Several months ago an old female stray dog, who we named ‘Riya,’ was brought to our shelter. She was dehydrated, malnourished and screaming in pain. She was unable to walk and we had to touch her to pick her up for cleaning and treatment – when we did that, she screamed in agony and fear! It looked like she couldn’t live long and we had to consider the different options for her.
I took some time to be with her and observe her. Suddenly something caught my eye: a stubborn and determined gleam of survival instinct in her eyes! I was taken aback, as it was not what I had expected. I therefore advised the attendants to give her time and to be very gentle.
She started to eat well and slowly she filled up and her coat improved. I went to see her every day and one time, when I approached her from the wrong angle, she bit me badly in my arm and I had to take a booster of anti-rabies vaccine.
Slowly, she became less fearful and she cried less. I could then touch her and rub her belly while I talked to her!
And then the unexpected happened: she stood up and walked!! She walked to the gate as if to say, “it is time to go home.”
Unfortunately, that was not possible and she adjusted to the shelter routine. She did not cry anymore.
It was the courage and determined survival instinct of this little stray dog that came to me in my own hour of need. I was screaming in pain caused by a spine fracture, and in severe agony before and after the spinal surgery. She inspired me to fight, to pick myself up and find my strength. I am now at home recovering.
We are animals – pain is pain and suffering is suffering!
