Verb : move away aimlessly from a group or from the right course or place.
Adjective : not in the right place; separated from the group or target.
Noun : a stray person or thing, especially a domestic animal.
Does any of the above annotation mirror anything positive in any way? To associate a mortal with the term ‘stray’ is like associating him with melancholy – which is doubtlessly not something to feel great about. Despite all this, does one term change the familiar fact that every soul grows under the same sky and breaths the same air, thus deserving to be treated as one among all?
My next question is, aren’t animals specifically dogs included among mortals? Of course they are! Then why are they treated dissimilarly? One thing is certain, that the sphere is a stir of explicit emotions ; where on one hand you find people who scorn at the view of a stray, on the other you will also find people who will give it their best to serve those very same strays.
In special regard to India (because I live here and know the prevalent situation), I can firmly state that more than half of the society disdains and cringes at the sight of noticing stray dogs wandering on roads. As an observant, I also see those same set of people exhibiting a different side of them when they spot a dog owned by their friend. Why? Because those dogs aren’t stray? Because they happen to come from a certain ‘breed’? And how does that make a difference? A dog is a dog, all of them irrespective of their breed – crave to relish love and care. Feeling pity for the crowd that display such differentiation towards these innocent beings, makes me wonder at times on how would have they felt if a dog reverted in the same demeanor as them – overlooking the one’s apart from their owners and randomly barking at others, making them ponder over things they did that got them such grumbling and growling in return!
To be afraid of dogs is natural. But, to be afraid based only on their breed and the fact that they are stray is so inconvenient. Like any other animal, they don’t react unless you force an action upon them. And anyway, there’s no guarantee that the dogs being pampered at home who are well-trained and vaccinated will never bite you or will behave the way you want them to when left on a lone street to take a stroll.
Being a true dog-lover, I absolutely adore dogs heedless of the pedigree they pertain to ; but I won’t deny that I have a little extra soft spot towards the stray’s. I feed and have four of them at my home, my cousin in the same town has a golden retriever and my best friend has a black labrador – honestly, I fail to observe anything different in any one of them, rather I can trace an ample of similarities. When set free without a leash in a lush green garden, all of them would play happily and joyfully with one another – a distinctive point that we as humans need to learn from these angelic souls – if they share no differences then who are we?
I ardently support animal welfare centers like Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre founded by Mrs Maneka Gandhi, The Welfare of Stray Dogs , International Rescue Dog Organization, PeTA India, Jaagruti – Animal Helplines in Delhi and NCR , PAWS – Save Animals Save Environment, Animal Welfare Association, Humane Society International – Street Dog Welfare, Karuna Animal Welfare Association – the list is endless and I’m so glad that there are remarkably varied people and associations who wish the best for animals and tirelessly support the cause all around the globe – immense respect and kudos to you!
For all the viewers, the only appeal I want to make to you is to shower your love and affection towards these sinless souls. They aren’t zombies who’ll eat you up! The best you can do is to avoid shooing them away – the least you can deliver to them are your leftovers. Let love shine in a language that you’ll cherish!