Born to parents of an inter-caste marriage, Geetha Rani was not accepted by her family and was isolated by her own cousins. This made her realize the importance of love and affection. While she was a child, she made up her mind dedicate her life towards caring. As a child, Geetha’s best companions were the close to dozen dogs that her family owned. Back then, during her free time, she was always in the company of these pets. Several years have passed and today, Geetha has for her company over 400 homeless dogs that she shelters and takes care in her 'Snehalaya' Animal Shelter home that is located on Mettupalayam Road.
“Love and affection are the pillars of a better world. As, I was denied of love and affection as a child, I knew how important love is important for any life. And, today I am looking after these over 400 dogs that are denied love and affection. I do not like to call them dogs, they are my children.” Geetha’s face lights up with a smile as she says this.
A majority of dogs who are taken care of by Geetha in her shelter home have been rescued by her who have been left on the streets by their owners and a few dogs are victims of hit and run road accidents.
'As soon as we receive a call for help, we swing into action and visit the location, regardless of what time it is. If we find the dog injured, we immediately take them to the veterinarian first and only then do we bring it to this shelter home.” Geetha introduces us to Balan who drives her in a customized vehicle to the location. She tells us that Balan has been accompanying her in rescuing dogs for the last four years.
Better known as the ‘Dog Lady of Coimbatore’ 62-year old Geetha shares with us that she looks after the dogs just like a mother takes care of her children. The dogs in her care are bathed regularly. A veterinarian visits this shelter home and examines the dogs once a week. Geetha cooks different meals for her dogs every day. The menu includes a mix of rice, vegetables, chicken and meat. The dogs who have made it to this shelter home do not leave her home. It has been 12-years since Geetha is involved in rescuing and sheltering abandon dogs and little does Geetha know how time flies.
To assist her in looking after the dogs and their daily needs, Geetha has employed three women care-takers who stay at her shelter home and two men helpers who get back to their home after calling it a day. Funds to take care of the dogs are from her pocket and known sources sometimes do make a contribution in cash or in kind.
“I wish that dogs are treated with love and affection. It is painful to know that many people are cruel towards these animals. A majority of people are unaware of the section 11 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, as amended from time to time, provides that if any person beats, kicks, overrides, over-drives, over-loads, tortures or otherwise treats any animal so as to subject it to unnecessary pain or suffering, he or she shall be punishable with fine and/or imprisonment.” Geetha says. Awareness she says can help in changing this attitude of the people.
Last year, city-based short film maker T R Vijayanand made a 25-minute film titled ‘Gnamali’. A few scenes of this film were recorded live at Geetha’s shelter home. This short-film was released on World Stray Animals Day last April. Geeta tells us that ever since this film went viral, calls for help in rescuing stray dogs have been pouring in.