My husband and I had only come to Varkala to surf, While staying at Soul & Surf ( a very dog-friendly place) we learned of “Puppy Corner”, just down the street where people dumped their garbage and unwanted puppies. They said there was one pup that looked especially bad, and being total dog lovers we went there immediately.
We found the pup we called ‘Chance’ wobbling on her feet, moaning miserably, covered with fleas and ticks. we scooped her up and had a Tuk Tuk take us to the nearest pet supply store. The owner was very sympathetic and glad we wanted to help the puppy. we got flea and tick medication that we applied immediately.
It was too late in the day to see a vet so we took the puppy back to her fellow puppies and gave them all some food and fresh water. Chance didn’t want to eat so we got her a big bowl of milk which she lapped up. All the puppies had settled into the bushes for the night, so we let her go into the bushes too, hoping for the best. The next day we were happy to see her completely free of all the ticks and fleas that must have been sapping the life out of her. she was not crying, able to stand and keep up with the other puppies and eat some food that we had brought them. We left puppy food and more flea medicine with the staff of Soul and Surf. I wished we could have stayed longer and helped more in her recovery.
As soon as we got back to San Diego I got on the internet to try and find an organisation that was helping the dogs in Varkala. Happily, I found Operation Street Dog Varkala and we started making a monthly pledge. we are so grateful for the good work that they are doing.
Written by Alisa and Darren Pedersen
