Monalisha Behera with a puppy. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, March 6: About a week ago, Monalisha Behera, a student of Maharshi College, sustained injuries in a road accident near her college. But instead of visiting a doctor she rushed to a clinic for animals at Shahid Nagar. She was eager to find out whether a stray dog she had rescued and admitted to the clinic sometime ago was fine or not. The dog had been hit by a speeding car.

When the veterinarian saw her injuries, Monalisha was told strictly to give her own health greater priority. “The dog is fine. Please get yourself checked first,” the vet told her.

Thankfully, her injuries were slight and Monalisha (after being admonished) did go to the doctor after all.

A resident of Seven Acres HIG Housing Colony near Chandrasekharpur, Monalisha is a participant in a community-based movement launched by residents of the colony for the safety of stray dogs.

“The injured dog had recently given birth to two beautiful puppies. Along with these three, we now have 10 stray dogs staying in our house,” said Monalisha. She and her brother Bikram, an engineering student, said that the doctors and para-veterinary staff at the polyclinic in Shahid Nagar are helping out the animal lovers. “They accept the injured dogs and puppies sent by us,” added Monalisha.

Richie Rout, another resident of the colony, has four stray dogs in her house. “My parents are happy that I am taking care of the animals. I concentrate on my studies as well as take care of the dogs,” she said.

A dog house has been built in colony. “With temperatures on the rise, we are also planning to have a supply of drinking water at the dog house,” said Bikram, who is the coordinator between the polyclinic and the colony residents in getting the canines treated.

“We look after the canines because of the service they render to society. Had they not been there, we would not have been sleeping peacefully at night. They keep thieves at bay,” said Rabindra Kumar Mohapatra, a resident of the colony.

“My son Raja had rescued two stray dogs and sent them to the polyclinic for treatment. Unfortunately, one of them died, but the other stays with us. The dog has become a friend of my son,” he added.

Sashi Bhusan Swain, veterinary expert at the Shahid Nagar polyclinic, said: “The people of Seven Acres HIG Colony area are setting an example for others to follow. Our clinic is helping them care for animals.”