She Tragically Lost Her Pet Dog And Now Is The Guardian Angel Of Hundreds Of Strays In Delhi

“My pet dog, Usain, passed away in 2016. I was heartbroken and didn’t know how to cope with the sadness. But it was as if, Usain showed me a path! Despite trying very hard, I was unable to save Usain from his illness. So, after his death, I kept thinking of how so many stray animals suffer silently in pain, without anyone to take care of their needs,” - Malabica Chakraborty, Co Founder, Wagging Tales Foundation.  

It was this thought that inspired Malabica to start feeding the strays around her house. First, there were 3 but soon, Malabica was feeding hundreds of dogs. As days passed, she started getting rescue calls and requests to look after injured, sick, and abandoned strays. Finally, during the pandemic, Malabica and her growing team figured that more and more strays were in need of food, water, and shelter. Thus, the Wagging Tales Foundation was formed in 2021, and since then, not a day has passed by when the NGO hasn’t worked for the betterment of hundreds of animals in Delhi. 

Victims of human recklessness, these dogs and cats have found a safe home in Malabica’s care  

This woman-led NGO feeds around 650-700 strays across Delhi on a daily basis and in their two recovery centres, they have around 250-300 injured, sick and old animals who are in no condition to survive on their own. While discussing the day-to-day challenges of running an animal shelter, Aritra Ghosh, a team member of the Wagging Tales Foundation and Malabica’s nephew, says that awareness among the common people about animal welfare is still minimal. 

“They don’t want to sterilize their community animals or even their pets. They say they want the puppies or kittens, but what they fail to realize is that a lactating mother needs nutritious food and the newborns need a lot of care. Most people are ignorant of the care that they need to take and try to stop us when we carry out our sterilization programs. We try our best to explain to them but often these end up in a bad way.” 

But not everything is bad in the life of an animal rescuer. Malabica absolutely enjoys spending time with her furbabies, especially the senior dogs. With constant love and care, she does her best to give these animals the life they deserve. She says that the real joy is when one finds the near-fatal cases fight back and live a comfortable life. 

“Let me tell you about Divya, Mishti and Rani. All three of these indies are hit-and-run cases and were in terrible condition when we rescued them. Divya and Mishti had to get amputations, while Rani hobbles as a direct aftermath of their accidents. But nothing could dampen their spirits. While we did all we could to help them get better, these dogs never gave up. They’re now up for adoption too!”   

Apart from feeding hundreds of strays, they also look after their medical needs - giving on-spot treatments to as many animals as possible. The Wagging Tales are among the few animal shelters in Delhi that take in canine distemper and Parvo cases - both very contagious as well as life-threatening diseases. During the recent Yamuna floods too, they rescued around 130 stranded strays along with other NGOs. 

There is so much more to do and Malabica needs your support to continue her work 

Malabica has dedicated her life to looking after these voiceless animals but the needs are increasing and more often than not, they face financial constraints. They need help with medicines, animal food, hygiene products, and a vehicle. Over the years, they have helped hundreds of animals in need, and they wish to help many more and it can only be possible with your continued support. Donate to help Malabica and her organisation and save countless innocent lives. 

About the NGO: After she lost her beloved Great Dane, Malabica started feeding the strays around her house. First, there were 3 but soon, she was feeding hundreds of dogs. Soon, she started getting rescue calls and requests to look after injured, sick, and abandoned strays. Finally, during the pandemic, Malabica and her growing team figured that more and more strays were in need of food, water, and shelter. Thus, the Wagging Tales Foundation was formed in 2021, and since then, not a day has passed by when the NGO hasn’t worked for the betterment of hundreds of animals in Delhi.