Arunachala Animals

Its no secret to readers of Arunachala Grace, that I am a BIG animal lover. I have 6 amazing dogs and have absolutely no objections to increasing the family. I have written many posts regarding animals and in particular have brought attention to the wretched and abusive life suffered by the Temple Elephant, and also have written in detail about the excellent work of the Arunachala Animal Shelter. These are early days and so much can and will be done to improve Animal Welfare here at Tiruvannamalai. In future there will be many postings in this respect. We have also started up a Blog dedicated to the local bird life at Tiruvannamalai, you can check it at this link.

Different Days

Our current vets, Kim and Rogier, at the Tiruvannamalai Animal Shelter will soon be leaving us and another volunteer (also from Holland) will take charge.

This trip to India was a first for both Kim and Rogier and although they didn't have the time to do much exploring during their tenure at the Animal Shelter, they did manage to experience some of the contrasting life of Tiruvannamalai.

Most of their Arunachala time however was spent either at the Animal Shelter or at their country cottage. Their presence was certainly appreciated by many long staying guests at the Shelter. And although there is no shortage of space, many of our four footed friends try to squeeze together as tightly as possible.

In between playing 'squeeze up', nourishment and meals are also popular times of the day at the Shelter.

Even though dogs are a pack animal and many of these dogs have come from a life on the streets, they all quickly gravitated to the 'people in charge' and Rogier and Kim, were often surrounded by surrendered, happy little dogs.

Maybe because she is Dutch and used to riding everywhere on a bicycle, Kim was undaunted pedalling around Town. And was immediately confident and fearless enough to brave downtown Tiruvannamalai. Here she is hatted, easily nagivating her way around the unpredictable (crazy!) traffic in town.

Kim also took time to show visiting family members and friends around Tiruvannamalai.

The below photograph is of Rogier preparing to take the 'plunge' in the very nice swimming pool at one of our premier hotels, Arunai Anantha.

One day swimming at the pool of our luxury hotel, and the next day taking lunch in a local restaurant in the Ramana Nagar area.

Below is Rogier inside the local restaurant, happily ploughing his way through a nice, tasty lunch.

This is the first time we have a proper Animal Shelter in Tiruvannamalai. And also the first time we have resident vets who obviously care for their wards. Sadly, animal care in India is often regarded as a 'career move' and its not unusual to meet vets who are not completely committed to their work and animals under their care. But obviously when one is able to get vets not only dedicated to their work but who also inspire timid, neglected dogs to respond and trust; well, that's called hitting the jackpot.

Below is Rogier spending time with some of the young 'uns.

Kim and Rogier did in fact attend the 'coming of age' of a young, local girl; who is the girl with the flowers on her head in the middle of the photograph. Our vets thought the function was indeed a grand affair.

Below is a photograph of the country cottage Kim and Rogier have been staying at during their tenure at the Animal Hospital.

Kim and Rogier spent one morning climbing to the top of Arunachala and took some great photographs on their way up. The below is very nice, because you can see the Animal Shelter (in blue with a compound) in the middle of the photograph. At the back of the photograph is part of the receding 600 acre Samudram Lake, which has been mentioned on many earlier postings on this Blog.

Below is young Kim almost at the top of Arunachala. Just a little further to go!

Rogier at the top of Arunachala, standing on darkened, ghee stained stones, where the cauldron is placed at the time of the yearly Karthigai Festival. Now, I wonder where that dog came from?






Looking down from Arunachala, a spectacular photograph of Arunachaleswarar Temple.

There are so many GOOD things to say about having an Animal Shelter at Tiruvannamalai to serve and help neglected, forlorn and needy puppies and adult dogs. If you plan on visiting Tiruvannamalai this season, why not stop by and check out the work the Shelter is doing, and while at the Shelter you can play with some of the adorable puppies and dogs.

Karuna Society

On February 19th in Delhi, the Karuna Society recieved the prestigeous annual Venu Menon National Animal Awards as the "Special Organisation Award."

The Karuna Society, founded at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, recently opened an animal shelter here at Tiruvannamalai. While at Delhi the representatives of the Karuna Society met with people from the Wildlife Trust of india, the Central Zoo and lunch with the Society's Honorary Chairman Mrs. Maneka Gandhi.

One aspect of animal welfare that the Karuna Society has been increasingly involved is the protection, rescue and welfare of animals being cruelly transported on their way to slaughter. This problem also exists in Tiruvannamalai and hopefully now that Karuna Society is involved in Tiruvannamalai, we can begin to address the animal welfare problem we have right here.

Presently, Karuna Society at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh are providing sanctuary for 400 cattle most of them rescued from illegal transport and slaughter. 200 of these are bulls which we have given for caretaking to the local farmers who keep them for work. These animals are still under Court Order and have been given to Karuna Society in custody.

Here are buffaloes being cruelly transported for slaughter.




And these are the same buffaloes, rescued and happily taking a swim in the buffalo pond at Karuna Society, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.

Happy endings really do happen!