On my last day in India (December 2014), six hours before my flight was due to leave I headed out on my daily rounds to feed the street dogs I had befriended. I was travelling by motorbike and just ahead of me I noticed the smallest little puppy staggering out into the road. He could have been no more than four weeks old. A bus was heading in his direction and would not have seen this tiny little creature. Without thinking or hesitation, I swerved my bike into the path of the bus! Thankfully, the bus screeched to a standstill beeping it’s horn at me and shouting…
‘hey crazy lady get out of the way’ I scooped up the puppy having wrapped him in a newspaper, stuffed him down my jacket to keep him warm and safe and headed back to my hotel. I felt such a deep urge to protect this little fella.
His licks of gratitude on my chin and the look in his eyes warmed my heart. The wind of change had intervened and I knew i had to help this little dog…….at all cost.
I managed to sneak ‘Lucky’ past the sleeping night guard and into my room. I acquired a bucket off the cleaner and bathed Lucky treating him for fleas and removing the ticks that were feeding on him. Warm puppy milk and small nibbles of chicken were really appreciated and he fell asleep in my arms. By now the tears were streaming down my face as I wondered what I can do for him with such a short time before my flight back to the UK leaves.
I left Lucky asleep in my bed and headed out on the streets of Varkala to try and find someone who would help him. After two hours of rejection, I finally came across Les from the Coffee Temple Les runs the best coffee cafe in the area and has helped several street dogs. He really was my last hope! I told him about Lucky and that he would need medical attention and lots of love. To my delight and surprise….he told me to bring him to his home. I felt a huge pressure lift and knew that Lucky might now survive. Two months later, Lucky is now a beautiful healthy little dog who brings love to all he meets.
Written by Maureen Hand
