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A warm home for man's best friend

A society is judged by how it treats its animals. Clifford D'Souza of Prem Chaya has plenty to say about it

PET PASSION Clifford D'Souza with the much-loved of Prem Chaya

For a moment, forget about pedigree and just look into a dog's eyes. You can't miss the unadulterated honesty, sincerity and love there. This might sound a bit mushy, but you can't help feeling this way at Prem Chaya in Mangalore, which houses forsaken dogs, stray dogs, old dogs and those with mutilated limbs. This institution, started by Clifford D'Souza, has ensured a life of dignity for all of them.

This unusual initiative actually started by chance. One day, Clifford's daughter brought home a pup she had knocked down by accident while driving. The family loved the process of nursing the pup back to good health so much they decided to do it on a regular basis.

Touching tales

Since then, they have taken care of many dogs and even a good number of cats. And they have a touching tale to tell about every one of them. One of them is about Dabbish, a Pomeranian which was being looked after by a childless couple. But the couple had to give it away to Prem Chaya under duress from a family member. The heart-broken couple still visit Dabbish every week. Clifford says that Dabbish grows very moody and brooding after every visit.

Another story is that of Alina, a German shepherd, and Muddu, a pure Mudhol breed. These two dogs, which were abused by their previous owner, live in complete horror of human beings. They run for cover when they spot a man approaching. Clifford has been taking care of them with great love.

He says several of the dogs here have been picked up with maggots all over them or crippled by distemper. He nurses them back to good health.

Clifford has 46 dogs and nearly 65 cats, all living in surprising harmony. He has a particular liking for Raju, a cross between a golden retriever and a labrador. When he was picked up from the roads, Raju was hobbling on three legs with the fourth wasting away. Today, he happily scampers beside Clifford and is the biggest dog at Prem Chaya.

Clifford plans to start an integrated animal care centre — complete with hospital, ambulance, resident veterinary doctor, dog kennels, cat sanctuary and bird sanctuary — in a one-acre land at Bajpe, 19 km from Mangalore. He hopes to see it get going by the end of September.

Prem Chaya can be contacted on 2457461/41.

They also need love

Clifford D'Souza has definite views about how pets should be treated. Cats may appear self-sufficient, but they need care. Owners should not simply plonk kittens in the fish market, assuming they will get enough to eat. Kittens need to be with the mother for at least three months before they fend for themselves. If they start eating fish too early, they will have intestinal problems.

Prem Chaya spays cats and offers post-operative care.

Pedigree dogs such as German shepherd, golden retriever, labrador, boxer, dalmatian, great Dane and various types of hounds need love and affection and everyday care.

It is not a good idea to tie the dog all hours. It might work for a couple of years, but sooner or later, they will get frustrated. Some of them go into deep depression which can halve their life span.

The freer they are, the healthier they will be in their old age.

M. RAGHURAM

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