“My love for animals started in my childhood. I remember petting every dog in my street endlessly. It broke my heart when I witnessed stones being pelted at or even vehicles running over these beings. One such incident turned my life around completely. I had just started college back then and witnessed a small pup getting run over by a car and injuring its leg severely. After ceaselessly trying to contact concerned pet organizations, I was appalled at the apathetic response I got. Ever since, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

It has been five years now and there has been no looking back. I rescue and foster all kinds of animals until they are healthy enough for adoption. Apart from that, I feed multiple strays around my area on a daily basis. It gives me satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Now, with the ongoing lockdown, I make it a point to get the permission of the authorities and feed all the animals at the beach. It has become even more necessary now, especially since all the seaside stalls are closed and the poor creatures don’t even get the leftovers to feed on. I also keep urging my friends to place water bowls outside their homes.

Since this entire journey runs on donation and my own money, it does get tough financially, sometimes. During such difficult times, I rely on my mother, who is always up for rescuing animals, even if it means draining her savings. I’m also incredibly thankful to a small network of veterinarians who constantly help me out.

My only wish, at the moment, is for people to understand that the Coronavirus doesn’t spread through animals. I say this as there is an upward slide in the number of pets being abandoned. It deeply saddens me when people leave their pets on the streets and then call us to foster them. As for me personally, I plan to save up and start an animal shelter in the future!”

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