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.

Baby the Monkey

The below sequence of photographs are very sad but we definitely hope that this little monkey named Baby, has a happy future in front of her. Sadly she was taken from her mother by some cretins who tied a rope around her and kept her for a short time as a plaything. The little monkey was attacked by dogs and the cretins who stole her from her mother abandoned Baby on the side of the road. A passerby got in touch with the Animal Shelter and now for the last 10 days, Baby has been a resident at the Shelter.

The wounds are bad, but Baby is on strong pain medication and antibiotics, and it has been decided to give her the chance to heal herself without too much surgical intervention. We have two excellent Vets at the Animal Shelter and she is receiving lots of love and excellent medical attention.

In these photographs she is in the arms of the Animal Shelter's Vet, Dr. Rajasekaran.

One important part of the work Arunachala Grace Network is that of animal welfare in the area. So much needs to be done, but remember individuals also play an important part.

If you see an animal in distress, or know of an animal being mistreated or abused please get in touch with:

Arunachala Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Shelter

Chengam Road, (next to Govt. Arts College)

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606 603

Telephone Number +91- (0)4175-310817

Its not necessary to get into conflict, just make that telephone call and let the Animal Rescue do the rest. And while you are at it, why not visit the Animal Shelter and see the incredible work they are doing in alleviating the distress and suffering of many wonderful animals.



The Animal Shelter is currently developing their own website, once it is up and running we will provide a link and invite animal lovers and kind hearted souls to keep up-to-date with all the great animal service that is beginning at Arunachala. I will give regular reports on Baby's progress, so keep checking back.

Christmas at Animal Shelter

On Christmas Day I visited the Animal Shelter, where as well as receiving a very large piece of cake, was also able to visit with lots of animal friends. What better way to spend such a special day?

The dear monkey at the Animal Shelter still remains, as the necessary paperwork to send him to a secure facility at Bangalore has still not been processed. As the monkey was getting bored and squashed in his tiny cage, the Shelter got a special enclosure made for him - which although is far from perfect is a HUGE improvement from his previous cramped quarters.

And here is Raja, one of the lads working at the Shelter feeding dear monkey with a nice vegetable snack. You might notice the little monkey friend behind Raja!

Monkey has to go slowly with his food as, due to old age, he doesn't have many teeth left - which is one of the reasons he was so vunerable to attack in the outside world.

At the front desk one little puppy recent arrival ontop the table and two snoozy dogs tucked up under the table.

The below dog was confiscated yesterday from its owner because of neglect. The owner kept the dog tied on a short chain 24-7 to act as a guard dog. Dr. Pushpa (the lady vet) thinks it will take at least a month for the dog to start acting and feeling normal.

Below is Dr. Pushpa examining the pet of the man in the check shirt. He brought the dog from the other side of Tiruvannamalai, thereby bypassing the Government Animal Hospital - even without advertising the great reputation of this Animal Sanctuary continues to grow.

The puppy on the left was picked up off the road just a few moments ago. It was so nervous that it was shaking. So in it goes into its nice bed with a new puppy friend.

After visiting some of the dog compounds, I walked around the small facility and noticed how beautiful it looked now that the trees and plants are doing so well.

And ever in the background is Arunachala - a more brilliant location just could not be found. No wonder the Shelter is doing so well - as its living in the shadow of the Lord.

A New Beginning

During the Deepam Period, I attended a beautiful puja at the Animal Shelter to celebrate the establishment of their new Trust; “Arunachala Animals Sanctuary and Rescue Shelter”. It seems like every time I drop in at the Shelter that there is a new addition, more trees and more puppies. Its like a little colony of LOVE. Its so beautiful to see mangled dogs, beaten up by life, all of a sudden be offered a permanent sanctuary of peace and kindness.

If you are visiting Tiruvannamalai please drop by the Shelter on the Chengam Road, about 1 km west of Ramana Ashram and visit with the staff and dogs of this lovely sanctuary.

Below is the important cook of the Shelter who prepares the 100% vegetarian meals for the dogs and whatever other animal is resident (at this time there is also a lovely old bonnet macaque monkey).

A favourite place of mine - the puppy corner. The last time I visited the Shelter, I spent about 10 minutes locked in with over 20 puppies. What lovely little rascals, and all looking for a loving home and a kind master. Why not come and adopt one of these lovely scamps?

Below the puja for the incorporation of the new Trust.

In the below photograph Shanti, one of the indispensable workers at the Shelter and a real dog lover. As well as the Shelter affecting the lives of so many animals, it is also changing and enriching the lives of people too. In the case of Shanti, she was working in a supermarket and had no outlet to express the love she had for our animal friends. Now her life has been transformed because of her association with the Shelter. It seems like every time I see her she has a smile on her face.

