Shraddha Majalkar-Gawde & Pluto

Who is in the photo at right?

That’s Pluto and his mom, AKA Shraddha and the latest addition to his family… a baby boy.

Pluto is 8 months old male yellow Labrador; while his mum is a freelance communication trainer and the youngest addition to his family is still figuring out how to use his hands and feet.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

Any chance to go out with Pluto and we won’t miss it…

What's brewing?

An iced tea for mum, since mum isn’t allowed caffeine nowadays.

Any treats for you or Pluto on this occasion?

Pluto gets a vanilla ice-cream… his most favorite treat of all time.

How did Pluto get his name? Any aliases?

He bears resemblance to Micky’s Pluto with mischief in his eyes and an unstoppable curiosity. Added with an uncanny ability to get his nose stuck up at unlikely of places.

He is usually called by his name but when mood strikes mum and the family calls him, pup, love, sweetie, dada (which means elder bro in his native tongue).

How were you and Pluto united?

Mum got Pluto as a birthday present for her younger sis, Amruta.

Does Pluto have a favorite place to go for an outing?

Pluto loves to socialize, so anywhere he gets to meet other people, he is happy to go. But one of his most favorite place is the playground where he gets to frolic around chasing balls with kids.

Is Mumbai generally a dog-friendly city?

Not really. It’s not easy moving around in a crowded city, without causing a stir. Finding dog-friendly places in Mumbai is a challenge, but the good thing is, that things are changing. I’m pretty sure, in a while Mumbai will become a dog-friendly city.

Rabbit, postman, cat...?

All are welcomed with equal enthusiasm and vigor. None are chased away.

Squeaky-toy, ball, stick...?

A squeaky ball, anytime. We are still working on “drop” command, so the darling will fetch but won’t drop.

What do you hope will be Pluto's best quality when he matures?

His ‘best’ quality is his love of people. He loves being around people. And for a pup of 8 months has shown considerable maturity around the baby. I hope he grows to be an ideal big bro and friend.

If Pluto could change one thing about you, what would it be?

My impatience. That’s one thing which causes a lot of abandoned training sessions.

If Hollywood or Bollywood made a movie about your life in which Pluto could speak, which actor should do his voice?

John Leguizamo as Sid, the sloth from Ice Age.

Visit the The Pluto Chronicles and the Musings of a Restless Reader blog.

--Marshal Zeringue