Alappuzha: Fund-raising for saviours of stray dogs goes global

Alappuzha: A fund-raising drive for homeless widows Ayesha and Amminiamma who take care of over 100 stray dogs at their temporary shelter has gone global.

The campaign launched a couple of weeks ago with the support of Friends of Animals, an NGO that works with the blessings of anchor Ranjini Haridas, has raised over Rs 3 lakh so far. The target is Rs 10 lakh.

The women and animals currently living in Purampokku under the Kodimatha overbridge in Kottayam have received a notice to remove their tents for its expansion. Ms Haridas said the campaign was on at fundraising sites like Generosity. "I know these great ladies for years," she told DC.  "And I went to their house and watched their love and compassion for animals. They've been living under severe conditions for over a decade. It’s our desperate attempt to find a piece of land to live and continue their selfless work."

Amminiamma, 70, who lives with her daughter, works as a cleaner at a garage. Her lone son has cancer. She began feeding canines after witnessing speeding vehicles killing them on highways. “I want to take care of these strays because people neglect them. I will fight for them till my last breath,” she says.

The life of Ayesha, 48, is no different. The domestic help has been looking after the animals for the past 18 years, and she has more than 50 in her care.

Her husband committed suicide last year while her son-in-law died in an accident. She lives with two daughters and two grandchildren. “These animals not only love us but also ensure our protection. When I saw darkness in my life, they were my sunshine,” she says.

The Friends of Animals is looking for land to accommodate two families together and the animals.

"We have made a short film and uploaded on the fundraising sites," said Dr Biju Prabhakaran Nair, a volunteer.  “Only a few days are left for them to leave their home as the overbridge work about to take place. We hope we could rehabilitate them soon,” he adds.