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A very special day for street dogs - 2nd September 2020

International Dog Day was celebrated on 26th August. This year, the day was more important for many families.

The Covid-19 lockdown meant lots of people felt alone. Dog owners understand how good dogs make you feel.

In India, more than 3 million people have had Coronavirus. The country organised a one month lockdown. When the lockdown ended, lots of people decided to get a puppy.

Dawn William manages an organisation for animals.

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."

30 million dogs live on India’s streets. Animal charities have worked for years to find these dogs homes. Street dogs are known as “desi” or “indie”.

Older people still prefer traditional dogs. But the younger generation are now choosing “desi” dogs.

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."