Finding Joy in Caring for the Strays

As I have been involved with the feeding of strays in the City of Joy allow me to share with you some of my musings… Many of you are already involved in feeding the strays and are well aware of what is being shared here. Those wanting to get started may perchance find some of my observations helpful.

When one gets down with biscuits or rice bucket in hand to feed hitherto unknown strays they are unlikely to instantly jump with joy, their first instinctive reaction is that of caution or self-preservation, their life thus far has perhaps taught them to be on guard with the ‘civil society’. With frequent contact, even for a few days, a silent and occasionally playful bond begins to brew.

We could do only that much and in the process focussed on the main roads, in and around deserted government offices, in the precinct of previously thriving eateries and market places, the ghostly bus stations, the numbing warehouses and abandoned sites.

We were hoping that the strays in populated and upscale residential localities would be taken care of. However, in reality, we soon figured out that's not always the case. Better to verify than assume as quarantine times makes procurement and distribution psychologically as well as logistically a lot more arduous.

Beginners Guide

One may expect starvation to turn into aggression but what I discovered was resignation. Not all, but some are so bereft of hope and energy that they start giving. Seeing their despondency I wondered where is the Joy in this City? Please feel safe and reach out in your own personal manner🙏

1. Give special attention to the frail ones as they tend to get bullied by the better-built ones, and during an on-the-run food distribution may miss out on a quick grab.

2. Stray dogs that begin to receive regular care and attention, gradually, begin to behave differently from those struggling to get even one meal a day daily. This will delight you beyond your imagination. Even a tender glance means a lot to them.

3. Most easy is to give biscuits twice daily to 5, 10 or 20 stray dogs (basic biscuits like Marie / Glucose etc.); give 12-15 biscuits at a time. That is all they may get for the day. Dry dog food can also be added with biscuits.

4. Keep water in earthen pots or any vessel, if you look you can surely get hold of a few. Remember it is hot and dogs also need cool drinking water.

5. We have found Kolkata dogs not always open to bread. Try Roti instead. If you have extra milk, dilute the same and mix with bread or roti and give to a couple of dogs in makeshift feeding bowls; wash and keep them re-usage. Rice meal is, of course, great, dish out if you can, ideally unsalted, but leftovers in any form should do for now.

Kindly reach out with an open heart – wouldn’t cost you much in terms of time and resources, be aware, look around, they are waiting for you, here, there, everywhere! You can ponder on sterilizing a handful in sober times. _Our gratitude and appreciation for all who are busy making this city a little joyous at this hour of crisis.

- Sudhir