Young Arshiya Singh wanted a pet but her mother wouldn't approve.
However, three kittens in her building compound, who were left orphaned after their mother died, changed everything. She nursed the kittens to health and put them up for adoption through her networks but unsure of the credentials of the interested families, she ended up housing all three.
Singh is glad that Mumbai is about to experience its first pet adoption camp by the NGO, World for All, on Sunday which focuses on adoption of rescued stray puppies and kittens. The initiative has been facilitated by Rajni Shetty of Lioness district 323A2, who has adopted about 16 cats, one of them paralysed.
While there will be more than 60 puppies and 25 kittens cared for in foster homes up for adoption, the NGO will also felicitate 25 individuals who have given a home to street dogs and cats. "Their stories will tell the world that strays are as beautiful as pedigrees that they can give you as much love and your status will not be lowered if you are seen with an adopted street dog," said Shruti Shetty, a volunteer with the NGO.
"Pets are a prescription for good health and they can teach kids about selflessness, responsibility. Besides companionship, cats provide non-stop entertainment and make great pets and are easy to care for," she added, encouraging people to drop by the Adoptathon to consider bringing a pet home.
"If you're a true dog or cat lover, the pedigree doesn't matter. Medically they have better chances of being fit and their immune system is stronger. It is always better to give a home to a homeless street dog than buying a dog who is assured of a home," said Dr Priya Mudur, a veterinarian who encourages adoption over purchase of pets.
The NGO World for All focuses on rescue and adoption of dogs and cats. "We believe that with every animal being homed especially a female cat or a female dog, it decreases the number of street animals by plenty," said Ruchi Nadkarni, the founder.
The NGO puts rescued animals into the care of volunteers who take in the animals and nurse them to health before putting them up for adoption.
Even though the NGO welcomes anyone who wants to adopt a pet, they have a few pointers for people to consider before they adopt a pet. In addition to checking identity and address proofs, foster parents of the pets also run a home check before adoption formalities are completed. For first-time pet adopters, there will be experienced vets and behaviourists to explain and clarify doubts.
"All you need is a will to learn and understand the importance of essential care such as deworming, vaccination and sterilisation," said Tarunish Bulsara, founder, World for All.
The NGO has also roped in sponsors to give away gift hampers to the new pet adopters.
