On the streets of India, dogs are hated like the plague. This discrimination makes people believe that street dogs are non-adoptable. Through some miracles, however, street dogs find a way to survive.

Ujwala Chintala and a team of animal lovers are improving the future of stray dogs around the world, with their inspirational stories. Their work has seen a critically injured stray mother dog rescued from the streets of India, and flown to the United States within a month, against all odds.

On November 22nd, 2019, Ujwala Chintala flew to Hyderabad, India, for a wedding, with the idea of helping as many stray dogs as possible with food and medication. Ujwala soon came across an emaciated dog, which couldn’t use its left hind leg and had enlarged breasts. Limping over to Ujwala, it was clear that this dog desperately needed help. After feeding the dog, Ujwala took the dog back to the house and sought veterinary help, giving antibacterial medication and also treating it for worms and fleas.

Having spoken with Rescues for cabs, the dog was taken to a clinic with limited facilities, where the vet broke the news that she had a severely broken leg. In the taxi on the way home, the driver spoke about some of the best dog fosterers and veterinary doctors in the area.

Taking her to one of the recommended doctors in Punjagutta, the Canfel Pet Clinic examined the dog, asking what her name was. Without a thought, Ujwala replied, “Kittu.” Following extensive examinations, it became clear that Kittu’s leg had been completely shattered and she had swollen, pus-filled abscesses on her breasts. It was also obvious that Kittu had had puppies, which were nowhere to be seen.

After 10 days of caring for Kittu, Ujwala realized that she could take Kittu back to the United States to live a healthy, happier life. Next, Ujwala contacted Helen Summer-Field, Founder and President of Stray Dog Support, a group dedicated to saving and improving the lives of defenseless and vulnerable street dogs. Their work includes providing financial support for local rescuers, transportation for street dogs, medical care, spaying, neutering and vaccination programs. Forming a partner rescue network in the United States and Canada, they find the perfect homes for disadvantaged dogs, bringing 32 from around the world to the US and Canada in 2019 alone.

Ujwala had already agreed to take two dogs back to the United States for the Stray Dog Support group. Booking with the most pet-friendly airline available, Qatar Airlines, and speaking with petfly.com, a company owned by Delhi veterinarian Dr Premalatha Chowdury, helping to transport dogs safely. Lindsay Grey, President of Poochies Pet Rescue, kindly agreed to take Kittu into her care, as part of her non-profit organization which saves innocent dogs’ lives.

Ahead of traveling to the United States, Kittu’s biopsy results came back. She had her mammary abscess drained and she weighed around 3lb less, beginning to walk within a day and growing in energy with every hour that went by.

But when it came to getting the health certificate for Kittu to fly, Dr. Ajay Reddy said that Kittu was too weak to travel. Despite having paid for three dogs to travel to the US, there was not much to do, as Ujwala continued to focus efforts on saving as many dogs as possible, putting another two dogs from Kolkata in quarantine, ready to fly. Ujwala’s concern for Kittu grew, as her chances of living were extremely low if she went back to living on the streets.

Three days before flying, Ujwala sent Kittu for a re-examination, alongside another two dogs and to everybody’s delight, Kittu passed and was fit to fly, receiving her health certificate. News spread around Hyderabad that the once critically ill dog was gaining weight, looking healthier, and would soon be heading to the United States. People were amazed and surprised. A few were appalled in disbelief. Many would loathe me for it, obviously in the discomfort of the fact I rescued a street dog.

On December 24th, Kittu joined siblings, Chochori, and Posto, who had been hit by a bus when they were one month old, and the three of them arrived in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.

Arriving in time for Christmas, they had been saved and were spoilt with Christmas presents from followers of Poochies Pet Rescue. Against all odds, their lives had been changed forever and they had a merry Christmas.

The three dogs have all been treated in the United States for injuries and wounds, with Chochori and Posto both being up for adoption as they continue their road to recovery. Kittu was seen by vets in Jacksonville, Florida, on the 11th of January 2020, with the expectation of needing a leg amputation, but it was discovered that amputation was unnecessary. Kitty had bone plates inserted and now is on her 4 legs.

As of April 2nd, Chochori and Posto, the bonded sisters, are adopted by a great family in Gainsville, Florida.

While these dogs may have escaped a horrible fate, not every dog is this lucky. Countless dogs face these struggles every single day.

This entire journey was made possible with the help of Helen Summerfield-Brown, President of Stray Dog Support Inc., Lindsay Slaughter Grey, President of Poochies Pet Rescue Inc., Premlata Choudhary veterinarian and owner of petfly.com, Megha Chakraborti foster mom of Posto and Chochori, Somnath the taxi driver, Bobby Miller, a foster dad, and help from many, many others.

Ujwala has gone on to foster around 20 out of a total of 45 dogs for Poochies Pet Rescue. They rely solely on donations to support the rescued pets that have been abandoned, abused, neglected, or forgotten, meaning they cannot do this alone. They need your support.

Posto and Chochori’s mother, Kali, sister, Kismis, and brother, Kaju are still living out there in the streets of Kolkata, India. If you would like to help them or adopt, please contact Stray Dog Support.

April 22nd, 2020, Kittu met her mom Samantha Pauley and her fur brother Loki for the first time. They all fell in love instantly. 

In 2020, Kittu celebrated her first Christmas with mom Samantha Pauley, Dad Blake Parsons. She is been in her forever home for 8 months now along with her fur brother Loki and meaw sister moo. 

An American dream Kittu never expected.