About three hundred stray dogs are under our at this point at different locations of Baroda. We use on an average 720 kilograms of dog food on a monthly basis for their one hearty meal a day. They are not random dogs. They have been under our lifetime care who are looked after daily, they have a name they identify themselves with. They are fed in clean bowls, given the love and respect they deserve. We believe in active feeding, being present while they eat, wherein that one hearty meal is also a means of bonding to them, observing their behavior, checking on them for any signs of injury or ailment. You can sponsor their meals.
Q. What is the logic behind feeding of stray dogs?
The process of gaining a stray dog’s trust begins with daily active feeding (instead of mechanically feeding – leaving the dog behind while he/she eats), being physically present while the dog eats, that helps develop a bond with the dog and also helps to understand his/her behaviour. Good and/or neutral behaviour on the part of the community (no hostility or acts of provocation) sets the ball rolling for mutual trust. It acts as a catalyst for the easy catching of stray dogs for sterilisation. A symbiotic relationship develops that builds confidence in the stray dogs, even in the shyest and the supposedly aggressive ones over a period of time, that we do not intend to harm them and they, in turn, protect us for life – paving way for man-animal harmony and a positive energy environment. Thus, feeding of stray dogs is the crucial point where the welfare of the community begins in tandem with stray dogs. Hunger causes unnecessary aggression in all life forms. Stray dogs are no different. Daily feeding, by all means, also helps to prevent migration of the resident sterilised dogs in search of food, that in turn, ensures net dog population stability of an area. It is a booster shot to mutual trust and in a way, stray dogs get community adopted. Daily feeding creates a familiarity between people and the stray dogs and thus lowers the instances of man-animal conflict. The stray dogs, in return, deliver on their promise of loyalty and guard the territory by not letting any other outside dog in and help keep the anti-social elements at bay, especially during the odd hours.
Have a special occasion, birthdays or anniversaries? Share your happiness by sponsoring food for a day!
Write to us at info@bridgingrainbows.org to accompany the founder, Mrs. Roy on a soul rewarding five hours round. Learn how no two dogs are alike, spend quality time with the stray dogs, learn about their behavior, habits, basic dos and don'ts of responsibly taking care of stray dogs.
