Chitra Suresh is a journalist turned public relations professional who is also a community dog and cat feeder. In her book titled And Then He Was Ours! Chitra chronicles the emotional highs and lows of rescue work, reminding us that empathy and small acts of care can ripple through society. Her story is not just about animals—it’s about humanity itself. Buddy Life editor Pradeep Verma in a heart-grabbing interview with Chitra Suresh.
What first inspired you to start caring for community dogs and cats, and how did your journey evolve?
Chitra: My journey began with Angel, our Labrador Retriever, who entered my life over a decade ago. Before Angel, I was terrified of dogs—whether puppies or older ones, I would change direction just to avoid them. But living with her transformed my perspective. Angel taught me kindness and empathy, especially toward the less fortunate animals and birds around us. I realized how vulnerable community animals are—always alert, shielding themselves from harm, and struggling to survive. Yet, when offered love, care, and food, they respond with affection and loyalty, becoming lifelong companions.
The actual caregiving began eight years ago with Princess, a young Indie dog with a leg deformity. Angel protected her from bullying siblings, and eventually, Princess became part of our family. Caring for her daily needs made me realize the countless voiceless souls who deserve attention. That was when I committed myself to making their lives better.
Can you share a moment that shaped your commitment?
Chitra: During the Covid lockdown, we heard dogs crying in our complex at night. Feeders couldn’t step out, and the animals were starving. We explained the situation to authorities and assured them we’d follow all guidelines. With their support, we fed the community dogs and cats. That experience reinforced my belief that caregiving is not optional—it’s a responsibility.
How do you balance the emotional highs and lows of caregiving?
Chitra: Caring for community animals is deeply emotional. They are born defenseless, wary of humans, and slow totrust. Every interaction is a test of confidence. Yet, thejoy of seeing an animal recover from illness or injury isimmeasurable. Daily feeding is not just about food—it’s about reassuring them that someone cares. Even small gestures, like regaining their trust after a scare, remind me of the fragility of their existence. My respect goes to all who selflessly dedicate their lives to these beings.
Congratulations on your book And Then He Was Ours! The book begins with the loss of a rescued Indie puppy. How did that experience change your perspective, and what emotions shaped your writing?
Chitra: Losing Jupiter, also called Makhan, was devastating. Despite researching the farmhouse where he was to be fostered, things went wrong. I learned never to trust assurances blindly and to rely on instinct. Since then, I keep constant tabs on every animal I send for recovery or adoption. Their trust in me is sacred.
Writing about this journey meant reliving fear, guilt, hope, and kindness. None of these emotions were easy, but they are part of being human. At times, I slipped into depression,
fearing we’d never find him. Yet, narrating the story was not just for readers—it was for me, to process the consequences of my decisions. Even now, those emotions remain with me, guiding my caregiving.
What made you decide to publish such a personal narrative, and how do you hope readers will connect with it?
Chitra: The experience was so profound that I shared it with anyone willing to listen. Friends encouraged me to turn it into a book, and I wanted Jupiter to be remembered as a hero.
My goal is simple: kindness toward every living being. I hope the book inspires empathy, affection, and a belief in humanity. If it brings more caregivers into society, it will have achieved its purpose.
You mention the kindness of strangers. Could you share an instance that surprised you most?
Chitra: The tribals in the village where we searched for Jupiter humbled me deeply. Despite lacking basic necessities, they noticed our distress and offered food, water, and reassurance. Local boys even created a WhatsApp group to track sightings of the pup, updating their statuses so the entire community could help. Some mounted bikes to search across nine villages. Their generosity taught me to give more and take less.
What role does empathy play in building stronger human–animal bonds?
Chitra: Empathy and kindness are inseparable. Empathy means understanding another’s emotions; kindness is acting on them. In today’s world, where negative energy often dominates, small acts—feeding birds, scratching a dog’s ear, listening to someone’s pain—can inspire others.
Children learn by observing adults. If we show empathy toward animals, beggars, or plants, children will carry those values for life. Daily acts of kindness build a compassionate society.
How has your work influenced attitudes toward Indie dogs and cats in your neighborhood?
Chitra: Though we’ve faced backlash, we’ve also changed mindsets. By demonstrating coexistence, some people now see that community animals mean no harm—they only seek food and affection. I’ve involved colleagues, security staff, shopkeepers, and residents in caregiving. Some contribute to medical emergencies or meals. These small but significant actions show that change is possible.
What are the biggest challenges you face, and how do you cope with uncertainty in rescue work?
Chitra: The hardest challenge is hatred toward community animals. Some people believe only they have the right to exist, and their vengeance leads to cruelty. Mass culling, encroachment on forests, and atrocities against animals are heartbreaking. Worst of all, parents pass this hatred to children, teaching them to harm animals. That is dangerous parenting.
Rescue work is filled with uncertainty. Fear of failure often overwhelms me, but I push through because I feel I owe it to the animals. I chant, pray, and manifest positivity. I even seek blessings from Angel, my senior pet, to guide me.
Has writing the book helped you process emotions differently compared to daily caregiving?
Chitra: Yes, writing made me stronger. It sharpened my attentiveness to every wagging tail or longing pair of eyes. I chant the Ho’oponopono prayer daily—it lightens me and gives hope that empathy will eventually prevail. The book helped me transform pain into resilience.
What message would you like young animal lovers—and society at large—to take away from your journey?
Chitra: Look around you. I have two pets, one an Indie and the other one Golden Retriever. There is always someone weaker, less fortunate, needing attention. Kindness doesn’t
require money—it can be a gesture, a word, or an act of care. Sharing and caring are beautiful. Be kind, selflessly, without expectations. Toward animals, humans, birds, plants—toward everything that exists. Kindness is the greatest gift we can give back to society.
Do you see yourself writing more stories in the future?
Chitra: Absolutely. And Then He Was Ours! Has encouraged me to write more about community animals and birds. Their world deserves to be captured and shared. Some caregivers have approached me to narrate their experiences, and I would love to author or co-author such stories. Every tale of caregiving adds to the collective voice of compassion.
