New Delhi: An Australian dog trainer has a simple reason for pets becoming more popular in India — late marriages! And the hundreds flocking to a pet fair here could only agree as they delight in watching dog shows and soak in grooming tips for their furry and feathered companions.
"People here are marrying late. So till they marry, dogs and other pets are their companions or substitute," John Richardson, an Australian national who runs a dog training company, said. He is one of the participants at the three-day India International Pet Trade Fair in Okhla which started Friday. Over 1,000 distributors, manufacturers and sellers are taking part in the fair, which is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors.
Caring
Jashomati Chatterjee, who was at the fair to participate with her German Shepard named "Tiger", said, "I'm in love with my pet, he is like my baby and I am like her mother."
"Tiger is very responsive and caring and is crazy about the long drives. Sometimes when I fight with him and get injured, Tiger starts licking it." Linda Brady Hawke, secretary general of the India Pet Industry Association Said: "The fair is not only useful to create business opportunities for the Indian pet industry but also making people aware about the joy of having a pet in their homes."
There are dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, even fish at the pet show. The event will see dogs strutting on the catwalk, grooming lectures, fancy dress shows, vet lectures.
Exotic birds were also being sold and added colour to the event.
