“My perfect companions never have fewer than four feet,” says 25-year-old Teja Panneeru, who has spent the last 10 years rescuing dogs, cats, birds and even camels! Right from his childhood days, Teja knew he was destined to help animals. He began volunteering for Blue Cross when he was just 15 and continued working for the organisation for over eight years. Post that, Teja set up a dog kennel at his house, where a number of dogs he has rescued live. Notably, he is now starting another kennel for dogs and cats at Cherlapally, which will open in the next 10 days.
“Currently I have an in-home pet boarding service. Many of the rescued dogs that lived with me have now been adopted. I have a pregnant dog who was thrown out, an abused labrador, a disabled dog and a pomeranian who had a tumour, among others. My kennel at Cherlapally is set to open in 10 days. There are very few kennels for cats here and that’s the reason I am starting this,” says Teja.
Apart from being a professional dog trainer, he is also an Honorary Animal Welfare Officer (HAWO). He pursued his dog training course under Shirin Merchant, a well-known canine behaviourist and trainer. Teja says, “There are dog trainers who are unprofessional. But I do not use any harsh ways or tools. Even when I organise adoption drives, I make sure the owners and dogs bond, because without understanding, the animals will develop behavioural issues.”
Teja, who was also part of the Mission Rabies project, wherein several dogs were vaccinated, says that people should stop abusing animals. “If you cannot love them, it’s alright. But at least do not harm them,” he says.
Talking about how his journey of working for animals began, Teja says, “My mother, who is a lecturer, used to teach kids at home too. That’s when I met a student who was a volunteer for Blue Cross. She loved my pet dogs and encouraged me to start volunteering. I have never looked back since then.” Teja has even rescued animals from wells, buildings and trees. “I took rock climbing lessons at Bengaluru. So, I get a lot of calls and requests to help such animals,” he says.
Sharing a touching anecdote, Teja says, “There was a dog with a broken spine. She had to be shifted to a hospital in Bengaluru. As she was in so much pain, she was trying to bite. So I took her in my car to Bengaluru. She started bonding with me during the journey and it left me teary-eyed.”
