Calendar 2012
happy families
Each hour, every day, thousands of dogs are born in India. Strays or the Indian dogs as we might choose to call them, most of these animals are unwanted and left to wander the streets and some of them end up in shelters. Several pure bred dogs are also carelessly abandoned by their owners each day. Thousands of healthy and well behaved animals end up in local shelters as strays, disowned animals and impoundments. As new animals arrive, the chances of several dogs being rendered homeless increases in a big way.
Each animal adopted is a life spared. We might often hear people dismiss the importance of adopting native dogs and abandoned animals from shelters saying “Well, we can’t rescue them all.” Sadly, that is true. But we can rescue some of them. This little parable sums it up.
One day, a man was walking on the beach. He saw, in the distance, what looked to be a boy frantically tossing rocks into the sea. As he got closer, he saw the boy actually was throwing starfish, which littered the beach as far as the eye could see, back into the ocean. The tide had washed the starfish ashore, and now that the sun was rising in the sky, they all surely were doomed to dry up and die. The man asked the boy what he was doing. The boy replied that he was trying to get as many of the creatures as he could back into the saving coolness of the ocean.“But there are millions of starfish washed up on the beach,” said the man. “What you are doing just doesn’t make a difference.” Picking up a starfish and casting it back into the water, the boy said simply,
“ Made a difference to that one.”
The calendar celebrates people and families who made shelters the first choice for looking to add a pet to their home, with the message that
A person is the best thing to happen to a homeless dog.
CUPA, a profile Founded in 1991, Compassion Unlimited Plus Action is a well known animal protection and welfare organization. It works to reduce animal suffering and advocates for better laws, provides direct care to more than 10,000 wild and domestic homeless animals and a host of services for animal care and relief. CUPA campaigns for humane awareness and animal welfare through educational talks at public institutions and writing in local newspapers. Encouraging compassion through adoption by participating in non-print media and public relations forums, we also collaborate with other non-profit organizations to challenge the courts on issues ranging from the inhumane conditions of farm animal transport to cruelty involving captive elephants and other animals.
WRRC, a profile The Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Center was founded in 2000, in response to the need of small wild mamals, birds and reptiles found in the city by way of confiscation, injury or orphaned. It is the sister organization of CUPA. Around 500 wild animals and birds are received by the wildlife center at Bannerghatta every year. Handled by dedicated staff and veterinarians, these precious wild animals and birds need careful monitoring, specialized diets, treatments and knowledgeable handling so that they can be released in their habitats in the wild, where they belong. We consider this an important center for the city, since it helps to sustain and protect Bangalore’s depleting wildlife. WRRC also helps to raise awareness on conservation isssues and the need to protect the environment. Legal action, research on elephants in captivity, and changing public attitudes to cruelties and abuse on wild animals has been an important mandate for us. Both CUPA and WRRC are registered with the Animal Welfare Board of India. They have Income Tax exemption for all donations in India and charity status in the United Kingdom. They are registered as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations in the United States.
Proceeds from the sale of this calendar will go towards the rescue, feeding, treatment and housing of animals at both CUPA and WRRC www.cupabangalore.org I www.wrrcbangalore.org
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REPUBLIC DAY
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Every household in the village of Venkatapura near Koramangala includes a much adored dog as a part of the family. Pappi, an abandoned orphan from CUPA was adopted by Harshitha, Ankitha and their family. The bright little fellow likes to follow his sisters everywhere and is always ready for a game which involves lots of running and jumping. He loves Sundays because he can have Harshitha and Ankitha all to himself.
Pappi with his sisters on a lovely Sunday afternoon.
