“Paraplegic and disabled dogs are not even treated as animals by many people. They are considered beneath that; they are abandoned and thrown out of their homes and left to rot on the streets where they get hit by vehicles and die. Or worse, they are euthanized (put to death humanely) by their owners because they are considered nothing but a burden. Why? Don’t these innocent souls deserve to get a second chance at life?”- Sarah Iyer, Founder, Madras Animal Rescue Society

Sarah Iyer had grown up with dogs and other pets. She had keenly watched her mother and grandmother feed them, groom them and love them like their own family members. As a result, Sarah had no fear of dogs and nurtured a strong affection for them.

This incident turned this special needs educator towards her mission

Over the years, she lost touch with the animal-loving side of hers as she focused on raising her daughter and her work as a special needs educator. But her relocation from Mumbai to Chennai a few years ago changed everything.

“I happened to witness a puppy being hit by a car. The puppy couldn't have been more than three or four months old. He was in very bad shape. I wasn't able to find a vet as it was quite late, but finally we got him urgent medical help. We named him PK and took him in. Over time, he recovered, started walking, and became the happiest floof you’d ever seen! This gave me the confidence to take in more dogs who needed support to live.”- Sarah Iyer

She started with forming a local community of dog lovers 

Sarah initially rescued 15 dogs, five of whom were paralysed, and moved them to her house. Slowly, she progressed from just feeding the dogs on the street too. Soon people in and around her locality got to know and started asking for help in rescue ops, as well to get street dogs sterilised.

“I did close to 100 sterilisations and realised this wasn't enough. We then formed a WhatsApp group of close to 80 volunteer rescuers and animal welfare advocates. But I knew that if I wanted to help more dogs and completely transform their lives, I had to be more systematic and that’s how I decided to form a Trust.” - Sarah Iyer

Disability does not mean discarded or useless

"Most people think only about the difficulties that come with taking care of dogs who cannot walk or move about on their own. They do not consider the fact that they are also living beings who feel joy, sadness, and pain. They may not be perfect, but they too want to live and experience the world. We should give them that chance.” - Sarah Iyer

As a result, Sarah founded The Madras Animal Rescue Society in 2019 along with her husband Gerry, who is fortunately also an animal lover like her. The couple started the boarding facility, complete with enclosures for each animal, when they realised that many organisations who were involved in rescue, did not follow up with rehabilitation. They house paraplegic and disabled dogs, and also provide veterinary treatment to abandoned, sick and injured street dogs in Chennai.


 

“Since we started, we have been continuously working at making their lives better. As of now, we have over 380 dogs in our care. 42 of them are paraplegic puppies, more than 50 are either blind or have neuro issues or both and the rest are paraplegic and disabled adult dogs.”  - Sarah Iyer

She wants to rescue and give a better life to more dogs, but funds stand in her way

As they are ‘special needs’ dogs, Sarah states that they struggle to move through hot sand in summers and wet sand in rains, dragging themselves with their front legs. As a result, she hopes to build better boarding facility for them. Each month, the Trust requires 2400 kg of chicken, 1700 kg of rice, 500 litres of milk and 800 eggs to feed the animals, ranging from young puppies to adult and elderly dogs. Additionally, they also require a substantial amount of medicine to address their health issues arising from their disability, age, and environmental conditions. This amounts to almost 50 lakh rupees a year!

“We are currently facing a dire shortage of funds and are struggling to even feed them this month as our savings have nearly depleted. Any contribution you can make will greatly assist us in providing for these innocent creatures in need. Your support will make a significant difference in their lives.” - Sarah Iyer

Click here to contribute.