Let’s shine a light on indie pets, also known as Indian indigenous breeds, on national Pet Day
Let’s celebrate indie pets’ beauty and encourage adoption, enriching lives and promoting their well-deserved care and affection
Indie pets, short for Indian indigenous pets, represent a diverse array of local breeds that have flourished in India for generations. These pets boast distinct physical traits and personalities, deeply rooted in their indigenous heritage. The heartfelt theme for National Pet Day 2024, observed annually on April 11th, is “Don’t Shop! Adopt!” This initiative encourages people to adopt pets instead of buying them, emphasizing the importance of providing loving homes to animals in need. Adopting an indie pet goes beyond simply adding a furry friend to your family; it involves embracing a piece of India’s rich cultural and biological diversity. This trend is gaining traction, particularly among young individuals who are increasingly choosing pets as companions. This shift reflects a growing appreciation for the unique qualities and historical significance of indie pets, as well as a desire to support and conserve local breeds. By opting to adopt an indie pet, individuals play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating these local breeds, ensuring their continued existence for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
Let’s shine a light on indie pets, also known as Indian indigenous breeds, on National Pet Day. The State of Pet Homelessness report by Mars Petcare highlights 69.3 million pets without homes, with 69% lacking permanent residences. Indie pets offer unique personalities and traits, making them cherished companions. Adopting an indie pet is crucial, providing a loving home and easing shelter burdens. It’s a compassionate choice enhancing their lives and ours. Let’s celebrate indie pets’ beauty and encourage adoption, enriching lives and promoting their well-deserved care and affection.
Here are some inspiring stories of pet parents who have adopted indie pets:
Samik Ghosal is a proud parent to Puchku
Samik Ghosal, from Mars Petcare, is a proud parent of Puchku, a 12-year-old indie dog. Samik says, “One of the most loved foreign breeds is about 120 years old, while Indies have been around for more than 14,000 years. Our very own Indian indigenous breeds are genetically primed to be tough and disease-resistant. The street is a very unforgiving and harsh place for an animal. They must fend for themselves from the elements, traffic, human cruelty, and abuse, while trying to look for food and water to survive. Opening our doors and hearts to Indies gives them an opportunity at a good life away from the streets, which is no place to live for an animal.”
Lakshman H, shares his life with Charlie, his 8.5-year-old indie dog
Another proud parent of an indie dog is Lakshman H, from Mars Petcare, shares his life with Charlie, his 8.5-year-old indie dog. Lakshman passionately expresses, “I have chosen indie breeds for their unique personalities, resilience, and often overlooked charm. I believe in giving chances, and our indies need us the most. By adopting, I aim to make at least one life better, if not more.”
Lakshman’s commitment to adopting indie pets showcases the profound impact that compassion and understanding can have on the lives of these pets. Embracing indie pets not only enriches our lives but also gives these deserving animals the love and care they deserve.
Dhakshita Singh is a proud parent to Hope
Dhakshita Singh’s journey of pet adoption is filled with love, resilience, and compassion. During a drive adoption event, she chose to adopt a girl named Hope, recognizing the vulnerability and deprivation often faced by such breeds, prone to stray aggression. Her affinity for pets deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic when a stray dog would frequently visit and sit near her shop. Dhakshita fed the dog, later named Smoothie, and eventually adopted her.
The loss of Smoothie within three months was a heartbreaking experience, but it led to Hope’s adoption. Dhakshita’s commitment to providing the best for her pets, including a nutritious diet and essential vaccinations, reflects her dedication as a pet parent. Despite initial challenges and resistance from her parents, Dhakshita’s love for animals prevailed, and Hope, now 1.5 years old, thrives under her care, embodying the power of love and compassion in pet adoption.