Lending a Hand

When he comes across a stray dog or a bird injured or ill,he takes them to a veterinarian. He foots the medical expenses,ensures the doctor treats the animal,buys medicines for it and then,if necessary,nurses it back to health before releasing it.

“Initially,when I started helping animals,I faced flak from everyone,including my family. The general consensus was that as my own family is not financially sound,I should help them first. However,I knew what I was doing was right. I knew I had to help animals since they do not have a voice of their own and need us,” he says.

Shirsat is a second generation policeman. His father is an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the Thane Police and is due to retire in June.

At his office in the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Compound in Thane (West),Shirsat leans back on his chair as two strays come strolling in. Shirsat handles the store room for the traffic police. One of the strays,a black dog called Tinu,jumps on his table before gently nudging him. The other stray,Rakhi,who has a light cream coat,tries to judge the new faces in the room.

“These two stay here. They have been here for almost three years now. Their mother died when they were three days old and we have kept them here. They wander around in the compound and we feed them,” he says.

After news of him helping animals spread,Shirsat began receiving calls from various quarters. “I have got calls at even 3 am,with people informing me that a dog has been run over by a car. I have rushed there and taken the stray to a hospital and ensured it was treated,” he says.

Shirsat,however,rues that as the Thane Municipal Corporation does not have any animal hospital,he is forced to take the animals to private doctors who charge exorbitant amounts.

“They are doing their work,while I am doing mine. At times,I cannot afford to pay the medical expenses of the animals and have to borrow money from my friends. That,however,is a small price to pay. When ever I travel and see a stray dog which was left for dead,but was rushed to hospital by me and is now running around,I feel happy and satisfied. If my money can help save the life of another animal,I am pleased and know that I have done some good,” he says.

Apart from taking care of strays who are ill or hurt,Shirsat also feeds around 40 dogs daily. “It costs me Rs 300 every day. It is a significant amount but I am happy that the dogs don’t go hungry,” says Shirsat.

Shirsat has received several certificates of appreciation from various quarters for his work. He,however,has not yet tied up with any NGO.

“The work before me is difficult. There are many obstacles,the most significant being monetary ones. However,I will continue doing all I can to help animals. Animals are part of our society and we should treat them with the respect they deserve,” he says.

On his future plans,he says,“One day,I want to take this up full-time. That,though,is my retirement plan.”