A haven for paw friends

IndieLove, Where Every Tail Tells A Compassionate Tale

Saanvi Lamba, XI (IBDP) & Asmee Dewan, X (IGCSE) AGS Gurugram

IndieLove, an NGO founded by Sunil Kaushik, provides a safe and caring shelter for stray and abandoned dogs, proving that love knows no pedigree. With over 100 dogs at their Gurugram facility, the organisation also supports rescuers who work for the benefit of animals.

The beginning
IndieLove began in 2015, when Sunil Kaushik, an art director by profession, witnessed a stray puppy being teased at a dhaba. Learning it had been abandoned by its mother, he decided to take the puppy home despite having no experience in pet care. “That first puppy changed my life,” he recalls. It was this empathy and compassion that set the foundation stone for what would soon become a haven for hundreds of dogs.
 
Affordable space
Despite facing financial and logistical constraints in the beginning, Kaushik was steadfast about making the system affordable. “We charge a minimal fee of 200 INR per day,” he emphasises, “The moment I increase the price, I fail my purpose to help.” This considerate and accessible approach has ensured that more and more stray dogs receive the love they deserve.

Groomed to perfection
IndieLove’s daily routine ensures dogs receive care and security. They wake up early, play, eat healthy, and are regularly groomed. Special attention is given to those with disabilities or medical issues. Temperament management is also a priority. Dogs are also leash-trained for potential adoption. “A dog’s behaviour reflects the aura of its surroundings,” says Kaushik. When selecting caregivers, Kaushik prioritises compassion over professional experience, believing skills can be taught, but kindness is innate. Hygiene and safety are paramount, with daily cleaning and an on-site medical facility for medical emergencies.

Sustaining the mission
Operating a shelter of this scale requires significant resources. Kaushik funds it through a combination of freelance work, a small restaurant, boarding fees, and donations. He remains personally involved, monitoring every aspect of the shelter’s operations. “Being here 24x7 gives me the satisfaction that my children are well cared for,” he says, referring to the dogs as his family.

Tales of resilience
Each dog at IndieLove has a unique story to tell. There is Jugni, a paralysed dog who defied the odds to now run on three legs, and Jackie, a once-traumatised rescue, who is learning to trust again. These stories highlight the resilience in animals and the impact of dedicated care. “Faith sometimes works more than science,” Kaushik reflects.

Message for pet owners
“Don’t abandon your pets,” Kaushik says. He shares the heartbreaking story of a 12-year-old labrador left at the shelter by its owners. “If you can’t leave your aging parents, how can you leave a senior dog who has given you a lifetime of loyalty?” he asks. Kaushik urges people to view pets as lifelong commitments, emphasising that adopting a pet is akin to raising a child.