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“A lot of people around me often tell me, ‘Kaveri, don’t you think whatever you’re doing isn’t even a drop in the ocean? So what if you’ve saved ten lives, there are hundreds more who are dying.’ A simple point that occurs to me when someone asks me something like this is, ‘What about the dog whose life I saved? Do you think his life doesn’t matter?’ It will not change the world if you change the life of an animal. But for that animal, you will change their world.” - Kaveri Bharadwaj, founder, Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust
The saying goes, ‘Dogs are a man’s best friend’. But Sophie, a rescue dog, was so beloved that she was more family than friend. Sophie was Kaveri Rana Bharadwaj’s “first pet daughter”, who succumbed to a disease at 12 years old and left a permanent paw print on her dog mother’s heart. Devastated at her loss, Kaveri looked for ways to fill the void that her dear Sophie had left in her life. She realised that doing something meaningful gave her the strength to cope, and that ‘something meaningful’ was rescuing helpless and disabled dogs.
Kaveri had always been rescuing helpless animals, but it only became a full-time job after Sophie’s passing in 2017. Soon she co-founded Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust with her husband, Yashraj Bhardwaj, as a living tribute to Sophie. Since then, the couple have dedicated their lives to rescue and treat injured dogs and built a forever home in Greater Noida, the SMART Sanctuary, which cares for over 120 dogs, while also being a private trust working for the betterment of sick animals.
SMART Sanctuary focuses on old dogs and dogs with all kinds of disabilities, who otherwise face a brutal and tough life on the streets. From neurological issues and spinal injuries to paralysis and mobility issues, they rescue and shelter them all. Dogs who come here are evaluated by specialists and started on whatever therapy is needed, be it hydrotherapy, acupuncture or good old-fashioned physical therapy to help them recover.
“I have seen dogs with a broken back, lying on the streets for days. I have seen dogs in the worst conditions get rescued, and when given love, turn into miracle stories. Half of these dogs here are paralysed or disabled, while the rest of them are old. We have made life better for these animals. These dogs may be broken in body, but not in spirit and they all deserve as much chance to live a happy and abundant life as us.” - Kaveri
With the number of four-legged furry residents in their home expanding, there is a need for better medical care and nutritional care for these animals so they can be of sound body and mind. On average, the Sanctuary spends INR 2,000 on each dog, per month. The medical expenses, food, vet visits and transportation charges which they incur everyday are just enormous. So, for 120 dogs, the average expenses for the year can go up to INR 28.8 lakhs.
Kaveri wants to build an animal hospital and a critical care unit to provide free treatment for all street animals in Greater Noida, and is asking you to join her in her efforts to raise funds for the same.
“My vision is to ensure that, at least in this city, we do not see paralysed dogs dragging themselves on the streets trying to save their lives. I am asking for help from all of you so that no dog is denied treatment when required." - Kaveri
Every bit will count in making the lives of these special kids better! Please share the word and contribute towards making a real difference in the lives of these voiceless creatures. Remember, no matter the handicap, they all will get to live out their lives being loved.
