Nikki Kapoor’s world came crashing down when she came to know that she could not conceive. In 2009, she was diagnosed with cancer and the ugly repercussion of the chronic illness was infertility.
Instead of agonising over her misfortune, Nikki put up a brave face and decided to carve out her own future. She developed a bond with different breeds of dogs and they became her family. It was unbridled joy all the way as Nikki received endless love and affection from these cute four legged pets. They became her family and she could not imagine life without them.
Her doggie Duchess, a mixture of Labrador and German Shepherd, was the apple of her eye. In fact, Nikki treated her as an adorable daughter. In 2010, Duchess became indisposed.
To her horror, the vet instead of recommending treatment suggested euthanasia as Duchess was in her last stage. Not ready to see Duchess’ life extinguished by a poison-injected needle, Nikki frantically searched for herbal medicines in the Capital.
“Duchess was suffering from arthritis and could not get up at all. When the vet recommended euthanasia, I differed and refused to give up. Though I was not an expert in healing dogs, deep down I had faith in herbs. In Delhi I searched frantically for a shop selling essential oils made from herbs. Luckily, I stumbled upon a shop at Khan Market which supplied essential oils,” says Nikki, founder of Navarasas and Bark on Barkery.
Nikki says he made a concoction and massaged Duchess thrice a day. In just five days, Duchess, who could not walk, was up on her feet and took small steps.
The recovery was good and Duchess lived for over two years after that incident.
Without taking up a course qualifying her as a vet, Nikki went through every possible source available on the internet. Consequently, she developed considerable knowledge on essential oils. Over a period of time, Nikki started understanding the importance of natural food in the diet of pets.
“We go through the vet’s diagnosis and then give treatment like essential oils,” she says.
Apart from essential oil blends, she also supplies shampoos, body washes, scrubs and pet products.
In her bakery, Nikki provides cookies and dry dog food.
Interestingly, she claims that cookies are fit for human consumption also.
Since Nikki treats doggies as her own little ones she does not want them to be discriminated against.
“In our bakery we prepare cakes and cookies. We make products edible for humans as well as pets. For me dogs, whether mine or somebody else’s, are my children. I want people to share cakes and other specialities with their pets. Otherwise, pets will feel discriminated against. I do not appreciate this. How would your child feel if on his or her birthday only he gets to eat?”
As an animal lover, Nikki encourages residents to adopt dogs and treat them just like any other family member.
“People need to be educated the world over. Puppies are very cute but they need to be potty trained. Owners have to treat them as their own child. People adopt dogs but don’t give them time. At times puppies irritate just like babies but you have to take it in your stride.”
