When Kavin Arasu was a 10-year-old school boy, he stumbled upon a litter of six homeless puppies under a tank. Upon finding that they were orphaned, he raised them for a month after and found loving homes for all six. Kavin is now a student at George Mason University and co-founder of The Animal Guardian Society (TAGS). When people tell him they are looking to get a pup, he gently reminds them that there are many in waiting and recommends adoption of street puppies. “All the affection that a pup gives comes to you free of cost! Buying and selling animals degrades them. It is unethical”.
Says Anuradha Manish Chawla, co-founder of Chennai Adoption Drive (CAD), one of the city's best known adoption outfits – “A common question I get is about whether Indian breeds are ferocious and if they make good pets. I tell them no pet is ferocious unless trained that way. Also, chaining a dog to the same spot 24 hours a day causes aggression and this must not be done. Mongrels are intelligent, easy to maintain and affectionate. To me, a dog is not a status symbol”.
Jennifer Jacob-Murali Anand who founded CAD with Anuradha adopted her dog Chilli – an Indian mongrel – from an animal shelter. Chilli who was adopted along with her sibling is eager to please.
Jennifer and Anuradha now conduct a monthly adoption camp where rescued pups (that have been given initial vaccination and de-worming) are given free of cost to genuine dog lovers. This month's camp is being held on July 10 between 10 am and 3 pm at 6, First Avenue, Boat Club Road. Call 8939311148 or 9025389033 for details on how you can join the growing family of guardians of the homeless.
HOLD MY PAW I am Foxy, an incredibly friendly 1-year-old male Spitz cross that was abandoned and rescued. Want to adopt me? Call 9884149720
HOLD MY PAW I'm Chinky, a 4-yr-old Pomeranian who went missing from Kanagaraj Avenue, Chitlapakkam on 26 June. I'm completely dependent on my family and they are worried sick. Please call 9841696251 or 8428097475 if you find me!
HERO OF THE WEEK T.Abinaya nominates her tuition teachers Arul Sivabalan and Kalpana for rescuing and adopting 5 dogs from the street, and for caring for them permanently.
TAKE ME HOME Patch is a healthy, friendly rescued puppy. He and his four friends are available for adoption and are looking for loving families. Call 98840 40690 or 9380660753
TAKE ME HOME This lovely 4-month-old snow white mongrel with a curly tail is healthy, vaccinated and ready for adoption. Call 24918723
