Written by Ashenden Subramanian
Whilst picking up our hired motorbike from a site close to the Gateway hotel in Varkala, my wife and I found a puppy, looking hungry and covered in ticks but otherwise exuberant and full of energy although clearly all alone.
We fed and watered the dog and continued with our day. Possibly following our scent the puppy traced us to our hotel room which was next to the hotel gardens and a stairwell.
She was clearly very determined as she had to get past a gate manned by a guard and then find her way. For the next four days, we fed the puppy, who we named Tanya, desperately trying to think of a plan to rehouse her.
We contacted OSDV and also posted on social media and included a picture of Tanya. We received emails from OSDV advising Maureen would be in Varkala in the next couple of days.
Tanya proved to be a loving, funny, engaging puppy who loved nothing better than to play about the garden. In particular, she loved running up and down the steps jumping about my parents’ legs when they took their daily constitutional.
On day 5 we returned from breakfast to find Tanya hiding in some bushes and was unable to put her back foot down. We had seen many times before in India, locals hurling stones and rocks at dogs and felt certain that this had happened now. We confronted hotel staff who also put us in touch with Maureen – our precious chance to help this puppy who would almost certainly not survive abandoned and with an injury.
Maureen and her volunteers proved to be our lifeline. She provided practical support deworming and removing fleas. Her team also provided a temporary home. We left Varkala safe in the knowledge Tanya had a home until March 2017 at least. Maureen has given her the best and possibly only realistic chance of survival.
My wife and I feel blessed that Tanya has been given a genuine chance at life. We thank Operation Street Dogs volunteers and some four days later still wear the orange bands around our wrist. We will spread the word and know that you have two lifetime supporters.
