Chennai: Dogs are said to be man’s best friend. But in Tansi Nagar, Velacheri these four-legged ones have a best friend in M Balakrishnan, who has opened his heart and home to 12 native dogs.
These dogs became a part of his family five years ago. From losing a few puppies to parvo virus to having to change the furniture of his house several times to dealing with neighbours, it has not been a smooth sail for Balakrishnan.
“From childhood, I have loved raising dogs, and my father often used to get me pet animals. Five years ago, we lost a German Shepherd who was with us for a long time. After that, I did not get a new one.”
The first of his 12 dogs walked into his life in a bizarre turn of events. “One day, a drunk man was walking around the neighbourhood carrying a puppy on his shoulder. The animal looked scared. I took the puppy from the man and kept him. This was how it started. I call him Max. Gradually, the other homeless puppies joined the pack one after the other, and the rest is history,” he narrates.
At home, the dogs can been seen roaming around and lounging in the hall, bedroom and every space possible.
When asked about his views on adoption, he says that people prefer buying high-breed dogs and do not want to adopt the native ones. “They are our natives dogs and not strays. They are so intelligent and come with low-maintenance costs. Also, when it comes to adoption, male dogs are preferred over female ones. I see so many of them abandoned on the streets, and I do not have the heart to leave the female dogs and puppies at any welfare organisation,” he says.
Speaking about the challenges he faces, Balakrishnan says, “Not everyone is happy about it. Some people do not like coming home. I have changed my sofa several times as the dogs bite and damage it.” But these do not affect him. He says, “The dogs have placed their trust on me, and I won’t let them down.” Woof, woof!