) in Mapusa, there is no choice here. Mumbai, on the other hand has everything,” says Gonzalves.

She continues, “Whenever a family member visits Mumbai, it is imperative for them to stop at a store dealing in luxury pet products and bring back doggy treats with them to Goa.

I pamper my pets with trendy outfits and visit children’s stores to pick out clothes for them. Bappa is dressed in T-shirts and shorts, whilst Ie wears halters and panties.”

As regards to their diet and general health, “they are fed on Royal Canine, a top quality dog chow. Apart from this, they receive their daily dose of vitamins and have monthly check-ups at Dr. Marilyn’s.”

To top the icing off on the cake, these lucky Pugs have their birthdays celebrated every year. Presents and a cake with their names plastered across it, make its way into the party.

When asked about entering their canines into shows, Maylyn replies, “I took them for a dog show in Panjim once, but the weather was unbearably hot for them.

Although I receive a large amount of invitations, I turn them down. I am quite content with my pets and do not need to show them off.”

 

Closer to nature..

“It feels out of place and time, like a little community where people relax and have time for each other, separate from the stress and strains of normal life,” is how Louise Rogan passionately describes her ‘slice of heaven’, her very own allotment.

Located in King’s Langley, backing on to the canal, it was not just the picturesque location, I presume, that caught this nature enthusiasts eye, but more importantly, the several other benefits that it had to offer.

To begin with, “the advantages are fresh fruit and veg, grown without pesticides. Plus, with soaring food prices, it works out much cheaper,” says Lousie.

All this, coupled with a feeling of “pride of seeing food grown from seed, working outside in a lovely environment, seeing wildlife and generally feeling closer to nature. Also, the people are always friendly and happy to give advice.

When I first started, they would come and introduce themselves and even now, often give me produce from their own plots and pass on plants if they have grown too many.” Who could complain?

So, is it an expensive hobby, I question. “I have taken over half an allotment which costs me £6.50 per year. Other expenses include gardening tools, seeds, water butts, netting, a shed, if you want one, although it is not necessary,” informs Rogan.

Allotment facts

Well, as is the two sides to every coin, I begin to wonder if this‘hidden treasure’ has perhaps, a downside to it. 

She reveals that “occasionally sheds do get broken into, so most people don’t put padlocks on. I just have old tools and leave them out. None however, have gone missing.”

Contrary to common belief though, allotments have acquired such an increased popularity not just with retired folk, but with “a lot of middle aged-working people and a few individuals in their twenties, as well.”

Hence, be prepared for a substantial wait to get your hands on a plot. “I have had the allotment since January 2008 and was on the waiting list for approximately eight months prior to that. It is full now, with people still queuing to get in!”

It is evident therefore, that time is no deterrent and neither are any of the apparent drawbacks.

A rebirth is what has occurred, and a good one at that! “Owners tell me that a few years ago, the place was overgrown with few people, so they have definitely undergone a revival.

Allotments have gained much exposure recently, via river cottage and gardening programmes,” concludes the nature lover.