The WSD Street Dogs Of India Calendar 2015

The WSD Street Dogs of India Calendar 2015

 Souvenirs of a Different Kind… Canine Keepsakes

The Snowy Sentinel – “Undaunted by the sudden snowfall that blitzed the Nathula Pass, this brave soldier never gave up his vigil at the Indo-China border.  The sub-zero temperatures were freezing but he stood guard on his territory, unmindful of the inclement weather conditions.” – Rutu Dave

Holidays mean different things to different people.  While they, no doubt, provide a break from one’s everyday routine, they are enjoyed in varied ways. For some a holiday means catching up with family and friends, for others it could be a time to unwind in solitude, for yet others it could mean taking off to distant horizons to experience places unknown.  Whatever be the manifestation, every holiday leaves you with memories and souvenirs that last a lifetime.  

The Watchful Waif – “While we went on an expedition of discovery on the area around the hills of Koyna Dam, this little puppy looked curiously at us as if to say, 'This is my territory and so it shall remain'. I managed to capture the look of total ownership and bewilderment on his face.” - Sreeya Sen

The WSD Calendar for 2015 is a collection of souvenirs of a different kind. All the pictures have been captured by dog lovers, while taking time off.  Whether they’ve been challenging the elements at our snow capped borders, or enjoying a beach vacation or simply wandering the city streets on a weekend.  Every image evokes a memory for the photographer… a memory that helps them relive the pleasure they experienced at that time. 

The Royal Ranger – “This playful soul met us near the entrance of the Vijaydurg Fort in the Konkan region and proudly showed us around his little kingdom.  He led us to the highest rampart and surveyed the land that lay beneath as his own.” – Vishtasp Palkhiwalla

So come, join these Canine Keepsakes, as they take you on an incredible journey, spanning the length and breadth of our country.

The Monsoon Model – “I generally spend my weekends with my camera, roaming around Mumbai with my parents. One rainy morning, as I was strolling along Marine Drive, I chanced upon this little dog watching me curiously.  His smiling face prompted me to capture his friendliness through my roving lens.” – Rehaan Goregaoker 

About our photographers:  The images in this year’s calendar are as diverse as the people who have captured them.  Coming from varied backgrounds such as media and working professionals (Sreeya Sen, Vishtasp Palkhiwalla), blogger cum photographer and dietician cum diabetes educator (Anil Purohit, Rutu Dave), an 11 year old student (Rehaan Goregaoker) and NGO professionals (Rohan Mukerjee, Abodh Aras), these people have generously shared canine souvenirs they have brought back from their wanderings as also the memories and stories accompanying them.

This calendar would not have been possible without the support of  Direction Software Solutions

The calendar is available at various outlets in Mumbai. (Please see list given below). It can also be couriered to various cities outside Mumbai (check with us on the courier costs depending on the no and type). It is priced at Rs 150 each. (Wall and Desk) as a donation towards WSD's sterilisation, immunization and health care programmes. For outside Mumbai orders, you can e-mail on wsdindia@gmail.com or call 022-64222838 and we can speed-post it to you.

Outlets in Mumbai

South Mumbai

Kala Ghoda

WSD Office: C/o Mr F. Broacha, 2nd Flr, Yeshwant Chambers, B.Bharucha Marg, Near Fab India, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai – 23 Tel : 64222838 

Rhythm House : 40, K. Dubash Marg (Rampart Row), Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400023. Tel: 4322 2727 

Fort

Sleight of Hand:  Trafford House,  6, Prescott, Opposite Queens Mansion, Fort, 400 001.

Big Daddy, Lobby of Sterling Multiplex, Near CST, Mumbai 400 001

Churchgate

Dr Leena Dalal’s Clinic :Green Fields, Opposite Oval Maidan, Churchgate, Mumbai – 21 Tel: 66153497

Marine Lines

Dr Kurush and Dr Dipti's Clinic: Shop No 4 & 5, Silk House, JSS Road, Opp Kayanis, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai - 400002

Kemps Corner

Ibrahim’s Pet Shop :, Next to Crossword, Kemps Corner, Mumbai – Tel: 23806278 

Pawfect:  46, Hussain Manor, Bomanji Petit Street, Near Parsi General Hospital, Kemps Corner, Mumbai – Tel - 9820625092

