National Pet Day

11 April is National Pet Day, a day that is celebrated in many different countries around the world. The day was established by animal welfare advocate and lifestyle coach, Colleen Paige, in 2006, and was founded to celebrate pets and the joy they bring, as well as highlight the needs of animals in shelters, with the motto “Don’t shop! Adopt!”.

The relationship between humans and animals is ancient. The history of domesticated animals, for purposes of food, work, transportation, pest control and companionship, can be traced back to around between 12,500 and 9,000 B.C. when humans started transitioning from hunter-gatherers to settled groups and the relationship has only grown throughout history to the present day. Modern studies indicate that owning a pet can have benefits on mental health, such as depression and anxiety, particularly under stress-prone conditions. Human and animal relationships may also improve social relationships, as well as enhancing respect, trust, and empathy between people.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced changes to people’s relationships with pets in India. Initially, pet owners began giving up their pets, due to fears of them transmitting the virus, or not being able to maintain them in a fair and healthy way during the lockdown. However, now we are seeing an up-trend in pet adoption, perhaps due to isolation and the need for companionship, boredom or a longing for purpose.

Several students from TISB have started initiatives to help animals on the streets, to raise awareness and to increase animal welfare:

Kindness the Universal Language of Love

Kindness the Universal Language of Love is an initiative born right from my heart

Kindness The Universal Language of Love was initiated by Grade 11 student Chandani. She has been recognised for her work with the organisation, and in 2019 Chandani was selected to become the youngest 'Ashoka Young Changemaker'.

In 2018, at the age of 14, Chandani started a ‘Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre’, a shelter for strays, abandoned and ailing animals. Her experiences from the shelter allowed her to gain experience and understanding of the situation, and decided to change direction. Therefore, Kindness – The Universal Language of Love was born. The organisation aims to change society’s attitude towards the strays through the various drives, initiatives, mentorship and social platforms, including feeding drives, de-worming, sterilization, vaccination, adoption and putting out water-bowls.

For more information visit the Kindness – The Universal Language of Love website, or Instagram account.

Animal Ethos

Caring for the ones that do not have a voice of their own

A group of students from TISB and other schools in Bangalore, have started an initiative called ‘Animal Ethos’. The initiative was founded by Ahil, Grade 11, a true animal lover who has spent a large part of his life caring for and rescuing animals. It is an initiative to help stray and abandoned animals around Bangalore in partnership with Cessna Lifeline – a veterinary hospital that takes in and cures homeless animals.

Part of the success of Animal Ethos is due to their network and media, which has allowed them to gather large amounts of funds. Some of the initiative's members were interviewed on 94.3 Radio One FM on 30 July 2020, where they spread the word about their ambitions and activities.

Follow Animal Ethos on Instagram to stay up to date with news on their progress, meeting the team, and find out about when and how you can contribute.

There For U

Love is a FOUR Legged Word

‘There For U’, initiated by Grade 11 student, Manaya, spreads its love for Ludhiana’s animals through a unique approach. The team has raised awareness of the different ways to help abandoned and deprived dogs, not only by adopting a dog. By sponsoring a shelter or foster home, people can provide treatments, surgeries, care or food for any period of time. The organisation has also provided the ‘Pawmobile’, ensuring a transportation vehicle and dedicated helpline number, so people can report and arrange a pickup for wounded animals.

During the winter of 2020, the organisation celebrated Christmas with the real joy of giving. From 22-24 December, There For U and its ‘Young Positivists’ and ‘Awareness Elves’ conducted the ‘Paw-Market’ - Ludhiana's first adoption drive and a fundraiser bazaar for animal welfare. During the drive 29 of the volunteers facilitated two adoptions, raised 1.75 lakh and changed people’s mindset on ways in which they can help or adopt.

Visit the There For U website for more information about what the organisation does.

TISB Charity Projects

TISB has also provided funding to animal welfare and rights organisations and their projects, through the TISB Charity Fund. The fund is set up and managed by students, who raise funds and choose the purpose of the projects.

Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE), had their project approved and was granted 3 lakh in December 2019. The organisation runs a trauma care unit for injured and sick animals, wanted to make operations more efficient and increase their capacity of CARE by purchasing surgical equipment for the centre. Throughout the 10-month project period, CARE increased their capacity from around 50 cases each month to 146 in December 2020.

For more information about the organisation and their operations, visit CARE's website.

Recently the TISB Charity Fund granted just under 3 lakh to People for Animals (PfA). The project facilitates the rescue and release of wildlife, and pays for surgeries and procedures of mammals, birds and reptiles. The Fund donation has purchased a much needed anaesthesia machine and a twowheeler vehicle. The project will help urban wildlife in Bangalore, reaching and treating approximately 1800-2000 animals up to November 2021.

Follow our news and the progress of the project. For more information about the organisation, visit the PfA website.

10 ways to celebrate National Pet Day

If you want to contribute and make a difference on the National Pet Day, visit the student initiatives and the organisations funded by the TISB Charity Fund. If you would like to do something different, the www.nationalpetday.co gives 10 possible suggestions:

1. Adopt a pet from your local shelter or pure breed rescue organization.
2. Volunteer at your local shelter and offer to care for the animals.
3. Donate blankets, food and toys to a favourite animal welfare organization.
4. Organise a peaceful demonstration in front of your community pet store that sells pets from puppy or kitten mills.
5. Have a National Pet Day party and celebrate all your pets!
6. Spend the day taking photos of your pets and then post them on our Facebook page!
7. Assist an ill, elderly or a financially struggling neighbour or friend by purchasing pet food, hay or needed items for their pets.
8. Purchase a National Pet Day Tee Shirt (or other gift items) to express your devotion to all animals.
9. Buy your pet a fun new toy....or two...or five.
10. Hire a professional pet photographer for a fun photo shoot.