Sitting in a quiet and cool corner of VOSD Founder Rakesh Shukla’s home within the VOSD sanctuary is Bella – a gorgeous mixed Indian breed dog. Her most striking feature is that she doesn’t have eyes. They had to be surgically removed in 2020 after some monstrous humans threw acid on her eyes “just for fun” to see if the dog would go blind.
She was rescued in the nick of time and given intensive treatment at Karma Foundation’s hospital in Pune. It’s a miracle she survived this ordeal and multiple surgeries at the age of 14! But since a blind dog couldn’t survive on the streets, Bella was admitted to VOSD shortly before the first Coronavirus lockdown. The now 17-year-old adjusted to a life without vision like a fish to water, and has fit right in with the other blind dogs who live with her. Her favourites are Raji and Tulip since they’re equally gentle and calm just like her.
But what is the secret to senior dogs like Bella living well beyond the average lifespan of a stray dog? The VOSD Hospice has been designed to ensure that elderly and infirm dogs at our sanctuary are given the best palliative care in India. They are provided with:
• Nutritious meals and supplements
• Advanced professional medical care and treatment
• Sophisticated procedures and surgeries if required
• Individual attention and 24×7 monitoring
• Customised living spaces and comfortable bedding
If you know of an elderly stray dog who is suffering with health issues or is being abused by humans, and you think they deserve proper care, write to info@vosd.in All geriatric dogs are admitted to our sanctuary without a surrender fee. Support us in saving such dogs without a home or hope by donating INR 5,000 (~$61) one-time or monthly: https://vosd.in/active-campaigns/monthly-expenses/