India, Aug. 9 -- Raksha Bandhan might be all about sibling love and togetherness, but why exclude your furry companion? Tying a rakhi to one's fur ball isn't a new tradition, but the festivities are now more OTT. To mark the occasion today, we speak to pet parents who are taking it up a notch with quirky treat rakhis and even ethnic wear. Take for instance sisters Vidhi and Nikita Khanna from Mumbai. The duo tells us that their four-year old Shih Tzu Mikku isn't "just a pet" but a little brother. "What began as a rakhi on his paw has now turned into a full-blown Raksha Bandhan ritual, complete with pooja, treats, and dressing Mikku up in a kurta," says Vidhi, a writer. The sisters would earlier buy regular rakhis, but they now make homemade treat rakhis that are Mikku-approved. Nikita adds, "The moment he sees the thali, he knows what's coming. He sits patiently with a little attitude, lets us do the pooja, and then expects to be pampered like royalty." Gurugram-based songwriter Nikhil Swaroop shares that he and his sisters have been tying rakhis to the 12 dogs they've adopted over the years. "We had a senior dog named Moti; he 15 at the time and on Raksha Bandhan, we did a full tika ceremony, tied a rakhi, and he actually smiled! It was incredibly moving - it felt like he was experiencing such a celebration for the first time. I'll never forget it," he says. Some, like Hyderabad resident Avryl Pareira, are all set to create new traditions. Preparing to celebrate her first Raksha Bandhan with her husky Do Hee, Avryl says, "This feels like the start of a new family tradition. Earlier, I'd tie rakhis to my cousins, but now Do Hee is family, she's my little sister." She adds that she is crafting a special edible rakhi, topped with Do Hee's favourite treats and pamper her with treats, toys, and a festive bandana. On the flip side is Mumbai's Arya Chittarikkal, who makes it a point to celebrate every Raksha Bandhan with Rajapalayam, Aira. While she opts for non-edible rakhis tied to Aira's collar, Arya tells us her mischevious boy also gets a special treat - doodh peda. "We only give it to him on Rakhi, and honestly, I think he knows it's coming," she laughs. "I've seen so many pet parents tying rakhis now, and it makes me so happy. Pets are family. Celebrating with them just makes sense," she ends....