As you walk into VOSD founder Rakesh Shukla’s residence within our sanctuary campus, a shrill bark will welcome you. That’s of Andy, a senior Shih Tzu who has been with us for nearly ten years. Standing right by his side will be Mishka observing you with her big brown eyes. Along with Guddan and Gudiya too, these four precious angels form the ‘Shih Tzu’ clan at the VOSD Sanctuary & Hospital.
In 2013 Andy was found abandoned in Bengaluru with a hemorrhaging eye, and a congenital defect in his hind leg that has no flexible joints from the hip downwards. His fur was matted and badly infested with parasites, so it had to be shaved off.
Mishka too was abandoned in 2015, in an apartment complex in the city after her owners relocated. Apparently, they didn’t want to take her along because she had developed the habit of eating feces. More often than not, canines can be found to eat their own excreta if they suffer from gut health issues. It could also be behavioral, caused by anxiety or attention-seeking. This habit can be broken with the right medical intervention, but sadly Mishka’s owners thought abandoning her was a “better” solution.
As for Guddan and Gudiya, their stories are intertwined for many reasons – they were both found three years ago on the street of Mumbai within days of each other, and brought to the VOSD Sanctuary & Hospital within days as well: https://vosd.in/dog-rescue-stories/guddan-shih-tzu/. The former suffered from paralysis when found, and the latter was heavily pregnant but the puppies had died within her.
These four sweet babies have survived horrors like no other and had their trust broken in the most brutal way possible. Yet, under the tender care of our founder, Rakesh Shukla, and the team VOSD, they lead healthy, happy, and dignified lives. Delicate breeds like Shih Tzus need a lot of care, medical attention, and hygienic living spaces. We have gone an extra mile to ensure they are given the best of luxuries and comforts – in fact, we might have pampered them a bit too much because Guddan and Mishka love to be carried around like human children, and Andy won’t fall asleep unless it’s right on top of Pappa Rakesh’s pillow every night!
VOSD provides a home-like environment for abandoned and abused pet dogs. Support our work! https://vosd.in/active-campaigns/monthly-expenses/.