LEAVE! FOR THE LOVE OF PETS

Pet parents talk about the joy and relief of having more time to take care of their pets and urge for moves like Swiggy's Paw-ternity Policy

-  SONU M KOTHARI

REACHING home after a hard day at work, we all look forward to that one thing that brings us happiness. From food, shows/ movies to watch, reading a book, to household chores, and the chitter-chatter with family and friends, it can be anything. But pet parents often look forward to the kisses, wagging tails, and licks from their furry friends who wait for them. With the option of hybrid working being offered in several companies, these parents have set a routine with their pets. The separation anxiety akin to missing one's spouse, child, or sibling-hits them hard on the days when they have to go to the office.

Having been through this process, Vinodhini, a social media marketer and a parent to two cats, says, "Pets need constant care forever and as parents, they are our responsibility. For me, raising a pet is equal to raising a child. During the Covid lockdown, corporates worked from home. I was there with my pet all day long. When the restrictions were lifted, I was asked to come to the office.

At this time for most pet parents, separation anxiety kicked in." She now works in a firm that offers a hybrid working mode and is closer to her pets.

The move