Julie's Story: What I Learnt About Street Dog Care

My mother lives in an old colony in Pune—the kind where everyone knows everyone, including the neighbourhood dogs. When our neighbours began converting their bungalow into a building, construction workers became a constant presence. Around the same time, Happy, the beloved indie who roamed our lane, gave birth to a litter of six adorable puppies.

These weren't just any puppies. They were beautiful, goofy, and friendly—and honestly, they looked like they could be Hippo's pups! My late dog would have loved them.

When Community Care Isn't Enough

The construction workers didn't know what to do with the puppies. Out of the litter of six, two found loving homes, two tragically didn't survive, and two remained in my mother's lane. When I learnt both survivors were female, I knew exactly what needed to be done: I had to get them spayed.

For indie dogs, several NGOs provide free spay/neuter services. They pick up the dogs, perform the surgery, and return them once they've recovered. It seemed like the perfect solution.

Once they were old enough, I arranged for an NGO to collect both girls. I specifically requested they also be vaccinated. The mini truck arrived, the puppies were taken away, and after a few days, they returned to the lane—spayed and supposedly healthy.

When Things Go Wrong

I stayed in touch with the construction site's watchman, checking on the puppies regularly. He'd become quite attached to them. Then one day, he called with concerning news: one of them—whom the building residents had named Julie—wasn't eating and had no energy.

I immediately went to stay at my mother's house to monitor Julie. I took her to MH14 Veterinary Hospital, a facility dedicated to treating stray animals. The diagnosis hit me like a punch to the gut: distemper, one of the deadliest diseases a dog can contract.

After researching, the likely source became clear. The truck used to transport dogs to the spay clinic hadn't been properly sanitised. Distemper is extremely contagious—another dog must have had it, and Julie caught it during transport. The very act of trying to help her had put her life at risk.

Fighting for Recovery

The doctor prescribed saline treatments twice daily for three days. Every single day, I took Julie to the hospital, hoping this fighter would pull through. Meanwhile, I anxiously watched her sister at the construction site, terrified she'd caught it too. Thankfully, she showed no symptoms.

Those three days felt eternal. But Julie proved to be the warrior I hoped she was. The treatment worked—she was out of danger and ready to reclaim her street life.

As a precaution, I also gave preventive medication to her sister. The watchman was instrumental in this—he genuinely loved both dogs and helped me hide their pills in chicken to make sure they took them. Without his support, none of this would have been possible.

Once both girls seemed healthy and strong, I returned home, believing the worst was behind us.

The Loss That Taught Me Everything

A few months later, I returned to visit my mother. Julie's sister was nowhere to be found.

I asked around the neighbourhood. The stories varied—some said she'd been ill, others claimed someone had hit her while she was playing, and a few mentioned white foam around her mouth when she died. No one knew for certain, but the result was the same: she was gone.

It broke my heart. She'd been Hippo's favourite. I miss her to this day.

Critical Lessons for Community Dog Care

Julie's story—both the triumph and the tragedy—taught me invaluable lessons about caring for street dogs. Here's what every animal lover and community member needs to know:

1. Vaccinate BEFORE Spaying/Neutering

This is crucial. Get puppies vaccinated by a local veterinarian before sending them to NGO clinics for surgery. Vaccination should always be the first step in protecting them.

2. Question NGO Protocols

Not all NGOs maintain the same standards. Before using their services, ask:

• How do they sanitise their transport vehicles?

• What are their hygiene protocols?

• Do they vaccinate before surgery?

• What is their post-operative care process?

3. Consider On-Site Veterinary Care

If possible, call a veterinarian over to your area to vaccinate and examine the dogs first. This reduces exposure to diseases from other animals in shelters or transport vehicles.

4. Build a Support Network

The construction watchman was essential to Julie's recovery. Identify people in your community who care about street dogs—security guards, shop owners, regular walkers. They become your eyes, ears, and helping hands.

5. Early Intervention Saves Lives

Getting puppies spayed and neutered quickly is important for their safety and population control. But doing it safely—with vaccinations and proper medical protocols—is equally critical.

6. Monitor Aftercare

Don't assume the job is done once dogs return from surgery. Watch them for at least two weeks for signs of illness, infection, or distress.

A Call to Action

If there are puppies or unsterilised dogs in your neighbourhood:

1. Vaccinate them first through a local vet.

2. Vet the NGO you plan to use for spaying/neutering.

3. Ensure proper transport and hygiene standards

4. Follow up with post-operative monitoring.

5. Build community support for ongoing care.

Julie survived because of quick action and community support. Her sister didn't get that chance. Every street dog deserves both the care and the safety protocols that give them the best shot at a healthy life.

Julie Today

Julie is still out there, thriving in my mother's lane. She's a testament to what's possible when we combine compassion with proper medical care. She's also a reminder that good intentions aren't enough—we need knowledge, vigilance, and accountability.

To anyone caring for community dogs: your work matters immensely. These animals depend on us to be their advocates, their protectors, and their voice. Let's make sure every intervention we make is done with the highest standard of care.