Parenting A Pet
Sumita Upreti describes the adorable traits of her four pet dogs Aldo, Coco, Cola and Kika
Pets are those members of a household who speak with their eyes, their gestures and their unconditional love. In our family, Aldo, Coco, Cola, and Kika are the heartbeat of the household. Aldo, our nine-year-old Lhasa apso, has been with us for many years. Age has made him calmer and wiser, almost like a gentle guardian of the house. His small frame and soft fur may make him look delicate, but his heart carries immense love and responsibility for our family, especially for my one-year-old grandson.
From the day the baby came home, Aldo seemed to understand that a new little life needed protection. He quietly took up the role of a watchful companion. Every morning, when the baby wakes up and starts crawling or playing on the floor, Aldo slowly walks over and sits beside him. The moment the baby begins to cry, Aldo becomes visibly restless. He starts pacing around, looking at us, almost as if he is trying to call for help. Sometimes he softly barks or runs to the nearest family member and then back to the baby, urging to come quickly.
On the other hand, Coco brings the energy and playfulness of youth. Coco is a four-year-old pure poodle who originally came from Malaysia. When my daughter and son-in-law relocated to India, Coco travelled with them, becoming part of our family in Lucknow. From the very beginning, Coco filled the house with joy, excitement, and laughter. If Aldo is the guardian, Coco is the entertainer. Coco loves his toys, especially his ball. From morning till evening he is always ready for a game. Sometimes he nudges the ball toward us, waiting expectantly for someone to throw it. If no one responds, he finds his own ways to play, tossing the ball in the air and chasing it across the room. But Coco’s closest companion is my seven-year-old grandson. Wherever the child goes, Coco follows like a loyal shadow. They play together, laugh together, and sometimes even get tired together.
And then there is Cola, the youngest and perhaps the most mischievous member of our furry family. Cola is a one-year-old poodle full of curiosity and boundless energy. His playful spirit brings a different kind of excitement to the house. Cola is the little adventurer of our home. Every morning he runs into the garden chasing birds and butterflies with great enthusiasm, as if he believes he might actually catch them someday. Cola is also very fond of children. Another adorable habit of Cola is his love for fruits.
And finally, there is Kika, the strong and confident personality among them. Kika is seven and a true foodie at heart, a lovable little glutton who always keeps a curious eye on everyone else’s bowl. No matter where the food is being served, Kika somehow manages to appear there, quietly inspecting what the others are eating. But beyond her love for food, Kika has another special role in the family. She is the alpha among them all. With a naturally commanding presence, she often behaves like the boss of the group, keeping everyone in order. Yet beneath that strong personality lies a deeply affectionate and protective heart. Our family often says that we did not just adopt dogs, God sent us four loving souls who silently protect, comfort and fill our house with warmth every single day.
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