Street dogs and Covid-19

                                         The worst affected animals due to Covod-19 pandemic are street dogs .As hotels and shops closed due to locked down in Thiruvananthapuram, their only source of food stopped and the pandemic hit hard on them. In my locale, I could see a a number of street dogs, sleeping infront of hotel expecting it to be opened at any time. Many have gone to skeleton type due to starvation. Once in a while, the passers offer them some food even that too is stopped due to triple lockdown, The life of  these animals have moved from frying pan to fire.

                                                  Though the local self Govt in Kerala has a plan to feed stray monkeys and dogs, the effort are seen insufficient as evident from the dogs as many have  become bony only. When I proceed for evening walk, I carry food for 1-2 dogs with water also. By the time I finish my walk, I could see the packets completely finished or cleaned and nothing is left. Though they keep a distance to me while offering food, all identify me as they come together on seeing me at a far distance. Yesterday, a street dog come to home in search of me and I found her accidently when I opened the gate, waiting for a long time for food. I fed her and later proceeded for my walk which she followed me till her 'boundary' and waited there till I returned back, Again I gave her some food. It has some small wounds on leg and nose which I think will heal once proper food is taken. Now, I have to invariably carry rice, cream, bread, cake and water when I proceed for walk as many are waiting for my presence.