It was Friday, 15 August 2025, around four in the afternoon when we noticed a stray dog in our compound. The poor creature had wandered into our backyard and got itself hopelessly entangled in a plastic net. Perhaps it had struggled at first, but by the time we found it, the dog had given up, lying silently, too tired even to whimper.

It was not the dog that panicked, it was us. How could we free it? And more importantly, how could we do so safely? We immediately called our municipal ward councillor, Ms. Suma Shine, who had been helpful in similar situations before. She contacted the fire department, but their response was disappointing: they claimed they had already tried to handle such cases unsuccessfully and were unwilling to make another attempt. Municipal workers were either unavailable or on leave.

After some time, Ms. Shine called back with hope, she had found someone willing to help: Mr. Anil George, a schoolteacher known for rescuing animals. We decided to wait for him.

But as the evening grew darker, so did our anxiety. What if he did not come? The dog began whining, and we feared other strays might gather, causing a commotion. In our desperation, we considered absurd plans: burning the net, though we feared the fire would scare or injure the dog; or leaving it there, though that might lead to its death, and our legal responsibility. All such thoughts vanished the moment Mr. George rang for directions to our house.

When he arrived, his approach was unlike anything we had imagined. Calm and gentle, he spoke softly to the dog: “Dear one, you must be hungry. I’ve brought food for you.”

From his bag he produced cooked chicken pieces, offering them tenderly. As he patted the dog’s head and back, its tail began to wag. Talking soothingly all the while, he carefully cut away the net with his knife. He told us. “Don’t be afraid of these dogs, they’re not dangerous. It’s our fear that makes them defensive.”

We asked him, half in jest, if he would take the dog home. His answer surprised us, he already cared for 20 to 30 dogs at his house, many of them maimed or disabled. Meanwhile, the freed dog didn’t bolt. It lingered a while, roaming quietly, and only later slipped away on its own.

As Ms. Shine had informed us, no payment was offered. When asked, Mr. George firmly refused any remuneration. Relief in the eyes of the dog was reward enough for him. People like him, animal lovers with such large hearts, are rare, and to them we can only bow our heads in respect.

This little write-up is the biggest THANKS we can offer Anil George. and Ms Suma Shine

And yet, questions linger in our minds:

• Will the dog return, perhaps with friends, expecting more chicken bits?
• There are rescuers for stray dogs—but who rescues children or the elderly when attacked by strays?
• Shouldn’t we evolve a master plan for managing the stray dog population, so that homes and streets alike can be safe and peaceful?