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"Not all heroes wear capes; some simply wear a kind smile, dedicating their lives to making the world a better place in quiet yet impactful ways."
Today, there are 62 million stray dogs in India and as per India’s Animal Welfare Board, all should be sterilized and vaccinated. However, lack of resources stop many Indian states from implementing the measures, leading to brutal handling of the creatures. It calls for collective efforts of kind souls who would come forward to the rescue of these helpless animals, saving them from a cruel fate.
Meet Vineela, one such remarkable 32-year-old cancer survivor who has channeled her strength and perseverance into a life dedicated to caring for stray dogs through her Rakhi Maa Foundation. While many of her peers are focused on building careers and starting families, Vineela has chosen a different path—one rooted in compassion and service.
Suffering has a profound way of shaping our humanity and compassion
Vineela was in her 20’s when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. What followed was a painful and difficult period of treatment and therapy which derailed all her career plans. However, with timely treatment she eventually survived the deadly disease and the life altering experience gave her a new perspective of the world. Today her shelter home provides food, safety and medical care to 150 stray dogs. Till date she has rescued 500 such animals and has either got them adopted or given them a loving home in her shelter.
“I didn’t have pets while growing up. However, one day we heard a muffled cry of an animal in distress and went out to find a puppy visibly in need of help. She was hungry and weak. We provided her with food, water and medication. The poor thing was too scared to move and wouldn’t leave our premises. Eventually we decided to adopt her. She was with us for years before she died of a tumor at the age of 13. We used to call her Rakhi Maa as she was like a protective matriarch to the rescued kids. I have named my shelter Rakhi in her memory,” recalls Vineela fondly.
A mission shaped by love, compassion and responsibility
What started with Rakhi has grown into a thriving ecosystem of love and protection. The story of Vineela’s first rescue is equally emotional. She was out feeding her neighborhood stray dogs when she came across one that was new to the area.
“She was hungry, her uterus was torn apart and she was bleeding profusely. As I approached to help, she resisted out of fear. Somehow I managed to take her to the vet but was told that she had a very aggressive uterus tumor and won’t be able to withstand chemo. Nevertheless, we decided to go ahead with it but next morning she passed away. That day I realized how strays are neglected and decided to rescue and rehab them.” recounts the crusader for animal rights.
Vineela’s shelter is proof of her commitment to rescuing dogs in need and providing them a loving environment to thrive
“My dad, a retired public servant, supported me with the investment for building the shelter home and in doing so he sold his land. This gives me more courage to continue with the mission,” enumerates the evangelist who refuses to call her shelter different from others.Vineela believes that treating hapless dogs with love is essential to ensure they do not go hungry and remain safe. The caregivers at the shelter home skillfully manage daily operations, providing every dog with the utmost care and affection. Vineela has also welcomed three rescued cats into her shelter.
With rising operation costs, more strays to accommodate, Vineela’s shelter is under threat of closure
“With the number of dogs rising, there is a desperate need to build and expand our infrastructure. Currently, we don't have a proper shed, or separate sections for paralyzed dogs, or cats. There is also a desperate need to build a separate room for treatment of sick or injured ones, a kitchen and a caretakers’ room. Moreover, we need an ambulance to carry injured dogs, as public vehicles often refuse transportation of strays,” says Vineela.
Vineela desperately needs funding of 39 lakh to keep the shelter operational and provide care to the 150 plus inmates. Join hands to raise the funds and ensure that the innocent creatures do not suffer the terrible fate of going back to the unsafe streets. Given the prevalent cruelty faced by strays in India, proper running of Vineela’s shelter is critical. Help her build the infrastructure, get an ambulance and other essentials for the shelter that houses so many innocent lives.
Your small act of kindness can make a big difference and create a meaningful impact on Vineela's mission. Contribute to a cruelty free world today!
