Lending a hand with the four-legged kind
Most pet lovers would agree that there are moments when their puppy or kitten demanded more attention than a human child. The feeling of exasperated love is universal.
This week we feature groups and individuals looking to make life easier when it comes to pet parenting.
Pet’iquette
Run by Terunie Senanayake, Pet’iquette was started when she adopted a little pup off the streets, who started showing signs of aggression at a young age, and had to be trained by her in a healthy way. Pet’iquette now offers to train your dog by a professional, either at your own home, or at Pet’iquette located in Nawala. Her training experience is similar to therapy, she says. And this holds true for both the owner and dog.
She employs a 100% positive training system balanced by rewards. Her process, which starts with talking to the owner, then ‘talking’ to the dog after which she creates a personalized training plan for the dog. The key is understanding that this particular family member is a different species, Terunie says.
She adds that one of the main problems is the lack of knowledge associated with dogs.
Contact them at facebook.com/petiquettesl/ or petiquette.info@gmail.com
Forever Friends
Ashani Gopallawa, after spending years in the corporate world, decided to launch ‘Forever Friends’ in 2017, where she takes care of pets when you’re away.
Her service consists of visits to your house, where she feeds and takes your pet on walks, and even grooms and bathes them, and takes them to the vet
After spending 6-years at Embark, managing operations, Ashani wanted a more hands on job that catered to her love for pets. Currently, ‘Forever Friends’ is run by her and her assistant, and they have more than a100 clients.
Ashani plans to expand this service islandwide someday. Ashani says her venture is well received and supported, and she has around 15 regular clients. Her passion is blatantly obvious, and she donates part of her profits to ‘tails of freedom’ to aid in their rescue work.
She has also developed biodegradable bags to take on dog walks if you’re in the suburbs, which can be bought from her directly, or through Bhumi, a business dedicated to eco friendly solutions.
Contact them at facebook.com/ForeverfriendsSL/
Boocat
Boocat provides a service that is much needed, however sad it is. They provide pet funeral services and arrangements. Boocat can be found easily on facebook and they do all the arrangements for you, including headstone design, floral arrangements and even religious services, if one requires. They also make a point to make a token of remembrance.
Contact them at https://www.facebook.com/boocat.lk/ or boocatsrilanka@gmail.com
(Paramie Jayakody)