On a quiet hillock on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, away from the haste of speeding traffic, lies a sanctuary for some of the country’s most vulnerable animals; elderly stray dogs. Aptly titled Ananda, this home provides just that – joy.
A 0.9-acre property against the backdrop of the Sahyadri Hills, Ananda is a unique shelter for these street dogs, who often fade into the background as they age, left to fend for themselves against cruelty, violence, hunger, and strife. These dogs are also usually overlooked by shelters themselves, which is why Ananda’s work is even more heartwarming.
The Ananda team flanking Meena Subrahmanyan, President, Prayas Trust
In their sunset years, these dogs enjoy gazebo-shaded lawns, a swimming pool, and excellent medical care – from digital X-ray machines to operating theatres, a biochemistry lab, and an ambulance on standby. There are isolation areas for those who need it , a doctors’ room, and even a staff dormitory.
This, combined with a sewage treatment plant and 24×7 power backup, ensures that not only the dogs, but also the hardworking team that cares for them is able to run Ananda with the utmost efficiency.
But it’s not just excellent facilities that see these dogs through in their final years. It’s also the love and care that they waited all their lives to receive.
Mrs. Meena Subrahmanyan, President, Prayas Trust, says, “Compassion should extend to every living being. Animals who have been abandoned, injured or left without care deserve a safe space where they can heal and be treated with kindness and dignity. Ananda is a small effort towards creating that space, and a reminder that how we care for the most vulnerable among us says a great deal about us as a society.” She shared her vision to provide elderly dogs a safe haven with Dinanath Dubhashi, the former MD & CEO of L&T Finance, who, along with his wife Nishoo, shared her compassion for stray animals, and was happy to take on the responsibility of running this unique shelter.
If the 60-odd stray dogs at Ananda could talk, they would be the most heartwarming testimonials for what this home has done for them. Take, for example, Leela, who came to the shelter terrified and without her fur, and is now almost like a young pup again. Nishoo Dubhashi says, “When the strays are brought in, they are too scared to even look at us. But within days, they regain confidence and begin trusting people again.”
Photograph: (Enhanced by AI)
And what does this trust look like? Wagging tails, healed wounds, and peaceful naps in the shade, with the knowledge that their best days are now ahead of them. Ananda remains a gentle proof that dignity, once given, can change everything.
Prayas Trust is a women-led social arm of L&T. The Ananda Animal Shelter & Hospital, managed by Prayas Trust, is strengthened by the collective support of L&T and its Group companies, including LTM, L&T Technology Services, L&T Realty, and L&T Finance
This article is in partnership with L&T.
