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.

These specially trained canines help individuals manage physical limitations and also bring emotional comfort, says Team Buddy Life.

Assistance Dogs: Partners in Independence

Assistance dogs are specially trained animals that help people with disabilities or certain medical conditions lead more independent and confident lives. These remarkable dogs are taught to perform a wide range of practical tasks that support their handlers in daily activities. From guiding individuals with visual impairments to alerting people with hearing loss or assisting those with mobility challenges, assistance dogs play an essential role in improving quality of life.

Beyond performing tasks, these dogs provide emotional reassurance and companionship, helping individuals feel more secure in unfamiliar environments. Their presence often allows people with disabilities to participate more fully in everyday activities such as traveling, working, shopping, or visiting healthcare facilities.

However, many individuals who rely on assistance dogs still face discrimination in public places. In many cases, they are denied access to services simply because they are accompanied by a dog. To protect the rights of disabled individuals, legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 ensures that they have the same access to services as everyone else.

Under such laws, service providers—including healthcare professionals—are legally required to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access their services comfortably. This responsibility includes allowing individuals to be accompanied by their assistance dogs wherever possible. Healthcare facilities, therefore, must ensure that their policies reflect these rights and provide appropriate access to patients who rely on assistance animals. Professional organizations and indemnity providers often recommend that medical and dental practices regularly review their policies to ensure that patients with assistance dogs are properly accommodated. Updating guidelines helps staff understand how to manage such situations while maintaining patient safety and comfort.

Therapy Dogs: Comfort and Emotional Healing

While assistance dogs are trained to help specific individuals, therapy dogs serve a different but equally meaningful purpose. These dogs are trained to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to a wide range of people in community and healthcare settings.

Therapy dogs frequently visit hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, and care homes, where their friendly and calm nature helps uplift people who may be experiencing stress, loneliness, or illness. Many therapy dogs are actually beloved pets belonging to volunteers who dedicate their time to visiting institutions and spreading comfort through their presence. These animals are often involved in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) or Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) programs. Such initiatives use human-animal interaction as a supportive method to enhance mental, emotional, and social well-being. Patients who interact with therapy dogs often experience reduced anxiety, improved mood, and greater motivation during recovery or treatment.

In dental clinics, for example, therapy dogs can help calm patients who are fearful or anxious about dental procedures. Their soothing presence can make the environment feel less intimidating and may help individuals feel more relaxed during treatment. Despite their positive impact, therapy dogs do not have the same legal status as assistance dogs. Assistance dogs are specifically trained to support the daily needs of their handlers, whereas therapy dogs are trained to interact with many people rather than serving one particular individual. Because of this distinction, therapy dogs are not automatically granted the same legal access rights as assistance animals.

Managing Dogs in Healthcare Settings

In healthcare environments such as dental clinics, hospitals, and medical practices, there may be certain restrictions on where dogs can go. Infection control regulations may require that animals be kept out of sterile or high-risk areas.

When this occurs, healthcare providers should work with the patient to identify a safe and suitable place where the assistance or therapy dog can wait during treatment. Ensuring the animal is comfortable and secure is an important part of providing inclusive care.

Healthcare facilities must also assess potential workplace hazards that could affect the animals. For instance, sharp instruments or medical equipment may pose risks if accidentally dropped or mishandled.

Best Practices for Healthcare Providers

Healthcare practices are encouraged to implement clear policies regarding the presence of assistance and therapy dogs. Considering potential risks and planning appropriate procedures helps ensure safety for both humans and animals. One key recommendation is that assistance or therapy dogs used in healthcare environments should ideally be breeds that are less likely to trigger allergies. However, allergies or fear of dogs should not automatically prevent the animal from entering the premises. Instead, reasonable steps should be taken to minimize contact with individuals who may be uncomfortable or allergic. Another important consideration involves injuries caused by sharp instruments.

Because dogs cannot easily communicate pain, a sharps injury might go unnoticed. If such an incident occurs, the wound should be gently cleaned under running water, washed with soap, and covered with a protective bandage. Depending on the severity of the injury, the dog’s owner may need to consult a veterinarian.

Highly trained assistance dogs are typically calm and disciplined, meaning they will not react to sudden noises or dropped instruments. Therapy dogs should also be trained to remain composed in clinical environments. Importantly, therapy dogs should never pick up objects from the floor in medical settings, as this could create safety or hygiene concerns. The dog’s handler or owner must remain attentive throughout the visit, carefully monitoring the animal’s behaviour to ensure it remains calm and well-controlled during the patient’s treatment.

The Growing Importance of Support Dogs

As awareness grows about the benefits of human-animal interaction, assistance and therapy dogs are becoming increasingly valued in healthcare and community environments. They not only help individuals manage physical limitations but also bring emotional comfort and reassurance during challenging moments.

By creating supportive policies and inclusive environments, healthcare providers can ensure that patients who rely on these remarkable animals receive the care and respect they deserve. In doing so, assistance and therapy dogs can continue to enhance independence, reduce anxiety, and strengthen the human connection that lies at the heart of compassionate care.

