Blue Cross Society, Pune

Animals & More - Adoption Camp

2012-01-20T11:03:00.000+05:30

Blue Cross's first Adoption Camp for 2012 is happening thisSunday (22^nd January2012) 10. a.m onward's as a part of the "Animals &More" event at the Blue Cross Hospital, Mundhwa!!

Want to adopt the cutest pup or kitten? Then you have to come!

RSVP to our event and drop a mail at bluecrosspune@gmail.comfor further information.

https://www.facebook.com/events/126550717464854/

See you there!!

Animals & More - Wall Art by FAD

2012-01-20T10:47:00.002+05:30

Here's a sneak peak at the Wall Art being done by FAD at the hospital..and there is more to come...

Animal First Aid Workshop

2012-01-16T14:58:00.002+05:30

Have you ever seen a dogor a donkey or some other animal suffering in the streets and wished you coulddo something to reduce its suffering? Often, first aid given in time can saveits life.

So do register for theAnimal First Aid Workshop which will be conducted by ResQ Charitable Trust as apart of our "Animals & More" event and make a difference to thelives of animals in our city.

Venue: Blue CrossHospital, Keshavnagar, Mundhwa

Day & Date: Sunday,22^nd January 2012

Time: 1.00 to 3.00 p.m.

Fees: Rs.200

Course Content:

Part A

1) Site Assessment

2) Distressed Dogs
3) Approach
4) Muzzling
5) Handling and Transport
6) Rehoming
7) Useful Numbers
8) FAQ’s
9) The Laws

Part B

10) Vaccinations

11) WormInfestations

12) WoundDressing

13) SkinInfections

14) Sprains

15) Fractures

16) SpinalComplications

17) OralTablets

18) Syrups

19) Injections

20) Rabies

A ResQ Kit (optional)will be for sale at Rs.400 per kit.

Limited seats are available so make sure to Pre - Register (compulsory).

Contact (020) 65266491/2 for further details

Paws on the Ramp

2012-01-15T21:14:00.001+05:30

Dont we all think we have the cutest pets??? Dont we all feel like proud parents when other people fawn over our cute little pets?? Well here is your chance to prove that your pet is the MOST adorable bundle of joy!!!

Blue Cross presents – Paws on the Ramp!! A fancy dress competition where your pets can strut their stuff. Dress up your pets in cute outfits and showus what it’s got and you may just take home an amazing prize sponsored by Eukanuba!!

Pets would be judged on the following criteria's:

1) Best dressed;

2) Ease and Comfort of the pet in the clothes and with the owner; and

3) Special Talent

Hurry!! Register today!!

Location: Blue Cross Society of Pune Hospital, Keshavnagar, Mundhwa

Date: 22^nd January 2012
Time: 10 a.m. onwards

Registrations close on 20^thJanuary 2012.

Animals & More

2012-01-13T23:25:00.000+05:30

This January brings with it the National Animal Welfare Fortnightand we are celebrating it in style!!

The Blue Cross Society of Pune proudly presents - "Animals& More" - an event at the Blue Cross SocietyHospital, Mudhwa on the 22nd of January 2012 when everybody is invitedto take a grand tour of the hospital and its facilities. But that’s not allfolks!! There is so much more happening on the day of the event. Keep readingto find out.

Potential adopters, here is your chance to give a home to a newpet chosen from all the lovable pup’s and kitten’s up for adoption atthe Adoption Camp. Do remember to attend the Pet Counseling session by HappyTails if you plan to adopt!

Pet owners, this is your chance to pick up some useful tips at theDog Obedience and Handling Workshop being conducted by Petsitters. Get your pets groomed by Pets World and also show usjust how adorable your pet can be at the “Paws on the Ramp” show - a fancydress competition for pets organized by Eukanuba. Go ahead and pamper them somemore by spoiling them silly with a treat from the Spoilt BratBarkery. Your pet will definitely thank you for that!!

You don't have to own a pet to enjoy this event! For those whosimply have a love for animals, Intervet India would be conducting an awarenessprogramme “Know their Habitat” and FAD International would be presenting “Playa Part” Wall Art. Animal welfare enthusiast should make sure thatthey attend the Animal First Aid Workshop by ResQ charitable Trust.

Don't forget to get yourself a cool temporary tattoo and acustomized rubber stamp from our very own The Doodle Factory. A charity booksale, merchandise sale and a food court are also part of the full day event.

So mark your calendar for 22nd January, 2012 and spend the dayenjoying animals!

What a way to start the New Year!!

National Animal Welfare Fortnight, 2012

2011-12-30T16:42:00.002+05:30

Blue Cross Society Of Pune Invites You To Celebrate
The National Animal Welfare Fortnight, 2012

Date: Sunday,22nd January 2012.

Venue: Blue Cross Society’s Sunanda DasMemorial Animal Hospital and Shelter, Keshavnagar, Mundhwa.

Time: 10.00 a.m. onwards

The Event – “Animals & More” willconsist of following activities:

Open House: Tour of the Hospital and Facilities
Adoption camp for Pups & Kittens
Wall Art by FAD International
Animal First Aid Workshop by ResQ Charitable Trust (2pm-3pm)
Awareness Program for School Children by InterVet
Dog Obedience & Handling Workshop by PetSitters (3pm-4pm)
Pet Grooming by Pooja’s Pet Saloon
Paws on the Ramp: A Fancy Dress Competition Pets (11am to 1pm)
Pet Counseling
Charity Book Sale
Merchandise Sale
Tattooing and Customized Animal Stamps
Food Court

Hope to see you there!

