Chinny Krishna, cofounder and chairman, Blue Cross of India shares how pet therapy programme came into being.

The Blue Cross of India (BCI) was the first animal welfare organisation in post-independent India which cared for all animals. Initially formed as an informal group in 1959, it was formally registered in 1964.

Among its many activities is an active humane education programme which it has been implementing since its founding. Since 1996, in association with the Saraswathi Kendra Centre for special children, it has been running an animal-assisted therapy programme. Starting with just one dog – a dachshund puppy named Sachin — it was a very successful programme and was most helpful for children on the spectrum. A year after it was started, a seven-year-old child who had been totally non-communicative for years turned to Sachin and spoke. His first words were: “I had upma for breakfast.

What did you have?

After this breakthrough, more time was spent on the pet therapy programme. Initially, we had five dogs on the programme. These carefully assessed dogs were also used in orphanages and old age homes but we could not expand since one of the conditions was that the “owner” had to be present, since only that person would be able to really gauge the mood of the dog if it had an off-day. We were acutely aware that if even one dog growled or even looked angrily at one child, the whole programme with children was literally down the drain since no parent would trust the dog any more.

The therapy programmes with adults and at orphanages were not that difficult. Most of the dogs used in our programme were either Labradors or Golden Retrievers since these were usually great family dogs and most friendly but we had one Indie called Jumble. Blue Cross had rescued Jumble from a storm water drain in an industrial complex. He was a super-friendly dog and became an integral part of our pet therapy programme for special children.

In 2001, the author had attended the first Asia for Animals Conference at Manila in the Philippines. At the closing ceremony on day three of the Conference, the organisers of the meet threw open the doors of the hall and in trooped over a dozen beautiful dogs which were walked down and interacted with the attendees. Upon enquiring, I was told that these dogs were part of the pet therapy programme run by the Philippines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and that the programme itself was part of an initiative of Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) of Hong Kong.

I met with the founder and chief of AAF – Dr Jill Robinson — a remarkable person whose main programme was to rescue Moon Bears used to extract bile, which was used in Chinese Traditional Medicine. I told Dr Robinson about the Blue Cross’ pet therapy programme and asked how we could use more Indies in our programme and thus raise the public perception of Indies. Dr Jill Robinson immediately offered to pay a visit to Madras as Chennai was then called and help us in assessing dogs for induction in our programme and followed this up by flying down two weeks later. Eight dogs already in our programme were reassessed and found eligible. A further 12 were assessed, of which only three were found suitable after subjecting them to a series of tests, the final one being a stranger taking away a treat from the dog’s mouth! Jill Robinson and her friend from AAF were finally introduced to Jumble and I will never forget Jill’s assessment: “Jumble is not just a Dr Dog – she is a Dr Super Dog!”

The Blue Cross of India became a part of AAF’s worldwide Dr Dog programme and continued this association for the next 20 years. In 2021, AAF asked all its Dr Dog programme partners to not use their logo and each organisation called the programme after their name – we then began calling our initiative the Blue Cross Dr Dog Programme. Today, 30 years after it was started, the programme continues but at present we have only two dogs in the programme, Dr Balu (an Indie) and Dr Rinku (a Labrador).

One of the most special moments of the Dr Dog programme was when we approached Dr Sunithi Solomon in 1992 to have a programme in the Voluntary Health Services’ AIDS ward for children. Dr Sunithi was the person who identified and recorded the first case of AIDS in India. Dr Sunithi’s outburst when the Dr Dog programme was mentioned was a classic: “The children here are all immune deficient. Do you really think we would allow a dog in here?” And a week later, she called up the co-ordinator of our programme and said: “My staff here are greatly stressed. Would it be possible to have a pet therapy programme for them?” We agreed but a couple of months later, she got a beautiful dog of her own which we assessed and found suitable. Dr Lara spent the next few years at Dr Sunithi’s ward, enriching the lives of both her staff and her patients.

Sometimes, the greatest life lessons come on four legs and grant us a purpose.

Success often follows a carefully planned path. For Mike Arms, however, the road to fulfilment took an unexpected turn when a wounded rescue dog entered his life and changed everything. As a young man, Mike dreamed of building a successful career in business. Like many ambitious individuals, he focused on goals, growth, and the promise of a prosperous future. Yet, beneath those aspirations was a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. He simply did not know how that purpose would reveal itself.

