In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog...’ goes a famous saying. The world, then, isn’t really the perfect place. But then again, there are those whose lives revolve around building a place several homeless canines can call their own. And it is often toughest for these very people who take upon themselves this task, to get past each day without worrying about the next.
Raising enough money to sustain a shelter is the biggest bane most animal welfare organisations face and the problem only grows with more mouths to feed. “From 70 dogs at the onset of the Trust, we have over 170 inhabitants at present,” says a volunteer at Anand Chhaaya, a home for dogs at Byrathi Cross, Off Hennur Main Road.
The shelter that, till about four months ago, had a regular inflow of funds is currently left in the lurch as there isn’t anybody overlooking its functioning. The person behind its inception in 2002 — Jaya Bhattacharya — has been the chief contributor to the running of the place. “Most of the funding came from within my family along with two other regular donors. Right now, I am not in a position to offer that much and have only a fixed sum that I have been giving for the past four months,” says Jaya who is keen on handing over the Trust to someone who can shoulder the responsibility.
Anand Chhaaya houses around 170 dogs — abandoned, sick, aged — that have been provided food, shelter as well as regular vaccines. According to the volunteers, the funds were enough to take care of all the necessities previously but the past few months have been extremely strenuous with lack of funds being the major cause of the problem. “Volunteers, full time help, a veterinarian and most importantly food for the inhabitants has become a cause for concern,” says another volunteer who adds that a minimum of Rs 80,000 to a lakh is what is needed to run the shelter every month. “This includes all the requirements for the dogs as well as salaries for the veterinarian and those who take care of the shelter, water and electricity bills, medicines as well rent for the land.”
Lack of funds means more work for the handful of volunteers who are juggling between their professions and home, apart from helping at the shelter. “The past few months, we have had to run from pillar to post to raise money and we have been able to gather just about enough for the dogs. This can’t be worked out month after month. We need a proper channel in place,” shares a volunteer.
What can make this large enclosure warm and alive like a home is the hundred odd dogs that will greet you at the entrance. But it is disheartening that many of them, underfed for sometime now, lack the energy to do so. Anand Chhaaya can use all the help they can get from those who want to do their bit. Help raise funds, sponsor meals, donate newspapers to keep them warm, among the many things will help the volunteers keep the place going. Contact Trupti: 9886125598; Vinita Kurup: 9845216201; Subramani M T: 9886547536; Sushruta: 9880720255 for further details.
