Meet DARCO! He's one hyperactive cocker spaniel with quite a bit of mood swings. Ignore him once and you will undoubtedly pay the price for neglecting him! Absolutely hates it if anyone's trying to convert him into a vegan. His idea of a great day includes a perfect game of run and catcher, food with meat and big bear hugs!

Pet's details 

Name: Darco
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Age:  3 years and 6 months
Owner: Lakshani

What's the significance of the name you've given him?

Darco was so random, we were calling names out loud and he never responded. So my father called out Darco as a joke and the next thing, he responded to it by approaching my father.

What is a typical day like for Darco?

Darco is always hyperactive so he runs around the garden at full speed and when he’s tired he just jumps into the pond to refresh himself.

What are mealtimes and bathtimes like?

He’s always looking forward to having a bath and when he’s getting it he's calm and he enjoys water; never bothers anyone at all. However when it comes for meals he can't even stay still!

Does he do anything out of the ordinary that fascinates you?

He is a one drama queen who always craves for attention. Every day when I’m off to work he makes sure that I see him and hug him. If I go out without hugging him he wouldn't even sight me and continues his ignoring phase. So I have to beg him until he makes up his mind.

What annoys her the most?

He hates vegetarian food. Just hates it! If by any chance he gets a vegetarian meal he howls and tries to tell us how sad he is. And he hates monkeys! Whenever he sees one he gets so annoyed and barks at it until it's gone.

What is his most favourite fun time activity?

Playing run and catcher probably. I know sounds very odd but he runs until we catch him!

What is the naughtiest thing he has done?

Once he came inside and pooped and peed in front of my parents' room.  He was also aware of how mad it makes my mom, and of the punishment that followed.

How did you find him?

We were passing Mount Lavinia and saw a pet shop where he and his four brothers were in a small cage with barely any room to move. My mom wanted one right away after she saw their cute faces.

What is he most afraid of?

He is afraid to sleep alone. He usually sleeps with our caretaker and when he goes home for the holidays Darco never sleeps until our caretaker is back.

How does he react when you returned home after a long day?

He goes crazy and pees around. Last year I was out of the country for three months and when I came back he actually fainted in excitement.

What's makes him the best?

His love, his hugs and mostly how he cares about the whole family.

What was the most unforgettable moment that you shared with him?

We live in a place where there are plenty of trees as well as snakes! So, pythons are not an uncommon sight. One particular day while I was in the kitchen I heard Darco barking and growling at something, so to get a better look I went near him. He was barking at a huge snake near the kitchen door and on impulse I called my neighbours as I was home alone. When I went near Darco to drag him inside, he didn’t even let me come close to him, he was just growling at me as if he wanted me to go inside. I've never felt any safer!

By Eshani Seneviratne