The Voiceless

Delhi summer touched 47°C this time. Scorching hot isn’t it? We can’t go out and roam about with our friends. Not in the afternoon heat at least. We simply while away our time sitting indoors with the A/C conveniently cooling the room, cribbing about the heat and sweat and everything related to it.
If I would ask you to stand outside in the heat for an hour, you would probably think I am mentally unstable and stay put wherever you are. So, now that you know that you can’t stand out in the heat for an hour even if I provided you with water, imagine the predicament of all those street cats and dogs that stay out day in and day out without food or water or A/C’s or shade. They are out all day with the scorching sun burning the very life out of them. Feel sad? Here’s what you can do.

     Below are some simple steps you can follow to help the voiceless:

1.     The first basic step you should follow regardless of the weather is, NOT THROWING STONES AT THEM. Many animals, mainly dogs die because of small wounds caused to them by humans throwing stones. They get a small cut or gash and obviously since they don’t have any medical help, these wounds aggravate leading to fatal conditions. The infection spreads and they slowly succumb to it. Keep in mind that they won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt them. If you really are too afraid, don’t throw the stone directly at them but at their side, it will scare them off without hurting them.

2.     Buy a mitti a donga (mud bowl) and put water in it. Keep it near your house or someplace where you know dogs can find it. Refill the water at least thrice a day. Water is an essential in summers. You have no idea how thirsty the dogs are on the streets, you will really help them by providing them with water.

3.     Give them food. Ask your mom to make 2 rotis extra; I’m sure she won’t mind. You can also give them bread; buy half a packet extra, it only costs around 10 rupees. Feed them at least twice a day and if you can’t then, once a day is absolutely essential.

4.      If possible give them milk once a day. It will help them grow. Also, milk is a delightful treat for cats, kittens and pups.

5.     Make sure there is at least one pup or kitten in your locality that is solely your responsibility. There are plenty of litters in every locality who die due to lack of care, over speeding and care less drivers and starvation. Make sure he/she eats and drinks enough to stay healthy.

Just following these five basic steps will help make a difference in saving lives. Plus, you will feel good about yourself. Help those who can’t ask for help.