Jimmy is an angel. He looks like a gentle, grey wolf and loves both people and animals. The handsome Indian dog was at the Mad Dogs Trust shelter, an NGO in Cochin devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating homeless animals, when Abdul Qayoom saw him and fell in love. Qayoom who lives near Fort Kochi and is a true dog lover adopted Jimmy and in the process, found a best friend and loyal companion. “It's not fair”, says Qayoom, referring to the reluctance that people have when it comes to adopting local breeds, mostly due to misconceptions. “I like Indian dogs very much and would recommend that people adopt a puppy or dog from the street or shelter – this way, a needy animal finds a home and you get a best friend for free”.
Jimmy's story is symbolic of the changing attitudes towards pets. Across countries, people who are interested in getting a pet are choosing to adopt from their nearest animal shelter instead of buying one from a breeder. There is also a growing awareness of the fact that native breeds adapt better to the local climate, and that keeping the dogs' best interests at heart means adopting from the same place rather than importing foreign breeds.
In India, networks like Let's Live Together (Bangalore), The Animal Guardian Society (Chennai) and Red Paws Rescue (Delhi) comprise individuals who adopted homeless animals and are encouraging others to do the same, free of cost and with no commercial motives. It has also mobilised public support for charities like Mad Dogs Trust. “I use part of my shop to promote Mad Dogs Trust by selling their T-shirts”, says Qayoom whose friends and relatives also showed interest in adopting shelter animals after hearing his story. “Jimmy is highly intelligent”, he says. “When my kitten strayed into the road, Jimmy walked over to him, picked him up in his mouth and returned him to the safety of my shop”. As Qayoom discovered first-hand when he opened his heart to a homeless puppy, all beautiful things begin with a single act of kindness.
(For more information on adopting a puppy from Mad Dogs Trust or to support the cause, call 9746018456 or visit the non-profit's website >www.maddogstrust.com )