Fund Raising Event for the Blue Cross Animal Shelter: Sunday, Nov 6th

2011-11-03T11:38:00.001+05:30

By Riya & Maya Jindal – Grades 10 & 8, Cathedral School, Lonavala

This Sunday, November 6^th, we are organizing a charity concert at the Hard Rock Café for the Blue Cross Animal Shelter, Pune. If we all slowly start pitching in, there wouldn’t be any more stray animals on the streets. We have been sponsored by Hard Rock Café, who is welcoming us to perform there. There are many, many friends & animal lovers who support us by buying tickets and some are performing as well.

From the last time we did this event, we have been very successful and made Rs. 75,000 with more donations coming in. We thank everyone who came to enjoy our live music and at the same time for helping a good cause.

Save the date, Sunday, November 6^th 2011, from 4 to 7pm at Hard Rock Café in Pune and enjoy live music by children from different schools, including our school, Cathedral School, Lonavala. If you’d like donation passes at Rs.300 each, please email bluecross.hrcfundraiser@gmail.com

High Spirits Fundraiser a Smashing Success!

2011-10-17T21:58:00.000+05:30

A fundraiser was just what we needed and this one was a smashing success!!

Generous collections poured in as more than 250 people came down High Spirits to watch Taal Inc. and Hrishikesh’s Centre for Contemporary Dance rock the stage with brilliant sounds and graceful movements. Their beautiful performance was extremely enjoyable and kept the audience rapt for the ninety minutes that they showcased their brilliant skills. The rhythmic drumming and flowing dance moves had everyone pumped up. !

Along with the performance, a mini carnival - like section was set up where the stores Aura and Bliss set up shop and got some amazing responses. Aura displayed its beautiful clothes creations and Bliss offered crazy household knick knacks at affordable prices; shot glasses, magnets, coasters were never more fun.

Blue Cross merchandise was also sold alongside. Adorable mugs, cloth bags, colorful magnets, bookmarks and eye pillows added a certain charm that only such doodley merchandise can bring. Last but not the least, the ‘Old Books Fair’, proved to be a successful venture. A collection of over 500 donated books were put up for grabs and throw away prices and boy, were they grabbed up!

All in all this was one fun night, and not to mention a successful night as we raised a good amount of funds for Blue Cross to continue to do what it does best – help our speechless friends.

We would like to thank all the people who supported us and all our volunteers, without whom this night would not have been such a success, and of course, so much fun!!

Festival Of Kindness - Oct 16th, 2011

2011-10-12T11:00:00.001+05:30

Diwali is known as the festival of lights.Over the years, it has degenerated into a festival of noise. Please show your support by participating in our festival of kindness campaign for a cycle/walk event starting at university circle on the 16th october at 7:00 am.

Please do Pledge on www.woofmag.in/diwali and forward this to as many as you can. Thanks for your support.

Blue Cross Society's Fundraiser at High Sprits – 5.10.2011

2011-09-26T23:04:00.000+05:30

Location : High Spirits, Koregaon Park

Date : 5^th October 2011, Wednesday

Time: 8.30 p.m

Its fundraiser time again!! Blue Cross is throwing a party and everyone is invited!!

The Blue Cross Society of Pune presents a unique high energy Drum & Dance performance as Taal Inc. Rhythm Ensemble and Hrishikesh's Centre of Contemporary Dance join hands to perform for raising funds.

Taal Inc. Rhythm Ensemble is a community of musicians performing traditional West-African folk songs in a more contemporary and relevant, 21st century setting to spreading joy through their respective mediums. While Hrishikesh's Centre of Contemporary Dance, has been pioneering its way through Contemporary Dance & Movement based work in India.

Together for the first time, Taal Inc with their pulsating, earthy and primal rhythms along with Hrishikesh’s elegant dance repertoires will raise funds for one of the most neglected element of our society – animals.

You can catch more details on Taal Inc at http://www.facebook.com/taal.inc

That’s not all folks!!

Also introducing Aura and Bliss - each would have a stall at High Spirits during the fund raiser.

Aura comes with a fantastic idea of recycling old sarees from your closet to make you the perfect dress. So look out for one of a kind dresses and make sure to pick your favourite.

Bliss who has a beautiful store in Phoenix Market shall sell unique and quaint trinkets which will go perfectly with that dress you just bought :)

And ofcourse, our very own Blue Cross Society shall set up a stall for selling of some doodly merchandise of its own. Along with the regular merchandise, this time we are also having a sale of old books. Come pick up your favorite classics that you thought you would never find again!!

To donate books please call the numbers given below.

So come down to High Spirits for a night of drums, dance and sales!! For more details on the event please visit http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197228227016595.

Entry Charge : Rs.300 per person

The Blue Cross Society of Pune, founded in 1994, is a non-profit and non-funded organization with the principal objective of alleviating suffering of animals and for providing veterinary facilities for domestic animals. The funds raised on this day will be channelized towards activities like adoption, vaccination, sterilization camps and awareness drives.

This is going to be one rocking night!!

Anti Rabies Vaccination Camp - 25th September 2011

2011-09-25T22:29:00.000+05:30

The Anti – Rabies Vaccination camp today was a woofing success!!! 79 animals were successfully vaccinated – 51 Community dogs, 15 Stray dogs and 13 Cats!!

We set up camp at Prime Real Estate in Koregaon Park Lane 7 for the people who wanted to bring their pets or strays for the vaccinations. Simultaneously the van did rounds of Koregaon Park and Kavde Vasti and provided on the spot vaccinations to the animals.

