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.

Our Heroes

You can read a report from our local Animal Shelters' vets (from Holland), Rogier van Leeuwen and Kim Schriek, at this link. In the link, Rogier, in his own words, tells the story of how they came to Tiruvannamalai to work at the town's new shelter. Sadly Kim and Rogier will be leaving Tiruvannamalai and India in 2-3 weeks and returning back to work assignments at their native place.

In a very short time both Kim and Rogier have made many friends; both animal and people and both varieties will be sad to see them go. They have also contributed to the quality of life and joy of many creatures they have met through their work and time here.

The monkeys in the below photograph have everything to be thankful for to our young vets. Kim and Rogier, tired and exhausted on a hot summer's day were returning to their humble country cottage after a morning's busy and hectic surgery at the Animal Shelter, when they noticed a commotion at the side of the road. As Kim thought she saw a monkey's head peeping amongst the legs of the crowd she and Rogier stopped to look. Lo and behold there were three captured young bonnet macaque monkeys imprisoned in a makeshift cage.

Quickly the crowd around the monkey's cage grew bigger and rowdier. Rogier had the presence of mind to understand that he needed allies that could speak Tamil and help him deal with the situation. He called the Forest Department and asked them to send a representative to help in the situation. The Forest Department, concerned at the illegal capture and imprisonment of the monkeys sent two burly fellows to assist our two vets from Holland.

The man responsible for the monkey capture told the Forest Department officials that he had been told that the monkeys were becoming a nuisance in town and he had been called to capture and release them into a decent, deserted forest. No-one in authority believed his story, and even if they did, his act was completely illegal and all four of the monkeys' saviours were determined to ensure their liberation.

Kim and Rogier recount that the crowd number grew to nearly 50 people and started to get increasingly rowdy and ugly. In the interests of the immediate safety for both monkeys and vets, the Forest Department quickly released the monkeys, who immediately scampered away. Our two heroes from Holland, taking the suggestion from the Forest Department representatives, also quickly departed. Our heroes jumped on their bike and returned home to their country cottage for a much deserved rest. And a very successful morning it was too!

In the below photograph Kim is hand feeding some young puppies. Thankfully a more peaceful and less threatening chore than rescuing monkeys from an unruly mob!

Below is Rogier, Kim's significant other. He definitely seems to have captured a puppy's heart. Its so nice to have such dedicated veterinarians working here at our new Animal Shelter. The Tiruvannamalai Shelter is under the aegis of: http://www.karunasociety.org/ A brilliant society contributing much to the improved quality of life and welfare of many creatures.

Below we seem to have a shy Mum who seems more interested in having a chat with Kim rather than taking care of her young pup. But the distraction was only momentary and dog Mum turned out to be a dedicated and loving care giver to her young pup.

In the below photograph we seem to have a young dog that certainly seems to understand that he is under a considerable protective field. Oh yes! No-one can get me here; safe at last!

Even though the care, attention, and medical expertise exhibited by our young heroes at the Tiruvannamalai Animal Shelter, is exemplary; their attention to detail could sometimes be considered 'unstructured'. And in the below photograph we seem to be witnessing a true 'dog fight' between dogs and various items of clothing and bath towels. Whoops!

So its sleepy time and here is a lucky dog, loved, warm, protected with tummy full, having a nice nap. Its so nice to witness the beginning of a shift in consciousness towards the welfare and care of animals in Tiruvannamalai. Previously there was no where dogs and domestic animals could be awarded sanctuary and/or receive medical treatment. Times are certainly getting better.

Good night sleepy head; you can finish off your rice pudding when you wake up. All that remains for you to do is have your sweet dreams of chasing cats!