Most of us have a mystical force in our lives. Something that propels us forward at the speed of light, gives us a million-watt smile, rock-solid hope, bubbling optimism, childlike confidence, tender empathy. It can be science or religion for some; sports, art, nature or something else for others. For me, my mystical force has been dogs.

For as long as I remember, dogs have evoked a spectrum of emotions in me – happiness, curiosity, excitement, vulnerability, possessiveness, longingness, and so many more that I wouldn’t otherwise know could be even felt. But what I also did not know was that they’d fuel my love for them into passion for a creating a world around them.

Chapter 2: Coco, The Inspiration

I was working as a finance professional in a leading firm for many years when I adopted Coco. Late night in a cold Delhi December, I got a call from a distant friend of mine informing me of an abandoned few-months old unwell pup. I jumped at the opportunity and raced my car to bring home “my” Coco. My golden retriever. Boy oh boy, did I smile, jump, dance, scream, weep – all in that one moment as I hugged him! Coco imprinted on me instantly. And I couldn’t stop myself from being an SRK “Agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaho … to puri qayanaat usse tumse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai”.

The following weeks and months were lined with visits to vets. And endless searches to find products for him. And products for me, an enthusiastic new dog-mum. The market had very little to offer to address his day-to-day needs. Like his need for wooden toys when he was teething and scratching sofa legs. Or when he’d chew plastic and rubber balls and almost choke. Or when I wanted my house to shout all about pet love in all possible shapes, sizes and colors. So was born my determination to make this a less challenging project for the next dog-lover. I quit my job to bring Paw La Land to life, with a vision to create joyful products for our tail-wagging, face-licking friends, and their friends.