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Eager to meet the he’s-soooo-cute Vodafone pup, Scooby, Urvashi Seth and Rane Ashish track him down to an ad shoot. The two returned smitten

I love dogs and when they’re as cute as the Pug, there’s nothing that can keep me away. So, yesterday I dragged photographer Rane Ashish with me in my search for the cutie, who stars in the Vodafone advertisements. We met Scooby being himself at a Reliance commercial in Andheri. The four-year-old has even been a part of films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Fool and Final. And according to Scooby’s owner, Pradip Bhonsle, he has a Fox Terrier to thank. Hutch (as Vodafone was previously called) had zeroed in on a Fox Terrier to be its mascot. But after it fell ill, Scooby took over. And there’s no barking back.

Expert opinion “Pugs are now in great demand following the Hutch advertisement. Earlier priced at Rs 5,000, they are now available in the range of Rs 17,000 to Rs 30,000 based on their pedigree,” says Dr Hitesh Swali, a veterinarian. Swali adds that till about three years ago, he used to treat about 10 pugs a month. “Now, I attend to about four in a day.” According to him, pugs are the second most common breed found in Mumbai homes after Labradors.

A day in the life of Scooby 10.10am Hugs and kisses After a breakfast of fruits and a few chocolates at his Andheri (E) home, Scooby is ready to face the day. Before leaving home, he bids goodbye to his mistress and best friend Shweta. He goes all over her, licking, yipping and tripping her up, knowing he won’t see her for the day.

11.15am See you in the evening Scooby leaves for Versova with Ramdas Shinde (30), an assistant to Shankar Iyer, who is an animal coordinator.

11.50am Look before you leak It’s been some 10-15 minutes since he’s arrived and Scooby is restless. Shinde says he wants to play in the grass. But he’s not being let loose, as he has to pee in the commercial. But the other actors are late and so Scooby plays around and then takes a much-needed leak.

1.50pm Chow time The shoot has still not started and Scooby is restless and hungry. So, Shinde feeds him Glucon D. Earlier, like a spoilt star, Scooby had wanted to stay in the shade. But I convinced him to pose with me. It’s time for us to leave, but for Scooby, it’s still a long day ahead. Will miss you, boy.