Yuki sits under the table while Sara sneakily passes bits of biscuits to her. After a heavy meal, Yuki lays down listening to her mother hum and Sara rests her head on her fluffy stomach. As the clock strikes 4 pm, the two bolt to play a game of chase. Life is beautiful for Yuki today, but a few months ago, she was on the streets scrounging for leftovers and searching for shelter. She was abandoned by her owners, but thanks to RESQ, an animal welfare organisation, today she lives in a happy home.
‘Tis is the time of giving and RESQ, an animal welfare organisation, has released a music video outlining the story of Yuki the dog. The #IBelong movement aims to bring about a global movement that emphasises compassion, kindness, and love for animals.
What makes the video powerful is that it is based on a true story. Yuki was found lying helpless on the street with an inflamed wound (vaginal prolapse) that was completely infested by maggots. Apart from the physical injury, Yuki was also visibly confused, no doubt searching for her family.
“Despite the obvious pain she was in, she was extremely trusting, and the second we put her in the RESQ ambulance, her demeanor changed completely. She began to wag her little tail, shower us with kisses, and she refused to sit by herself (a human had to constantly be sitting by her side and cuddling her!),’ said Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President, RESQ.
“Her spirit and fortitude is just one example of the hundreds of abandoned pets we rescue every year.”Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President, RESQ
Through this video, RESQ wants to start the conversation not just about adoption, but also about helping an animal which has gone through so much trauma.
“Not only does it highlight the sheer terror and cruelty that results from one's decision to abandon a pet, but it also shows people that rescued animals are just as (if not more) affectionate, friendly, and deserving of love than any other animal. Above all, it is a rescued animal's tenacity and ability to trust and forgive that makes them so endearing, and we hope that this will resonate with viewers and erase the stigma that is often attached to a 'rescued' animal or adopting 'adult dog’,” said Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President, RESQ.
Sara’s mother Tanya believes that it is extremely important that humans realise adoption is not a favour to the puppy and that it is a commitment for both the human and animal.
“It's equally important for the child to familiarise herself with the dog's likes and dislikes, comfort and discomfort zones, and understanding the responsibility of caring for an animal – there needs to be a balance as it’s a new experience for both child and dog,” said Tanya Kane, adoptive parent.
“Today, Sara not only calls Yuki her best friend, but her sister. The two are now inseparable, and Yuki knows she’s here to stay!”Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President, RESQ
Like Yuki, RESQ provides shelter to over 13,000 injured, sick or abandoned animals every year. Out of these, at least 400 are abandoned pet dogs that have absolutely no chance of survival on the streets.
And for all those who prefer shopping to adopting, you have to check out RESQ’s Instagram page and it will give you all the warm and fuzzy feels you need.
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