India, July 25 -- From the dhams in Uttarakhand to the temples in Himachal Pradesh - pet parents are now determined to take their fur babies along on their devotional journeys to these religious trails. Take for instance, Canada-based accountant Gundeep Kaur Makkar, whose Shih Tzu, Oreo, came along for the Hemkund Sahib Yatra. A Reel of their spiritual sojourn clocked over 500k views and 43k likes. "We truly believe he was called by the Almighty... and it just felt right to have Oreo with us. We planned everything carefully to ensure his comfort," she shares. Backpacks are being packed with pet bowls, leashes, and treats. And there's also the matter of other logistics. "We ensured all necessary vaccinations, food, leash and bedding," informs Sumita Saha, a Delhi-based artist-food blogger. Her Beagle, Euro, accompanied her to Almora's Kasar Devi Temple. "The best part was that we were able to take him inside the temple to seek blessings," she adds. There's also the matter of altitude and travel stress. So, Ritul Pranav Saxena, a Noida-based journalism graduate, consulted with a vet before taking his cat, Billu, to Manali's Hidimba Devi Temple, and also ensured he had appropriate equipment for the rought terrains. "I packed a comfortable harness and leash, dry pet foods, water bottle and bowls, lightweight foldable bed, and paw protectors," he tells us, adding, "I kept talking to Billu throughout, like a little buddy. It made this pilgrimage unforgettable!" Lakshita Anand, a Faridabad-based college aspirant, took her Dobermann, Copper, along to Shri Ambika Devi's Mandir: "It was heartwarming to see him being welcomed by others at the temple... This yatra brought us a deep sense of fulfilment and made our bond stronger."...