Puppy love on show

I had an African grey parrot when I was a kid. However, when we were shifting homes from South Africa to the US, I had to give him away to a family friend.


Shilpa Anand, television actor

I was really sad and decided I wouldn't keep a pet again. But four years back, I got Shopaw as a birthday gift from my parents. He is a four-year-old American toy poodle and weighs just one kilo. Shopaw is extremely adorable and loving.

In fact, whenever I am sad or upset, he senses it and comes and curls in my arms. He also licks my hand as if to say 'Don't worry I'm there for you'.

I have taught Shopaw to do Namaste, shake hands and give a hi-five. He hates it when I'm not at home and will always wait at the door till I return.

When I get back home, he gets so excited that it's difficult to control him. Even in the mornings, when I get up, he pounces on me with joy. It makes me feel so special.

But Shopaw is super mischievous too. Whenever he does something wrong and my mother gets very angry with him, he gives me that cute puppy dog look for help (laughs).

Once I tried to teach him to say 'I love you' by barking in the same tone and he actually copied me! But he's a jealous fellow too.

He doesn't like it if I pet another dog. He wants all the attention for himself. I too can't stay away from him for long. To me, Shopaw is the cutest living creature on earth.