Ex-Airforce Personell dedicates life for abandoned Dogs and animals

My Story

I was in Indian Air force. But due to several eye problems, I took a premature retirement. I came to the mountains and started mountaineering and hiking courses. I was in a content space with what I was doing until I noticed a peculiar pattern.

The Pattern of animals dying because of starvation and the weather. The common reason which I found was abandonment. I started observing this pattern in dogs, then in cows and then in other animals. Every other day one animal or other was dying in front of me. I made a shelter from the money I was earning and started feeding them. I settled nearby and they became my family. I saw the Bhotiya community, while moving from one place to another - leaving the dogs behind. I saw people coming from their luxurious cars and leaving animals. I saw the animals waiting for their masters to come and collect them. But they never did. I understood that why people could not keep their dogs as a lot of animals couldn't bear the heat in the plains. But I couldn't understand why these little faces have to suffer? It is easy to buy an animal but in case of taking care - people usually back off.

The only bread and butter of my life got affected in March. The strict lockdown put a hole in my pocket. I was helpless and left with no other options. I gave up on life. But when I look at the faces of these animals, I remember that I have a family to feed. Whatever the money I had in my savings, I fed them. I brainstormed for a few days and by the time, tourism also opened a bit. I came with the idea os opening a maggie and chai shop in Lambi Dhaar. Now I can earn enough to feed me and my this family. But not enough to warmly welcome other animals.

Utilization of Funds

1) Main cost is for leasing and Building an eco friendly shelter home. ..The current quotation is around Rs 5.25 Lakhs (attached)

The shed will easily hold roughly 10-15 dogs as well as 10 cows. With an open area for cows and a closed room for dogs with special pens for injured dogs.

2) Other costs include setting up transport vehicle for carrying injured/sick dogs to vet hospital - Refurbished 2nd hand vehicle:: approx 1.5 lakhs

3) Operational costs :: Rs 25 to 30 thousand per month for the basic care of animals including pasture for cows, food for the animals , Vet expenses , medicines , etc

Current Situation

Currently I myself have become homeless since all my savings have been spent on taking care of animals , but I have not lost hope yet . I have reached out to a few people in the valley to come and help me to make a bigger and better shelter for them. But hardly received any response. A lot of people when visiting me and hearing my story ask me for money, but I usually deny it. There are other ways you can help me to feed these abandoned souls. After all, you are just not feeding them, you are feeding your soul."

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