Pet adoption organisation hosts heartwarming drive for Indian dog breeds

A temporary pandal, erected on Sunday in front Rachakonda Commissionerate office at Neredmet main road with posters ‘Telangana Pet Adoption’, a voluntary organisation run by G Vijaylakshmi, is a big draw for dog lovers.

Hyderabad: A heartwarming scene unfolds every Sunday at the bustling Neredmet main road, where a group of dedicated volunteers are on a mission to find loving home for adorable desi puppies or Indies, the collective term used to refer to Indian dog breeds.

A temporary pandal, erected on Sunday in front Rachakonda Commissionerate office at Neredmet main road with posters ‘Telangana Pet Adoption’, a voluntary organisation run by G Vijaylakshmi, is a big draw for dog lovers.

Curious onlookers park their vehicles nearby to admire the adorable sight of just months-old puppies, some curled up in a peaceful slumber while a few playfully tumbling over each other and interacting with their caretakers. Youngsters, eager to find furry friends, carefully look at the puppies in the hope of forming a special bond so that they can convince their parents to take them home.

The volunteers at the pet adoption drive swear by the desi breed of dogs. “Compared to imported breeds, Indies are street smart, resilient, adopt quickly, intelligent, loyal, healthier and don’t need high maintenance. Even if they fall sick, they bounce back quickly,” says Dr. Vasil Quadri, a senior orthopaedic surgeon and a long-time volunteer for the Indie pet drive.

Dog lovers and volunteers from across Hyderabad, along with their months-old puppies gather at the pet adoption, in the hope of finding loving homes for their puppies. “I have four puppies and I am hoping that they get a loving new family. There is a lot of negativity around stray dogs. I always tell young people that before judging them, people should adopt a desi breed or feed them regularly. This will help them in understanding the dog’s behaviour,” says G Bharathi, a volunteer at the dog adoption initiative.

Every week, on an average, at least 20 to 25 people decide to take the plunge and adopt a desi dog at the adoption drive. “The aim of this drive is to ensure people are more aware about desi Indian breeds and also the Indies get a loving and responsible new home,” says Nagesh, another volunteer.

Vijayalakshmi, the founder of Telangana Pet Adoption, says that the initiative has provided a platform for people passionate about Indies. “All kind of services and information related to Indian dog breeds and guidance are shared with new pet owners. Over the years, this adoption initiative has become a must-visit for dog lovers every week,” she says.