Tardeo

Shake Hands My Pet Store - Shop No 8, Noor Mahal, Tardeo. Mumbai: 400 034  Tel : - 23515184

  

Central Mumbai

Dadar

 Dr Makrand Chavan’s Clinic : Shop No 1, Matoshree Tower, Kohinoor Mills Lane, Shivaji Park, Dadar – Mumbai- 28 Tel: 24380756

Kings Circle 

NADS, Room12,Shanti Niketan, Opp Kapol Nivas, Dr B A Road, Near Kings Circle,Mumbai. Tel : 24171984

Western Suburbs

Bandra

Paws and Furs : Shop No 3, Kailash,156, Waterfield Road, Bandra, Mumbai. Tel: 66990858

Tailwaggers : 16th Road, Behind Hawaian Shack, Bandra, Mumbai. Tel: 9820127572

Juhu

 Pawwfect, Shop No1. T135 Coalho's Compound (near Sangeeta apts). Juhu Tara Rd. Santacruz West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India 400049. Tel No :  9167719702

Andheri

Doggiie Dog World : Bunglow No.81, SVP Nagar, Janki Devi School Lane, MHADHA, Andheri, Mumbai. Tel : 91672 42218

  P.S. Please phone and check with outlet about availability before going

Cycle for WSD on April 24, 2011

Cycle for WSD in the BSA Hercules India Cyclothon on April 24, 2011 (Sunday) to be held at the Bandra Kurla Complex. You can fill the form to cycle for charity on April 22 and 23, 2011 ( Fri and Sat) from 10 am to 7 pm at the MMRDA grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex or call the Charity Helpline on 9833601068 for more details and tell them you want to cycle for WSD.

The whole entry fee of Rs 1000 would go as a donation to WSD. Look up the charity registration form at http://www.bsaindiacyclothon.com/documents/Website-Charity-Registration-Form.pdf

There are three categories for individuals

Junior Ride (8 to 13 years) Non - Competitive 06km
Amateur Ride (18 years and above) Non - Competitive 20km
LG Green Ride ( 14 years and above) Non- Competitive 10km

The Mumbai Twestival 2011

The Welfare of Stray Dogs(WSD) has been chosen as the NGO from Mumbai in the Twestival Local 2011 - an annual event that encourages local groups of Twitter users to raise money and awareness in aid of their favorite charities.

Twestival was born out of the idea that if cities were able to collaborate on an international scale, but work from a local level, it could have a spectacular impact. Since 2009, over 200 cities have participated by hosting offline events raising close to $1.2 million for 137 causes; most notably education and clean water.

Now, we need your help to spread the word and raise funds.  GiveIndia, the online fundraising partner, will be offering additional money to the city/NGO that raises the most and has the most donors. So far, over Rs.10,000 has been raised but we can do more.

You can donate as little as Rs.110 or as much as you’d like.  Here’s the link: http://www.giveindia.org/give/pledgepage/MumbaiTwestival

What else can you do?

1.  Put the link and this message as your Facebook status:
 

Help the Welfare of Stray Dogs win the Twestival by donating Rs.110 today!

2.  Tweet the link to your followers http://www.giveindia.org/give/pledgepage/MumbaiTwestival

3.  Write a blog post about the Twestival.
So, donate now and spread the word so that we get the maximum support for the Welfare of Stray Dogs. Let’s reach out and help the stray dogs of Mumbai! 

Also do come for the Mumbai Twestival Event 

Venue : Wtf, Khar, Mumbai

Date : 24th March,2011. Thursday.

Time: 7pm - 10 pm.

Entry fee is Rs 300 and above. So pay it to http://bit.ly/giveMumbai or you can pay it on the spot. Get a guest or two along. 

Here are the links.

On facebook : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198610060159079

On twitter : http://twtup.com/MumTwestival11 

Show us your support and be there.

If you still want to help us out, send a shout out to @mumtwestival or an email to rashiv@gmail.com

And big Woof here and see you there. 

