A CHRISTMAS HEARTWARMER 2 – MEET THE MAN WHO LOOKS AFTER 735 DOGS

Given the time of year and that what we do is inextricably linked to dogs – we simply had to shine a light on this remarkable story…

Rakesh Shukla is a software engineer from Bangalore, who’s found his life’s calling in looking after dogs that no-one wants…at last count, Mr Shukla had 735 dogs.

There are Labradors on his farm, there are Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Beagles, Dachshunds, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards and even a pug. There are hundreds of mongrels too.

Most of the dogs are strays, the others have been abandoned by their owners. The latest arrivals were a group of 22 pedigreed dogs whose owner, a city businessman, was shot dead recently by criminals.

Whenever he met a stray or abandoned dog, he brought it home. Initially he kept them there but when his wife protested, he moved some of them to the office, where the top floor was turned into a home for dogs.

In 2012, Mr Shukla bought land and set up his the farm – a haven for dogs that are old, ailing or simply unwanted.

The farm is designed for its canine residents, with lots of open spaces for them to run around and ponds to swim in, and there’s double fencing to keep them safe.

The farm employs about 10 people, including trained veterinary assistants, to look after the dogs, cook for them and feed them. The dogs are fed 200kg of chicken and another 200kg of rice daily and many of the sick ones need regular medicines and attention.

In the past year though, he has run into problems with some animal activists, who have demanded that they be allowed onto the farm. He has also faced complaints that he is creating public unrest by keeping so many dogs. There have also been demands that he shut down the farm – but he has refused to concede.

“I’ve made a pact with my dogs,” he said. “We will part only when one of us kicks the bucket.”