Ronan Anderson takes a look at the new breed of canine matchmaking sites that have taken India by storm
The Indian tradition of arranging marriages is experiencing an explosion of new interest on the internet. But instead of helping parents find partners for their sons and daughters, these sites arrange romantic liaisons for the four-legged members of the family – their pet dogs.
The most popular of this new breed of matchmaking sites, DogMateOnline.com, was foun-ded by Ishita Sukhadwala and Robina Gupta. Their epiphany came about when Sukhad-wala’s cousin complained about the poor breeding of the bitches vying for the attentions of Rocky, her six-year-old Doberman, Rocky.
“Rocky was the handsomest, most well behaved stud around,” she says. “Although everyone was sure that an appropriate mate would definitely fall prey to Rocky’s gentlemanly charms, the problem was how to find one suitable.”
Dogged determination
Incredibly, an online search for a dog matchmaking service yielded nothing, so Sukhadwala and Gupta were persuaded to create their own. Sadly Rocky passed away before a desirable partner could be found, but the duo swore that such a sire-less destiny would not befall other dogs.
Indeed, their dogged determination has sparked a new industry among Indian web entrepreneurs. Geetika Nigam, who launched the 6,500-strong PuppyLove.in community two years ago, says that her site is not just for those pining for fellow pooches – some owners merely want to arrange some spontaneous fun to relieve stress.
“A lot of dog owners want their dogs to have doggy friends with whom they can play and have their own fun time,” explains Mumbai-based Mekhala Lobo, who runs DateYourPet.co.in. “People are very happy that finally someone has taken up this cause.”
For those who can’t get their heads around the mysterious nature of dogs’ lives, she adds: “Believe me, in the dog world, finding a mate is next to impossible.”
The dog matchmaking phenomenon is viewed by many as a revival of the centuries-old Hindu practice of arranged marriages. A huge proportion of Indians continue to place their trust in marriages planned by their parents and other venerated elders.
These matches are usually made with regard to factors such as age, height, personal values and tastes, the wealth and social standing of their families, their castes and even the astrological compatibility of the couple’s horoscopes.
Usually people feel that since parents are older and more experienced than their children, they would be able to choose a suitable match for them with more prudence.
However, Sudhansh Verma of the Hindu Cultural Centre in Rathfarnham is quick to dispel such fanciful notions when it comes to canine couplings.
“I think that there is absolutely no religious angle to this at all, but rather it is done purely as a commercial enterprise,” he says. “[The Hindu religion says] all life should be respected, so as long as the animals aren’t hurt or forced to do anything that goes against their natural instinct, then it is okay.
“After all,” he adds playfully, “it is hard enough for humans to find love these days.”
