L ast month, I had the opportunity to revisit the HAS sanctuary and shelter. Being one of the board members, I don’t get to visit Coimbatore often enough. And so when I do, I cherish every moment and make each day count. And when I was asked to pen some words on my visit, I was more than happy.
Sanctuary
On a 1.5 acre land just outside Coimbatore, the sanctuary is nestled in a pleasant area full of greenery and trees. The entrance proudly announces Humane Animal Society. The sanctuary currently consists of 100+ dogs, cats, cows and a pony, all permanent residents who will live out the rest of their lives there, protected and taken care of. It is a haven for them, in all its true sense. A happy and safe place. The 100+dogs are housed in separated enclosures. Each enclosure is of varying size, and contains dogs appropriate for its area, to give them enough room to play, run, and for each to have own space should they require. Each enclosure is part open to the sky, for plenty of fresh air & sun & tree-shades, and partly with built rooms for shelter from sun & rain. It was a pleasure to see the dogs jumping & frolicking around in their enclosures, happily and incessantly barking away. The dogs are separated according to their personalities, sizes, abilities and temperaments. And who knows their personalities better than Perumal, the main member of a team of 5. Perumal, his wife Saraswathi and son Sundar live there, within the premises, and care for all four legged residents 24x7, attending to their every need, feeding them, loving them, playing with them. Along with them are two more staff members—Ganga and Sophia, all excellent caregivers who were giving the dogs a bath one by one when I was visiting. They know all the animals by name, and genuinely care for them. Having seen the sanctuary’s past struggles for stable caregivers, this team warmed my heart.
Within the main compound of the sanctuary, there is a separated cattery. When we initially invested in the cattery, it was a much smaller place, a simpler enclosure. We weren’t sure how it would fare, since cats & their minds are anything but simple. It was such a pleasant surprise to see it developed into not only a bigger space, but with more enriching and stimulating environment. My unfamiliar footsteps set the residents scurrying in their hiding places to observe me. With several pairs of eyes examining me from their concealed safe spots, I was delighted to discover that the cattery has rooms with various climbing poles, elevated observations options, scratching posts, and an isolation space for when required. There are plans to make some changes. But for now, it works perfectly fine.
The sanctuary has room to grow, to improve, as is always the case. For the main part of growing, it has a building for establishing a proper veterinary hospital. Part of the infrastructure is there, what is needed is someone with time and vision to see it through.
Shelter
A more serious place in the city, the shelter is where the action is. Where the four-legged patients are brought in, and where treatment is provided, and where recuperation ensues. It was a pleasure to meet the team that makes it happen - doctors, vet assistants, animal handlers, coordinators – patient welfare and communication. Dr. Abhilash, Dr. Shyam, Dr. Kaavya, Athira, Ishwarya, Viswa, along with 11 other staff members – all young bright minds eager to make a difference in the lives of animals. To roll one's sleeves, step into the heat & humidity of the day, clean the injured animals’ wounds, manage their incontinence, deal with their fearful aggression, and yet smile while doing it day after day – it was a humbling experience. One that I carried back with me with pride and warmth.
