Planning a holiday but can’t figure where to keep your mutt? Check him into a new, homely B&B option for pets in Kalina
Dog
When we ring the doorbell of Moresha Benjamin's one BHK home in a lane opposite Mumbai University in Kalina, we are greeted by the most compelling set of eyes. A two-year-old Labrador, Pluto, sticks his face out to see who has dropped by his foster home. Benjamin's 450 sq-feet abode transforms into Moe's Bed and Biscuits each time a four-legged pet becomes a house guest.
Two-year old Pluto is intrigued by our camera as Moresha Benjamin looks on. Pic / Prabhanjan Dhanu
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Foster a passion
"I started fostering five years ago. However, I began officially in June with a Facebook page. I had lost my parents, and so, a friend suggested that I take up fostering. I started with cats as they are easy to maintain, and I could continue to do my freelance work," shares Benjamin. "Later, I developed an allergy to cats, resulting in asthma and weasing, and needed hospitalisation. So, I gave that up and started fostering puppies and dogs. This year, I decided to take it up full time," she adds, as we move our handbag away moments before Pluto makes a dive for it.
Representation Pic
The former media professional gave up her career to start the enterprise. "This helped me heal. When I lost my folks, my friends took care of me. I wanted to extend that to pets. When their parents are away, at least they have a safe home. It's how the homestay came up," she shares, adding that while right now, the 'bed' and 'biscuits' are just a play on the term 'bed and breakfast', she wants to take the baking bit forward. "I'm developing some recipes, so when that's done, I'll launch it," says Benjamin, who also plans to sign up for a course with behaviourist Shireen Merchant to learn behavioural training for pets.
Even though she'd like to expand, the 33-year-old has some rules that she wouldn't want to compromise. "This is my home. It's not boarding or a kennel. I don't want to step away from it. Even if I get a bigger place, I want only one or two dogs, so that I can be true to the concept," she says. Meanwhile, Pluto rushes out into an open terrace space, inviting us to join in the fun.
Home improvement
"When you put Pluto on a leash, he's scared of other dogs but without it, he's fine. He was supposed to stay with another dog that was to arrive this week. Usually, when I have more than one dog, I do a meet-and-greet. I took a behaviourist along when I went to meet them, and we realised that Pluto can't be with another dog. His parents, originally from Bangalore, moved recently and had a doubt that was reaffirmed," she says, joining Pluto in a game of tug-of-war with his favourite toy, a rope. "First, I meet the pet at their home. It's his territory. He's more exuberant and then, he comes here, where he's more curtailed."
Canine cool
A pet parent is required to fill an exhaustive form about a pet's temperament, routine and preferences before Benjamin takes them in. "I stick to their original schedule as with the new place, the schedule at least needs to be kept sacrosanct. I also connect with the pet's vet. I'm also in touch with a few vets who live close by too, in case of an emergency. I've had pets that stayed for a month and have returned too. They do a trial overnight stay, so they are familiar and the separation anxiety is reduced. They might not eat properly for the first two days because they miss their parents. The idea is to distract them and make them realise that you are not a threat but a caretaker," she shares.
"Owners usually buy packaged food while I provide the home-cooked fare. Pluto, for example, eats boiled rice and chicken mixed with a little milk. He has been advised to eat papaya or watermelon, so I give him that too. The stay packages differ on that basis too," she says, as Pluto's ears stand up at the sound of his name. Every day, Benjamin sends photos and videos of the pets to their parents by the hour. "Sometimes, I notice things about the pet; recently, I informed parents that their pet had a ear itching and tick problem. I don't do anything without their permission," says Benjamin.
"Whenever a boarder leaves, I clean the house entirely, so it's ready for the next occupant. I manage the pet on my own. I have friends who pet-sit too. I request owners if they are okay with their pets interacting with others. I have a co-operative landlady, who has two cats and a dog; my neighbours don't have a problem either. It's rare to find supportive societies. I have been here for four years," she tells us as Pluto, tired after his run on the terrace, plonks next to us and slips into a dream, possibly, about chasing cats.
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