Meet Ms. Sasha, Matchmaker Extraordinaire
It took one little waddle for them to take the next big step. Catching up with Abe and Liz, owners of Just Dogs.
Cue the Parent Trap soundtrack – except this time, the stars of the show aren’t identical twins plotting to reunite their estranged parents but rather a beloved Shih Tzu. Sasha is the furry Cupid who got her parents married in her wake, and redefined what love and partnership meant for them. With Sasha at the heart of their journey, Abe and Liz are a couple who not only found home in each other because of their pet baby, but also uncovered new paths in the fast-growing realm of pet-related businesses in Kochi.
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Liz, a practicing lawyer, and Abe, a tech entrepreneur and are a joint pet-care business franchise owner, fondly recall how Sasha leapt into their lives back in November 2019.
“We were dating at the time, and one fine evening, Abe just called me and said, ‘You need to get here now; we’re going to get a dog.’” Liz started her story with how she boarded the metro, her heart racing and how they got Sasha as a newborn from Mulanthuruthi. Little did she know, that night would change everything. She added, “I had no experience with dogs – zero. But there I was, holding this tiny Shih Tzu, terrified even to cradle her properly. But that car ride home was the moment everything shifted. Until that day, we were boyfriend and girlfriend. From that night on, we were parents.”
Sasha didn’t just bridge the gap between two individuals; she cemented their relationship. When asked to answer how being pet parents changed their lives in three words, “We got married,” Liza promptly replied with a grin. “That happened only because of Sasha – or at least, she was one of the main reasons why we took The Leap.”
When asked to answer how being pet parents changed their lives in three words, “We got married.”
From Puppy Love to Business Ventures: The Growing Pet Business Culture
In Kerala, the pet culture is evolving at breakneck speed, a change Abe has witnessed firsthand. “Back in the day, dogs were just referred to as patti. They stayed outside, got hosed down when dirty, and were often fed leftovers. But today, they’re not just pets - they’re family.” Liz echoes this sentiment, laughing about how serious things have become in their household: “I won’t let Abe call Sasha patti*. I once got a scratch on my arm for calling her that! She’s our baby, period.”
“I won’t let Abe call Sasha patti*. I once got a scratch on my arm for calling her that! She’s our baby, period.”
Beyond Sasha’s wardrobe and carefully planned meals, Liz explains how their lives now revolve around her. “Shih Tzus are incredibly picky eaters. Abe used to plan Sasha’s meals meticulously—protein, veggies, everything measured perfectly—but by the second day, she’d lose interest. We had to adapt ourselves around her needs, and this isn’t just us; I see many pet parents doing the same.”
Their journey with Sasha opened the doors to something unexpected: a business venture. Abe, a lifelong pet lover, realized there was a growing community of people just like them - individuals who treat their pets as children. “When we started spending a lot on Sasha, it became clear that this was bigger than just our love for her. I noticed my generation was experimenting with relationships, choosing pets as companions or even alternatives to kids. This wasn’t just a passion; it was a business opportunity.”
So, Abe and Liz dived into the pet-care industry by launching a franchise of Just Dogs in Kochi. “Pet grooming and spas were unheard of a decade ago, but today, they’re essential. People’s earning power has increased, and so has their willingness to spend on pets,” Abe explains. “It’s not just about food and grooming—it’s fashion, toys, and curated experiences.” Liz chimed in to share, “I remember an older customer coming in weekly to buy toys for his Shih Tzu, Mia. He told me she had a room full of toys, but that didn’t stop him from buying more.”
Liz adds that the pet-friendly culture is thriving, with more resorts and restaurants welcoming four-legged guests. “It’s a welcome change, and businesses are starting to understand that pets are family.”
Facing the Skeptics with Confidence
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Of course, not everyone embraced Abe and Liz’s devotion to Sasha with open arms. “Some of my friends teased me about it, and I’m sure Liz’s relatives had opinions too,” Abe admits. “But we were confident in our choices. Waking up every morning with Sasha curled up between us? That’s the best feeling in the world. None of the criticism could ever change that.”
Their experience highlights the fast-growing pet-parent community - where love knows no species, and decisions are made with the same care and attention given to a child. Abe sums it up best: “Everyone should be confident in their decisions. If your pet brings joy and meaning to your life, nothing else matters.”
“Everyone should be confident in their decisions. If your pet brings joy and meaning to your life, nothing else matters.”
From the moment Sasha entered their lives, Abe and Liz became more than just partners—they became pet parents, business owners, and advocates for a new way of life. Whether it's the ever-evolving pet culture, their thriving business, or their unshakable bond with Sasha, their story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, love comes in the form of a tiny, furry matchmaker.
And just like in The Parent Trap, the most unexpected moments can lead to the happy ending you had never imagined for yourself.