Photo Credit : Rohan Mukerjee for The WSD-Strays of Mumbai Calendar 2010

WSD - Strays Of Mumbai Calendar 2010

The Welfare of Stray Dogs(WSD) has brought out the “Strays Of Mumbai” WSD Calendar 2010. This year, WSD has come out with 'wall' as well as 'desk' calendars. Both the calendars have a collection of photographs of street dogs that we come across in our daily commute through the city of Mumbai. Each dog has a unique character and some hidden quirks just like the people they live amongst. Both the calendars have distinctly different photographs taken by WSD volunteer, Rohan Mukerjee

Wall Calendar - Cover

Wall Calendar - March page

Desk Calendar - Cover

They are available for Rs 150 at the WSD- Kala Ghoda office and other outlets/vet clinics listed below who have been very kind and generous to stock them.Proceeds from the sale of calendars go towards WSD’s sterilization and other programmes.

South Mumbai
1) Rhythm House : 40, K. Dubash Marg (Rampart Row), Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400023. Tel: 4322 2727 2) WSD Office: C/o Mr F. Broacha, 2nd Flr, Yeshwant Chambers, B.Bharucha Marg, Near Fab India, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai – 23 Tel : 64222838 3) Dr Leena Dalal’s Clinic :Green Fields, Opposite Oval Maidan, Churchgate, Mumbai – 21 Tel: 66153497 4) Ibrahim’s Pet Shop : Kemps Corner, Mumbai – Tel: 23806278 5) Dr Tina Rustomji’s Clinic :Gamadia Polyclinic, Gamadia Colony, Tardeo – Mumbai - 34 Tel: 23519105 6) Dr Padam’s Clinic: Ground Floor, Mohini Mansion, Opposite Strand Cinema, Colaba, Mumbai – 400 005 7) It’s A Dog’s Life : Shop No 1 and 2, Pushpa Vihar, Opposite Colaba Post Office, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005. Tel : 22834842
Dadar
Dr Makrand Chavan’s Clinic : Shop No 1, Matoshree Tower, Kohinoor Mills Lane, Shivaji Park, Dadar – Mumbai- 28 Tel: 24380756
Bandra
1) Paws and Furs : Shop No 3, Kailash,156, Waterfield Road, Bandra, Mumbai. Tel: 66990858 2) Tailwaggers : 16th Road, Behind Hawaian Shack, Bandra, Mumbai. Tel: 9820127572
Khar
KPS My Pet Shop : Shop No 5, Shivanjali, Dr Ambedkar Road, Khar, Mumbai. Tel : 65913333
Juhu
Dr Sunita Patel’s Clinic : 3, Kartik, 12th Rd. New India Society, j.V.P.D. Scheme, Juhu, Mumbai 400 049 Tel : 26125790/26154082
Andheri
Dogaholics : Shop No 6, Garden View, Shastri Nagar, Lokhandwala , Andheri(W) – Mumbai. Tel : 9819004010
Chembur
KPS My Pet Shop: Shop No 27, Opp Wasan Motors, Sion-Trombay Rd, Chembur- Mumbai 71 Tel: 6591444

(Please telephone the respective outlet for their timings and availability)

Lest I forget

Last year, many strays that I knew passed away. Most of them were dogs that were old and had lived a good life on the street. They were looked after and cared for by someone. It becomes very tough when you lose a pet and for me it has always been tough to lose so many that I have known over the years. All these were strays that I had interacted very closely with and grown very fond of. This blog is dedicated to all of them.

The Nariman Point Kalu: The Sunday after the 26/11 terror attacks, I was in Nariman Point administering first-aid when a man who recognised me came running shouting "Doctor, Doctor ... Kalu mar gaya”. I asked him what had happened and he said “terrorist’s ne mar diya” and went onto describe how it happened. As I wondered how the terrorists could have been at Nariman Point… I realised later after reading newspaper reports about the terrorist attacks, that the man was telling the truth. I pieced together the man’s inputs with the newspaper reports on what could have happened.

After the terrorists had hijacked the police van from Metro and driven towards Nariman Point with a burst tyre, Kalu started chasing the vehicle as it was making a terrific noise. This happened at the traffic circle near the Mittal Towers. This was when the terrorists gunned him down, proceeded ahead and later took over the Skoda. The man, who met me told me that Kalu died instantaneously, had suffered bullet injuries and that they buried him near the sea.

