“’You know, sometimes the world seems like a pretty mean place.’ ‘That’s why animals are so soft and huggy.’” ― Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes.
You said it, Billy.
It’s not entirely unusual to find me on the floor at home, wedged between my two dogs, being clobbered with cuteness (and grubby paws and drool)—and after a hard day of work-people-family-work and just being awake, there’s no better way to unwind. I haven’t always been a dog person, but once I transitioned, the love affair became ceaseless. Whether it’s them perceptively picking up on a sad mood and offering a furry shoulder to cry on, or being great listeners (no interruptions when you’re ranting, unlike silly hoomans) or just the over-arching selfless love that furballs offer, pets are the purest form of therapy and companionship, I’ve ever had (and I’ve never seen a person so excited to see me when I’m home. Butt-dance, anyone?).
And I’m not alone. The Vogue team might seem more inclined to fur (faux, obviously) on their handbags, but you’d be surprised at the amount of time we spend exchanging dog and cat baby photos (our associate features editor has an Insta account for her two cats)—and sharing tales of chewed up hair straightener wires. So, if you’re on the fence about pet parenthood, or like us, believe a pet-person love story is more magical than human ones, read on.
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Who: Ziggy Stardust and Bombay Baby
Pet mamma: Jolie Wernette-Horn, art director
Ziggy Stardust (here) was found in front of the Condé Nast offices after being hit by a car and having her tail tied into a knot (hence the name). Three years later, still knotted, she spends her time on her back demanding belly rubs.
Bombay Baby, a Byculla native, is one tough cookie. She keeps Ziggy Stardust (and me) in check. You are only allowed to pet her on her head and back, but that’s it. No exceptions.
In their free time, which is ample, they maintain an Instagram account devoted to protesting Donald Trump called @CatsAgainstTrump.
Who: Rio
Pet mamma: Priyanka Parkash, fashion coordinator and stylist
Rio was abducted from the animal hospital by my mom early in 2014. He was paralysed neck down and he wasn’t getting the medical attention he deserved, so she snuck into the animal hospital at 2am, claiming to be a trustee, put him in a basket and brought him home. He now walks, runs and leaps onto my bed!! PS: I hope she doesn’t go to jail now that her story is out!
Who: Saki and Oshi
Pet mamma: Megha Mahindru, associate features editor
These cat sisters were rescued from my building after their mum passed away from a fatal fall. Barely a month old, the kittens were named after the suburb they were found in. Saki and Oshi, short for Sakinaka and Oshiwara, have been my initiation into the cat world. While Saki, a calico, has dog-like tendencies and displays affection just like my drooling cocker spaniel once did, Oshi has taught me all about cats’ social habits — or rather, lack thereof.
(In the picture: Oshi)
Like most cat parents, I’ve showered my tabbies with everything from treat tossing devices to Hermès scarves, only to see that their real affection lies with a discarded aluminium foil. I spend each morning slavishly cleaning their litter box, and my only reward, on good days, is the one millisecond that they stay put in my arm. I’ve made peace with a house full of cat hair and an arm covered with claw strokes, but you know the best part? I don’t need Netflix any more.
Also they are likely to turn me into a millionaire any second now—don’t you know all cats are predestined for online dominance. Follow Saki and Oshi on Instagram at @wearethemeows
(In the picture: Saki)
Who: Obi
Pet mamma: Renuka Modi, managing editor
Obi has encouraged me to embrace my true self: he chewed through my hair straighteners about three days into adopting us. He’s been in our lives less than a month, but our home now revolves around him, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Everyone, from my nine-year-old son to my 89-year-old grandmother, is obsessed with him.
Who: Rocky
Pet mamma: Sheree Gomes-Gupta, contributing editor
Rocky was rescued by my brother from the streets of Bandra when he was little over a month and came to live with me when my brother was shifting residence. It was supposed to be a temporary thing but he got so attached to me especially, he refused to leave. Being a dog person, I never thought I could love a cat so much, but he is such a fan boy… comes running to me when I get home and meows till I give him my full attention, sits on my lap whenever he gets the opportunity to ensure I stay put, snuggles up in between my husband and me at night, hangs around with my son in support when I’ve reprimanded the latter, does not allow his friend Buttons (the cat from upstairs) to sit on any of our beds or his favourite spot, the sofa, and has a unique way of expressing his anger when we take off on holidays leaving him behind—he will pee on our bags once we’re back!
Who: Damien and Daisy
Pet mamma: Chandni Sehgal, senior copy editor
Damien, with his big brown eyes and smiling face is my four-year-old miniature pinscher—he’s tiny, loud, bratty and bossy (and adorable). Basically, the four-legged version of his dog-mama, me. He sleeps in my bed, uses my running shoe as a security blanket when I’m at work, gets mad at me when I ignore him (or refuse to share food) and hates when I play with Daisy, our adopted Labrador. Not only does he chew on her ears in annoyance, it’s not entirely unusual to see the little guy dangling from her large tail as he attempts to ply her off me. It’s a mad house with this min-pin and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Daisy, roughly about four as well, was a rescue that we brought home about two years ago, when she was heavily pregnant. Mommyhood and being out alone in the big bad world has made her nurturing, affectionate, tolerant, well-behaved—and shockingly adept at understanding the English language. She speaks volumes with her beautiful brown eyes and like the tolerant older sister, forgives Damien for his dalliances and us, for ours, while showcasing her signature side-eye look.
Who: Ador Chandra
Pet mamma: Ankita Chandra, associate photo editor
Ador Chandra (Pronounced Aador Chondro; imagine a warm, sugary roshogolla rolling around in your mouth) is like a good Bengali boy who swears by his Khadim’s kurta and baad-er cha (tea in an earthen cup) on college street where he frequently visits for tattered paperbacks from the early 20th century. The more tattered, the better his mood that day. My dog enjoys endless cuddles, fish-curry rice (his staple, obviously) and long, silent, philosophical conversations had entirely with his deeply forlorn Bengali eyes.
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