I am Abhinaya, Operations Manager at HAS, and this is the story of the dog who changed my life forever. My sister and I had always dreamed of having a pet. Even as children, we were clear about one thing: we didn’t want to buy a dog; we wanted to adopt. We would eagerly collect newspaper clippings about pet adoptions, holding on to the hope that one day we would bring home a furry companion.
In 2007, we first heard about HAS through a friend. Visiting HAS changed everything.
The moment we walked in, it was truly love at first sight. Right at the front of the office was Julie — the first to greet every visitor. She was full of life, joy, and warmth, jumping around happily, inviting everyone to shower her with affection. There was something magical about her. Without a second thought, we knew she belonged with us.
Bringing Julie home was one of the best decisions our family ever made. She wasn’t just a pet — she was pure love. Gentle, friendly, and endlessly affectionate, Julie had a way of lighting up every moment. She brought a kind of happiness into our lives that words can hardly describe. But what we didn’t realise then was just how deeply she would shape our lives. Julie became my greatest teacher. Through her, I discovered the true meaning of unconditional love, compassion, and purpose. She inspired me to become a voice for the voiceless — to stand up for animals, to care, to advocate, and to dedicate my life to making a difference. She wasn’t just part of our family — she transformed it.
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Years later, Julie was diagnosed with kidney failure. Despite treatment and care, we eventually had to say goodbye. She crossed the rainbow bridge three years ago, at the incredible age of 17.
The void she left behind is immeasurable. No words can truly capture the silence, the absence, and the longing. Even today, her memories live on in every corner of our hearts. We remain forever grateful for the years we were blessed to share with her.
Julie will always be our angel — guiding us, inspiring us, and reminding us of love in its purest form.
I owe so much to HAS for bringing Julie into our lives. That one adoption changed everything.
And that’s why I say this with all my heart — adopt a pet. They don’t just become a part of your life; they transform it in the most beautiful way possible. Why buy, when the same love — if not more — awaits you in a shelter or on the streets?
Today, even though we have three other adopted pets, the void Julie left could never truly be filled. Yet, love found its way back to us in another special form.
We welcomed Nivi into our home — a tiny pup who came to HAS after a road accident left one of her hind legs beyond saving. Now a proud three-legged dog, Nivi is nothing short of extraordinary. Every single day, she teaches us resilience, strength, and the true spirit of living life to the fullest.
In many ways, Julie started this journey — and Nivi continues to carry her light forward.
I am who I am today because of Julie. She didn’t just change my life — she gave it purpose.
