Koena Mitra recently got herself a pocket-sized or teacup Chihuahua puppy. She doesn't want to put a price tag on her new pet, (the breed costs anything between Rs 50 to 60,000) and says, "He is priceless." She has named him Dude. She got the puppy from a breeder called Feroz Sama. "He was brought from Spain. I surf the net and select dogs I want." Miniature Chihuahuas need extra special care and attention.

Koena says, "They are so delicate that despite a lot of special care, they get sick quite easily. Also, they are so small that you are more than likely to step on them. They get into accidents more often. They also need proper space and exercise and grooming. Being a male, Dude is more active and needs constant attention."

Koena has two housekeepers who look after all her eight pets, "I have a separate room called the 'doggies room'. Dude right now eats only baby food — Royal Canine biscuits for puppies. He eats 5 times a day. I mix the biscuits with milk as he doesn't have teeth and can't chew." She has even put his face on her favourite mug. "Dude is so small and tiny that he fits into a mug and he is really comfortable there. He is the only guy in my house. That's why I call him Dude. My other pets are Cookie, Jerry, Fluffy, Jiggy, Missi, Bella and Sushi. All of them are toy breeds. Being a dog lover, I don't know if the count stops at eight or if I will continue to add to the list."