Living life with
a pet
We live with parents, kids, spouses—pretty normal, right? But imagine, amidst all of that, there’s one more member: a pet, sharing the same space and love. For us, that’s Daichi, an Indian Spitz who’s been part of our family since he was just a few weeks old.
Some may say he’s a time-sucker, always demanding attention. But is he really? Honestly, we all love spending time with him.
Every morning at 5 AM, just as I’m about to wake up, Daichi leaps onto the bed. The mosquito net turns into his private jungle gym! With the reflexes of a ninja, my wife usually gets up first to unwind the net—clearing the battlefield for Daichu’s antics.
Strangely, Daichi knows I’m the one to disturb—not my wife. So he hops to my side and starts nibbling my fingers gently, urging me to get up and take him for his long-awaited morning walk.
Sleeping with Daichi on the bed is nearly impossible. And if he sneezes while facing you directly… well, imagine the aftermath! Eventually, I give in and get out of bed. From there, he follows me everywhere—like a fuzzy little shadow. When I spread out my yoga mat for a quick five-minute session, Daichi quickly plants himself on it, as if he’s planning to do yoga too!
If I take too long in the bathroom, he stands outside barking, reminding me that we’re already late for our walk. He becomes more impatient by the minute! At 5:30 AM, once I’m ready, Daichi comes running with his leash and harness in his mouth. That’s his game—I have to chase him around the house to get it. If I give up and plop on the sofa, he senses the game is over and calmly brings it to me.
Once we’re out, the real show begins. Daichi takes the lead, tugging me toward whichever path he fancies. Sometimes, local kids join our little procession. He doesn’t mind—he welcomes the company. For the next 45 minutes, we wander through the serene lanes and by-lanes of our picturesque township. Sometimes we jog, sometimes we’re just plain lazy, lounging on roadside benches and soaking in the quiet. When we return home, it’s time for me to get ready for work, while Daichi relaxes on the portico. My wife prepares breakfast, and he waits eagerly for her familiar call.
This routine plays out every weekday. But when I’m out of town, my wife takes over the walk. It lasts barely 15 minutes, and as she puts it, Daichi doesn’t enjoy it much. Sometimes, he flatly refuses to come back home! On Sundays and holidays, our walks continue even after we’re back. Especially in winter, I sit in the lawn, bathed in early sunlight, and Daichi curls up on my lap, relishing the warmth until breakfast is ready.
Even at lunchtime, if I’m home, Daichi is right there—climbing into my space, demanding attention. Yes, he’s a real “sucker” of time—but believe me, it’s time you’re happy to lose. He fills our hearts, gives us energy, and makes us feel alive. None of us—neither my wife, nor my daughter—have ever felt we spend too much time on this little creature. In fact, my daughter, who’s now studying in the US, calls regularly just to see him on video!
Pets were once an essential part of every Indian household. Think back to childhood—the dogs in our neighborhoods, the sparrows and crows pecking at leftover food in the courtyard, the squirrels scampering across trees. They were all part of our everyday lives—our unstated pets.
During the pandemic, many of us slowed down and looked around. In that pause, we rediscovered the joy of sharing our space with another soul.
And perhaps that’s why so many people have started keeping pets again—to reconnect with the old, rustic Indian way of life.
S Bera
Vindhyanagar
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