We covered 3 ‘basti’s’ on foot and got a wonderful response with a lot of people stepping forward to get their pets vaccinated and some even assisting the vet in holding the dogs and cats down for the vaccination injection.

An enthusiastic bunch of children ran ahead and identified the animals that required the vaccination and served as our guide through the pathways. Dogs and cats of all sizes were brought forward and were successfully vaccinated. Every vaccination was witnessed by an audience of atleast 20 little kids and adults!!

The caretakers of the animal were provided a Certificate to record the vaccination and duly informed about Rabies and its prevention.

All in all, we took a small step to ensuring Koregaon Park and Kavde Vasti a healthier surrounding and healthier animals.

A huge thanks to all the Blue Cross staff and volunteers for making this event such a success.

Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camp - Sunday Sept 25th 2011

2011-09-22T14:27:00.000+05:30

Hi Everyone!

We are having a Anti Rabies Vaccination Camp this weekend. The details are given below.

All those who would like to be a part of this camp, please reply back so that we can have an count of expected volunteers.

Details of camp:

Date: Sunday Sept 25th, 2011

Time: 9am to 4pm [ please be on time :) ]

Meeting Point: Koreagaon Park, Ln no. 7. Please gather at Uncle's Kitchen.

Location of Camp: Kavde Vasti and vicinity and Yerwada Gaon.

Hope to see you all there!

Adult Dog Adoption Camp August 2011

2011-08-31T19:09:00.000+05:30

Arrival of the babies

Sorry for the delay in updates!! Well Blue Cross Society of Pune along with ResQ Charitable Trust had an adoption camp on the 7th of August, 2011, this time for Adult Dogs only!! Yes, this was exclusively for late Ms. Zareen Patels babies only. The best part follows, we had 23 adoptions to homes, farmhouses and factories following the publicity around the camp, and still people are coming to us every day to adopt! So now, the count is down to 75!!

Ready to find homes

Each and every dog was so special and adorable. Dogs like Gazaell and Lara who had come out of the Camp estate for the first time were extremely shy and scared, were trying to hide under chairs and tables kept around. Shapu was a beauty. He was calm and shy, Pilli was an extremely playful. Few of them were in pairs, some in groups. Lara, female and Gazelle, male were 2-3 year old wherein Gazelle trusted Lara's instinct to trust people around. The family with a mother and three pups was extremely playful. And the list goes on....

The unique bonding which man has with dogs, made so many of passers by happy wherein some disappointed kids had tears in their eyes when their parents couldn't adopt dogs for them. So many mixed reactions but the camp ended up with creating new bonds and friendships to share on the day of friendships day.

I have a home now....yay!!

Incase you would like to adopt one, please call ResQ @ + 91 9373888500

Now, cruelty to animals may invite Rs 1 crore fine!

2011-07-05T13:44:00.000+05:30

Be cruel to your pet or any other animal at your own peril. For, an offender could end up paying up to Rs 1 crore as fine or be jailed for up to five years. The environment and forests ministry has proposed this hefty fine in its Animal Welfare Bill, 2011. For institutions or companies that show cruelty towards animals the penalty would be a whopping Rs 25 crore.

The proposed bill empowers the Centre to fix fines and penalties based on the severity of offence. It aims to regulate welfare of pets and animals used in performances and for scientific experiments.It would be construed as an offence if you don't take reasonable steps to ensure that the pet gets a suitable environment and diet, protection from pain, suffering and diseases.

"If any person beats, kicks, over-rides, over-drives, over-loads, tortures or otherwise treats any animal so as to subject it to unnecessary pain or suffering' or permits such cruelty he or she would be liable for penalty under the act when and if passed by the Parliament," says the provisions in the proposed bill.

Keeping animals chained for "unreasonable time" or abandoning a pet, or keeping it caged in a space that does not "permit the animal a reasonable opportunity for movement" would call for invoking the penal clause.

If an individual files a complaint against a pet-owner before a magistrate, police commissioner or SP in writing, the officer can send a sub-inspector to the 'errant' person's house to ascertain the truth. The officer can carry out search and seizure under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The courts could debar you forever for keeping a pet if they find you have been cruel before. However, there are several caveats to such a fiat.

The ministry has also set up a panel to oversee and regulate scientific experiments, where animals are used. No agency will be allowed to conduct experiments without the commission's nod.

While, national and state-level welfare boards will supervise animal welfare programmes and regulations

Courtesy : Nitin Sethi, Times News Network Jul 3, 2011.

Fund Raiser at Hard Rock Cafe Pune. 15th May 2011.

2011-05-14T01:11:00.001+05:30

For passes you can contact Anjali : 98225-34737

Faith..!

2011-05-07T00:19:00.000+05:30

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. He was born with 2 legs -
He of course could not walk when he was born. Even his mother did not want him.

His first owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting him to sleep'.

But then, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him.
She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by himself.
She named him 'Faith'.

In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let him feel the movement.
Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him for standing up and jumping around.
Even the other dog at home encouraged him to walk. Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on his hind legs and to jump to move forward.
After further training in the snow, he could now walk like a human being.

Faith loves to walk around now.
No matter where he goes, he attracts people to him. He is fast becoming famous on the international scene and has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows.
There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about him.
He was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies.

His present owner Jude Stringfellew has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world to preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul'.

In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better you just need to look at life from another direction.
I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day.

Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life.

4th Puppy & Kitten Adoption Camp - The Sucess Story!

