Queues at the two ticketing counters at the Garden of Five Senses were serpentine. Just as the line inched forward, two persons from each line came hurtling towards each other. The reason behind the animosity was barely a foot from the ground — where curiosity seemed to have gotten the better of a pug and a beagle as soon as they spotted one another. It took their unsuspecting humans a few seconds to steady themselves before regaining control.
This was one of the many scenes that unfolded at the Pet Fed Fest 2015, which made a comeback to the city on Sunday after a successful debut last year.
There were dogs all around — from chihuahuas, beagles and labradors to pugs, St. Bernards and even a Siberian husky. While some stared at the numerous variations of their kind, there were others who believed in going up and greeting their four-legged mates. The bigger dogs looked down curiously at the little ones scampering around, while some puny ones gawked at their larger counterparts.
People, meanwhile, could be seen pulled and dragged all over the venue by their respective furballs. Another common sight was people chasing their dogs — who jumped over bushes, dived under tables or simply wriggled between their owners’ legs. Of course, it wasn’t all rosy. A few dogs even managed to get into fights. The air was heavy with barks — some greetings, a few aggressive, and the rest that failed to contain the excitement.
The event had something for everyone. For the dogs, there was an obstacle course, a variety of cupcakes, a fashion show, grooming sessions and even a chance to become the face of ‘Head Up for Tails’.
For humans, there was puppy therapy to help them abandon their worries within minutes; the launch of a book titled Fluffy & Me ; and food stalls by TGI Friday’s, Chaayos and Tabula Beach.
The proceeds from this year’s event have been set aside for non-government organisation Friendicoes.
Among the most adorable pets was Cookie, a one-and-a-half-year old pug dressed in Christmas-based attire. Cookie was also the winner of the pre-Ped Fed Fest held in Saket a few days ago. Her human Sanpreet stated with pride: “She has her own Facebook page [#cookiepetpug]. Here, she has been checking out the guys, particularly beagles.”
One dog who seemed to be happily soaking in the sun in a corner was Bingo, a five-and-a-half-year old labrador. His human Pawan said they got to know about the event at a mall in Saket.
Addressing Bingo in a playful tone, he said: “We are not trained at all. We only respond to the word ‘no’.” Bingo simply licked Pawan’s face in response.
According to Pawan, an Army personnel, the event could have been better spread. “I saw a couple of dogs getting into fights.”
Another very popular dog here was Mango, a one year old shih tzu, who had come to Saket all the way from East Delhi. “He has been posing for everyone around quite happily,” said Karan, who was accompanying Mango.
The event was heaven for dog lovers and meeting canines named Doobey, Jack Daniels, Rum, Scotch, Chief, Shadow and Romeo was just the cherry on the top. The dogs, for their part, were more than happy to jump up and talk to any human who stopped by to say hi.
Pet Fed founder Akshay Gupta said: “It is not just an event. It is a celebration of the joy and love that we have in our hearts for our furry friends.”
The event was, however, not just about well-looked dogs. Street dogs at the Garden of Five Senses were fed twice — before and after the event and were also taken up for vaccination and sterilisation.
Published - December 15, 2015 12:00 am IST
