Blue Cross opens geriatric ward for disabled strays

CHENNAI: Ageing stray dogs that are disabled, visually impaired or have suffered damage to their body no longer have to languish on the streets. They can find shelter in the geriatric ward of the Blue Cross, which was inaugurated on Sunday.

The new facility spread over 3,600 sq.ft area has an open space, two kennels for physically challenged dogs and one for visually impaired animals. The kennels alone can accommodate 30 animals. It also has an intensive care shed and a room for veterinarians to store medicines. The organization has spent Rs 10 lakh to create the facility.

Vinoth Kumar, general manager of Blue Cross, said that most often when strays are injured, Blue Cross gets to know about it very late. Residents inform only when the wounds become severe. In such cases, the treated animal cannot be released back on the street. Now, they can spend their life in the geriatric ward till they breathe their last, he said.

Earlier, Blue Cross had a small space for dogs with physical deformities, but it was not sufficient as the number of dogs with such problems started increasing over time. The old facility was very small with no space for veterinarians, said Kumar.

Apart from the big open space, the new ward has marble flooring to guard against ticks and insects. Ticks and insects are a major problem, which at times, can prove fatal to the canines.

Moreover, the new ward has a heat proof roof which will provide comfort to the dogs during the summer months.

The space around the open hall has not been paved with concrete. Instead, the ground has been laid with sand. Strays have a habit of digging earth and create small burrows to sleep in which is why the open space was not paved to give these dogs a natural environment.

Adequate space has been provided for people (volunteers) to come inside the ward and spend time with the dogs. “The injured dogs love to be petted. There is adequate space for visitors to spend time with them in the open area,” he added.