2010-12-14T10:54:00.007+05:30

After getting 51 puppies & 15 kittens adopted on Dec 12, 2010 at our final Adoption Camp of 2010, the Blue Cross Society of Pune has achieved 195 puppy & 55 kitten adoptions in the year 2010.

The camp had a huge response. Nearly 500 people visited the venue, some as volunteers, some as fosters, well-wishers and some adopters. The BCS is thankful to a lot of people who helped us in various ways.

1. Little school children Riya, Maya and Arman, who raised Rs 15,000/- in cash by selling cookies. The BCS bought 4 large cages from the money raised, which were very much needed at the Animal Hospital in Mundwa!

2. We thank Sheepstop T-shirts from whom we got merchandise at subsidized rates. Even though there was a time crunch, the T-shirts were printed, designed and delivered!

3. This is the second time The Doodle Factory helped us with the sale of their merchandise. The mugs, bookmarks and hot packs made a small contribution to raise funds for this NGO.

4. Lastly, we thank our sponsors Eukanuba Foods who sponsored our event for the second time. They helped us complete our last successful adoption camp of 2010. They added their charm by giving free gifts to people who adopted the little ones.

Alongside, we conducted Anit-rabies and 7in1 Vaccinations for subsidized rates for all the people who wanted to bring their cats and dogs.

The rest of the event rolled by successfully with counselling sessions, do's & don'ts before and after adoption, meeting new animal lovers, discussing newer opportunities to make the streets of Pune safe and animal friendly!

For more information, please email us at bluecrosspune@gmail.com

Dogs are family,can use lifts for free,rules court

2010-11-30T15:09:00.000+05:30

Mahim society asked to stop charging residents for letting pets use elevators.Consumer forum says if milkmen can use it,so can dogs

ANAND HOLLA

MUMBAI : The status of dogs in housing societies have been elevated.In a judgment that will set a precedent for housing societies on how to treat pets,the Central Mumbai Consumer Redressal Forum has rapped a Mahim society for charging one of its member Rs 500 for each of his two dogs using the elevator.Noting that pets are members of the modern,urban family,the forum ruled there is no reason why pets cant use elevators when outsiders,including service providers such as milkmen and vendors,have access to the facility without any charges.

The family in question,the D'Souzas,58-year-old Allwyn and Eleanor,52,were shocked by the resolution passed during the societys general body on August 10,2008,charging Rs 500 per month for each pet using the lifts.The move hit the couple hard as they would use the elevator to take their pet dogs Barney,a labrador,and Dash,a mongrel,for a daily walk.

When the family protested,the society management justified the decision by saying the pets cause nuisance due to the stench and threat,causing inconvenience to the members and that extra electricity (was) consumed due to unnecessary trips by the lift because of the dogs, among other factors.The DSouzas were left to fend for themselves as the other family in their building that had a pet stayed on the third floor and took to stairs after the diktat.Challenging the societys decision,Allwyn D - Souza moved the consumer forum while continuing to pay Rs 1,000 every month under protest,along with maintenance bills.

DSouzas lawyers Udav Wavikar and Rashmi Manne contended before the forum that pets are pampered and loved as much as any other family member,and hence,should be considered part of the family.Invoking religion and mythology,the lawyers said a dog is considered an incarnation of a deity in Maharashtrian culture.The lawyers further argued that forcing dogs up and down 10 floors amounts to sheer cruelty.To bolster his case,Allwyn collected signatures of society residents to attest that they had no complaints against his dogs.The society,however,said the dogs dirtied lifts by either urinating in them or soiling them,and there was the danger of them biting other residents.The society also argued that dogs are not members of the DSouza family,and the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act doesnt include them in the bracket of family members.It claimed the forum had no jurisdiction to hear the complaint.

However,the bench of Nalin Majithia and Bhavna Pisaal observed last week,We dont find the societys view correct. The forum noted that no resident had ever taken any objection to DSouzas pets.Several outsiders such as milkmen,newspaper and vegetable vendors,laundrymen,sweepers,etc,use the building lifts on a daily basis.In such a scenario,the societys decision to levy charges on residents pets for lifts usage is inappropriate, the forum held.

Ordering the society to return the entire amount it has collected from the DSouzas along with nine per cent interest and Rs 5,500 towards mental and physical torture and legal costs,the forum held,The society has indulged in unfair trade practices and it is incorrect on their part to charge the DSouzas.

From October 2008 till September 2010,D - Souza paid dog fees to the society.Allwyn said,Our dogs were kept absolutely clean and healthy.We would take them out only twice a day and they never misbehaved with anybody,nor dirtied the lift or the society premises.Some members of the society passed this order only to harass us. Happy with the order,he said,This will come as a relief to many residents who are similarly harassed over their pets.

(Source: Pune Mirror 30th Dec 2010. Copyright © 2010 Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Canine Training and Agility Weekend

2010-11-11T18:21:00.000+05:30

A grr-eat way for a dog lover to spend the weekend!

Date: 20th and 21st November 2010
Venue: Lonavla

Is your dog the cleverest little canine in town? Does it love to jump on your sofa, wiggle under chairs, twist through flower pots and basically crave to interact with you? Are you and your dog bored of repeating the same dreary commands everyday? Here’s a course that will brighten up your training, strengthen the bond between you and your pooch and can be a fun day for your entire family! This fun training course has a dash of obedience, a sprinkle of agility and a wallop of fun to turn your bored boxer into a canine champion.

Learn...Basic Obedience commands Agility
Advanced distance control
And more...

