Braj Animal Care welcomes volunteers who wish to come and serve our animal friends with us out on the streets of Vrindavan. Here, Chandan Atreya (Shrikishor Anuragi), a dear devotee of Radharamanji and a passionate photographer, shares his experience of volunteering with the team:
During my recent stay in Vrindavan, I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer with Braj Animal Care on two separate occasions. The first was to join the early morning animal feeding program. As I followed the team taking pictures, their zeal and drive to serve despite the bitter cold left me feeling humbled. It was so heartening to see the animals come running as soon as they heard the team’s voices calling out for them, whether it was the dogs and puppies that came to lap up the milk they served, or the cattle that came to eat their share of fodder with lumps of jaggery. Even the monkeys gathered to take the chickpeas straight from the team’s palms. I was more than happy to help capture these moments with my camera. I noticed that the Braj Animal Care team in their distinctive red jackets were well-received by the local people as we moved about Parikrama Marg, with some even offering us hot cups of chai in the cold, wintery morning! Some even told us of new litters of puppies or injured animals that needed help, which made me realise the impact Braj Animal Care has on the community. I was even shown some puppies that had been rescued and nursed back to health some months ago, and their happiness on seeing the team is a sight I will never forget.
Beyond the feeding, I also had the privilege to observe the team’s treatment of a parvovirus-infected puppy. I was inspired by the care the doctor and the team provided to ensure its survival and wellbeing. Their seriousness and love for this work on a daily basis was reflected by the tender manner in which the procedure was carried out. My heart will always cherish their extraordinary drive to serve, regardless of the conditions, for the sake of patients who cannot verbalise their gratitude, but still express their love in their own way. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and hope that I can join the team and have the fortune to serve again in the near future.