In the bustling streets of Coimbatore, amidst the vibrant chaos of India’s urban landscape, something caught my attention: the rising population of stray dogs. Every day, I witness countless dogs abandoned on the road, and this observation sparked a passion for change within me.
In that pivotal moment, Shruthilaya and I envisioned “The Waggy Welfare” —a nonprofit startup striving to raise awareness about street dogs and advocate the adoption of indigenous breeds. The rationale behind our cause was rooted in solid evidence. Studies and experts have emphasized the numerous benefits of adopting “Indies”. These local breeds exhibit remarkable resilience to Indian climates and possess lower likelihood of health issues and are also loyal, loving and playful. Despite these advantages, they often languish in shelters or on the streets while foreign breeds remain in high demand.
Our first step towards fostering change began with an education campaign at our school, K’sirs. I’ll forever be grateful to our school Executive Director, Ms.Lalitha Prakaash, and Principal Ms.Sasipriya for granting us the invaluable opportunity to conduct this campaign. Their unwavering support empowered us to spread our message of compassion among our peers and educators. The response was heartening. Both students and teachers showed genuine interest in our cause, and many pledged to consider adopting an Indian street dog for their next pet.
The journey with “The Waggy Welfare” has just begun, but the impact it’s already making fills me with hope. Every bark, every wagging tail, fuels me with determination to create a world where street dogs aren’t just seen but embraced as cherished companions. We aim to carve a path towards a more compassionate society of love and acceptance for our furry friends – one wag at a time!.
With love and woofs,
Shriya Prasad