The WIAA Kalu: I have known him ever since I started doing first aid in 1996. He died on January 23, 2009 at the WSD kennels of old age, when I was in Delhi for our Supreme Court case. Kalu was one of the most happy and resilient dogs I have known. He used to live in the Indian Merchant Chambers building at Churchgate where Irani Café, Stadium Restaurant is located. He was called the WIAA Kalu as one of the WIAA (Western India Automobile Association) drivers had brought him as a puppy sixteen years ago and all the WIAA drivers and staff used to love him and feed him. He was friends with Raju another reddish brown hairy dog who used to live here and died some years ago. Kalu was very affectionate. You would see him lying down near the 123 bus stop or on the footpath outside the IMC building. He used to make these bawling sounds on seeing me and wanted to be petted continuously. In his hey days, he would follow me to a point and then go back. Kalu has been through many maggot wounds, a liver problem, an accident where he was paralyzed but he came out strong. Whoever knew him, loved him including WSD volunteer Urvi Desai who had taken the photo that I have used alongside. Kalu was not very happy when they brought Rani,a bratty puppy to his 'ilaka' and used to act snooty with her at the beginning. He of course accepted her in some time. Rani still lives there but has glaucoma and must be missing Kalu like all of us.

Altamount Road’s Jimmy: I had known Jimmy for atleast twelve long years. Jimmy used to live in some tenements opposite the Washington House on Altamount Road. He was looked after by Rakesh who worked with Smoking Joe’s Pizza. I must confess that Jimmy was one of the few dogs that has bitten me. He used to hate me from the bottom of his heart for all the rabies immunization pokes and the maggot wound and other treatment given to him. It used to be easier to treat him when Rakesh was around , so we used to visit Jimmy during Rajesh's off-duty hours. During one such visit for a rabies vaccination, he must have though that this was his chance to take ‘badla’(revenge) and gave me a small bite on my leg when I turned around to leave.

Little did we know that when WSD volunteer,Rohan Mukerjee photographed him for the WSD 2009 calendar, he would not be around when it came out. Though he was street smart, I was very shocked to know that he was run over. He was one of the oldest dogs on this street and shared the tenement with Junior, a young reddish hairy dog.

The Rhythm House Kali: Kali too was very old, around sixteen. She used to live outside the Rhythm House at Kala Ghoda and used to be looked after the street dwelling family living on that foot-path. Kali used to be loved by all the street kids who also used to lovingly sit on her and she used to never protest. She too used to try and slink away when she saw me or when we had to treated her for any ailment; she used to give us a little chase upto the Kala Ghoda parking lot. She was the last of the many dogs that this street dwelling family has and younger ones had passed away before her. This photo was taken when one of the street kids wanted to put some X'mas decoration over her and she was getting ready to dart off on seeing me. The other one is of her, feeling at 'home', outside Rhythm House.

The ‘D’ Road Moti: Moti was a favorite with all the residents of Vishnu Mahal on D road at Churchgate and he used to take turns of going to different people's houses on various floors of the building for a hearty meal. You, thus would not have been surprised seeing his size. He was really huge. He used to be a good guard dog in the building and always watched me suspiciously when we used to go to give him his annual rabies vaccinations or treatment. Moti was atleast fifteen and died of liver failure and was given a tearful adieu by the Vishnu Mahal residents and me at the animal hospital crematorium.

Fashion Street Rocky: He used to live on Fashion Street not very far from The Bombay Gymkhana. He was brought there thirteen years ago by the street dwelling family whose one son still runs a cutting chai outfit on the foot-path at the entrance to Azad Maidan. Rocky was black with ‘dobe’eyes. He used to go berserk on seeing me and used to jump up and down literally trying to reach upto my chin. A volunteer who was doing a photography project had clicked a photo of him jumping in mid-air at me. Rocky has had his share of maggot wounds and the bald patch on his head was due one such terrible maggot wound which WSD’s volunteer from Germany, David Murphy had cured. Rocky was like a cat with nine lives. Some years ago, one day whilst passing by, I found him in a terrible condition, listless, not able to get up and with a very bad maggot wound. He was taken to the WSD kennels and over time, he healed and was happy to be back. Rocky would generally be lazying around on the edge of the Bombay Gymkhana grounds, on the Azad Maidan or between the parked motorcycles on the Fashion street foot-path. When ever I am passing his hide-outs, I wish that he would mysteriously appear from some where and greet me with his signature jump. Here is a photo of Rocky and his Maidan friends.

