Friday, January 25, 2013

Delhi Dogs







They're everywhere. Stretched out on street corners, dozing on steps, they're even to be found asleep on roofs. India has more free roaming dogs than any other country. Scores of millions of them. It also has a third of the global rabies toll. More than 20,000 people die every year from the disease. In Delhi alone 85,000 people reported being bitten during the course of 2012. The dogs are tolerated because they keep down the rat population.

Most of the dogs are the local breed ;  the Indian pariah dog. With its wedge shaped head , pointed ears and curling tail they are thought to be descendents of prehistoric Chinese immigrants. Others think they may be related to the equally ancient Australian dingo.

None of this bothers the little Jain lady. To her they're all Gods creatures. As she ambles through the alleyways they trot up to her. She doesn't say much but they rub gently against her sari, unafraid, tails wagging. For the dogs a brief moment of unbridled joy -  a human who cares. The brightness in their eyes says it all. 

A quick check, a stroke behind the ears, a quiet word of encouragement. A reminder that all life has nobility. Somehow she has names for all of them. Those with monkey bites have their sores cleaned, ticks and fleas are treated, bleeding paws salved. The hungry fed.  If possible the dying taken away for a final moment of dignity.

Innocence, sainthood or naivete ? A waste of time ? Whatever it is we're thankful to have seen it.




20 comments:

  1. Just someone who truly cares.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  2. For those dogs (and indeed any of us) to know, even for a brief moment, that your existence is acknowledged and that you are truly loved is a wonderful gift.

    While one person alone can not change the dog situation in India, each dog that she meets is better off because of what she does so I'm thankful that there are people like your Jain lady trying to improve things.

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  3. There supposed to be 600 milion stray dogs around the world - heart ache. 600milion.org is offering to start a solution with a sterilizing biscuit. Saintly Dog lady - at least these dogs have a little ray of hope. Take care in Southern France Susanne, Foxiie, Daisy and Kiri

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  4. A saintly lady, she may not make much change globally and what does it matter - but it matters to the dogs she looks after and helps. Who supports her?The first photo - the dog looks so much like Sally when she was young...brings back memories.

    Hope you have Spring where you are.
    K.

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  5. A belated welcome back Angus. The dogs in the photos actually look better fed than many I saw in a poor part of Mexico a few years ago. I guess Delhi has plenty of rats for them to feed on.
    As for the Jain lady, far better, surely, to try to do good, in whatever direction you feel drawn to, than to sit back and say it's all a waste of time?
    Cheers

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  6. Oh Angus, amidst the sadness of it all, the Jain lady with her indomitable spirit of kindness is a ray of light. She may not be able to fill the bucket, but her two drops worth is more than worth its weight in gold to all those dogs she befriends. My prayers go out to her and her saintly work.

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  7. This always makes me so sad. One woman can only do so much. Still, it's like the starfish story...it matters to the dog that is help. Every little gesture counts.

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  8. there are no words really.
    that country is amazing. so ancient yet modern.
    only love like that of the little dear woman who cares for her dogs is ageless.
    i'm always glad you're back safe and sound.

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  9. She is a saint. I find myself humbled by her and how she gives her heart and soul and all she has to those forgotten and discarded souls and makes a difference.

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  10. Bright blessings to her and those like her. My heart breaks for all the dogs.

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  11. Monkey bites.
    Good God.
    My all blessings be hers, and theirs.

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  12. This incredible woman will not let the enormity of the situation undermine her determination . Imagine what could be accomplished if each and every one of us did the same.

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  13. Without question, she is an earth angel!

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  14. It sounds like the Starfish Story to me! I am certain there's a special place waiting in Heaven for her!

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  15. Never a waste of time in my eyes. They are all so skinny! I would never last in India. I would go broke feeding all the hungry dogs. I raise my glass to the Jain lady!

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  16. Beautiful woman, filled with love.

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  17. Thank you for telling us about her. I hope there are others that are doing the same. I sit here and wonder, what can I do?
    x

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