My first visit to a dog show- how I shunned my prejudices!

I have always hated pets. And dogs especially, have been a complete turn-off. Canines scare the shit out of me. I have my own prejudices about them. I usually have a defense mechanism and an escape ready with me. I avoid going to any area where I suspect dog habitats. I always enter a stranger’s home only after ensuring that there is no pet dog therein. People with dogs are compelled to come out of their comfort zone to tie their dog in case I happen to go to their homes. I don’t go out of my home at late nights without company. I always prompt the dog to bark at me. Just put yourself in my shoes. I know you know me better now!

Do you know what happened when I was invited to a dog show by one of my friends? Try imagining….No, I did not faint…Nor did I go to the loo….Neither did I close my eyes and hide in my blanket. Unfortunately, I felt emotions of fear and anger and was compelled to use some swear words at the guy. The guy, a friend of mine named Tarlochan, laughed at me. His reaction got me going wild. I told him to give up the idea and look for a better hunt. I was not giving him company. No, I was not. Not at any cost. No way!

Tarlochan did not seem surprised. He had seen many guys like me before and was an expert with dogs. He always had a soft corner for them. He had missed his 12^th standard board exam due to a dog show. He was a hardcore maniac. Apart from his inquisitiveness and knowledge of breeds, this guy had brought up several dogs and traded them with real customers. Dogs gave him money. He was desperate. He was adamant. Tarlochan did not want to miss this chance. And so, he consoled me saying that the dog show was the best place to shun my fears and prejudices. He assured me that dogs are never let lose in dog shows. Dogs spreading fear are disqualified, he added. He also told me about exotic breeds of over a 100 varieties who would be turning up, how they are valued, mated, created, fed and bred.

I had no commitment for the day. I began to get tempted. And then, I put myself together, gave myself a pep-talk and then decided to try it. We zoomed to the Leisure Valley, Sector 10 Chandigarh where the event was to take place only to find it deserted. Tarlochan was shocked. He felt betrayed. Phew, he lamented. Sitting at the backseat of the Karizma bike, I took a deep breath. It was a breather for me. I was extremely glad inside. Yes, I had every reason to be elated. Gosh, if this Mercedez Benz car had not come that day, I would have actually gone and offers a few coconuts in the temple.

I saw this Merc approaching. The guy looked familiar with the area. I thought, I would ask him about the hallucinated Dog Show. Just when I was about to do that, he stopped and took out a huge Saint Bernard dog from his front seat. I got Goosebumps! I asked Tarlochan to speed up. I felt, it would be the first bite of my life. Barking dogs seldom bite, I had heard. This dog did not seem to bark. I began to get worried. Tarlochan had stopped the bike to watch the dog and give me quick lessons about this breed. I had seen this dog at a cousin’s home. I remember I never went to his home until he sold the dog away. Tarlochan shot a quick query and the Guy suddenly told us that the venue had been shifted to Sector-17 Chandigarh. Tarlochan’s face lit up. Quickly, he zoomed to the new destination. We jumped traffic lights and the policeman there blew his whistle. I was happy again but only for a second. But Tarlochan did not give the cop a damn. He sped faster and finally we reached the place.

I could see dogs everywhere, be it in the backseats of cars or in the rear. Some were tied to the front tyre of the car, while others were tied to hooks on the ground. German Shepherds barked out loudly. The only relief I got was from the chain suspending these canines. I had to look for a way out. Tarlochan was not going to go away before 2 hours. At once, I discovered that the best way to escape panic attacks was to camouflage with the crowd. This way, I would be able to catch a glimpse of every breed as well as avoid being bitten. Tarlochan had begun networking with prospective buyers and sellers.

I parted ways and joined the crowds. I managed to go around from stall to stall, click photos, observe different breeds, catch up on some dog stunts and drink coke. I managed to see some Dalmatians, St. Bernards, German Shepherds, Pomerians, Bull Dogs, Afghan Hounds and a few other dogs. Would you believe it, I saw dogs costing 40lakh, 50 lakh and 60 lakhs. All of a sudden, I was surprised to see Actress and Model, Gul Panag sitting modestly with her dog in a stall. There was absolutely no rush whatsoever around her. People had not recognized her although a couple of mediapersons had managed to learn about her identity. At once, people rushed in and she left. Her dog was an average one. I got to see breeds from different countries there. People had come from far and wide to display their dog there. There was a competition going on. Ratings were being given. Prizes were being distributed. The crowd at the venue also seemed metropolitan.

I gave Tarlochan a call and we managed to reconnect. I was much better placed now. Quickly, I managed to get a feel of innocent pups with his help. Suddenly, I felt, I didn’t panic anymore. I picked up pups in my arms, caressed them and took a glimpse of their innocent faces. There were lots of dog patrons and lovers. I heard people around me discuss about the dog’s sister, brother, mother, cousin, etc. I began to like the place. People displayed all kinds of feelings for pets. My face lit up too. My prejudices were all shunned. My heartbeat rate was pretty normal. It was fun. I returned home after spending 3 hours. This experience will remain dear to me!