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.”