Imagine a resort, exclusively for pets, a place where humans are not allowed. Canaan in Chikka Gubbi started by Kumar is one of them. Pets can spend the day meeting peers and playing games or stay overnight in case you are travelling. Kumar says he is trained to tackle behavioural and health issues as well.
“Most dogs come to the resort, with some baggage. We allow them to get used to other pets and make sure they are happy in every manner. They are not forced to do anything but are motivated with our love. For instance, when they first come in most of them refuse to eat. We stimulate that hunger with long walks and play. When they watch other dogs eat, they eat too. We have ample tricks up our sleeves to make them eat and play,” explains Kumar, who adds that just as teachers are burdened with pressure by parents about their children’s performance at school, he too is often pressured by pet parents on how the pets are faring at his resort. “I tell them not to be in hurry. Especially with pets that have behavioural issues or those that come here to lose weight. The pet needs to trust me and that takes time. Only then can we work with them as they go through separation anxiety when they come in here,” observes Kumar, who started the venture a year-and-half ago.
It all started when he was caring for his own pets. “I realised I just kept them in a kennel, fed them, took them for walks before putting them back in the kennel. There was no activity for them at all,” states Kumar, who feels that most pets lead a sedentary lifestyle in their respective homes. “That is what most pets do — eat and sleep while their parents are out at work.”
Canaan boasts of a swimming pool, a play area and a huge hall which houses 30 kennels. Kumar introduces us to a Labrador that has just had a spine and hind-leg surgery. He walks slowly, but looks happy wagging his tail every time he walks past Kumar. “He was purchased online and the parents realised he had a health issue only after he reached home. Pets should never be bought online. You need to spend some time with a puppy before you decide to take it home,” says the groomer who actually started off as a breeder.
“Breeding is cruel. Every time, I sold a puppy, I felt I was losing a part of myself and felt inhuman. One day, I decided to quit. I realised I loved pets and wanted to be with them and so decided to start this pet resort,” explains Kumar who adds that he named it Canaan as he believes it to be a place flowing with milk and honey for the pets and is “their promised land. A place where I promise they will recuperate, be healthy, happy and cared for.”
He also makes sure that the pets learn to swim. “All animals are born swimmers. We introduce them in a positive way.”
If I throw the dog into the water, the next time it will be apprehensive to even go near it.” Hence, Kumar has designed a few steps to allow them to get into the water gradually. “In five sessions, which range between five hours or five days, you will see the dog jump into the water happily. We mix all our ideas, and teach them to fetch the ball from the pool too. We even get into the water and play a few games with them. The same is done on the grass area. Fifteen minutes of swimming for a dog is equal 15 kms of walking for the pets. Aqua therapy is better for the pets as their joints, muscles loosen up. With activities like this done on a daily basis they eat and sleep well and are also healthier,” assures Kumar.
He is also an expert in grooming and pet health. “We have a doctor on call and first aid is given immediately. The moment they stop eating or throw up, I try and control it. If they do not improve, doctors are called.”
Kumar charges ₹500 to ₹800 a day for pets depending on their size. He also opens up the place for injured and rescued dogs and cares for them till they find a permanent home. He is wary of taking in pets to his resort and does many verifications on the parents before he takes in one as “many people say they are travelling and have abandoned their pets here. It is heart breaking to watch the pet wait and wait. They switch off their phones and never come back.” So, Kumar makes it a point to be careful about which pets get to enjoy the facilities at his resort.
Contact Canaan – the pet resort on 9900420777 or cpetjunction@gmail.com
