A 2016 Humane Society study found around 40,000 stray dogs and countless stray cats on Dhaka streets. They survive by scavenging discarded food from dumpsters.
There are lovable, defenseless stray animals, seeking nothing more than a touch of kindness, but regrettably, all they receive is a life that is rather difficult.
While many animals endure tough lives, a few kind-hearted individuals harbor a deep love for animals, making a concerted effort to extend compassion towards the stray dogs and cats that traverse our city's alleys. They offer these neglected creatures an improved existence despite being frequently labelled as crazy.
Alik allocates 3-rooms for cats, sleeps on floors
Meet Alik Bhowmick, a kind-hearted soul who has turned his three-bedroom apartment into a cozy haven for his 15 cats. His affection for cats runs so deep that he willingly sleeps on the drawing room floor, ensuring his feline companions have all the space they need.
Despite the price hike of daily necessities, due to inflation, Alik remains committed to caring for his cats. Even when his salary is delayed for months, he ensures they receive proper treatment, medication, and food.
He said: "Even when life gets tough, I make sure to set aside 20 to 30% of my income for taking care of my furry companions. My girlfriend and I do not really need a large three-bedroom apartment, but we chose to rent one just for our cats. There were times when I had no money and had to borrow from different people to cover their medical expenses."
"You can not just stay at home and do nothing when your babies are sick, even if funds are low. These 15 cats are like my children. They are not like toys that you throw away when things get tough," he added.
When he takes time off work for his cats' medical needs, coworkers tease him, unaware of how much his cats mean to him.
Alik further explained: "My girlfriend and I used to travel two or three times a month. However, for the past three years, we have not been able to go anywhere due to not having the option to leave them somewhere else."
"Due to my cats, I face challenges in finding a rental house, and it is quite tough to find a housemaid. Both my girlfriend and I handle the cleaning and everything else since not many are willing to work in an environment where 15 cats are present," he added.
Chameli Kisku: A mother to stray dogs
Camellia Kisku's genuine love for animals led her to create an animal shelter. With her dedicated team, she quickly responds to distress calls, helping injured strays recover. They provide essential medical care to animals hurt in accidents or dealing with health problems, making sure these animals get the care they need and deserve.
She said: "I could not turn away from their pain. When animals are hurt or sick, my team and I team rush to their aid, providing vital medical care and a second chance at life."
Facing numerous challenges in running the shelter, she highlighted: "In our country, certain religious beliefs have unfortunately led to lack of acceptance for dogs, resulting in the distress of stray animals."
Reflecting on the shelter's early days, she recalled: "At the outset, there were misconceptions that we were farming dogs. People could not fathom that there were those willing to provide medical care for strays, which made me realize the importance of creating awareness within my community.”
Elaborating on her approach, she shared: "I embarked on grassroots efforts, collaborating with rickshaw pullers. By acquainting them with our shelter's location, they became advocates, directing others and spreading a positive message."
While they initially hesitated to accommodate dogs on their rickshaws, their attitude gradually changed. They started notifying me about injured dogs they came across.
She said: “One of our greatest achievements is the shift in sentiment, where individuals with religious concerns are now adopting local dogs into their homes. They hold the belief that even if nothing else, these dogs will guard their houses in exchange for some food.”
"In our animal shelter home, we care for dogs who are visually impaired, lack legs or face difficulty eating. Our dedicated team nurtures these souls and ensures they receive nourishment," she explained.
Presently, her shelter provides refuge for approximately 75 to 80 dogs, and for 33 cats, at testament to the strides made in catalyzing positive change.
In a world filled with challenges, Alik Bhowmick and Chameli Kisku shine as beacons of unwavering kindness. Alik's deep devotion to his 15 cats, despite facing financial obstacles, paints a beautiful picture of love prevailing over hardships. Similarly, Chameli's determined creation of an animal shelter highlights the incredible impact of empathy.
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