Amid unabated instances of abuse, cruelty and post-accident abandonment of animals, two sisters from Cuttack are on a mission to provide succour and treatment to the 'true friends' of humans.
Tanushree Dash and Tapaswi Dash, residents of Trisulia under Baranga Block in Cuttack district, have taken up the noble cause of serving and treating the bovine species along with cats, birds, dogs and other stray animals.
Tapaswi owns a local eatery while Tanushree is fashion designer by profession. The sister duo attend to the needs of the animals on their own, without any support from anywhere. They clear the wounds of the injured animals and apply antiseptics on them for healing.
“In the beginning we used to be scared of animals. But with the time, we started loving them. If you show your love and affection towards animals, they will reciprocate with the same,” said Tapaswi.
She added, “If you hurt them, they will also treat you in the same way.”
Though the Dash sisters started their animal care mission few years ago, their service has benefitted many strays.
The sisters not only offer care to the stray, they also have made a shelter for them at their home. They love them as their own.
“I like to treat wounded birds and animals. If any animal is hurt, it is better to provide some water rather than leaving them to suffer,” said Tanushree.
She added, “Our parents taught us to behave well with animals.”
The sisters however, made it clear that their empathy and service to animals is not aimed at garnering publicity, but they just can’t see them in pain.
“We have a rehabilitation foundation to take care of the strays and we try to cure them. These girls are doing a splendid job and we are amazed to see the way they calm down a cow and provide treatment to her,” said Milan Rath, a social worker.
These days, many animal lovers prefer to keep expensive cats and dogs as pets, but they have a scant feelings towards animal, said the sisters, adding, “Rather, we should treat all animals equally.”