Stories from the Field

Dr. Himanshu Burman, Veterinary Doctor, Camel Welfare Project

A Life Saved: Emergency Uterine Prolapse Treatment in a Camel Late one evening, a camel owner named Raju called from Tehetra village, about 20 kilometres from our Camel Rescue Centre. His female camel had given birth just an hour earlier , but soon after, her uterus prolapsed, a life-threatening condition that demands immediate intervention. We reached the site as quickly as possible. A uterine prolapse in camels is a complex emergency: the exposed tissue is vulnerable to infection, trauma, and severe shock, and time becomes critical. After gently restraining the animal and assessing her vitals, I cleaned the prolapsed uterus with a mild antiseptic solution to remove contamination and reduce inflammation. With care and precision, the uterus was manually repositioned , a delicate process that requires both anatomical understanding and calm coordination. Once it was safely in place, we administered antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and fluids to stabilise her. Within a short while, her breathing eased, and she began to rest , a quiet sign of relief and recovery. Moments like these remind me why this work matters. Each life saved reflects

Dr. Pramod , Senior Veterinary Doctor

A Day in the Life: Expertise and Compassion Across Hundreds of Animals At Help in Suffering, every day is a test of skill, endurance, and compassion. On any given day, the shelter houses over 400 animals in various stages of recovery and rehabilitation, and in a year, close to 7,000 animals pass through our care. A typical day begins early in the dispensary, with multiple OPD cases arriving from across the city. Today, I treated dogs, cats, and livestock presenting with a range of complex conditions , neurological disorders, orthopaedic injuries, dermatological issues, cardiac problems, and viral infections. Each case demands careful assessment, quick decision-making, and precise intervention. By midday, surgeries begin: a cat spaying procedure, immediately followed by an aural haematoma correction in a dog, then an orthopaedic surgery. Even a brief 10-minute lunch is a luxury before attending to a cow requiring careful monitoring during and after surgery. Every procedure, every consultation, every moment demands attention, expertise, and empathy. Moments like these remind me why this work matters. Each animal that leaves the shelter healthier, stronger, and safe

Dr. Shubhi Saksena , Veterinary Doctor, Rescue Project

A Hornbill’s Journey: Rescue, Recovery, and Reunion An Indian Grey Hornbill chick was once brought to Help in Suffering in a fragile, weakened state. Such rescues are delicate: young hornbills are highly susceptible to stress, infection, and nutritional deficiencies. Immediate intervention is critical, requiring careful assessment, a controlled diet, warmth, and constant monitoring. Over several weeks, with attentive care and gradual strengthening, the chick regained health and confidence. Each day, small victories , a stronger wing flap, a louder call , reflected careful observation and timely veterinary action. Eventually, the bird became fully capable of flight and independent survival. The moment of release was both joyous and tense. Watching him soar back into the wild, free once more, was a testament to the success of precise, attentive care. Months later, the hornbill returned , not alone, but with his family , visiting the very place where he had been rescued. Moments like these remind us why this work matters. Each life saved reflects the trust that animals place in us and the quiet commitment of those who care for them. The

Harshita, Rescue Helpline Operator

Harshita is often the first point of contact when an animal is in distress. Each call that comes to the rescue helpline carries urgency , a dog hit by a vehicle, a puppy trapped, or a stray in need of care. “If a dog needs us or is in a serious condition, we rush there immediately,” she says. “If our van is nearby, we make sure help reaches without delay.” Every successful rescue reminds her why her work matters , it’s about being the voice at the other end when an animal has none. During the Sankranti camp, a man abandoned a cat at the shelter. What began as a sad situation soon turned into a deeply personal story. “The cat started coming to me,” Harshita shares. “I began feeding her regularly, and before I knew it, she had made my office her home.” The two have since formed a quiet companionship , a living reminder of how rescue work often changes not just the animal’s life, but the rescuer’s too. “For me,” Harshita says, “this rescue has been incredibly

Anena , Animal Care Manager

Every day at Help in Suffering, Anena moves between comforting visitors, managing kennels, and making sure every animal in her care feels seen and loved. Some dogs, especially those too frail or fussy to eat shelter food, receive her special attention , a gentle word, a homemade treat, or simply time spent sitting beside them. One of her most cherished memories is of an elderly dog with maggot wounds on her ears and failing eyesight. “She would wait for me every morning in the run area,” Anena recalls. “She couldn’t see me clearly, but somehow, she always knew when I was there.” The bond they shared reminds Anena why she chose this work , love, even in the smallest gestures, transforms suffering into comfort. Her days are not without challenges. From handling distressed visitors to making difficult “death calls,” she faces every situation with empathy. “It can be hard to manage everything at once,” she says, “but animal welfare always comes first.” She often persuades people not to abandon their pets, helping them understand that compassion is a responsibility. For