My Experience as a Volunteer in Karuna Society

By Angela

Working as a volunteer at Karuna was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Within minutes of being there I fell in love with the place and everything they do for the animals of Puttaparthi. At first I was unsure if I would be of any use but after a few days I found my place within the team and was soon known as the puppy madam. The days were long and the work was hard but the rewards were wonderful. Knowing that I contributed and was able to make a difference meant more to me than anything. There were days where I felt broken hearted when we were unable to save a sick or injured animal but for every life lost their was a life saved or helped and I was able to stay strong with what I was doing.

As a volunteer I was able to help with the bandaging and medication of the animals. It did take a few days for the workers to feel comfortable asking for my help but I was able to make them comfortable to ask by following Venkatesh, watching what he was doing and always asking if he needed help. Due to the time of year when I volunteered, there was a high increase of puppies within the hospital. I was able to help implement changes to feeding to ensure the puppies got feed first with the required food and nutrients in the puppy milk which they needed to help heal and stay healthy and strong. By feeding the puppies separately I was able to make sure they were all eating. Also it made it easier to spot if any had fallen ill if they were refusing milk or food.

One of the biggest things I was able to offer the animals was just my love and affection. Every morning and after lunch when I would come in to work I would go around all the dogs and great them all with a cuddle and stroke. If I wasn’t helping with something, I always had a dog, cat or monkey to be with so I would sit and help with a good old itch which needed scratching or just give them some company. After a few days I found that the animals would recognise me and run up with their wagging tails and happy barks. At the end of the day a couple would even follow me down the road on my way home.

One of my most memorable experiences at Karuna was when the wildlife sanctuary released a deer back to the wild and I was asked to accompany them with the release. It really was wonderful to see how a animal can be saved, ultimately to be released back with its own kind.

Another amazing thing I was able to be part of was helping a baby monkey (which I ended up naming Bella) get back to health. She was the only survivor of a brutal incident and while being nursed back to health she was unable to be with the other monkeys at Karuna. Everyday I would prepare her food and make sure she had water throughout the day. I would also help with her bandaging and injections by holding her. At other times throughout the day I would just spend time cuddling and mothering her. I would also groom her and remove any ticks as would be done if she was with other monkeys. I was really able to form a bond with her and she’d sit on my shoulder grooming my hair and when it was time for me to leave her, she would refuse to stop cuddling me. No where else would I ever have the opportunity to do this and it’s a memory I will forever carry with me and share with others.

The day I left Karuna was one of my saddest moments and as I walked away I couldn’t help but shed tears for the animals and people I was leaving behind, it felt I was leaving a family and part of my heart behind. I am truly thankful to Clemantien for allowing me this opportunity and experience. I will never forget Karuna and the team for everything they do to help these animals and there is not enough words to express the most amazing and wonderful job they do. I would totally recommend anyone who has the opportunity to volunteer at Karuna to grab this opportunity with both hands and really throw yourself into the work and caring for the animals.