A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.
-Josh Billing
Rajesh Balasubramanian’s friends are making elaborate holiday plans this summer, while he and his wife are looking for places where they can holiday with their five-year old Sage. The golden retriever Sage is epileptic and cannot bear to be separated from them, even for the shortest time. Sage welcomes every guest to their house by bringing a cushion in his mouth; it’s his way of saying everything in the house belongs to him. For the couple, their holidays are planned around places and hotels that allow pets as house guests.
The Balasubramanians are not alone; many pet lovers in the city look for places that allow pets inside their restaurants. While Europe and America have exclusive restaurants for pets with elaborate menus and spas, Hyderabad has eateries and cafes that are pet-friendly.
At a recent get together at The Roastery, it seemed to have been taken over by quadrupeds. Regulars at the cafe couldn’t help but gush over heart-melting moments. The idea was conceived when cafe owner Nishant Sinha, was chatting with his blogger-friend Vishal Fernandes about letting in pets to give their resident dog company. “Jyoti, the resident pet has been living here even before I took this place on rent. No one seems troubled by her presence, because she is well behaved. So, I casually mentioned that the cafe should do something to see more pets. Vishal immediately announced a photoshoot with pets and the place was soon bustling with pets of all sizes. Jyoti however decided to hide from the guests and came out only after they left,” he says. Pet owners enjoyed the day and had ample selfie moments with their pets.
Cafes that enjoy the luxury of open spaces and opened their doors, realise pets also need a place to hangout with their owners.
Going the extra mile
R Arundhati’s favourite hangout with her pet is Autumn Leaf Cafe in Jubilee Hills. She says the cafe’s green ambience naturally calms her dog. “The other place I love to go with my pet is Zero 40 brewing company; it also has bowls and food for pets,” says Arundhati.
Some cafes also organise events, food fests and match-making meets for pets. Many pet owners prefer to mate their pets with pure breeds to avoid in-breeding and to protect the pedigree. “Mating with the right breed keeps them safe from genetic disorders. So these match-making meets help to see how the dogs receive each other,” says another pet owner.
Cafe de Loco has taken the love for pets a step ahead. For one, it is popular for adoption drives. Dogs and cats rescued from in and around the locality are brought here on the said date for adoption. Their facebook page is swamped with messages that speak volumes of what the cafe means for pet owners. Also, special menus for pets is a speciality of this eatery. Its large open space with its rustic feel make pets, especially dogs, have a gala time. The pet food is not restricted to readymade pet food from packets. “My pet knows what he wants here. Hanging out with Romeo (her three year old boxer) at Cafe de loco is a fun experience. Romeo knows where to go and ask for food when he comes to this place,” says Sachita Sharma.
Mamatha Mallapudi sums it up: “My pet is like my third child and I like to take him out as much as possible. So I prefer to go to pet friendly cafes where he can enjoy himself along with us.”
