When you need some pet-time
View(s):- Arrenga Nadaraja visits Paw Street where you can hang out with dogs and cats
Many would affirm that being around dogs and cats is a form of therapy – Kasthuri Sathiyamoorthy is a believer. With a deep love for dogs from a young age, Kasthuri would rescue street dogs and keep them until she could find new homes for them.
Kasthuri, now living in Ekala, was gifted her first dog Cammy, a toy poodle, by her husband. Visiting a dog cafe in Thailand, gave her the idea to create a space for people to enjoy the warmth and happiness that interacting with pets can bring.
Launched in October 2023, in Rilaulla, Kandana, The Paw Street is a cosy space where you can go and hang out with dogs and cats.
Kasthuri and two pet lovers with their furry friends. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
“I saw what pets can do to a person’s life. I thought there must be people like me, who want to have pets but can’t have them in their homes,” Kasthuri told us when the Sunday Times visited.
Kasthuri included cats in the space as her mother-in-law is a ‘huge fan’ of felines. The Paw Street has couches and ample room on the floor to relax with a variety of four-legged friends. Student volunteers help out, coming in on a shift basis. Anyone can volunteer, says Kasthuri, with one of her biggest criteria being that they love animals. She herself has a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Bangalore, India. Ten to 15 customers come in on average each day – families, kids and couples.
Kasthuri has different dog breeds with her; Poodles, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Dachshunds, Shih-poo (also called a Shoodle, a cross between a Shih Tzu and a miniature poodle), a Lion Shepherd and Tibetan Spaniel, with cat breeds including British Shorthairs, Bengal, Persian and Himalayan cats.
New animals are quarantined before they are brought to The Paw Street, and then take up residence at the back of the property with a caretaker. During the week Kasthuri says, they evaluate and have two hours of grooming for the dogs and cats before they are let into the space, (checking their moods and health). The animals love their daily interactions with people, with a few exceptions – one of the female dachshunds does not like men with beards, and another dog does not like children.
One of Kasthuri’s best memories was when a differently-abled child came in with her parents and was so happy playing with the animals around her. Since then entry is free of charge with no time limit for kids with disabilities.
The Paw Street also hosts birthday parties and organises canvas painting and yoga sessions with pets. Kasthuri has plans to expand with a store and a cafe that can host pets and their owners creating a community of animal lovers.
Visit The Paw Street at No.5 Pantaliyan Lane, Rilaulla, Kandana. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., including Poya days and public holidays.
For adults, a session (one hour and 15 minutes) costs Rs. 1000, with a complimentary beverage included. For more information, see https://www.pawstreet.lk/or on Instagram @ThePawStreet or call 077 980 5076 to reserve a time slot.
Kasthuri at the Paw Street
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