Cuttack: Stray animals in the city have found an ‘angel’ in Abhipsa Mishra, a student of Ravenshaw University. She dedicates her free time to giving shelter and treating injured animals on Cuttack streets.
Besides this noble cause, Abhipsa is also a brilliant student. She was the Odisha topper in Plus-II Arts in 2018. She is now pursuing her Plus-III from Ravenshaw University.
“I started this work with my mother when I was in Class V. We used to take care of injured birds, cats and dogs. We gave them medicines after consulting vets,” said this resident of of Labour Colony, Badambadi.
“But by the end of 2016, I observed that many puppies either died or lay injured on the roads. There was nobody to take care of them,” Abhipsa recalled.
She then thought of building a network for the cause of stray animals in Cuttack. “I knew that I alone could not take care of all the stray animals in the city. So I started searching for people like me who can help in this work,” she added.
“With the help of my mother, I bought some cages. Then we started bringing injured puppies and dogs to home for treatment. After watching our activities, people started joining us,” she said.
Abhipsa said they have an informal group with 5 members at present. “Till now, we don’t have a proper group. Our group members have changed. Some students of Ravenshaw University were in our group. But they have moved elsewhere for higher studies,” she said.
Abhipsa’s group name is ‘Chesta, The Try’. “We have not yet registered our group. We will do soon after having more manpower,” she added.
“My mother is a die-hard animal lover. I was inspired by her. My maternal uncle is also a big help to us,” said Abhipsa.
“I had a dog at home. But he died because of wrong medicines prescribed by a vet. After that, I started researching on medicines for dogs and which were suitable for which breeds,” she said.
“Once I came across the case of a dog suffering from naval caner. It was last stage. I contacted AWTE founder Purabi Patra. Through her, I contacted one Iswar Anand Senapati of OUAT. We tried a lot to save the dog, but it died,” she added
“My mother Manasi Mishra, Purabi Didi and Iswar Anand Senapati are my backbone. For them only, it is possible for us for doing this work. Some vets in Cuttack refuse to cooperate with us because they do not want to treat stray animals. Even they do not want to touch them,” said Abhipsa.
“My grandfather is bedridden. That is why, my mother cannot go outside. She cares for the stray animals near our home,” she added.
“My friend Sumit Kumar Dhir, Gayatri Sahoo and Akansha Maharana help me a lot in this work. They are now members in our group now,” she said.
“Financially, my family and some relatives help us. My father Satya Shiba Sundar Mishra also cooperates with us,” said Abhipsa.
“This work has a good impact in my environment. Earlier, people in my locality used to beat the stray dogs. But, after observing our activities, they have stopped beating the dogs. The people have also started giving food to them,” she said.
“The animals can understand human beings. The cancer-afflicted dog was at my home for some days in a cage. Out of frustration, the had damaged aluminium plates inside the cage. But he never tried to bite us, while we gave it food,” said Abhipsa.
“When any dogs or puppies fall in drain or are in problem, a dog, near our house used to come in front of our home to call us for help. Dogs are really very helpful,” she added.
She also said, “Sometimes, people betray us. But, animals never betray. Once they love you, they can do anything for you.”
“Once, for some unavoidable work, I had to go outside home at 2 am. Two boys tried to come nearer to me in a bike. All of a sudden, four dogs came near to me and jumped in front of their bike to protect me. Then they escorted me,” she added.
“Dogs give us security. They love us and they can understand our mood,” said Abhipsa.
Sharing about her future plan, Abhipsa said, “My aim is to open a clinic and sanctuary for these stray animals and birds.”
“We don’t have man power, money, doctors and space for these animals. We have to struggle a lot for their treatment,” she added.
“We should respect each and every creation of Almighty. If we cannot give someone life, we have no right to snatch it,” said Abhipsa.
