Once a Status Symbol, Now a Stray: Shiva’s Journey Back to Health

In India, it’s common to see kids dream of having a pet, often inspired by cartoon shows or movies, where glamorous breed dogs take the spotlight. But what rarely gets attention are the millions of Indian Pariah dogs, our very own resilient Desi strays, who are equally loving and often more adaptable to local conditions.

At K9 Safe Animal, we strongly advocate for the adoption and care of Desi dogs. But we also believe that if you choose to buy a breed dog, it’s your responsibility to ensure their well-being. Unlike our street-savvy Desi dogs, many breed dogs are simply not built to survive the harsh life on the streets.

Shiva, a German Shepherd, was a heartbreaking reminder of this. He was found abandoned and wandering the streets of Jamnagar, confused and vulnerable. His thick coat was patchy and his skin was inflamed. He had developed dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes itching, redness, and hair loss. But instead of being treated, Shiva was cast out. His health problem was not life-threatening. It was treatable. But as is too often the case, fear and ignorance led to abandonment.

When a kind-hearted person informed us about him, our team immediately stepped in. Shiva was scared and hesitant at first, but he didn’t resist our care. We brought him back to safety and began the long process of nursing him back to health. He was given veterinary care, a clean space to recover, and regular nutritious meals. Day by day, his coat grew back, the itching stopped, and his gentle nature began to shine through. More importantly, he began to trust again.

Shiva’s story is a reminder that health issues can be treated, and abandonment is never the answer. At K9 Safe Animal, we treat every life with equal care, whether it’s a German Shepherd or a Desi pup born on the street.

Let’s shift how we think:

Adopt, don’t shop

Don’t abandon, treat and care.