Boishali Sinha recounts the story of Aloka, who lived a spiritual life.

Loyalty, Compassion and a Lesson from the Mahabharata

In the quiet world of monasteries—where silence becomes prayer and every step becomes meditation—stories often emerge which reveal the deepest truths about life. One suchstory is that of Aloka, a gentle dog whose silent devotion toa group of monks became a living reflection of one of the most powerful moments in Indian mythology: the story of Yudhishthira and the faithful dog who followed him on his final journey.

At first glance, it may seem like a simple story of a dog following monks. But within this simple act lies something deeply spiritual—an understanding of loyalty, compassion and the bond between humans and animals.

The Quiet Life of Monks

Monks’ lives are very different from our fast-moving world. Their days revolve around meditation, reflection, discipline and compassion. They renounce worldly ambitions and instead seek clarity of mind and peace of heart.

Their environment is often calm and rhythmic: temple bells at dawn, prayers carried by the wind, simple meals shared in silence and long hours spent contemplating the nature of existence. Yet within this disciplined life, compassion toward all living beings becomes central. Many spiritual traditions believe that every creature carries the same life force, the same divine spark.

Perhaps that is why animals often find their way into monastic spaces. They seem naturally drawn to the calm and kindness that monks radiate. And that is how Aloka arrived.

When Aloka Appeared

No one knew exactly when Aloka first came near the monastery. He appeared quietly, almost as if she had always belonged there.

At first, he watched the monks from a distance as they walked along forest paths for prayer and meditation. Slowly, he began following them. If the monks walked toward the river, Aloka walked behind them. If they sat under a tree for reflection, he rested nearby.

When the temple bells rang in the evening, he would pause and listen, almost as if he too understood the sacred rhythm of the place.

He never barked loudly.

He simply stayed.

And slowly the monks began to realize that his presence meant something more than coincidence.

Loyalty Without Conditions

Dogs possess a quality that humans often struggle to maintain—pure loyalty.

They do not measure worth through status, success, or possessions. They simply recognize kindness and respond with unwavering devotion.

Aloka reflected this beautifully.

He followed the monks through their daily routines with quiet patience. Sometimes he walked a few steps behind them, sometimes beside them, but always close enough to remain part of their world.

In the stillness of monastic life, his loyalty began to feel symbolic—almost like a living reminder of the values the monks practiced every day.

Echoes from the Mahabharata

Aloka’s story naturally reminds us of a powerful episode from the Mahabharata. At the end of his life, Yudhishthira set out on a final journey toward heaven through the Himalayas. Along the way, his companions—his brothers and his queen—fell one by one as the path grew increasingly difficult.

But a dog continued to follow him.

Through harsh terrain and exhausting climbs, the dog remained faithful.

When Yudhishthira finally reached the gates of heaven, the gods welcomed him—but they refused entry to the dog.

Yudhishthira refused to enter without his companion.

He declared that he would never abandon a creature who had remained loyal when everyone else had fallen away.

At that moment, the dog revealed its true identity as Dharma, the god of righteousness who had taken the form of a dog to test the king’s compassion.

It was not power or wisdom that proved Yudhishthira worthy of heaven—it was kindness.

Monks and Dogs: A Reflection of Each Other

Watching Aloka walk beside the monks, one could not help but see a connection between the two.

Monks dedicate their lives to discipline, patience and loyalty to truth. Dogs naturally embody patience, loyalty and presence.

A monk practices mindfulness—being fully present in the moment.

A dog lives entirely in the present.

A monk commits to compassion toward all living beings.

A dog demonstrates unconditional love toward the humans it chooses.

In their simplicity, both represent a purity of existence that modern society often forgets.

A Troubling Reality Today

Yet ironically, while our spiritual traditions celebrate compassion toward animals, the reality in modern society often looks very different.

Across many cities today, people actively discourage feeding or caring for stray dogs. Residents put up signs asking others not to feed them, treating them as a nuisance rather than living beings.

Such attitudes reveal a troubling contradiction.

In a country where ancient stories honour the loyalty of dogs and where epics celebrate compassion toward animals, many dogs today face neglect, hostility, and misunderstanding.

Feeding a hungry dog or offering kindness to a stray should not be seen as a disturbance to society—it should be seen as an act of humanity.

The story of Yudhishthira reminds us that even the gates of heaven could not justify abandoning a loyal companion. If our greatest mythological heroes recognized the dignity of a dog, surely our modern societies can learn to show the same compassion.

Aloka’s Quiet Lesson

In the peaceful surroundings of the monastery, Aloka became more than just a dog. He became a reminder.

A reminder that loyalty still exists in its purest form.

A reminder that compassion does not require wealth or power.

And a reminder that sometimes the most spiritual teachers arrive without speaking a single word.

Like the dog who walked beside Yudhishthira, Aloka walked beside the monks—not asking for recognition, but offering something priceless. That is loyalty.

In that loyalty lies one of the most beautiful reflections of the human–animal bond—a bond that deserves not neglect, but respect, kindness and gratitude.