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Puppy love in the time of Covid - 2nd September 2020

This year’s International Dog Day, on 26th August, held an added significance for many families around the world.

Many people left isolated by the Covid-19 lockdown have looked to our four-legged companions to ease the loneliness.

Over 3 million people have contracted Coronavirus in India, which endured a month long lockdown. But with the partial lifting of the lockdown restrictions, there was a surge in people fostering and adopting puppies.

The manager of an animal welfare organisation, Dawn William:

William: “People feel fine when they have a dog, have a pet at home. You know, you have to care for it, you have to give him a bath, you have to take him for a walk, you have to play with him and, he has also a lot of demands from you, so it keeps you going."

India is home to roughly 30 million stray dogs, mongrels known as "desi" or "indie". Animal activists have long campaigned for dog lovers to adopt these homeless hounds.

Whilst some older generations still have a preference for pedigrees, street dogs are finding their way into the hearts and homes of the younger generation.

Avani Naresh: “So basically, what I feel is, dog absorbs your entire stress, so they understand, you know, what you are going through. And that's like the brilliant thing about the dogs, about the pets."