The little white fluffy dog is very old and was tossed out onto the street by its master. When he arrived at the Shelter a couple of months ago he was cross, suspicious and tired. But now he has been transformed into a vivacious, cheerful and friendly little fellow. And one who definitely thinks he is the guy in charge! In this photograph he is watching the harmonium player with very careful attention.

In the upcoming Arunachala Grace Newsletter there is a lot more information about the Animal Shelter. For your free subscription, please go to the left hand margin of this Blog and click on the link.

Hanuman; Monkey God

Like Lord Ganesha, Hanuman; The Monkey God, is loved in a special, tender way, by children and adults alike. To find out more about Hanuman check this link. This is a particularly significant time for Lord Hanuman as he figures prominently in the mythology of Lord Rama's battle with the Demon King Ravana, a story relevant considering the upcoming Diwali Festival of November 8th.

Below an actor dressed up as Hanuman and going from place to place around Tiruvannamalai for donations.

Great outfit and makeup!

Also in keeping with the theme of monkeys, below a sweet old chap of around 15 years of age, who was recently attacked by dogs and is now recovering at the local Tiruvannamalai Animal Shelter.

The monkey has been rejected by his own group and is just too old and slow to keep safe by himself, so the Shelter is trying to find a nice, loving sanctuary at which he can enjoy his old age. Sadly a home was found for him at an Animal Shelter at Nilgris, but at the last moment it was decided that as Nilgris is located at a considerably higher altitude it would be just too cold and damp for a monkey who has spent its entire life enjoying the sunny climes of Tiruvannamalai. I will continue to post updates on our little monkey friend.

However, I would mention that today, I spent about 15 minutes at the Animal Shelter and while talking with the Shelter's Founder, watched our caged monkey and even though he is very cramped for space, he seemed very peaceful and content. He certainly has lots of people and animal friends chatting, playing, talking and petting him.

Sad Monkey Tale

A Bonnet Macaque Monkey

Monday was a sad day for me, because it was a day in which I saw a monkey die. But although the day was sad it was also beautiful because the bonnet macaque monkey experienced the love of many in its final moments – should we all be so fortunate to meet our end in such a light-filled way. What happened was this, at the Tamil Nadu Housing Estate, some kind but careless person coaxed a monkey out of a tree with the offer of a banana. This was a good and loving thing to do, unfortunately the person did not pay attention to what was happening close by because as soon as the monkey came for the banana – it was set upon by seven street dogs. Monkeys and dogs are bitter enemies mainly because they are food rivals – so you often see clashes and confrontations between them. Anyhow, the folk at the Housing Estate had to vigorously thrash the dogs with sticks to get them off the monkey – but sadly the bonnet macaque was seriously injured.

The monkey was taken to the Animal Shelter where the vets sewed up the monkey’s wounds, gave it antibiotics and pain killers and then put it in a large cage to sleep and recover.

The next day the vets were feeling optimistic that the monkey was going to make a quick recovery. When I arrived at the Animal Shelter, I witnessed most everyone who works there, hanging around outside the cage calling out encouraging words to the monkey. A couple of resident dogs at the shelter were happy to lie outside the cage and the monkey, in spite of its recent traumatic experience with the pack of seven street dogs, didn’t seem to be worried that he had some nice, new canine friends hanging around outside his cage keeping him company.

Shanti, a woman who loves all animals and works at the Shelter brought a bowl of milk for the monkey and some nice, fresh, juicy papaya. The monkey drank his milk and was hand fed his fruit and then lay down. Suddenly it got up and started to move about restlessly. It stood in its cage looking out at his numerous supporters like it was trying to talk and tell us what the problem was. All of us there started to encourage him by calling out, ‘What’s the problem monkey? Tell us what the problem is?’ It was so frustrating for us not to understand, because the monkey kept opening its mouth making guttural noises almost like it was trying to communicate some kind of message to us, but we didn’t understand what it wanted to say. ‘Come on monkey – what’s the problem?’ It tried and we couldn’t figure it out and all of a sudden the monkey slumped to the bottom of the cage and died. Immediately one of the vets arranged for the the cage to be moved into the examination room. Whereupon it was opened and the monkey taken out and the vet frantically tried to resuscitate it. But nothing worked and the monkey remained inert and dead.

