One of the purest forms of unconditional love is that between a dog and a human. While humans might fail the ones they love, animals do not; they love us irrespective of gender, race, size, or anything else. This unadulterated form of love is what inspired Vandana Anchalia, a young woman based out of Delhi NCR, to establish Kannan Animal Welfare (KAW). KAW is a non-profit organisation that runs a rescue centre aiming to provide care to critically ill or injured stray dogs and to secure their futures in the long run through local and international adoptions.

The story of how KAW came into existence has its origins in both pain and love. 

Seven years ago, Vandana witnessed a neighbour brutally beating a helpless stray dog in broad daylight. Nobody else came forward to protect the animal, and Vandana was struck by the apathy of people and the sight of the dog suffering at the hands of humans’ cruelty. She wanted to help the abused dog, so she researched organisations in the area that worked for animal care and welfare.

Vandana immediately and proactively decided to help: throughout the year 2014, she rescued 37 abandoned and ill stray dogs. Tragically, however, all of these rescues died in different shelters. 

It became clear to her after these losses that finding a safe shelter for stray dogs in need was incredibly challenging, given that the majority of shelters in Delhi NCR are so overburdened and underfunded that the animal residents are unable to receive the medical treatment and care needed for their recovery and well-being. Vandana had just embarked upon her journey with animal welfare, and she had already faced many roadblocks in her efforts to help animals.

Instead of losing hope, Vandana decided to use her experience and understanding to create a new rescue center: one grounded in quality care above all else. With unceasing dedication, patience, and determination, she set out to overcome the challenges of animal welfare in India.

In 2015, KAW began as a project of the trust Kannan Foundation with just three members. Over the next few years, the need for a critical care animal shelter propelled the rapid growth of KAW, expanding to fourteen shelter staff members. In addition to this, KAW now has six full-time employees, ten interns, and around thirty volunteers supporting their animal welfare work.

Hailing from a small town in Assam, without any background related to animals or training in animal welfare, Vandana drew upon her empathy and love for animals to save the lives of thousands of dogs till date. Over a hundred of these dogs have found homes and families abroad.

An international adoption for an Indian dog is not an easy task by any means. There are extensive procedures that need to be followed and strong partnerships that need to be formed with international rehoming partners to ensure the safety of the dog. Despite the complications of international adoptions, Vandana knows that getting Indian dogs adopted locally, especially disabled or elderly ones, is a close to impossible task, and so she continues to work tirelessly to find her dogs the homes they deserve in the United States of American & Canada.

One of KAW’s most remarkable rescue stories was Jeevith – a tiny stray puppy found half-dead in a puddle. She was beset by maggot infestations that had caused her to lose an eye, and she was malnutrition to the point of immobility. Vandana could not bear to see this little one in such a traumatic condition. She brought Jeevith from one hospital to another, but none would commit to taking her in; veterinarians suggested euthanasia as the means to end her suffering. Undeterred, Vandana recognized the will to live in Jeevith, and she was firm in her decision to fight for her, so she decided to take care of Jeevith at her own rescue center. 

Partnering with Max Vets, KAW staff began watching Jeevith day and night with care. Given Jeevith’s condition, there was a fear of infection, so she was isolated until she regained enough energy to move around. As Vandana had rightly understood, Jeevith was a fighter. After four months of sincere efforts and overwhelming love, the beloved pup survived against all odds. While no name could have done justice to her incredible recovery and unyielding determination, she was given the name “Jeevith,” meaning “one that lives.” She is now healthy, happy, and all grown-up at her loving forever home in Canada – a genuine inspiration and a testament to what can be achieved in animal welfare with empathetic devotion and sufficient care provision.

Jeevith’s story is that of one dog, but many of its aspects re-emerge in the cases of other rescued puppies, like Meenu, Lucky, Sugar, and Buddy. All of these dogs were discovered in heart-wrenching conditions, yet now – through the work of Vandana and KAW – thrive in forever homes with loving families.

After dedicating the last five years to animal rescue and welfare, Vandana has become an inspiration to the community as a proud, independent, and self-made woman who chose to do what she loves despite the difficulties involved. She established KAW as one of the top rescue organisations in the region, and she has created a name for herself internationally as well.All of the puppies which she has saved have stories to share, too – stories that speak to the ability of humans to be empathetic and kind to animals in need.

Link to original article: https://www.hatkestory.com/vandana-anchalia-kannan-animal-welfare-kaw/