‘Pawsitive’ change begins with Varun Dhawan

After Dhawan posts video about taking care of strays during pandemic, fans join in hordes, enabling a not-for-profit organisation to expand services

An animal lover and proud owner of pet beagle Angel, Varun Dhawan often takes to his social media handles to create awareness about the welfare of our four-legged friends. Last week, the actor, heartbroken on seeing the sorry state of stray animals, posted a video to encourage youngsters to contribute to the cause. Dhawan, along with I Love Mumbai Foundation (ILMF), shared that the not-for-profit organisation has been caring for and feeding strays during the pandemic.

Volunteers feeding strays

Rahul N Kanal, chairman, ILMF and Yuva Sena leader, says the response has been overwhelming. “Since Varun’s video [went viral], we have got numerous messages and youth groups coming forward to feed our four-legged friends. Many have sent us rice, dal and Pedigree dog food as well. Varun, too sent us food for them,” says Kanal, adding that Dhawan often feeds the strays around his Juhu home. The star’s post has given such an impetus to their drive that the ILMF is now extending their services across the city. “We used to function from Bandra to Andheri. Now, we have been able to extend our [programme] to Goregaon, Vikhroli, Lokhandwala, BKC and Powai,” he informs.

Rahul N Kanal

With Dhawan leading the way forward, Kanal hopes that more youngsters will become volunteers and go to different localities in the city and feed the animals. “By God’s grace, we have food, but the more volunteers we have, the more areas we can cover to. We give the animals chicken, rice and Royal Canine or Pedigree food. The food has to be without salt or sugar as that’s not good for their fur coat.”

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