Making no bones about it

LEAH SALDANHA still remembers the shrill cry of a dog being beaten to death when she was barely three-years-old. Over the last seventeen years, the memory has given the otherwise demure Saldanha the courage to defend hundreds of strays in Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli (East). And until six months ago, this Sophia College student's conviction was backed by no NGO or group of volunteers.

Right from nursing sick puppies to keeping a count of the dogs taken by the BMC for sterilisation - she's taken on complete responsibility of the 20 strays in the two-km stretch. Infact she knows each one by name.

"I know exactly which dog has been taken for sterilization and I make it a point to follow up on it's progress every time the municipal van comes around," says Saldanha. It's no wonder then that her family and friends fondly call her mama. "None of the dogs have gone missing in the area. People don't mess with them when they know that someone is keeping a tab," she says.

But though Saldanha makes no bones about her work, she admits that there have been trying times. Threats from enraged residents, trips to injured dogs in the middle of the night and the pain of having reached an ailing pup a little too late - none of these have held her back.

Infact, six months ago, Saldanha joined In Defence of Animals (IDA), a Mumbaibased NGO for strays, to help further her cause. "Leah constantly asks for guidance on helping the strays in the area.

Recently she called to ask how to rescue a dog who was being beaten up in the area. The man was hurling abuses and screaming at her when she intervened," says Vivienne Choudhury, an IDA committee member. Choudhury adds that it's rare to find students as hands-on and committed as Saldhana.

And with IDA for assistance, the 20-year-old has big plans for the strays in her area. First up, a thorough sterilisation drive. "After that I want to work with a vet and learn first-aid measures. It's often too late by the time the ambulance comes along," she says.

To be a part of the upkeep of G ward, contact Omkar at 9220573597 Looking to support Leah in her cause? Call In Defence of Animals at 9320056588 You could help WAYE in the cleanup. Call Khushboo at 9221526122

URL: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=23_04_2008_161_003&typ=0&pub=264