Pawsome pets: Chennaiites go all out to celebrate their pet’s birthday

Picture a bunch of energetic, happy dogs running around a lawn — and now picture them wearing paper caps that scream ‘happy birthday’ in bright colours. That was the scene at Simba, a two-year-old Irish Setter’s home on East Coast Road. His parents had put together a birthday party for him, and had invited a few of his furry friends from the neighbourhood to join the fun. To top it all, the pet parents held his little paw and cut a birthday cake for Max, which was then devoured by the pooches before one could bat an eyelid.

Pampering pets has become common in the city and how! Right from parties to a day at the spa, ‘hoomans’ are leaving no stone unturned in making their dog or cat’s big day is extra special. Says Mohan, the manager at Twisty Tails pet café in Nungambakkam, “Quite a few customers reserve a section of the café for their dog’s birthday party.”

They offer a set menu for groups of above 20 and offer the a la carte option for smaller parties. “Pet owners bring in their dogs and are allowed to socialise with our 18 in-house pooches too — they mostly consist of toy breeds such as Bichon Frise and Shih Tzus. Once they are tired of playing or running around, we offer appetisers like cheesy chicken patties or main courses like chicken, fish or lamb with rice and more for them to eat,” he adds.

Neem Tree Pet Spa in Besant Nagar has had a sizeable footfall of customers brining their dog or cat for a spa on the animal’s birthday. “Quite a few come either on the day or a week before and we take care to ensure their comfort,” says Iliyas Basha, who runs the centre. They offer a basic grooming option and add-ons like massages or an extensive spa including oil massage followed by clay scrub, rinse and dry, hair cutting and styling. He laughs, “We’ve had a few people request for their pet’s hair to be coloured as well — we did tiger stripes on a Labrador named Troy!”

A birthday is never complete without food. So, a great way to indulge their little one is by making or buying healthy treats, feel some. Dog-boarding and play centres like Harley and Me offer a separate menu for dogs. Their range of snacks like honey-roasted pizzas, green apple and strawberry pastries and doggie cupcakes are made without chocolate, sugar, and salt.

Alternatively, like pet parent, trainer and behaviourist S Mitali suggests, “I usually make treats at home for my dogs. Boil/steam veggies like carrots and pumpkin, puree them, add a bit of honey and curd and mix well. Pour them in steel cups or cupcake moulds and freeze. You can use mashed fruits like banana, apples and pear too.” With parents spoiling their four-legged kids silly on their birthdays, no wonder they say every dog has its day!