(Above: Me with Junior, the American Bully, 2021)

Some people collect memories through photographs or souvenirs. I’ve collected mine through paw prints.

Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—not just as pets, but as companions, therapists, protectors, and silent witnesses to every major milestone. They've been there in the background of every success, and right beside me during every setback.

Each one came into my life for a reason. Some stayed for years, others just long enough to teach me something I didn’t even know I needed to learn. They’ve shaped the way I see love, responsibility, grief, and healing. More than anything, they’ve shaped the person I’ve become and the company I’ve built.

This is the story of the dogs who built me—from childhood until today.

The Early Years

(Above; Left: Charlie, the Spitz, Right: Marshall the GSD, circa. 1990)

I was born into a home that already had two senior dogs—Marshall, a gentle German Shepherd, and Charlie, an affectionate American Spitz. I was too young to remember much, but my earliest memories are filled with fur, wagging tails, and unconditional love.

After Marshall and Charlie passed away, our home felt quiet—until we adopted two Lhasa Apsos, twin siblings named Brownie and Brute. Their original owner insisted they be adopted together, or not at all. We agreed without hesitation.

Sadly, Brownie passed away just three years later, and not long after, Brute’s original owner requested to take him back. It was a hard goodbye, but we respected their bond and let him go.

The Big One

(Above: Brute, the Neapolitan Mastiff, circa 2003)

In 2002, I temporarily took in a Neapolitan Mastiff, also named Brute. He was majestic—and massive. In just one year, he grew to 85 kilograms. He was gentle at heart but a handful to manage, and eventually, I had to return him to his original home. He was the first large breed I had and taught me the sheer power, and tenderness, that large breeds can carry.

Enter Brownie the Pug and Bruno the Lab

(Above: Brownie, the Pug, circa 2005)

In 2003, I adopted a pug and named him Brownie, a name I loved too much to retire. He quickly became my shadow. Brownie was with me through life’s highs and lows, and even appeared in a Pedigree ad, thanks to his charm and camera-friendly face.

In 2004, I brought home a Labrador Retriever named Bruno. Loyal, intelligent, and always ready to play, Bruno and Brownie became an inseparable duo. They brought life to our home like nothing else.

Loss and Turning Points

Tragedy struck in 2009 when Brownie died in an accident. It shook me. That kind of loss never really leaves you.

Just a year later, in 2010, I adopted another pug, Jerry. Jerry had been abandoned and came with a host of health issues, skin infections, digestive problems, constant discomfort. He needed special care and attention, and over time, he became the center of my world. Jerry’s struggles exposed me to the lack of proper pet nutrition and support in India, which eventually became the seed for launching Pet Club India.

(Above: Me with Bruno the Labrador, circa 2006) 

In 2011, Bruno passed away. With Jerry still around, the grief was manageable, but it never got easier.

Jerry gave me six beautiful years. He passed in 2016, leaving behind an emotional void I couldn’t ignore.

(Above: Jerry with Bruno, 2010)

A New Chapter

Later that same year, I helped my young nephew name a street dog we rescued: Lego. He was an Indie—resilient and full of spirit. Today, Lego lives happily in Jalandhar with our extended family, where he continues to be a much-loved companion.

(Above: Trumpet, the Yorkshire Terrier, 2023)

In 2017, I helped my sister adopt a Yorkshire Terrier named Trumpet, tiny, feisty, and full of attitude. When she moved abroad in 2022, Trumpet came to live with me, and he’s been part of my household ever since.

Junior and Messi

In 2019, I adopted Junior, an American Bully, full of strength and personality. I fed him what I thought were premium kibble brands, but he developed serious skin and allergy issues. After exhaustive testing and consultations, we discovered the culprit: common ingredients in commercial pet food.

That experience changed everything. I studied pet nutrition, formulated home-cooked diets, and saw a dramatic improvement in Junior’s health, reaffirming my mission to build a nutrition-first pet brand. Sadly, Junior passed away in 2023. He remains one of the most pivotal parts of my journey—personally and professionally.

(Above: Messi, the Jack Russell Terrier)

That same year, I adopted Messi, a Jack Russell Terrier. Energetic, intelligent, and always two steps ahead of me, Messi brings a new kind of energy to my life. He’s the spark that keeps me moving today.

Final Thoughts

Each of these dogs gave me something different—companionship, purpose, lessons in grief, and a reason to build something that lasts beyond a product or service. Goofy Tails isn’t just a business to me—it’s a tribute to every dog who walked beside me, sat at my feet, or healed me in silence.

This journey has been long, messy, emotional, and beautiful.

And I wouldn’t change a thing.

-By Karan Gupta