#HeroesOfChange: Meet Sajesh S
“My mother still thinks that I wasted away my MBA degree because now all I do is ‘catch dogs’. There was a time when I would try to explain to her what I am doing and why I am doing but I have stopped that now. I guess I understand now where she came from. Parents want their children to have a settled job and they’re not wrong in wanting that. But I also believe that it is important to follow one’s dreams — after all, you just live once.
If anyone goes back to 2015 “me” and tells him that I would be running two animal care shelters and become a vegan, he wouldn’t just not believe it but would also laugh out loud at this. Back then, I was a young adult who had numerous dreams and even more debts. A Malayali by birth, I was also a hardcore non-vegetarian. At that point in time, I had no idea how much things would change in a year’s time.
All of this started when I wanted to get my neighbourhood streety neutered and I came in touch with so many organisations who work for animal welfare in Bangalore. My first rescue was a black puppy who was, unfortunately, a victim of an acid attack. I tried to admit the dog to a shelter, but none of them were ready to take the puppy. That’s when I realised the need for a rescue and rehabilitation shelter for injured, sick, and differently-abled dogs.
Fast forward to 2021, the shelter now houses over 300 dogs and other stray animals like injured cows. ALAI takes care of everything that an animal in distress would need — receiving emergency calls about dogs suffering from injury, hit-and-run accidents, torture, abuse, canine distemper, differently-abled, and abandoned dogs.
These dogs are cared for by a team of about 18 volunteers, which includes doctors, expert dog-catchers, caretakers, and ambulance drivers who help take care of the shelter.
And it was during one of these rescues that I met my wife, Skyla. Since then, we have been inseparable — our love for animals binds us together. If there’s a match made in heaven, I think this is it. Together, we have helped many animals in need and we would love to continue doing what we do.
My two cents to the youngsters who want to help stray animals — start small, start with your own neighbourhood. Not everyone has the luxury to quit their jobs and do something big. But believe me when I say, saving even one life can make a big difference.
-Sajesh S
Founder ALAI- Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre”
