There is nothing like backpacking through India to put a bit of perspective on life back in Sydney - especially when offers have just come out. Cold water showers, substituting holes in the ground for toilets and being accosted by beggars highlight the frugalness of the Indian lifestyle. It is even a little refreshing as I am forced to prioritise what are my needs as opposed to wants (not that I won't appreciate a nice hot stream of water on my back when I shower!) But enough of my rambling, I want to share with you an incredible story...
India is a fascinating country rich with culture and full of contrasts. Let me try and set the scene a little: outside this prestigious night club in Mumbai, the street is littered with begging children scrounging for a morsel of food. There are no road rules as cows meander along the streets oblivious to the rickshaws that whizz pass them. Millions of stray dogs with their litter of pups nuzzle at the garbage that line the roads of India. India is well known for the destitute living conditions for a great percentage of its population, but the welfare of public animals is by and large neglected entirely. No RSPCA, no lost dogs home and certainly no chipping devices in pets.
Well that was until 6 years ago an American couple and their daughter independently set up from scratch an animal aid hospital to rescue maimed and sick animals. This hospital is in a small rural village just outside Udaipuir in Rajasthan, and last week I went with my partner in crime (Alana) and volunteered at this self funded hospital.
Staffed by 22 Indian workers including 3 qualified vets, its aim is to care for the plight of public animals in the area. Why? Partly out of compassion for the animals but also partly to look after the social welfare of Indians. See, 30 000 children in India contract rabies from the exponentially growing stray dog population. Solution: vaccinate dogs. A cow who stops producing milk for a village family could make it one hell of a winter for them. The welfare of animals is therefore a society problem. This hospital sterilises and vaccinates stray dogs, provides an ambulance service for animals of any kind, and just generally treats animal wounds.
We turned up at this animal sanctuary to find many dogs waltzing the yard on two front paws dragging the back legs behind as they were paralysed from traffic accidents. Cows, goats, and donkeys had legs in plaster whilst monkeys jumped in their cage. Our job for the day was to give TLC to a bunch of maimed puppies and cats. And boy what an easy job that was!! To love and shower affection upon these adorable creatures hardly seemed like volunteering but we were assured it was much needed.
I suppose I felt the need to write about this story for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's an inspirational story about one family's attempt to make the world a better place. But I also wanted to spread the word, especially to vet students who are interested in volunteering there. It is a great cultural experience whilst helping out a neglected part of a society. a bonus is that they all speak English!!
Check out www.animalaidsociety.org
Despite the puppy pee on my pants and the cat fur meshed into my jumper, it was certainly an enjoyable and memorable day!!