India, Aug. 26 -- The lives of actor-couple Prateik Smita Patil and Priya Banerjee revolve around their fur babies - Chico, a seven-year-old Bully Kutta, and Rocco, a one-and-a-half-year-old Dogo Argentino. Meal times, walks, and play sessions dictate their social plans, work schedules, and even opportunities. Speaking to us on International Dog Day today, they say: "They are our source of happiness, our sense of contentment, our purpose." Chico was a Christmas gift to Prateik back in 2017, and became the glue that cemented his bond with Priya over their shared love for dogs. Rocco, on the other hand, was rescued from a breeder. This had made the couple strong advocates for adoption. "Illegal breeding practices in India exploit animals, and we must stand against it," says Priya (35). Speaking about the recent Supreme Court directive on removing strays from the streets in the Capital, Prateik (38) calls it a "heartbreaking and shameful" decision reflecting a lack of compassion. Priya echoes the sentiment: "It reminded me how voiceless animals are treated as an inconvenience, not lives that matter." Their plea is clear and urgent: adopt, care for, and respect animals. "If there is a form of God on this earth, it's dogs," Prateik says. Priya adds, "If you truly believe in God, karma, or goodness, give life to a voiceless animal once in your lifetime. There is no greater act."...