Travelling Tales: Life Is Better With Our Furry Friends
On International Dog Day, we spoke to a few pet parents whose lives have been illuminated by their four-legged companions, on their favourite trip with their pawsome buddies
“No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.”
Louis Sabin’s words are true. There is little that comes close to the joy being a pet parent brings. And travelling with them, no matter how arduous, is as close we get to experience paradise here. On International Dog Day, we spoke to a few pet parents whose lives have been illuminated by their four-legged companions, on their favourite trip with their pawsome buddies.
Chitrangada and Royce
Royce on her hike to Cova Tallada
Royce has grown up to be a very chill passenger princess. Car rides are her favourite. We have travelled together in trains around north India and recently made it to Spain together. The most memorable trip we’ve had was our hike to Cova Tallada. We saw her in her best possible form, climbing rocks with great ease. Her curious head tilts at the waves touching her paws, and how she would pause for me any time I would slow down on the trail are hands down, some of the best memories from the trip.
Manassvi and Sethji
Sethji loved getting clicked in Nainital
When we welcomed our dog, Sethji (American bully), into our family, we knew we would need to spend more time considering the types of trips we should take to fit him into our upcoming travel plans. Travelling with Sethji encourages us to really take time away from all of our devices and focus on present-moment mindfulness. Dogs are like children—they require you to be fully present with them, in the here and now. He is a constant and beautiful reminder to take breaks and self-nourish with healthy food, get plenty of rest, and schedule plenty of time for play. Recently we went to Nainital with him and enjoyed all adventure activities with him from hiking to boating. Our future plan is to take him to the US as well along with us. We couldn’t imagine our lives without him; he is a pampered and special member of our family.
Dimple Fouzdar and Luigi
Dimple and Louis enroute Kolkata
Last month I embarked on a heartwarming journey to my hometown, Kolkata, accompanied by my adorable chihuahua, Luigi. He made for the perfect co-passenger during the flight, his cuteness melting hearts, and his impeccable behaviour earning admiration. As excitement bubbled within me for the homecoming, my cherished Luigi magnified the joy of the occasion. The reunion with family and friends was amplified by his presence, spreading delight with every wag of his tail. Luigi seemed to revel in the company of loved ones, bringing his own unique brand of happiness to the gathering. This trip was a beautiful blend of nostalgia and newfound memories, all thanks to my pawsome baby, who added an extra layer of love and cheer to the journey.
Ashlesha Patrick with Frasco and Lexi
I cherish my trips to Chennai and Goa with my doggos. I distantly recall my spontaneous trip back in 2019 to Chennai just to introduce Frasco, my regal cocker spaniel to a beach. Being a city baby, I always wanted him to witness the magnificence of God’s creativity and the vast openness that a beach allows for energetic lil’ puppers like Frasco.
Ashlesha with Frasco and Lexi in Goa
Seeing how much he enjoyed the beach, I just had to introduce the shores to the newest addition to our family, Lexi, my gorgeous german shepherd. We made a trip to Goa in 2022 and that trip was nothing short of spectacular! From running on different beaches both in north and south Goa to interacting with other fur babies, it gave me immense joy to see her so happy and playful. I also absolutely loved exploring all that the state’s churches and tourist spots had to offer with her.
Payal Solanki and Tuffy
Payal’s favourite travel companions: Aniket and Tuffy
“In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.” — Charles M. Schulz Travelling has always been an escape from the monotonous work schedule and household responsibilities. But, travelling is worth it when the company is perfect. For me, my husband Aniket and my fur baby Tuffy are the ones I love travelling with. Initially on our first trip, Tuffy had motion sickness and after we returned from Kasauli she was sleeping the whole day but, slowly with time she has adapted and loves the car rides to mountains or deserts. We have taken her with us to Lansdowne, Udaipur, Ambala and Kasauli. I believe she enjoys the fact that we don’t leave her in dog hostels or day care and loves travelling with us.
Tejas and Hope
Well, it is said that the things that occur first are usually the most memorable ones: your first chocolate, your first doctor visit, and also your first crush.
But for me, it was none of these; it was a trip with my pet Hope, who is actually the hope in my life. Being raised alone with me, she used to be confined in the house and I could not leave her alone for a long time due to her unpredictable behaviour. We finally got a chance to move out and travel on our first trip ever together to Lonavala with my girlfriend, who is now my wife.
Tejas with his wife Ayesha, and Hope, on a trip
The sheer joy on Hope’s face when she put her face out of the moving car to enjoy the gush of wind and smell the nature around her, the excitement that she had running freely on the lush landscape and mountains in Lonavala, was truly when I, too, experienced a sudden rush of emotions that lined my eyes with tears of both joy and sorrow. Joy at seeing her happy and regret for not taking her out sooner.
Dr. Ruchika Mishra and Romeo
Romeo has been in my life for the past one year. He came into my life accidentally when I was not even thinking about adopting any pet. And before long, I had fallen in love with him, and so had all the doctors at my clinic. So it is a given that whenever travel plans are made, Romeo is an integral part of the entourage! Our latest trip took us to Pushkar a couple of weeks back. The best part about travelling with a paw buddy who just cannot contain his excitement at the drop of a hat? You learn to appreciate even the smallest of the details on your trip. Butterflies gliding across your car window? Wind lapping up as you zoom through the highways? Your paw buddy wants to experience it all and so you too want to take a moment to stop and breathe in life from their perspective.
Sohini and Buddy
Buddy enjoys travelling across India with his parents
Ever since our little one came home during the pandemic, we haven’t planned any vacation without him. Road trips have become a part of our lives and we’ve done quite a few so far. The most memorable one would be driving all the way from Noida to Bangalore, then Ooty, Goa and back home. We stayed at some amazing pet-friendly places, along the highway as well, and the kid enjoyed to his heart’s content, which made us happy too.
