A gourmet seven-course dog-friendly meal, interactive games, and new friends await canine guests at a winter camp in Madh
Pets, accompanied by parents, socialise at the Aksa Beach promenade
Has anybody heard from the wise man who once said every dog has its day? He’ll be glad to know that the day is finally around the corner. This Sunday, Pawsome Camp, a unique winter brunch camp in Madh, near Aksa Beach, will make our furry friends’ day, week, month and even their year. “Most pet events in the city are crowded, loud, and cater to pet parents’ senses more than the pets’. We wanted to build an event where the dogs can relax in their own zone,” says founder Nicholas Furtado.
At a pet-friendly resort on the windy shores of Aksa, canine behaviourist and nutritionist Sourav Pattnaik is formulating a seven-course pet meal including a coconut-based welcome drink, boiled lamb, chicken, and fish, and a veggie platter for the light eaters. “We’re steering clear of packaged treats and mixes. The full spread will be cooked fresh on the day, with a focus on a nutritious, balanced meal,” Pattnaik says. Pet parents can choose from a brunch spread, but alcohol is a no-go. Pets and spirits don’t mix well, Furtado believes.
The dog-friendly menu includes meat and desserts. PICS COURTESY/K9NICK DOG RESORT
“Urban life robs people of the time to take their pets out to socialise with their four-legged friends. Socialising is a basic need for dogs,” says Furtado, who runs a pet boarding barn in Madh. An early morning walk to the Aksa Beach promenade will give the canines ample time to make new friends. “It’s important to remember that every dog has a social battery. Once it runs out, it’s time to unwind,” he says. Participants need not worry about these calculations; a hands-on team of behaviourists will keep the tails wagging at the camp.
If we were you, we’d use our wags wisely. The highlight of the camp is a tail-wagging contest that is more a test of the parents’ skills than the dogs. Participants must pull all strings to keep their pet’s tail wagging. The last tail wagging will take home freebies. “We’re also introducing the game, Minute to Win It. Pets have 60 seconds to pull off all the stunts they can. It might sound competitive, but there’s no pressure to win, or even participate. If a dog wishes to ditch the games, to stretch and flop on the sidelines, they’re more than welcome,” Furtado signs off.
Nicholas Furtado teaches a pet dog a trick; (right) A Golden Retriever looks cheerful at the 2024 edition
ON November 23; 8.30 am
AT The Resort, Madh-Marve Road, Dharvali, Aksa Gaon, Malad West.
LOG ON TO k9nick_dogresort
CALL 7718861953
Before you board
Nicholas Furtado lives in the company of more than 10 dogs at a ‘pet resort’ he built in Madh to give canines the TLC they deserve away from home. He shares a handy guide to sniff out an unfriendly pet boarding home if you plan to use one this holiday season.
. Look for windows. An ill-ventilated home translates to a nervous pet.
. Smells funny? Boarding homes might be hiding sanitation woes under strong room fresheners. Owing to their heightened sense of smell, dogs can feel overstimulated in such spaces.
. Vet the owner. Don’t expect all staffers to be experts, but the owner must be a certified pet trainer.
. Bigger the better. Dogs need open spaces to stay active.
. Accessibility is key. Long drives can send pets in a tizzy. Minimise commute time from your home to the boarding.
Stay with me
If boarding homes are not your jam, you can still have a happy holiday. Head to these pet-friendly retreats around Mumbai with your furry friend.
Camp Monk
Escape to this cabin by the Bhatsa river in Vasind, 63 km away from Mumbai. This cabin is Wi-Fi enabled for workaholics.
AT Survey 15, Shahpur, Vasind.
LOG ON TO campmonk.com
Aatmann Farmstay
Located in the heart of a 60-acre fruit orchard in Dahanu, these cottages are ideal for pets sensitive to sound and pollutants.
AT Dahanu Charoti Road, Saravali, Palghar.
LOG ON TO aatmanndahanu
Time and Tide
Expect sandy paws if you head to this beachside villa in Alibaug. A 15-minute drive from the Mandwa Jetty, the property also features lush green lawns.
AT Sasawane, Alibaug.
LOG ON TO saffronstays.com
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