At the end of the two days, the students will be placed in teams and will be solving a mysterious treasure hunt in a limited time period using the skills they and their dogs have learnt on the course.
All friendly dogs of any size, shape, colour, sex or breed are welcome.
All owners of any size, shape, or age with a cheerful attitude are also welcome.

For more information or a copy of the curriculum,
Contact: k9cancare@hotmail.com or sms 98210 54690.

LIKE DOGS?
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mumbai-India/Canines-Can-Care/354318733353
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Simba. Finally Home..

2010-10-19T03:06:00.001+05:30

We try in earnest to make a difference, a difference only the lovely new pet and the owner can vouch for.

Here is an email from one such individual. It brings boundless joy to us, knowing, Simba is happy.

THANK YOU for our lively Simba ! My daughter and sister's adventurous trip to Pune was a Godsend. Simba arrived New Jersey on a Continental flight and was none the worse for it. In fact, it amused the airline staff that she was the only one in the cargo hold feisty and raring to go, while all the other dogs were miserable. This says so much for our tough, loving desi dogs. When we took her out of her crate she made a beeline for my daughter, settled in her lap and rained her with kisses. Needless to say we all love her, and so do all the neighbors dogs who come over on `play dates'.

It's been a little over a week and she has learnt to sit and offer her paw for a shake!! She loves our 15 year old Mumbai stray, who puts up with her puppy horseplay. We have a lot of video of them playing in the yard, however only the one pic of them asleep, which I have included.

Once again, thank you for all your help.

Warm regards
Cheryl

We would like to say, no, thank you Cheryl for Simba's second phase of life.

Freedom from Fear - RABIES FREE PUNE - Oct 3rd, 2010

2010-09-29T09:21:00.007+05:30

Rabies is still a dreaded disease in India. 70% of deaths due to rabies occur in our country, most are due to dog bites. Blue Cross Society of Pune is launching a campaign for making Pune a rabies-free city by organising several Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camps.

On the occasion of World Rabies Day , an Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camp was organized at P.M.C.’s Warje-Karvenagar Zonal Ward Office by Blue Cross, in association with Intervet Pharmaceuticals and Rotary Club of Pune-Kothrud. A total of 50 pet dogs, and stray dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies. 2 PMC vans were made available for bringing stray dogs to the camp site. Dogs which had not been sterilized were sent to the Naidu Hospital Dog Pound. PMC’s Dog Registration forms were also made available at the camp.

Dr.Jagtap, Assistant Medical Officer, PMC , Shri Gaikwad, Zonal ward Officer and Shri. Pramod Jejurikar, District Governor of Rotary Club visited the camp and appreciated the efforts taken to safeguard citizens from the risk of rabies.
Prabhag Adhikari Lanjekar, Ward Officer, Warje-Karvenagar Zonal Ward Office was present throughout to ensure the smooth functioning of the camp.

Veterinary doctors, Dr. Mali, Dr.Disale and Dr.Bhagat vaccinated the dogs. Dr.Kuldeep Singh a senior retired veterinarian and Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, Hissar was also present. We appreciate the presence of all these persons and the help given by our regular volunteers : Madhuri Kulkarni, Neelim Shankar, Sonia Kulkarni, Jitesh, Sahil , Madhurima.

Our sincere thanks to Sonia, Bipin, Lochana, Anjali ,Mr and Mrs Tambe who worked tirelessly for the event. Mrs Tambe even brought stray dogs in her own car for vaccination!

3rd Mixed Breed Puppy & Kitten Adoption Mela - Aug 08, 2010

2010-07-27T09:27:00.012+05:30

On Sunday, 8th August 2010 the Blue Cross Society of Pune, in collaboration with Eukanuba Pet Foods and Petsworld organized its 3rd Mixed Breed Puppy and Adoption Camp from 10am to 4pm at Mrs. Erin P, Nagarwala Primary School, Kalyaninagar. The first two camps held in January and May 2010 evoked an overwhelming response from caring citizens. Thanks to first two camps, about 150 puppies and kittens, who would otherwise have ended up on the streets, found loving homes followed by an addition of 27 dogs and 19 kittens for our third one. Blue Cross offered free sterilization and anti-rabies vaccination at susidized rate for all street dogs and mixed breed dogs adopted during the Camps. A further discount on treatment at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital at Keshavnagar was offered to those adopting female dogs.

Since eight in the morning foster families who had been caring for stray or orphaned kittens and puppies started streaming in with their furry little bundles. The seven vets, Dr.Lochana, Dr.Deepa, Dr.Vimli, Dr, Aher, Dr.Mail, Dr. Disale and Dr. Kalapure were kept busy, checking the health condition of each puppy and kitten. The foster caretakers waited patiently for adopters who started coming in around ten o’clock.

Volunteers of all ages from age ten to sixty were stationed at different desks helping the fosters and adopters to fill up forms and undertakings and to complete the formalities. Representatives of 2 television channels and several newspapers covered this unique event.

People who already owned a pet can got their pets along on Sunday for vaccination at subsidized rates. The sponsors planned fun activities for pets and their owners, and got gift hampers and discount coupons. For the convenience of pet owners, pet accessories were on sale.

'Reading with a Buddy' - A Fun Event for Kids!!

2010-06-17T16:57:00.005+05:30

In today’s day and age, children are more involved in TV and video games than reading. Reading not only increases their vocabulary, but the children also learn something every time they read a book. Reading gives self confidence and increases their general knowledge. The sooner the children learn to read as a hobby, the better it is. Its no wonder that these days many parents are looking for ways to inculcate the habit of reading in their children.

Blue Cross Society of Pune and Animal Angels (http://www.animalangels.org.in/aa/in_the_News.htm) together initiated a ‘Reading with a Buddy’ fund raising workshop for children between the ages of 5 and 10, to help them pick up the habit of reading. This workshop was held on the 26th of June at a store called L’Orange, in Aundh. The ‘Reading With a Buddy’ workshop was an interactive workshop held by Tejashree from Animal Angels, with the help of a Buddy (a specially trained dog).

The workshop started of with the narration of a short story. After the story telling session, each child was asked to read out a passage from a book of his/ her choice to the Buddy. The Buddy is specially trained to pay attention and ‘listen’ to the story. The children enjoyed the session with the buddy.

Animal Angels is a foundation which was formulated to create awareness about the benefits of the animal human relationship and the healing effect of animals on humans. Animal Angels aim at involving more and more professionals and like minded people for the cause beneficial to both humans and animals. They work with animals as therapist aides and have seen outstanding results with increased emotional tolerance, better motor skills and a longer attention span among children.

The session had a few benefits. Here, we not only inculcated the reading habit in children but also explained the importance of the animal world in our current society.

2ND PUP & KITTEN ADOPTION MELA...May 09, 2010 A Success Again!

2010-04-25T13:39:00.012+05:30

On Sunday, the 9th of May 2010, volunteers of the Blue Cross Society of Pune organised an adoption mela for stray and orphaned puppies and kittens. In the campus of the Government Veterinary Polyclinic at Aundh. The event received an overwhelming response from citizens from various parts of the city who came with pups and kittens that they had looked after in their neighbourhood to donate, or to adopt a pup or a kitten or simply to volunteer.

Dr.Agarwal, Secretary, Animal Husbandry, (GoM), Dr.Zagde, Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, (GoM) visited the camp and appreciated the effort. This event was made possible due to the unstinting support of Dr Parkale, Dr Gaikwad and Dr. Mahajan from the Animal Husbandry Ddepartment. Assitant Medical Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation and chief of the Dog Squad, Dr. D.B. Pardeshi also visited the camp and encouraged the organizers. In order to promote responsible pet ownership, and for the convenience of the adopting families, the Pune Municipal Corporation been invited to make dog registrationforms available at the venue.

Pet Sitters, Girija Distributors, Pet Care and Pedigree partly sponsored the event.. Pedigree provided every adopted puppy with a free bag of dog food. Pet Care provided food supplements for these dogs. Pet Sitters which is a dog boarding facility distributed information about their facility. (For more information, log on to: petsitters.co.in). Girija Distributors, retailers of dog merchandise also had a stall at this event. This event was made possible due to the untiring efforts of 30 volunteers from different backgrounds who came together to support this cause. After a stringent medical health check up of the pup / kitten by the Blue Cross vets, Dr.Baney, Dr. Pardesi, Dr.Mali, Dr.Aher and Dr.Disale and counseling by volunteers for prospective the adopters, 46 puppies and 16 kittens went home to their adoptive families. Along with its main work of caring for abandoned, sick or injured animals and implementing the Animal Birth Control and Sterilisation Programme, the Blue Cross Society, Pune plans to hold such adoption melas on a regular basis in its endeavour to give street puppies and kittens a place they can call home.

VOLUNTEERS' MEET Sunday March 28, 2010 @ 9:30am @ Kamala Nehru Park

2010-03-26T16:09:00.009+05:30

On March 28, 2010, the Blue Cross Society, Pune had a cosy and informal gathering of some enthusiastic animal lovers at the Kamala Nehru Park, Erandwane. It had been a while since the Dog Adoption Mela and we needed to gear up for the next event. During out Dog Adoption Mela in Jan 2010, we had nearly 100 names enrolled who wanted to volunteer for us. It was very touching to see so many people who wanted to help us improve the conditions of the stray animals found roaming in our city.

The agenda of this little gathering was to discuss further events and to hold another Dog Adoption Mela in the upcoming month. We almost finalised dates and the sequence of events at this meeting. It was wonderful to get feedback and suggestions to organise and execute plans.

One more very important task for volunteers was discussed. We formed Dog Muhallah Committees were volunteers from their areas will group together. For example, volunteers from Camp area will come together and form their little committee, Kothrud guys will forms their own, etc. There are various reasons we formed these committees -

To identify dogs
1. No. of dogs
2. Identify males, females, neutered dogs, puppies, mothers, bitches in heat, etc.

Why identify?
1. To know the dog population in our city.
2. To neuter them and control its population
3. To make their and our lives better

What we expect from you...
1. Identify dog spots. Mostly, dogs are found close to garbage cans, restaurants or food joints or may be in summers you may find them in some shady, mushy areas.Dogs are also spotted later in the nights or at dawn.
2. Start getting friendly with them. DO NOT touch or pet them! It can prove dangerous. For almost 3-4 weeks, feed them and then befriend them.

The reports will help us in controlling and improving the conditions of these animals. Since we have a very small bunch of people working for us, we would appreciate this little help we get from you.

We are still looking out for volunteers who would love to join us and seriously work towards making the lives of these animals more pleasurable.

Please email Sonia or Mrs. Paranjpye at sonia_sumant@yahoo.co.uk or anjali.paranjpye@gmail.com to know more about helping or volunteering in any way.

Workshop on Dog Health & Training

2010-03-02T10:08:00.013+05:30

As a part of our event after the Dog Adoption Mela dated Jan 31, 2010, the Blue Cross Society, Pune held a small workshop for all the wonderful families who adopted these beautiful puppies from us. The workshop was held at our Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Mundwa on Sunday Feb 28, 2010 almost a month after the adoption event.

The workshop was divided in to two parts. Dr. Lochana Baney & Dr. Aher conducted the first half which included the medical and health issues of dogs while Mr. Bhosale a very fine Dog Trainer covered topics on general obedience and training along with a demonstration on a 4 month old pup named Ginger owned by the Marathe family.

Some of the topics covered were by our vets were -
1. Symptoms of Illness among dogs.
2. Importance of Vaccinations
3. Feeding Schedules and the dog compatible foods.
4. General cleanliness and Grooming.
5. Signs of Maturity & Sterlization.
6. Exercise with regard to health.
7. Handling Incorrect Notions about animals, etc.

The topics covered By Mr. Bhosale were -
1. General Obedience
2. Toilet Training
3. Following Master and his Instructions
4. Importance of Exercise & Walks, etc.
5. Demonstration of Commands

The purpose of the workshop was getting the owner and the pet closer to each other. If one understands his pet, not only will the dog but even he can benefit in several ways. Always rememeber the words said by Josh Billings, "A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself."

For further assistance from our vets, call Dr, Aher @ (0)9822299526 or Dr. Baney @ (0) 9823057399
In order to train your pet, please call Mr. Bhosale @ (0) 9822173722

Success of Dog Adoption Mela....Jan 31, 2010

2009-12-26T12:51:00.030+05:30

MIXED BREED DOG ADOPTION MELA, ANTI-RABIES CAMP AND PMC DOG REGISTRATION CAMP

On Sunday, 31st January 2010, the Blue Cross Society of Pune celebrated Animal Welfare Fortnight with an event at Kamla Nehru Park for promoting the welfare of street dogs through a unique mixed breed puppy adoption mela.

The Blue Cross, in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation till date sterilised and vaccinated over 28,000 street dogs under the Animal Birth Control and Anti-Rabies Programme of the Govt. of India. However, puppies are still found on the streets, mainly due to irresponsible dog owners or breeders and the easily availability of food in garbage dumps. Many of these puppies get injured or run over.

The main objective of the Mixed Breed Puppy Adoption Mela was primarily to find homes for these orphaned and homeless puppies. This would also reduce the number of street dogs.

During the mela, which evoked an overwhelming response, with over 70 dogs finding homes. We were very happy to know that pune city has a huge amount of animal lovers. The prospective adoptive families were offered counselling and guidelines for puppy care by Blue Cross vets and volunteers.

Puppies were given free of charge. Even though all reasonable precautions were taken to ensure compatibility between the puppy and the family, Blue Cross volunteers will make follow-up visits and give further counselling if required. Puppies need time to adjust to new surroundings, food, people, and other stress factors.Underlying diseases and others conditions could get precipitated when exposed to large crowds, handling, transport, changed environmental conditions etc. We sincerely hope all families who have adopted a pup from us will keep in touch and feel free to contact us in case of difficulties. We are here to help them.

The second objective was to promote responsible dog ownership. The puppy care guidelines given to each adoptive family urge pet owners to vaccinate and sterilise their pets and give them toilet training not only inside the house but also on the streets. The Blue Cross Society offers free sterilisation and discounts on medical treatment at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital at Keshavnagar for puppies adopted from us.

The Blue Cross has always worked closely with the Health Department of the PMC. During the mela, citizens were encouraged to register their dogs with the PMC and obtain valid licenses.

We hope we have been able to create some public awareness with this event. We plan to have more adoption camps for these orphaned pups in the future.

The Rocking Fundraiser Event @ High Spirits, Dec 2009!

2009-12-04T21:05:00.008+05:30

The Blue Cross Society, Pune is an organisation that creates public awareness about kindness to animals. Not only does it provide medical treatment, care and shelter to pets, abandoned and stray animals but also tries to prevent cruelty towards them. As a team, we conduct several activities at our premises to promote causes related to animals and environment, to treat them in case of injury, to find them a good home, to shed light on the co-relation of animals with the environment and humans.

The Blue Cross Society, Pune organised a party to raise funds in order to accomplish a few more goals like making a cattery, building more kennels, developing a 24 hours helpline and rescue facility, X-ray machines, etc. The event was hosted at High Spirits, on Wednesday, 9th December 2009 in Koregaon Park, thanks to Mr. Khodu Irani who generously offered the venue. A small entry fee of Rs. 200 per person was collected at the entry by our volunteers Shounak and Kaustubh, which has been donated entirely to the welfare of animals.

The event kicked off around 9:15 p.m. when the band Crosswired started playing. Shortly, after the first song, Blue Cross Society volunteers, Anand and Sonia, introduced the NGO and the purpose behind the fundraiser. The event sped by with Crosswired rocking the rest of the evening.

Along with the music players, we had three small kiosques from Pooja’s Pet Salon, The Doodle Factory and the Blue Cross Society, Pune who sold their merchandise at the event to raise some more funds. The entire evening was a mélange of good music, food, vendors and a great cause.

