Abandoned on the streets, these canines carried deep scars. But through adoption, they found families willing to love them unconditionally. Amisha Rajani traces the journeys of four such rescued petsFrom abandoned from abandoned to adored: Kaira’s to adored: Kaira’s journey home journey home Nisha Parikh | Mother of a LabradorWhen Hyderabad-based Nisha Parikh first saw a picture of Kaira, a Labrador abandoned after years of neglect, she could not look away. “There was something in her eyes that stayed with me,” she recalls.Found on the streets while pregnant, Kaira was battling obesity, depression and maggot-infested wounds. She later lost all her puppies and struggled physically and emotionally even after being rescued.For Nisha, who have long cared for strays, adopting Kaira felt natural. “Once you see what abandonment does to an animal, buying a dog doesn’t feel right.”But bringing her home was only the beginning. With patience and care, Kaira began to change. The frightened dog who once carried visible scars of neglect now moves around the house with confidence.Today, Kaira is the queen of the house. “We thought we were giving Kaira a home,” she says. “But honestly, she gave us something much bigger in return.” Chillar, Darkie & Maya’s second chance at life and loveSuchi Boddupalli| Mother of a Great DaneFor Suchi Boddupalli, adopting abandoned dogs was never about breed or pedigree, it was about giving them a second chance at love and safety.Her journey began with Chillar, a Great Dane adopted through a shelter when she was barely a month old. Unable to stand because her bones had not developed, Chillar spent her early days crawling instead of walking.“Vets suggested we put her down, but we didn’t give up on her, and neither did she,” Suchi recalls. One day, the Great Dane stood up on all fours for the first time — a moment Suchi says is one of her happiest memories. Chillar went on to live another decade.Each adopted pet had a story to tell. Darkie, a Cocker Spaniel, was separated from his family of six years. Maya, also a Cocker Spaniel, had been moved between two homes before finding stability with Suchi’s family. These experiences, Suchi says, only strengthened her belief in adoption. From highway hell of abandonment to a loving homeVarun Chabaria| Dad to a Saint BernardWhen Varun Chabaria heard about Laddoo, a Saint Bernard abandoned along a highway, the dog was fighting for survival.A friend’s father had spotted the massive breed tied to a tree in the middle of the highway and informed Varun about his condition. What rescuers found was heartbreaking — Laddoo was severely underweight, dehydrated, suffering from tick fever, unable to stand properly, and had also suffered a snake bite. Doctors later discovered that he also had a heart condition.For Varun, who has long been involved in animal rescue work, walking away was never an option. “I have always believed that animals deserve love and care irrespective of their breed or condition,” he says.But the road to recovery was far from easy. Laddoo required intensive medical care, emotional reassurance, and constant monitoring. “He had to be given more than 30 medicines and supplements regularly,” Varun recalls. Helping the large dog overcome fear and anxiety after trauma was another major challenge.Despite the odds, Laddoo slowly began recovering with patience and care. Today, the once-abandoned Saint Bernard has transformed into a cherished member of the family.Chosen by love: Murphy’s new beginningLavanya and ShrEYAS | Parents of a Terrier mixWhen Lavanya and Shreyas Butle first saw Murphy, a Terrier mix rescued from the streets, it was through a WhatsApp status shared by their friend Krishna, who works with BK Feeders and Aasra Foundation. At the time, Murphy had been abandoned near a building in a weak condition. “He was drinking muddy water when he was found,” says the couple.Murphy was rescued and cared for by Krishna untilhe regained strength and was ready for adoption.For Lavanya and Shreyas, adoption was the only choice. “We never thought about buying a dog. As soon as we decided we were ready for a new family member, we knew we wanted to adopt and give a home to someone who needed one.”Murphy, now a yearand-a-half, is also their first pet. “He’s adapting like a dream,” they share. “Every day is like a step forward.”
