Canines across continents: Stray dogs find new homes abroad
PATIALA:Owning a dog of a foreign breed is no longer a matter of pride for people abroad. Adopting a stray dog has become the new mantra for them.
At least 75 stray dogs, rescued by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) Guardians of the Voiceless from Patiala, have found homes in the US, Canada and Europe.
Named Huzen now, a three-month-old a stray dog rescued by the NGO 20 days back, has been legally adopted in Virginia, a southeastern US state. The NGO found her on Bhadson Road after she was almost beaten to death. The NGO arranged her journey from Delhi to the US.
“Dogs from Patiala are now adopted in every continent, and we arranged formalities for their adoption and journey to foreign shores,” said Pankaj Arora, operations field director of the Guardians of the Voiceless, which was founded by US resident Luzma Gomez. “The chances of Huzen’s survival were bleak. But we treated her, fed her and took care of her after which she was adopted.”
Fondly named Nikku by the NGO, the rescued stray dog has been adopted in the US, Molly and Ladu in Switzerland and Hanu in Virginia.
The NGO members found Hanu crying in pain on a road after being hit by a vehicle a year ago. His proud owner Olivia Schiermeyer from Virginia has now posted his photo on her Facebook page. “Today is Hanu’s first Gotcha Day! One year ago, Hanu made a long journey from Patiala to Virginia. Hanu suffered severe head trauma after being hit by a car and was lovingly rescued by the Guardians of the Voiceless. He has changed so much in the past year and has become a healthy, happy dog he deserved to be,” her FB post says.
Shelia Glass from VA, a state in the eastern United States, who adopted Chotu, also posted his photo on her FB page saying: “Two months ago, you changed my life. From 7.9 pounds to 23.3 pounds today. I love you, Chotu India!”
NGO volunteers Navneet Dhaliwal and Prapti Bajaj, who lead the NGO team of dog rescuers, have set up special rooms in their houses to take care of the injured strays.
NGO vice-president Luzma Gomez said the process for adoption of a dog is simple. The NGO reviews the application of the possible adopter. She said the adopter pays for all expenses as the Guardians of the Voiceless does not make any profit on any adoptions, national or international.
The cost of transporting a dog from India to the US and Canada is approximately $1,800 to $2,200 (₹1.2 lakh to 1.5 lakh). The price is lower if the pet travels with a volunteer, she said.
“Adopters continue to be in contact with us for several months. They send us pictures and updates regularly,” said Gomez.