VOSD #Patriotdogs Campaign
Thousands of dogs serve our country as part of the Indian Army, the Police, the Railway Police Force, CISF, etc. Many retire to VOSD. When VOSD launched the #patriotdogs campaign cricketers, leading stars from Hindi and Kannada cinema and TV, and other well-known celebrities came forward in its support. Through social media, dog-loving stars such as Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, Rahul Dravid, Venkatesh Prasad, Nana Patekar, Boman Irani, Soha Ali Khan, Ashwini Ponnappa, Prasad Bidapa, Sanjjanaa Galrani, Kitu Gidwani, Divya Seth Shah, and Nitin Sahrawat have asked their fans and followers to contribute to #PatriotDogs. The campaign is also endorsed by leading football team, Bengaluru FC, and media giant, Reliance Entertainment.
VOSD calls the service dogs that serve the country #PatriotDogs. With VOSD’s deep experience of over 250,000+ medical treatments, 7,000+ rescues, and 750+ permanent dogs, and world-class medical and technological support, we have been keeping #PatriotDogs discharged by the Karnataka, Kerala, and Railway Police Forces among others.
#PatriotDogs are trained in various specialities such as explosive detection, tracking down insurgents or terrorists, and mounting massive search-and-rescues. From the tender age of just two months, they serve our country through the prime of their lives – usually 8-10 years. It’s a sad fact that till recently, they were euthanised at the end of their service. At the end of 2015, the courts put a stop to this tragic practice, but the concern remains the same. Where will these #PatriotDogs go when they can no longer serve?
They are not cute and cuddly and ready for adoption. Most are senior dogs, and they carry the weight of their jobs — most are arthritic, many have other illnesses as well. Some are younger but have been discharged from service due to medical reasons. From being working dogs, on duty every day, their lives suddenly change and they are confined to a kennel, away from their handlers. Neither can their handlers adopt them, as there is no pension or allowance to care for these #PatriotDogs.
At VOSD, we have approached – and in turn, been approached by – several organisations to provide a home for their retired #PatriotDogs. In the past year alone, we have added dogs from the Kerala Police, the Karnataka Police, the Railway Police Force, the Indian Army. Just last month, a one-year-old Police dog was declared unfit to serve due to a congenital heart condition. He came home to us.
We believe it’s time to do something for our #PatriotDogs, who have given us the best of their lives. This year, we want to add not just a few, but 100 #PatriotDogs to the VOSD Sanctuary.
#PatriotDogs like Chakki and Christy, two ageing German Shepherds from the Kerala Police, spent their time lying in the sun, or playing “fetch” with our team. #PatriotDogs like Arjun, a senior Labrador from the Karnataka Police – his handlers brought him from Hubli, and left him with a garland around his neck, and a tearful farewell.
We intend to do something for our #PatriotDogs, who have given us the best of their lives. This year, we want to add not just a few, but 100 #PatriotDogs to the VOSD Sanctuary. Support us on ket.to/patriotdogs
Read about #PatriotDogs here
Mashable, The Telegraph, The Indian Express, The Indian Defence Review
