My time with TOLFA in October 2006 was my first visit to India, but it definitely won’t be my last!!! I found Rachel and the veterinary/animal assistants team at the clinic so welcoming, supportive and inspirational in their daily duties.
Belle and Sitaram treating a cow with an infected joint!
Petra was our volunteer vet for over 3 months in 2006. Read about her experiences at our hospital in India.
‘I heard about Rachel, and the great work she was beginning in India, while seeing practice at a veterinary clinic that she had left. I had planned to do some voluntary work after finishing university and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. During my studies I didn’t get to do much hands on work and my confidence in my knowledge and abilities was greatly lacking.
I whizzed off straight after my graduation ceremony, first to a charity clinic in Thailand. I got accustomed to working under less civilised conditions, adapting to a different culture and got my first bitter taste of animal cruelty. That said, NOTHING could prepare me for the extremes that I faced in India.
I had never travelled much outside Europe so the Indian culture fascinated and at times bewildered me. I got a unique insight into the Indian way of life from the amazing guys at the hospital, something you can never experience as a tourist. I had to make many adjustments in order to fit in, from leaving the vest tops behind to waking up early to spend over an hour cooking chapati and curry before work.
Being a new graduate and suddenly having the responsibility to run a hospital, knowing that if I didn’t do it no one else would, was a real test to my character. As time went on I became more confident and things that had previously made me want to run away on the next train to Delhi, like amputating a dogs leg, became almost routine. This was largely due to the confidence and support I got from Rachel, who really was an inspiration to me. My one month stay ended up being over three and that was largely due to the dedicated, hard working staff that work at the hospital, who never failed to put a smile on my face. They really welcomed me in and I got to take part in many personal things, which really touched me. The work at the hospital was the biggest challenge that I think I will ever face and knowing I got through it gives me strength to face anything that comes my way now.
I would highly recommend volunteering at TOLFA and not a day goes by when I don’t think of my time there with a warm glow. Whether you’e a new graduate needing that confidence boost, or even a more experienced vet or nurse wanting an exciting challenge, you will leave with no regrets, only amazing memories.
I find it hard to sum up my time at TOLFA in a few short paragraphs as I think my true emotions about the place only come out on my face when I talk about it.
Thank you Rachel for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to be a part of something so wonderful.’
Petra helping to treat a cow
Petra the vet relaxing with one of her amputee patients
Neil and Ryan stayed with us for a month in February this year. They did a great job of helping us to continue building the shelter. This included assembling our cattle shades and painting the kennels and hospital.
Neil and Ryan building a cattle shade
I think dogs are great! I think that they are so great, that I work with them. As an animal physiotherapist I am accustomed to their determination and strength to recover from injury and ill health. I don’t however think that before August I knew just how much they could suffer, trust and love.
In August I went to help T.O.L.F.A save 200 dogs from a horrible death and instead keep them safe during the city of Ajmers religious festival, vaccinate them against Rabies and neuter them to help control the huge population of street dogs that exist there. It was hot, humid and very hard work. Dogs would arrive at the makeshift shelter at night after being gathered from the streets. Many were not accustomed to close human contact and were understandably scared, some were in an appalling condition. Within 2 weeks, these dogs were transformed, illness was treated, vaccinations were given and surgery completed. The dogs began to fill out, their coats became glossy and thick and they decided that we were their friends. It soon became impossible to do anything without an entourage of faithful companions and I will remember them forever!
My biggest memory is vaccinating dog after dog against Rabies and thinking ‘25p - that’s all it’s costing to keep you well!’ With your help, hundreds of dogs like these can be helped to live better, healthier lives which means that the people of that area also live healthier lives. I will definitely be back!
Joanne feeding a puppy with milk
Nadine was one of the first vets to help T.O.L.F.A. out during the Urs festival in Ajmer in July 2005. Read about how she found the experience.
Spending time helping to care for, neuter and vaccinate dogs in Ajmer was the most rewarding experience I have had. I arrived in India, not knowing what to expect but certain that it would be very different from my daily job as a vet in a busy charity hospital in London.
I was struck by the fact that within a very short time of arriving at our makeshift clinic, most of the dogs, although initially timid, became so trusting and affectionate towards us. The work was tiring, both physically and emotionally, but arriving at the clinic each morning to find dozens of happy dogs running up to the gates to greet us was so uplifting and made me feel really lucky to have been given this opportunity. Not only could those dogs have been killed without the work of T.O.L.F.A, but with their help, they and hundreds of other animals will lead safer, healthier lives.
Hardly a day goes by when I don’t think of the weeks that I spent in Ajmer, and the overwhelming memory is the trust that those dogs showed us, and the determination of a group of people working so hard to improve their welfare.
Nadine the vet with friend, July 2005
See what Pete got up to during his time at TOLFA in India.
Pete and Rachel in the temporary TOLFA ambulance
Visiting India for the first time was a very exciting prospect (and just a little bit nerve-wracking) but nothing excited me more than getting to see the set up of a new animal hospital and shelter. The hospital site was in a beautiful rural setting surrounded by mountains and close to the peaceful ‘temple town’ of Pushkar which was in complete contrast to the dusty hustle and bustle of nearby Ajmer.
I was amazed at how much had been achieved in the 3 months since Rachel had been there but not the least surprised. There was no shortage of work and we treated plenty of needy street animals as well as some working animals that belonged to the local villagers. As a Veterinary Nurse I had no knowledge of working with large animals but found I really enjoyed dealing with the cows and donkeys who showed such affectionate and responded well to our treatments. The dogs who had found sanctuary at TOLFA were happy and friendly and greeted us each morning with a wag.
Every time I walked on the streets I would spot a dog or cow or donkey with a wound, injury or symptom that needed treatment and we would help them - one at a time. Without Rachel and all the hardworking staff and volunteers at TOLFA these desperately needy animals would have no-one to help - and now they have hope of a happier life.
Kim and a rescued cow waiting to be taken to the TOLFA shelter for treatment
