India is one of of my favorite destinations. I have been visiting India on a regular basis for the last 30 years. In many ways I would describe India as my second home. So last November I headed out for what I thought would be a nice, relaxing holiday…. It was soon apparent that I was destined to be there for a very different reason! Whilst in India you will often see starving, injured street dogs roaming free, colouring the village lanes and beaches as they seek out food,water,shelter and a friendly face. Sadly, Many of these beautiful dogs will not live to see adulthood.

Whilst there, I managed to support two dogs (Mum & Pup) whom I called Shakti and Kali and sought medical attention as both were very hungry, full of worms and fleas. They received medical care and attention and I had them both sterilised and vaccinated against rabies. I was not successful in finding them a home so it was extremely hard for me to put them back on the street. Sadly, I had no choice and it was really heartbreaking to do so. I was aware that being sterilised gave them more chance of survival,  Shakti had already lost three litters of pups in her short life. All but one had been stolen, Killed on the road or by people for profit. It is an acceptable practice in this part of India that if you bring street dogs to the municipal government you are rewarded in cash per dog.The dog is then destroyed, often in a brutal manner.

I later learned, just 7 days after my return to the UK that the sweet little puppy Kali that I had rescued had been poisoned and had died a very painful death. I was devastated by this tragic news and vowed to try and begin to campaign to bring about a positive change and give the street dogs in India a much needed voice. Kali and Shakti’s story has already been shown on Indian TV and covered in the local press. The journey is only just beginning and the road ahead is long but it is a journey i am determined to take.

Operation Street Dog was launched in January 2015 and we have a few volunteers  (all unpaid) who are recording, naming and documenting each street dog. When possible the dogs are given simple and basic things like water, food, collars and dog tags. All medical treatment is currently being funded from our own pockets which we know is not sustainable! we are currently developing a website and seeking grant aid and private donations to develop this much needed life-saving work.

we are deeply grateful for those of you who have already begun to support our work via donations. you can follow our progress on Facebook by looking up Operation Street Dog  and joining our group.

 Can you help bring about ‘Pawsitive’ change?

We hope that you can help us raise funds so that we can one day develop a rescue centre and run an Education programmes in Kerala donations could really make a huge difference.

if you would like to talk to me further please contact Mo on 07887788836

email: enquiries@operationstreetdogvarkala.com

ANY CHEQUES SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO: ‘Operation Street Dog’

WE WOULD BE SO DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR ANY CONTRIBUTION YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE