While many joined hands to aid the distressed people during the pandemic, the animals were long forgotten. Thanks to the likes of Vibha Tomar, a fourth-year veterinary student from Rajasthan’s Arawali Veterinary College who have come to the rescue.
A resident of Delhi, Vibha was home during the lockdown period. As days passed by, she realized how these speechless creatures are left with no source of food. Vibha decided not to let these stray dogs starve and started feeding them at night.
Not just that. She has even gifted these dogs with radium collars that would shine in the dark, preventing them from road accidents.
So far Vibha has fed around 300 dogs on daily basis. Rash driving and post lockdown situation makes these dogs prone to getting injured and sometimes losing their lives. Vibha wanted to help them and stop these from happening.
“The lockdown led to empty streets and roads across the country. So, these animals were used to sleep comfortably wherever they wished, even in the middle of the roads. Now after the unlock, they are still used to do the same. This has increased the risk of their accidents manifold. That’s exactly what made me develop these radium bands so that they glow in the dark,” the vet explained.
The veterinary student has loved animals since her childhood. Her parents have been a big support in her choice of career and also for petting the animals. Today, Vibha runs a charitable trust to take care of needy animals.
“Since I was a child, I was always surrounded by animals, few cats in my yard and a few stray dogs outside. My parents are big-time animal lovers. They have always supported and encouraged me. Whether it was choosing veterinary as a career or starting my own charitable trust for the strays or getting them at home, they have never stopped me or said no to me for anything. I think they feel happy and proud of whatever I am doing and all that I aim to do for the animals in the future,” Vibha shared.
The 22-year-old was very much affected by her first pet, Oscar, a Labrador. Oscar ignited the true passion for animals in Vibha and showed the greatness of the bond one shares with them. It was after having him that she decided to choose veterinary science as her career.
“When I was in 2nd standard, my parents got me my first pet – Oscar. And it was since then, that my life changed completely. Oscar made me realize the true meaning of love. He wasn’t just my dog, but my best friend, my family, my everything. He taught me what compassion is. He taught me to be selfless and having empathy towards others. He taught me sharing. The list is endless. I got even more attached to animals because of my Oscar. It was during that time I realized my love for animals and that I wanted to dedicate my whole life to them,” she reminisces.
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But Oscar had to leave Vibha for his heavenly abode. After his loss, Vibha decided to start a trust in his name, Oscar For Life Charitable Trust, to aid animals. The radium bands are part of the trust’s initiative.
“I opened the trust two years back in the memory and honor of my baby Oscar. My only aim is to make this world a better place for animals to live in. The reflective collars are a part of the initiative,” Vibha informed.
Vibha regularly posts awareness messages on her social media handles to create a safer world out there. On Diwali, she asked citizens to not burn crackers so as to reduce pollution, as well as save the animals from all the noise and fire.
Looking at broader goals, she said, ”I have a dream of opening up a big shelter and a clinic through my trust, Oscar for life, and have a vision that there should be no animal who doesn’t get any help or dies suffering on the roads. I want to be capable to help each and every stray and that they get a quality life which they deserve.”
You can donate to Oscar For Life through UPI ID: strawberry.vibha@okicici.
The payments can also be made from Paytm, Gpay, or PhonePe.