Everyone at the Shelter was upset as the monkey had made many friends in the short time it had been there. It was a male, very gentle, elderly (around 20 years old), had really bad teeth, and was obviously socialised as it absolutely no fear of people. Sadly the monkey died because a well meaning, kind person gave it food in an inappropriate manner. So please if you are visiting Tiruvannamalai – where there are many monkeys in the town, on the Hill and on the hillround roadway remember a few tips.

Dogs and monkeys are not friends. Be aware if there are dogs around.

Don’t throw food onto the road – otherwise monkeys lose their fear of the road and of traffic. So always throw the food away to the sides of the road.

As adorable as monkeys are, don’t get too close to them. For the monkeys’ health it is better for them to be less friendly and more suspicious of people as there are bad people around who work for the exotic pet industry or for animal testing laboratories who try and steal monkeys or even kill the mother and take the baby.

Monkeys like things besides bananas – if you really want to give a monkey some nice treats – give it some carrots, crunchy vegetables, seeds or nuts.

Adopt-a-Pup

The Animal Shelter at Tiruvannamalai is doing amazing work undertaking sterlisation operations on both male and female dogs and cats. The Shelter helps injured and sick animals and is also a sanctuary for animals who are unable to survive in the World by themselves.

The Shelter takes in street dogs for sterlisation operations and after convalescence from surgical procedures, dogs are released back into the same area from where they were originally taken. But sometimes young puppies end up at the Shelter.

This is a very sweet orphaned family of young pups waiting for a loving Master to come along and adopt them.

Cute just isn't a strong enough word to describe these little angels!

It's easy to see that the Shelter is well run and that all residents receive lots of loving attention from a dedicated Shelter staff.

The below blue cage is this puppy family's private residence. A Shelter worker has just let them out, in order to take out the straw bedding and replace it with fresh, clean straw (a procedure repeated daily).

A giant person looks down at one of the young puppies, who is of course, fearless in its secure and loving environment.

In the below photograph, the man holding the pup is called Iyyapan. He comes from a local farming family that has land next to Samudram Lake. I was surprised to see him looking for a dog to adopt at the Shelter because usually in the countryside there are plenty of roaming dogs to choose from. But Iyyapan was particularly interested in adopting a black coloured dog - as black dogs are regarded as lucky and auspicious. Well Iyyapan really must believe the folk lore because he ended up adopting two black puppy brothers. Excellent news for the Shelter and also good news for the two puppies as they will be ending up at a very pretty area.

The below photograph is of an Indian squirrel - of which the area abounds. This little chap got separated from his Mum and has been officially adopted by the Animal Shelter. He has a very nicely equipped cage but spends alot of his time away from his snug little home, running up and down welcoming arms.

Adult, sterlised dogs are available at the Shelter for adoption to good homes. Dogs and puppies receive all relevant innoculations and are in excellent condition. So if you live in Tiruvannamalai and want a dog, come by the Animal Shelter and check out some of the canine friends waiting for a loving Master and snug home.

Animal Shelter Vets

Tiruvannamalai Animal Shelter:

Dr Milind Mhatre who is 29 years old and a resident of Maharashtra finishes his one month tenure at the Animal Shelter, Tiruvannamalai on August 3rd. Dr. Mhatre, a graduate of Bombay Veterinary College, specialised in internal medicine for his Postgraduate Studies at Gujarat Agricultural University.

This is Dr. Mhatre's first time in Tiruvannamalai and although he did not have enough the leisure in which to explore the area as much as he would have wished, he was able to at least climb to the top of Arunachala at the beginning of his stay. Dr. Mhatre who is a small animals veterinary specialist proposes leaving Tiruvannamalai on August 4th at which time he will return to his own clinic, 'Complete Pet Care', (0)9850465201 at Pune, (near Rajneesh Ashram).

Permanent Veterinary Doctor:

Dr. Pushpa Latha, who is 25 years old, joined The Animal Shelter, Tiruvannamalai on July 22, 2007 as the Shelter's permanent Veterinary Doctor. Dr. Latha originally hails from Tanjore but relocated to Chennai where she undertook her veterinary studies. She studied at Chennai Madras Veterinary College (Asia's Premier Veterinary College) where she undertook her Bachelors Degree and later her Masters Degree specialising in surgery studies. Dr. Pushpa Latha worked as surgical assistant to Professor Jayaprakash at Chennai College for 3 years.

From Chennai she moved to Coimbatore to complete a 6 month tenure as Research Doctor at a 2,000 bird Poultry Farm facility. To take up the post of permanent senior Veterinary Doctor at Tiruvannamalai Animal Shelter, Dr. Pushpa Latha recently relocated with family members to this area. Although a native of Tamil Nadu, this is Dr. Latha's first time to Tiruvannamalai.

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.