Puppy love blooms on India dog dating websites

By Tony Tharakan

NEW DELHI (Reuters Life!) - Leo is affectionate, likes stuffed toys, eats fish and is a hit with ladies looking for love on online. Not bad, for a 3-year-old Golden Retriever.

Leo is just one of hundreds of dogs being signed up to a crop of dog dating websites in India by doting owners seeking a mate or a companion for their pet.

"A lot of dog owners want their dogs to have doggy friends with whom they can play and have their own fun time," says Geetika Nigam, who launched the 6,500-user-strong Puppy Love (www.puppylove.in/) community two years ago.

Just like human dating sites, dog owners can upload photos, blog, search for the perfect match and set up dates.

Many of the eligible dogs are pedigreed but some pet owners also advertise for strays they have adopted.

"People are very happy that finally someone has taken up this cause," says Mumbai-based Mekhala Lobo, who spotted a business opportunity in her newly launched Date Your Pet (dateyourpet.co.in/) website.

"Believe me, in the dog world, finding a mate is next to impossible," the MBA student said.

And it's especially hard for the boys.