Pet abandonment is a growing problem, especially in villages and small towns like Vrindavan where the practice of adopting or purchasing dogs is just starting to gain popularity. Individuals and families are often unprepared for the responsibility and cost that comes with owning an animal, and this results in pets being neglected in ways that can cause lasting and complex health and behavioural issues. Here we detail two unfortunate cases that were completely avoidable, but which ultimately had a positive outcome.
Rambo the Pomeranian
In a particularly heartbreaking case, the Braj Animal Care team was called to help an adult Pomeranian dog who was found in a pile of rubbish under a highway overpass. He was severely malnourished, weak and in an overall poor condition. The long, fluffy hair typical of his breed had become matted and filthy. After preliminary care was administered, he was adopted by one of our own team members, Abhijeet, who named him Rambo.
Rambo with Gaurhari (left) and Abhijeet (right)
Rambo is blind and very fearful, which makes him aggressive in nature. Without knowing Rambo’s history, we can’t be sure whether this aggression is a result of abuse by previous owners or a pre-existing physical condition. However, with street dogs of this breed being nonexistent in Vrindavan, we are certain that Rambo is an abandoned pet.
Abhijeet and his mother have shown Rambo endless love and patience, and with time, he has allowed them to pet him. Unfortunately, Rambo still bites when startled, and Abhijeet has been bitten a total of eight times! Despite these challenges, Abhijeet remains selflessly dedicated to taking care of Rambo and says, “If I were to abandon him, I would be no different than the others who throw their pets out into the street.”
Jimmy the Golden Retriever
On another occasion, we received a call from a family who claimed to have found a golden retriever puppy on the street, and asked that we come and collect him. The caller was insistent, and with our first priority being the welfare of the animal, we obliged and took the dog into our care.
Jimmy and Babaji
With the dog showing no obvious signs of illness or injury, we were keen to find him a home. We posted a picture of the golden retriever on social media and were immediately contacted by a sadhu who wanted to adopt him. Arrangements were made the very same day, and the sadhu took his new companion, who he named Jimmy, to his home in Mathura.
The next day, we were contacted by the original family again. This time, they claimed that the dog in fact belonged to them and insisted on taking him back. However, knowing that Jimmy was now in a safe home with a caring owner, we explained that the dog had been adopted and could not be returned.
Braj Animal Care continues to receive updates from the sadhu who adopted Jimmy. His most recent message reads, “Jimmy is such a good dog and I am very happy to have him in my life!” He also reports that Jimmy enjoys going for rides in the car and that they take walks together every day.