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mahashivratri
During a visit to Sunny’s in Bangalore, one would surely spot Blacky or Prince happily soaking up the sun as guests come in and go. Every once in a while letting the world around know of their love through their nudges, friendly barks and little games. These are two gorgeous black Indian dogs adopted by Arjun Sajnani at his restaurant and they truly complete the place with their presence. Blacky lounging around with Arjun at Sunny’s
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ugadi
Foxey made his way into the hearts of Claudia Scott and her kids right from the time the family moved into Bangalore in 2008. When wandering the streets in their development, Foxey took to Claudia’s kids Matilda and Calum and they to him. Despite odds, it was clear to Claudia that Foxey had become an inseparable part of their family. He is much doted upon by them and can often be seen accompanying the kids to play or lounging in his comfortable bed as they toil away at homework. Gorgeous Foxey with Calum and Matilda
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Gigi’s congenital condition took away one of her limbs when she was a puppy, but that was even more of a reason for Sheila Narayan and her husband to adopt her almost eleven years ago. Fiesty Gigi loves her beds and challenging her brother Toby at play and usually gets her way. Toby joined the family when they found him as a frail little pup, lost on the streets. Rani recently joined the brood and is very adept at keeping the family on their toes with her sense of humour and playful spirit. Gigi (far left),Toby (center), and Rani (right) bask in the evening light during Sheila’s tea break
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may DAY
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Jogi is the gentle soul and braveheart, whose sixth sense prevailed in the midst of his turmoil and illness, years ago when he was a puppy and wandering alone. It led him to his home which was with TV presenter, Maya Sharma and her husband Nandu. Jogi is at the very heart of Maya and Nandu’s lives and has been with them for over six years now. He loves to be perched in the balcony taking stock of the goings on and passers by, making astute observations about the world around him. Jogi and Maya share a laugh after an evening walk
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Every household in the village of Venkatapura near Koramangala includes a much adored dog as a part of the family. Every one of them was either an abandoned orphan or a homeless stray from CUPA. Despite their modest means, the love these folk feel for their dogs is so moving. One would be amazed to see how effortlessly their lives are entwined with their happy, faithful companions. Seen here is that companionship shared by mighty, gentle Gunda and the spirited lady Gullamma. Gunda and Gullamma
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Little Berlin was found as a pup in a nearby park by Archana and her husband Sean about a year ago. They took him in immediately and he has been their bundle of love and energy ever since. Berlin loves to accompany Archana to Jaaga, an artist collective that she runs in the city. He likes to be discreetly seated by her feet in her office gnawing at his bone as Archana gets on with work and meetings. Sean and Berlin have quick chat as Archana works on at Jaaga
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independence DAY
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id-ul-fitr
Kumar, a plumber by profession adores dogs and has consistently rescued or adopted them, from CUPA and other places. Despite their simple means, his wife and he provide for a loving home for their three dogs. His faithful Ramu accompanies him everywhere, from the neighbourhood tea shop to his plumbing jobs. Every household in Kumar’s village of Venkatapura near Koramangala has wholeheartedly welcomed a homeless dog from CUPA into their home. Ramu and Kumar exchange moment of warmth before Kumar heads off to work
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30 Linda was found as a puppy on the streets by Denzil George who took her home into the loving care of his daughter Jenny, and Liz, his wife. Linda’s energy, sense of humour and love keeps Jenny on her toes and their home filled with laughter. The family believes that the rightful way to welcome a pet into one’s home is by adopting what is already available to us through nature - the homeless strays that are left to fend for themselves in a difficult world. Linda, Jenny and Liz catch an interesting sight
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Bakrid
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Those who don’t have dogs have no idea what they might be missing, says Mrs Prema who is 80, fiercely independent and lives on her own with six beautiful Indian dogs. She has rescued several over the years, the recent one being Lucky who was found outside her house as a puppy, badly injured with little chances of surviving. She never gave up on him and instead painstakingly nursed him back to health. Today he is a striking fellow with beautiful eyes, and totally devoted to her. Mrs Prema with takes in a quiet moment with Lakshman (left), Lucky (right) and Saani (far right)
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Bingo was adopted from CUPA by RK Reddy and his family when he was just four weeks old. A survivor, he bravely fought a lethal illness when he was just a puppy. His family was constantly amazed by his will to live and helped him make it through the battle. Today, three years later, he stands tall, strong and handsome, brimming with love and extremely clever ideas. One of his favourite pastimes is plotting to discreetly make his way into the kitchen and make lots of food items disappear into thin air. Bingo’s favourite morning walk with his master
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Ishwari and her brothers who live in Venkatapura, love little Jimmy to bits and there’s always a squabble for his attention which the little fellow enjoys. Like Ishwari and her family, every household in their village has adopted a homeless dog from CUPA. Despite their modest means, the love these large hearted folk feel for their dogs is so moving and unconditional. Little Ishwari and Jimmy
About the artist Ramya is a visual artist/photographer and a passionate dog lover based out of Bangalore. She photographed for, designed and helped produce the CUPA / WRRC calendar 2011 and now 2012 - a project close to her heart. She hopes to help spread the message of adoption through this calendar by sharing real stories that show just how gratifying and beautiful adopting a homeless or an abandoned dog can be. On behalf of CUPA and WRRC, she thanks all the wonderful people who agreed to be photographed and be a part of the CUPA calendar 2012. To reach her, please email ramya@ramyareddy.com www.ramyareddy.com Angel was adopted from CUPA, a year ago by Ramya and her husband Rajesh. It was love at first sight with little Angel for the both of them. Angel is a trooper who fought back a broken leg and can now play chase with his brother Yogi (also adopted) at blinding speeds. He loves to spend most of his day playing, being cuddled and is very particular about his slumber times. Ramya thinks he has the most gorgeous ears and gets away with all the mischeif because of how convincingly innocent they make him look. Angel relaxes on his favourite couch after hard morning’s play while Ramya works away.