There is never a dull moment if you are part of a committee that looks after the well-being of streeties (stray dogs) in the colony.
The last few months have been specifically challenging, at least for N block.
We rescued Bholu, a dog, from the divider of the outer ring road, in March, thanks to Beenu Kohli. He spent more than a month in the hospital because of a fracture and a tumor like growth. Four residents specifically made exceptional contributions to the SMG kitty on request, to tide over the situation that led to an expense of appx. Rs. 40,000. One of the residents, Madhurima Mukherjee of N-8, opened her heart and home to adopt Bholu who now lives happily on the ground floor, giving company to the guards and staff. We are deeply grateful and appreciative of those who came forward to make this possible.
The second story is about Ruby, and this is a painful saga that has not yet ended.
All those who visit Panchshila club would have seen her. She is white with brown patches and is eight plus years old. Her gentle demeanor makes her a favorite with the club staff and compassionate guests.
Unfortunately, Ruby suffers from a twisted lower back, suffered from an accident a long time ago, because of which hard food, especially bones, get lodged in her intestine and become like hard rocks, making it impossible to pass stool. She has had at least three visits to hospitals, followed by long rehabilitation, over the last two years, to deal with this issue. Six months ago, when Ruby returned after one such treatment, we decided to make sure that NO ONE feeds her any food, especially bones, because they are a death threat to her. Beenu Kohli, one of the SMG (Streeties Management Group) members, took it on herself to send soft food for Ruby twice a day which a guard from the club picks up and feeds Ruby. Asharam, the club manager, put posters on the club premises, with a request not to feed Ruby and instructed the staff not to give her any bones.
But all it takes is a couple of people who, because of their kind disposition toward dogs, may have fed her other food, including bones. Thanks to that, we had to admit Ruby to the hospital once again. She was admitted last month and returned on 14th June. Whilst she has been treated yet again, doctors have clearly said that her body cannot take this any more of this.
We have once again engaged with the club to identify gap areas. Dustbins are now being covered up and Asharam has committed to briefing all staff, including the garbage truck and the outsourced caterer who manages parties, to make certain that no bones are left out by mistake.
All these are human interventions with the possibility of errors which will be life threatening for Ruby. It is our earnest request to all club members to be mindful and not feed her anything at all. It is also our request to the Club Subcommittee to indulge in some oversight and communication with all the staff and guards, including caterers, in addition to Asharam’s communication, to raise the level of seriousness of the matter.
We sincerely hope that we can avert a sad outcome and let Ruby have a healthy life, whatever is left of it.
