Mongrels of India: Guardian angels or stray dogs

We lately stumbled upon a Facebook community that has taken upon itself to pooh-pooh myths about stray dogs / mongrels and the human inclination towards their pedigreed counterparts.

The aptly-named Mongrels of India (https://www.facebook.com/mongrelsofindia/) takes somewhat after the viral Humans of New York (https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/), a photoblog, book and FB page covering street portraits and interviews of commoners. The difference here being the focus completely shifted towards stray dogs found on our streets.

The Facebook and Instagram group claims to better the reputation and build the image of Indian stray dogs. It has been around eight months since the community was founded by Hyderabad-based Arpita Rao. “My aim is to educate and inspire people, and show them the million ways in which mongrels can be their source of happiness and protection. I hope it inspires other people to pick up one street dog and take them home or at least feed them,” is the mission undertaken by Arpita.

“People think that (stray) dogs are aggressive, but that’s just defending themselves. Not all of them mean to bite you,” she adds.

Apparently, she has been taking care of and feeding mongrels near her office in Hyderabad for a long time now. Mongrels of India initially used to portray images of strays that she had captured during her journeys. It now features pet user-generated stories and narratives of real-life incidents involving adopted stray dogs. It motivates Indians to adopt local breeds and extend proper care to them. The page also has tied up with rescue centres to help adoption efforts and find homes for stray dogs.

“Stray / Indian breed dogs have little to no health problems, do not require specialised training / trainers and are much lower maintenance than any purebred dog,” recommends a pet lover on the page, which has garnered 3,300 followers.

This might be the spot to be, if you are looking to adopt a mongrel.