Hyderabad Heroes: Meet Anushka, a lifeline for lost & abandoned pets
Hyderabad: In a world often overshadowed by selfishness, there are still inspiring individuals who embody kindness. One such person is Anushka, the co-founder of the organisation “Adoptions For Hyderabad.” She has become a powerful supporter of voiceless creatures, taking a stand for innocent animals in need.
Anushka’s passion for animal welfare began at a young age. “I have always loved humans, plants, and animals, anything in the world,” she explained. Her journey started when she began volunteering at animal shelters at the age of 12. It was then that she was exposed to the harsh realities of animal cruelty, witnessing cases of paralysis, abuse, and even murder. “It hit me harder than I expected, and I decided, ‘I will help any living being in need as much as I can.’” Now, at 22, Anushka continues her mission, fostering motherless pups and abandoned animals until they are ready for adoption. “I’m extremely blessed to have a supportive family who has accepted that any time I come home, I might have a new creature with me,” she said.
When asked about the motivation behind starting her organisation, Anushka expressed her concern about society’s narrow view of development. “The world’s biggest problem is its skewed development version,” she stated. “We’ve created environments that cater only to humans, neglecting the needs of other living beings.” This imbalance has led to a lack of space for animals. Adoptions For Hyderabad aims to promote coexistence, ensuring that basic needs like food and shelter are accessible to all species.
One of the biggest challenges Anushka faces is the discrimination against Indian dogs. “Ironically, convincing people to adopt an Indian dog is one of the largest challenges,” she said. Many potential adopters prioritise foreign breeds, influenced by social media trends and perceptions of status. “People don’t realise that many abandoned dogs are of these foreign breeds, often due to high maintenance needs that adopters underestimate.”
Despite facing challenges, Anushka has celebrated numerous success stories. She proudly shared, “We have had over 300 successful adoptions so far.” One memorable case was Kishmish, a tail-less Indie cat. After surviving a tragic accident that claimed her family, Kishmish was adopted by her foster, who recognised that love knows no physical differences.
Anushka highlighted the impact of adopting a pet. “By adopting a pet, you’re teaching unconditional love and kindness,” she said. The act of caring for an animal fosters responsibility and accountability, enriching the lives of both the pet and its owner.
To support “Adoptions For Hyderabad,” Anushka is actively seeking volunteers. “We need help in various areas, including social media, rescue operations, transport, fostering, and fundraising,” she explained. Currently, the organisation operates solely online with a small team of five co-founders, Himabindu Madala, Akshay Chippada, Yasaswini Polavarapu, and Arundhati.
Looking to the future, Anushka has ambitious plans. “We aim to open a shelter for senior and disabled animals, which will also serve as temporary foster care,” she shared. “We’re looking for investors to help bring this vision to life.”
Adoptions For Hyderabad also organises community events. “Recently, we collaborated with other NGOs for activities like ‘Paint with Puppies’ and ‘Yoga with Puppies,’” Anushka said. Additionally, they conducted a vaccination drive recently, vaccinating over 180 dogs across Hyderabad.
For those considering pet adoption, Anushka offers this advice, “Don’t dream of a perfect pet. Adopting a dog means bringing home a family member with its own personality. Raising a dog is challenging but one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.”
The adoption process is straightforward. Potential adopters first speak with the team to ensure the right match, followed by filling out an adoption form. Anushka highlighted the importance of seeing a dog as a family member rather than just a breed or a cute puppy.
Ultimately, Anushka believes that the right adopters are those who are genuinely interested in the responsibilities of pet ownership and are ready to embrace the unique personalities of their future companions. “Raising a dog is much like raising a child and they have the same needs, and their care should be approached with love and commitment.”
With her strong dedication, Anushka inspires others to join the fight for animal welfare in Hyderabad, proving that even in a world often filled with challenges, compassion and kindness can grow even in tough times.
View this post on Instagram
