When No One Takes Them In, Dorothy Opens Her Heart To The Sick Strays And Abandoned Dogs Of Delhi

“I have been taking care of paralysed and abandoned stray animals for over 15 years now and it never gets any easier. Over the years, I have treated thousands of them but when I see these innocent animals crying out in pain, unable to move, my only aim is to make them feel better and give them some relief,” - Dorothy Ghosh, Managing Trustee, Kalyani Animal Welfare Foundation. 

Dorothy goes on to share the story of an indie dog called Bagha. A speeding truck hit Bagha near Bhati mines in South Delhi. The kind villagers heard him wailing and brought him to them. He was in so much pain that he wasn’t allowing anyone near him. But with love and patience, Bagha recovered from his severe spinal injury and now he can stand up on his own legs. Bagha and many more dogs like him owe their lives to the relentless service Dorothy puts in to save them. 

It’s a thankless job but given a choice, I would do all of it again 

Dorothy had never thought saving ailing animals would become her life. A management graduate and an artist, she had grown up watching her mother, Kalyani, doing everything she could for voiceless animals. Kalyani even dedicated her entire life's savings and a majority of her pension for the sake of animal welfare. 

“My mother has always been my role model and together when we started this organisation in 2010, we had big dreams. She passed away in 2015 and now the responsibility lies with me to take care of these animals in need.”

Kalyani Animal Welfare Foundation is home to 120+ sick and abandoned dogs. Some are paralysed, some visually challenged, some too old, some are battling rare condition and some have been abandoned because they’re too aggressive. They need constant attention and proper food and medication. Dorothy along with the staff looks after each of them with utmost love and care. Her day starts at the crack of dawn when she joins her team to clean the premises and that is followed by feeding the animals. 

“Then we administer the medicines. It is a daunting task because not all of them are friendly. Some need IV drips, others need syrups and tablets. We cannot miss a single day of medication.” 

Then, as the shelter home opens to the public, Dorothy goes into her room and starts another difficult task: fundraising and spreading the word about her work. The organisation is completely dependent on donations and often it becomes difficult to carry out the day-to-day expenses. Speaking about her challenges, she says that this is a thankless job - very few people actually want to help. 

“But I would not have it any other way, this is my life now,” she adds.  

Join hands to help Dorothy fulfill her mother’s dreams - help her save many more animals in need 

Dog food, medicines, and hygiene products are some of the major requirements of the shelter at the moment. Dorothy is working day and night for these helpless animals but it is not enough. Even a small donation from your side will make a huge difference. 

“When I see paralysed dogs recover and jump with joy or overcome an illness we thought would kill them - that is my reward. I live for those moments and I want to help many more animals. Please support me.” 

About the NGO: Founded by Dorothy and Kalyani Ghosh in 2010, this shelter home in Delhi has been saving the lives of countless sick and abandoned animals in need. Dorothy Ghosh has been involved in animal welfare for the past 15 years and has dedicated her life to the care of these voiceless animals. Over the years, they have impacted thousands of lives but Dorothy believes that there is a lot more for her to do.