Animal lovers’ gesture: Shelter for street dogs, pups this winter
We are starting by keeping the first few huts in Gomti Nagar and Indira Nagar and as more (huts) come they will be placed wherever required DR VISHAKHA SHUKLA, a dentist and brain behind the initiative
LUCKNOW: Street dogs are the worst sufferers during winters. Many lose their life due to direct exposure to harsh weather. However, a group of animal lovers have come forward to help some 300-odd puppies and dogs get a home for themselves this winter.
They have already got 50 bamboo huts of the size 2 feet by four feet to be placed at spots where newborn puppies are at risk of death due to cold or road accident.
“Very few people want to keep street dogs or give shelter to puppies, hence, we decided to give them a home of their own,” said Dr Vishakha Shukla, the brain behind the initiative. She is a dentist and also holds a twoyear degree for ‘animal communication and behavioral training’ from Royal College of London.
She has trained Indian street dogs to become an able guide for visually impaired people. When asked about how would the dogs make it their home, Vishakha said, “When locals will give them food for two or three days at the same hut, they will become possessive about it. This is nature of the animal.”
The huts have flex on the top so that water from winter rains and dew drops do not enter inside.
“We are starting by keeping the first few huts in Gomti Nagar and Indira Nagar and as more (huts) come they will be placed wherever required,” she said.
HOW THE HUTS ARE BEING PUT UP
“We are making sure all these huts are placed away from main road, specifically near park where they do not get in the way of vehicles and remain safe,” said Vishakha. The homes are placed in consultation with the local residents who are interested in taking care of the little ones.
The entry of the hut is on the opposite side of the road to make sure the animals do not run even on the service lanes. One hut can provide shelter to up to 10 puppies.