CHENNAI: D Komagan wakes up every day to his alarm buzzing at 4.30am. An hour later, it is time to greet his first client for the day, pet doberman Simba for his morning walk. It has to be 5.30am and no later, or Simba’s vehement ‘wake up’ barks will rouse most of the neighbourhood in Anna Nagar. He shares, “Currently, I have three clients, as well as my own dog to walk on a daily basis. So, it keeps me busy.” Meet the city’s dedicated dog walkers, who take the burden of keeping your dogs fit, while you get to carry on with a lighter daily schedule. While the concept of hiring a ‘dog walker’ may sound a little western to some, it has become a full-fledged career option for several such committed early-risers, for over a decade now. Veterinarian Priyadarshini Govind offers, “Very often people come from two income households. So, while they might not have time to devote to their dog’s exercise, the dog suffers from obesity or a thyroid problem.” A marked rise in the number of takers for dog-walkers makes it evident that they can afford to pay someone to do it for them. No doubt, the monthly fee of `3,000 for daily morning trots is perhaps more than you pay domestic help, but for several dog owners, this passed over responsibility comes as a welcome blessing.Komal Palicha, a resident in the Kilpauk area, says, “I first inquired about a dog walker when I was pregnant and ever since then, we’ve continued the service quite regularly.” The suspicion that some of these men don’t actually walk these dogs, but simply return the animal back home after a measured chat at the nearest tea shop or auto stand, has certainly been a hurdle for several residents as well. However, Govind reveals, “There have been cases where I’ve asked owners to follow their dog walkers at a distance, but most of the time they come back to me with good feedback.”For seven-year-old Koby, a mildly arthritic labrador who lives at Chetpet, it seems that over exertion is more of a problem than a lack of exercise. His owner, Vasanti Neelakantan states, “I’ve noticed that our walker, Keelar, really knows when Koby is having an off day, so that there is no strain on his muscles.” An added advantage, is the fact that Keelar is also a breeder and offers a regular supply of feedback to the dog’s vet, who in turn recommends adequate medication when necessary.So, the next time, you wake up with a sense of groggy dread in answer to your dog’s call of nature, perhaps it’s time to look for a dog walker in the vicinity. You’d be doing a good deed as well, as for many unemployed, this is a new lease on life, including a former convict who claims to have found his peace while working with dogs.
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