The event was a small initiative by volunteers of the Blue Cross Society, Pune and High Spirits to inculcate a sense of responsible pet ownership and kindness to animals amongst people. We hope that this event will bring about an attitudinal change towards animals, for as Mahatma Gandhi wrote: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Blue Cross Society of Pune & Rewachand Bhojwani come together on Sept 19, 2009

2009-09-10T19:14:00.007+05:30

An Excursion for understanding the Animal World

The Blue Cross Society, Pune is an organisation that creates public awareness about kindness to animals. Not only does it provide medical treatment, care and shelter to pet, abandoned and stray animals but also tries to prevent cruelty towards them. As a team, we conduct several activities at our premise to promote causes related to animals and environment, to treat them in case of injury, to find them a good home, to shed light on the co-relation of animals with the environment and humans.

On Sept 19, 2009, the Blue Cross Society, Pune along with The Rewachand Bhojwani Academy came together to understand and help the most overlooked component of our society – the plight of urban animals. As a part of a curriculum activity for the students of standard 9 and 10 along with a few teachers of Rewachand Bhojwani Academy, visited the premise of the Blue Cross Society Hospital in Mundwa. With the help of a few volunteers, the Blue Cross Hospital staff and professionals in animation came together and offered these children a real life experience of looking after animals. The students learned about various issues related to animals in an urban environment and how they can make life easier for the animals and for the society. There was an interactive workshop with games and theatre activities conducted by Mr. Yogesh Fulpagar to convey compassion, kindness and respect towards animals.

As a sequel to this excursion, our volunteers, with the help of experts in baking, will hold a demonstration of microwave cakes for the students. Students will then bake cakes at home and sell them during the Diwali Mela in their school on Oct 08, 2009. The funds generated from the sale of cakes will be donated to the Blue Cross Society, Pune which go towards the cost of treatment and care of rescued and abandoned animals. Shortly after this event, the students will also be given a follow-up questionnaire about how they have contributed in their own way to make a difference to animals and the natural environment.

The event was a small initiative by volunteers of the Blue Cross Society, Pune and The Rewachand Bhojwani Academy to inculcate a sense of responsible pet ownership and kindness to animals amongst young students. We hope that this event will bring about an attitudinal change towards animals, for as Mahatma Gandhi wrote: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

2009-06-05T18:01:00.007+05:30

Green Day @ Blue Cross Hospital & Shelter, Mundwa on June 05, 2009 from 8:30am -12 noon

Green Day – what does it suggest? Just like we celebrate Diwali, Eid or Christmas, we decided to celebrate Green Day. It’s a small initiative by Crossbow club & Blue Cross Society, Pune to create awareness about importance of Tree Plantation & having pollution free environment. Today the major problem faced all over the world is global warming. So as responsible citizens we must take a critical step to protect our city and surrounding from the effects of global warming.

Our Intent

With the initiative of both Crossbow club & Blue Cross Society, Pune, around 60 of us planted 45 saplings, advantageously located in the Blue Cross Society Hospital & Shelter premise to provide more shade much needed for the animals. In addition to making a greener premise, our intent was also to prop up a natural habitat in order to attract more species of birds and insects. Having studied the soil, we planted trees like Spathodia, Cassia, Peltrophorum, Karanj, along with some medicinal plants like Tulsi, Lemon Grass, etc. from Anthara Farms. Each tree had a small expense of Rs. 200/- which was raised with a help of few volunteers & donors and some saplings from various nurseries.

Alongside the tree plantation project, Crossbow club arranged for a small excursion for 10 orphans from Good Shephard Homes to participate in the event. A small initiative to bring a smile and spread awareness among the budding folks.

Our Event

Our event started at 8:30am in the morning by taking a small tour around the Blue Cross Society premise. To make it fun and motivating we divided our volunteers & children in groups of 5, dug holes, planted trees under the guidance of Anant Farms and named trees innovatively. Followed by this session, Blue Cross Society volunteers arranged for homemade snacks & beverages to re-energize enthusiasts for the rest of the day. During this session we got to interact and mingle with 40 volunteers and other staff members who came from different institutions, organisations like Family Circle, Crossbow club & Blue Cross Society, Pune and not to forget the orphans from Good Shephard Homes. It was an initiative which left us something to learn, experience, realise and enjoy.

Dogs Shifted from SPCA Shelter - May 30, 2009

2009-05-30T09:57:00.004+05:30

I was just browsing through the news papers - Times of India and came across this article where dogs are kept in appalling condition at the SPCA. Now it doesn't matter which organisation works for the welfare of animals and who is better, the question is how can we all work towards the welfare of animals? Its a question of humanity and I hope we, citizens of India can make a difference. I am pasting the link of the article below. Please take a look at it.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIPU&showST=true&login=default

Come meet The Blue Cross Society, Pune - May 16 -17, 2009 from 11am - 8:30pm at The Urban Ashram!!

2009-05-04T09:50:00.010+05:30

Blue Cross Society, Pune – the charitable organisation working against cruelty towards animals and caring for them wants to spread its word around by participating at The Urban Ashram at the event Art with a Heart. on May 16 & 17, 2009 from 11am-8:30pm. Here, you can see a mélange of artists displaying their works of art, social cause info booths, and events and workshops which will involve all age groups in different and creative ways.

From this event, you can take away with you more than just the magnificent works of art. Are you looking for a playful companion for your child, or a loyal friend for yourself, or a brave guard for your farm? Are you looking for a pet? Then this is just the right place for you. On this occasion, the visitors can actually meet, play and cuddle some of the puppies and grownups that can be adopted on the spot. Also here’s your opportunity to volunteer for/help/or get acquainted with the organisation. Do visit The Urban Ashram to learn more about the Blue Cross Society, Pune.

For more details regarding the events and schedule log on to www.lively-wood.blogspot.com or call 9881099886