Yogita Firodia is a shining example of what India needs. Eight months ago, the soft-spoken woman opened her life up to a gorgeous Indian dog with melting eyes. Yogita was checking email when she saw a notification from Rohit Pant, an animal welfare volunteer who said that a street dog had given birth to four puppies. Rohit was frantically looking for homes for them and Yogita remembers thinking to herself - “Why not?”
She didn’t know at the time that Sufi (meaning ‘gem’ in Sanskrit) would change her life. “They named him that because he gives their family many Sufi moments”, says an elated Rohit who admires the Firodia family’s unrestrained affection for their dog. Yogita is mobbed by children when she takes her pet for a walk. “Kids love him. I’ve seen even small babies cry out for him”, she says, adding that Sufi too instinctively reaches out to people.
She reveals that the most common thing she hears on her walks is “So cute. What breed?” and she responds tongue-in-cheek “Oh, he’s a Roadesian”. Yogita’s Singapore-based sister was inspired by Sufi’s story and adopted a shelter dog, Polka when she went back home.
“It’s better to have a local breed that is suited to our temperature and is resistant to disease. Everyone should adopt a dog rather than buy one” says Yogita who was saddened to hear that Sufi’s mother and two siblings passed away due to infections on the street. As for breed-biased folk, she shrugs them off. “To me, breed doesn’t make a difference. I’m just glad Sufi is here, that he’s healthy and happy”. Here’s to you, Yogita!
