Dogs and animals provided quality care in camp organized by DSF and Parmarth Niketan
Two months out of the year, sevaks (volunteers) headed by Sofi Osochenko from Siberia, operate the Animal Rescue Project. Russian vets and technicians also come and volunteer their services primarily for the street dogs of Rishikesh. This project is co-sponsored and hosted by Divine Shakti Foundation-Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Sterilization of primarily male dogs, vaccination and treatment for street dogs and cats is free. A small donation is asked for pets. As most street puppies and kittens die from significant diseases, motorbike accidents or hunger, it is very important to control the population so that they are healthy and happy.
This November this year there were 48 surgeries performed that included sterilization of 44 dogs and 4 cats. All of the operations were done by Russian doctors. Roman Tomilenko served as operating surgeon and Katerina Polyakova served as the surgical assistant in the first month, and in the second month Victoria Chursina served as operating surgeon and Olga Ivanova and Elena were surgical assistants. Volunteers from France, Argentina, Australia, US, Canada, Taiwan, Ukraine and many other countries assisted with the project.
Besides being sterilized, all dogs get vaccinated from rabies and viruses. They also are treated with anthelminthic and treated for skin diseases.
In three years, 327 dogs and cats in the area of Ramjhula, Laxmanjhula, Muni Ku Reti and Tapovan have been operated and treated through the camps. Thus the streets of Rishikesh have changed beyond recognition. Dogs are healthy and fit, there are no dogs with mange and you won’t see hundreds of sick stray puppies starving to death.
