Bangalore:
Like all dog shows, the Great Indian Dog Show in Bangalore had its share of wagging tails, barks, friendly and nervous dogs. But while most dog show are about pedigree, breeding and kennel club connections - there were no canine family trees on display here. Every single participant was a delightful Indian mongrel.
A group of animal lovers decided that something needed to be done to honour our home-grown Indian mutts. The result was The Great Indian Dog Show - where dogs adopted off the street could show off their charms.
There were contests at this dog show too - from the biggest dog to the one with the shiniest coat. One keenly contested event was to find the dog that could deliver the most kisses in a minute. And Foxy, a furry female, was certainly the dog to watch as she showered affection on her human companion, Madhu. Madhu said she would soon have a human sibling at home and says she has made a big difference to live at home. He said, "Definitely a lot of love. The minute I come back from office she is there - she has her wagging tail - and her kisses."
Foxy's only comment on the whole issue was to lick the NDTV microphone.
Jet black Mocha is clearly the apple of student Venkatesh Prasad's eye. She was found outside Venkatesh's house when the youngster was getting ready for his ninth standard exams. It was love at first sight - but Venkatesh's parents wanted him to wait until his tenth standard exams were over before he got a pet. But puppies have a way of worming themselves into peoples' affections. Mocha stayed and now Venkatesh's parents are as crazy about her as Venkatesh is. She was being carried in his arms, her head on his shoulder when he told us, "She loves going in the car. You want her to get out of the car, you have to take the car keys and shake them around. When I got her she could even get into a small shoe, she was so small, so tiny."
But, of course, not all dogs have the luxury of a permanent home, safety and guaranteed food and there were some who were brought in in the hope they would find a permanent home, like gentle Govind who lives near a corporate office in Bangalore. He is loved and looked after by the staff, but sadly the corporate bosses seem to feel Govind should go - and he was brought to the dog show in the hope he could find a home. His companion, Vikram told us, "He has been part of our office for a very long time now and due to social reasons we have been forced to bring him out for adoption - so we are trying to see if he can get a better home and see that he has a happy life."
Some of the puppies brought in for adoption did find a loving home. Little Aditi had dropped in to the event venue which is the place she regularly plays badminton. When her mother got to know about the adoption drive, she let Aditi pick out a puppy to take home. It was a tough decision, but now Aditi has a companion to cherish - one she cuddled in her arms as she spoke to us.
"My mom got to know about the adopting of different Indian dogs. I did not know which dog to choose. At last I chose Caramel. I will not let her down," she said.
Sharmila, from Kodagu in Karnataka spent a lot of time at the puppy enclosure making up her mind. And Blackie was then on his way home with her. "He looked very handsome." she said. "I think he will make a handsome dog and a very good guard dog. I always wanted a mongrel as a pet. I think today is a dream come true."
One of the main aims of the Great Indian Dog Show was to get people to understand and appreciate just how lovable Indian dogs are. Some of the puppies did find their homes, but there are many more still waiting for a family to look after them. There are thousands of them left out on the streets of our cities and that is where we all can make a difference.