The Parsi Kua Rani: She was the gentlest dog that I have ever known. She used to live at the Parsi Kua or the Bhikaji Behram well, near Fountain. She has been living there for the last fifteen years and she was a very gentle dog loved by the Parsi worshippers who visit this holy place and of course the attendants who doted on her. They were always very concerned about her and used to call WSD very promptly if she was suffering from any ailment. She used to either be sitting at the door under the photograph of Zarathustra or on one of the green wooden benches or somewhere near the well. She was a very willing patient, be it for her tick infestation or her rabies immunization. She will be truly missed by all of us.

To be continued.....

Photo Credits :

Jimmy: WSD Volunteer,Rohan Mukerjee...taken for the WSD 2009 Calendar.

WIAA Kalu : WSD volunteer, Urvi Desai

And Mumbai ran again

Every year in January, Mumbai runs in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon. This year too, WSD volunteers and supporters ran along with hundreds of young and old who were running for various causes and companies.

The Dream run which chugs or walks along the V.T. – Fountain-Marine Drive-Flyover-Metro stretch always attracts the maximum participants. There were people running for various causes for NGO’s like Akanksha, Aseema, Unmeed, Magic Bus, Unmeed, CRY, Friends Of Tribals, Asha, Nanhi Kali and many more.

It was a quiet moment when we passed the Trident and the runners applauded the staff that was standing outside for their courage during the Mumbai Terror Attacks.

Every year, our Regalwala Kalu gives us company. We have spotted him at various places during the Marathon. He really likes people and this year one of our volunteers who was at Chowpatty running the Half Marathon called and told me that Kalu was giving her company.

Luke Kenny, who starred in Rock On lent WSD his support and ran in the Dream Run.

The WSD - "Strays Of Mumbai" Calendar 2009

The Welfare of Stray Dogs for the first time has brought out the “Strays Of Mumbai” WSD Calendar 2009. The calendar features strays from various parts of Mumbai and catch them in different moods that show what an inseparable part of our lives they are. All the photographs have been taken by WSD volunteer, Rohan Mukerjee.

They are available for Rs 150 at the WSD- Kala Ghoda office and other outlets/vet clinics listed below who have been very kind and generous to stock them.

Proceeds from the sale of calendars go towards WSD’s sterilization and other programmes.

South Mumbai
1) Dogy Articles, Shop No 4, Daulat, Near Colaba Post Office, Colaba, Mumbai Tel: 22162869
2) WSD, C/o Mr F. Broacha, 2nd Flr, Yeshwant Chambers, B.Bharucha Marg, Near Fab India, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai – 23 Tel : 64222838
3) Dr Leena Dalal’s Clinic – Green Fields, Opposite Oval Maidan, Churchgate, Mumbai – 21 Tel: 66153497
4) Ibrahim’s Pet Shop, Kemps Corner, Mumbai – Tel: 23806278
5) Tog Dog, 45, Husain Manor, Petit Road, Breach Candy, Mumbai- 26 Tel: 9820070992
6) Dr Tina Rustomji’s Clinic – Gamadia Polyclinic, Gamadia Colony, Tardeo – Mumbai - 34 Tel: 23519105
Dadar
Dr Makrand Chavan’s Clinic – Shop No 1, Matoshree Tower, Kohinoor Mills Lane, Shivaji Park, Dadar – Mumbai- 28 Tel: 24380756
Bandra
Paws and Furs, Shop No 3, Kailash,156, Waterfield Road, Bandra, Mumbai. Tel: 66990858
Tailwaggers, 16th Road, Behind Hawaian Shack, Bandra, Mumbai. Tel: 9820127572
Khar
KPS My Pet Shop, Shop No 5, Shivanjali, Dr Ambedkar Road, Khar, Mumbai. Tel : 65913333
Chembur
KPS My Pet Shop, Shop No 27, Opp Wasan Motors, Sion-Trombay Rd, Chembur- Mumbai 71 Tel: 6591444
(Please telephone the respective outlet for their timings and availability)