Every dog that attended the Labrador meet on Sunday evening had his day – literally! The 'friendly breed' enjoyed their favourite food and made friends and above all, made new friends among the 34 labs who were brought for the meet.

It all began with the birthday of Waghya, owned by Jayashree Shidore, when she thought of introducing Waghya to other Labs with whom he could make friends. Elaborating on the idea, Shidore said, "Labs are known to be friendly and every lab owner experiences that his/her pet gets friendly with the other dogs during their daily walks. However, I sensed that it was not enough and pets needed to have more friends whom they could meet regularly and spend a carefree, enjoyable time."

She shared this idea with Aparna and Sanjay Risbud, a couple whom she met everyday during her walks. The couple owns a female lab named Snowy. They liked the idea and volunteered to co-organise the Labrador meet. Invitations were sent to other lab owners and pet lovers by e-mail and word-of-mouth publicity. "Snowy got tired after the two-hour stint," Aparna said.

"Just as we have playgrounds were children can play safely, we rented the Nav Nahyadri Society ground for the purpose," Shidore said. The party was complete with boiled eggs and carrots – some of the breed's favourite food items and coffee for the owners. "While the dogs played with each other, their owners discussed everything from a good veterinary doctor, to behavioural problems of the pets and new fashion of leashes," Shidore said. Suyash Tilak, who owns a three-year old Labrador Alex, who attended the event said, "It was a fun meet and I wish it happens regularly," he said.

Mayur Munot, a dealer in dog food gave away dog bones to every Labrador to extend his support to the meet. Labs in the age group of a month to seven years were brought to the meet from Aundh, Bibewadi, Sinhgad road and other areas. "A dog lover from Aundh even wrote a poem on Waghya," Shidore said.