That answer came in the form of a frightened rescue dog named Tessie.

Tessie had endured a difficult life. Neglected and emotionally scarred, she carried the invisible wounds that many abandoned animals bear. When Mike first encountered her, she was cautious, withdrawn and unsure whether humans could be trusted. Most people saw a troubled dog. Mike saw a soul desperately seeking a second chance.

The connection between them was immediate, though not easy. Tessie did not transform overnight. Building trust required patience, understanding and compassion. Day by day, Mike worked to earn her confidence. Slowly, the fearful dog began to emerge from her shell.

As Tessie healed, something remarkable happened. Mike began to heal as well.

Watching her overcome fear and learn to trust again opened his eyes to the struggles faced by countless homeless animals. He realized that shelters across the country were filled with dogs and cats just like Tessie—animals longing for love, safety and an opportunity to start all over again.

The experience changed his perspective on success. While business remained important, he discovered a deeper calling. He wanted to become a voice for animals who could not speak for themselves.

Inspired by Tessie’s resilience, Mike dedicated himself to animal welfare. He became involved in rescue efforts and shelter work, learning firsthand about the challenges facing homeless pets. What started as a personal bond with one dog gradually evolved into a lifelong mission.

Over the years, Mike emerged as a passionate advocate for rescue animals. He worked tirelessly to improve shelter standards, encourage pet adoption and educate communities about responsible pet ownership. His leadership helped transform the way many people viewed animal shelters—not as places of sadness, but as centres of hope and new beginnings.

At the heart of his work remained the memory of Tessie.

She was more than a rescued dog. She was the catalyst that reshaped an entire life. Through her journey, Mike learned that every animal has value, regardless of its past. He saw that compassion has the power to heal both the giver and the receiver.

Stories about rescue animals often focus on how humans save dogs. Mike’s experience reveals an equally powerful truth: dogs frequently save humans, too. They teach patience, empathy, resilience and unconditional love. They remind us that second chances matter.

Today, Mike Arms’ story continues to inspire animal lovers around the world. It serves as a reminder that one act of kindness can create a ripple effect far beyond what we imagine. A single rescue dog helped one man discover his purpose, which went on to improve countless lives. Tessie may never have understood the impact she had on the world. Yet through her courage and capacity to trust again, she became the spark for a movement of compassion.

In the end, this is not just a story about rescuing a dog. It is a story about finding purpose, embracing empathy, and recognizing that sometimes the ones we rescue become the very ones who rescue us.

Bhavani Sundaram shares what a street dog wants you to know and why we need to widen our circle of compassion.

In every Indian city, town and village, there is a Moti. He may not have a collar. He may not have a name tag. But he has a story. This is not just the story of one street dog. It is the daily reality of millions of community dogs who share our roads, markets and neighborhoods — surviving quietly alongside us.

Morning Begins with Survival

For most pet dogs, mornings begin with a bowl of fresh food and a cheerful walk. For Moti, morning begins differently.

At daybreak, he is shooed away from pavements and shop entrances. Sometimes stones are thrown. Sometimes a stick nudges him awake. Night shelter is temporary; safety is never guaranteed.

His first task each day is not play — it is survival. He searches through garbage piles for stale rotis, leftover rice, or discarded bones. Competition is fierce. Hunger pushes even the gentlest dogs into scuffles. Injuries are common. Food is uncertain. Yet this is routine. This is life.

Kindness Exists — But It Is Inconsistent

Not every day is harsh. Some families leave out water bowls. Some offer milk and biscuits. A few gentle hands pat his head. In those rare moments, Moti wags his tail with unfiltered gratitude. But kindness is unpredictable.

There are days he is chased away by children for amusement. Days when he must hide under vehicles or inside drains to escape harm. Days when fear replaces hope.

For street dogs, survival depends on chance encounters with compassion.

The Divide Between Pet and Pariah

Perhaps the most confusing reality for a street dog is this: He sees dogs that look like him — but live very different lives. Pedigree pets walk past wearing shiny collars. They are groomed, vaccinated, adored. They sleep in warm rooms and travel in air-conditioned cars. Moti watches from a distance. If he approaches, he is pushed away.

