Article:My pets…..my best friends

Friendship is one precious relationship that all humans treasure. But there are a select few who prefer the company of their pets. And calling them 'pets' is also offensive for some; they call them 'family'. We decided to chat up with a few telly actresses who have housed various breeds of dogs, cats, parrots and even a turtle!

Shital Thakkar - My dog is a Daschund whom we call Juan. The child in me surfaces whenever I play with him. I have noticed that because of Juan, my family has become very demonstrative in terms of love. If I'm out for a long time, he complains by barking and jumping. But sometimes it's confusing to understand him. One thing for sure, my dog is a very good actor.

Narayani Shastri - I have two dogs; a Pomeranian, Perky and a Daschund, Kajri. I got the latter one just a few days back. Perky has been with me since eight years and she emotes like any normal human being. She had a fit problem, which is now cured. My pets are like a family to me. I feel they are like these life-long babies to be taken care of. The moment I come, both of them get very excited.

Moonmoon - Dogs are the best creations of God. Reverse the spelling of God , and it's Dog. I have two Pomeranian dogs, Boozy and Chimpoo. One is twelve and the other is ten years old. My pets are my world and I treat them like my kids. Boozy is my first kid. I have been an animal lover since childhood. While growing up, I have interacted more with animals than human beings. Even today, I prefer them to humans as they are not at all selfish. You give them one percent love and they return hundred percent. As soon as I'm home, they don't leave me for at least 20 minutes.

Geetanjali Tikkekar - My association with animals goes back to my childhood days. My family owns a farm, so farm animals were and still are my first pets. We are three siblings, and each one had their own set of pets. That means that our house was infested with at least 10 cats and a few dogs, as far as my memory goes. With age, we all grew and left home for work or studies, but our pets still stay there. Even today, my mom takes care of eight cats, three dogs and a turtle! My younger sister is a veterinary surgeon and every now and then she brings home a broken wing or lost limb. Once the animals have healed, I'm very happy.

Nausheen Ali Sardar - I have two Rottweilers, Simba and Bratt and two Pugs, Lucky and Bambi. The Pugs are a mother-daughter duo. They are an extended family and are looked after more than anyone else. Dandruff to nails, everything is monitored. They are very good stress busters. Whenever you see them you want to pamper them. Not only do they bring a smile on our face but also bond my family. My sisters take care of all the pets The excitement on their face, each time I return home from a shoot, has to be seen. Their love is natural and unconditional. I can't imagine life without my pets.

Jaya Bhattacharya - It was an encounter with a street dog, about six years ago, that made me fall in love with them. I have four German Shepherds; Begam, Devil, Janeman and Barood. I also have a cat called Changez Khan and a bird, Chunmun. I treat them like my kids. They complete my life, and give me unconditional and unlimited love without asking. There have been times when my servants hide about the ill-health of my pets from me when I am shooting, as they know I'll get very tensed. Dogs hanging around my sets also recognize me and my voice. You won't believe, even street dogs respond to me, which is very surprising!