Why Adopt a Dog? Embracing the Joy of Pet Parenting in India

Sunita’s love for animals had always been a quiet whisper in her life. Growing up in a middle-class family in Kolkata, she was surrounded by the chatter of her siblings, the aroma of home-cooked food, and the gentle hum of a city always on the move. But among these, her fondest memories were of the stray dogs that roamed the alleys of her neighborhood. They had no homes, no collars, but an endless supply of wagging tails and soulful eyes.

After moving to Mumbai for work, Sunita’s routine became a blur of deadlines and commutes. The long hours left little room for companionship, and the silence in her small apartment grew deafening. One rainy evening, as she waited for her cab near a chai stall, she noticed a small, shivering puppy crouched under a parked car. Its fur was matted, and its eyes darted nervously at every passing vehicle.

Sunita couldn’t leave him there.

Taking the First Step

She picked up the pup, wrapped it in her scarf, and brought it home. The tiny creature whimpered but didn’t resist. Sunita named him Raja. He wasn’t a pedigreed dog with papers; he was a stray, one of the countless souls often ignored on Indian streets.

Her decision was met with mixed reactions. Some friends applauded her kindness, while others cautioned her. “Street dogs are unpredictable,” they said. “Are you sure you can handle this?”

The first week with Raja was challenging. He had a small wound on his leg, likely from a fight with another dog. Unsure of what to do, Sunita reached out to an animal welfare NGO, who connected her with a vet. The vet not only treated Raja but also explained the basics of pet care: vaccination schedules, deworming, and proper nutrition.

A Journey of Growth

Over the months, Raja transformed. His dull, patchy coat became shiny, and his timid demeanor gave way to boundless energy. He followed Sunita everywhere, from the kitchen to her tiny balcony. In return, Raja taught her invaluable lessons: patience, empathy, and the sheer joy of living in the moment.

Sunita began to notice other stray dogs in her neighborhood. She started carrying biscuits in her bag, feeding the ones near her office. Each wagging tail reminded her of Raja’s journey, and she felt a deep connection to the cause of adoption.

The Larger Picture: Why Adoption Matters

Sunita’s experience isn’t unique. India is home to an estimated 35 million stray dogs. Many of them face neglect, abuse, and the harsh realities of life on the streets. While there’s a growing market for pedigreed dogs, often bred under unethical conditions, the strays remain overlooked.

Adopting a dog isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a statement against this inequality. It’s a commitment to giving a voiceless creature a chance at a better life.

Challenges and Triumphs

Sunita’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Training Raja required effort—there were accidents in the house, chewed-up slippers, and even a few sleepless nights. But every wag of his tail, every happy bark when she returned home made it worth it.

Today, Raja is more than just a pet. He’s a part of her family, her companion on lonely days, and her reason to wake up with a smile. Sunita often wonders who saved whom that rainy night.

Conclusion

Adopting a dog in India isn’t just about rescuing an animal; it’s about embracing a new way of life filled with love, responsibility, and purpose. Sunita’s story is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that comes from opening your heart and home to a furry friend in need.