Yet biologically, they are the same species. The difference lies not in worth, but in circumstance. The label changes everything: Pet earns affection. Stray invites rejection.

When Seasons Turn Cruel

Winter nights are brutal. Street dogs huddle together for warmth, shivering through cold winds while household pets wear sweaters and rest indoors. Summer brings dehydration and heatstroke. Clean water is scarce. Many dogs drink from polluted drains or leaking taps. Shade is often found beneath parked vehicles — sometimes with tragic consequences.

Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury and death among street dogs. Broken limbs, spinal injuries, untreated wounds — these are common sights in animal shelters across India.

Illness, Age, and Invisibility

What happens when a street dog grows old? When arthritis stiffens his legs? When mange eats away at his skin? When infection weakens his body?

Unlike owned pets, street dogs rarely receive medical care unless a rescuer intervenes. Many fade away unnoticed — victims of disease, starvation, or traffic. Their suffering is often silent.

Yet, There Is Resilience

And still — despite everything — Moti runs. He plays with his pack. He shares scraps. He barks at passing vehicles simply because he can. He lives fully in the moment.

The streets are harsh teachers, but they build resilience. Street dogs are intelligent, adaptable, and fiercely loyal to those who show them kindness. They do not ask for luxury. They ask for space. For tolerance. For a bowl of water. For one meal a day. For dignity.

Beyond Labels

At the heart of this story lies a simple truth: A dog does not know the difference between “pedigree” and “pariah.”He knows hunger. He knows fear. He knows kindness. Heknows love. Moti may never sleep on a soft bed. He maynever wear a collar. But he feels — just like the dog who does.And perhaps the real question is not whether a street dogdeserves love. The real question is: Can we widen our circleof compassion enough to include him?

About the author:

Bhavani Sundaram is a blogger, animal lover and activist based in Bhiwadi. She has worked in several animal NGOs like SGACC Delhi, SPCA Pune, Wildlife SoS and Friendicoes Seca Delhi. She is an author of books based on animal rescue namely Rescued Stories and Surrounded by Dogs: A Memoir. Her third book Lessons Learnt In Shelter Floor is in progress.

After being heartlessly deserted, the cute dog found a loving home with one of the cops, Text: Team Buddy Life.

Touching rescue story became viral in the United States after a dog was abandoned at an airport, sparking outrage, sympathy and ultimately a happy ending. The abandoned pup survived the ordeal and received thousands of adoption requests from people around the world before finding a forever home with one of the officers who helped rescue him.

The dog, a two-year-old Mini Poodle mix, was discovered tied to a baggage measurement stand at the JetBlue ticket counter at Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada. The incident took place on February 2 when airport staff noticed that the voiceless creature has been abandoned. According to authorities, the dog’s owner had attempted to board a flight with the pet, claiming it was a service dog. When she failed to provide the required paperwork, the airline refused to issue her a boarding pass.

Instead of resolving the issue or making arrangements for the pet, the woman cruelly tied the dog to a baggage sizer near the ticket counter and walked away, leaving the animal abandoned.

In the inquiry the surveillance footage was reviewed and confirmed that the owner had intentionally abandoned the dog. Police officers later located the woman at a departure gate.

When questioned about her actions, the woman’s behaviour became increasingly hostile. She was ultimately arrested and charged with animal abandonment as well as resisting arrest.

Meanwhile, the abandoned dog was taken to Animal Protective Services. After ten days passed without any attempt from the owner to reclaim him, the dog was transferred to Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas.

Once the rescue group shared his story on social media, the response was overwhelming. People from across the globe were moved by the dog’s ordeal and expressed a desire to give him a loving home. The organization reported receiving more than 2,400 adoption applications, including inquiries from as far away as London and the Virgin Islands.

Surprisingly, one of the police officers who responded to the airport call had already submitted an adoption application with the rescue organization earlier and had successfully completed the required home check. Recognizing the bond between the pet and the officer, the rescue group approved the officer’s application. The dog—now affectionately named JetBlu was given to the officer who lovingly welcomed him into his family, where he finally experienced the security and love he deserved.

The rescue organization also encouraged the thousands of hopeful adopters to give other rescue dogs a chance. With dozens of animals still waiting for homes, they reminded the public that while there is only one JetBlue, there are many other dogs in need of a loving forever home.