Reena (M-9810729417) a school teacher by profession and a resident of East Delhi had started feeding the dogs of her area in November 1993. And ever since that day she hasn't missed a single day when she has not fed the dogs. Of course with time some of her four legged friends have left her and gone to the heavenly abode and some new ones have joined her.
Reena feeds a minimum of 40 dogs daily. Around 15 of them she feeds only once a day in the morning hours while going to school, out of which 7 are near her school.
There are around 25 lucky ones in and around her residential area whom she feeds twice a day.
Reena's journey of a caregiver has not been easy at all. Initially she faced a lot of resistance from the RWA of her colony. During late 90s the number of caregivers were also less and awareness about dog laws was completely missing. But that did not discourage her. She kept feeding her furry friends. Every time a new RWA came she faced the same criticism and resistance. And each time she had to explain to them that what she was doing is permitted by law and that they cannot stop her from feeding the dogs.
This is a perennial problem faced by all caregivers in Delhi. It is they who tell about dog laws to the RWA. Most of the RWAs know nothing about the ABC programme and dog laws.They only tell the caregivers and the dog feeders not to feed the dogs.
Anyway Reena's hard work, dedication and unconditional love for dogs has inspired other young girls and boys of her colony to take up the responsibility of dog feeding in the colony. She has not only become a role model for the younger generation but also inspires them to come forward and help these voiceless souls.
Reena spends almost half of her salary on dog food. But most of the residents including the RWA think that she gets money from some NGO to feed the dogs. They just fail to understand that there are still few people in this materialistic world who work selflessly without any greed.
Like a true Catholic Christian Reena has always practiced charity without any expectation that too for the most downtrodden.
It's been 26 years now and nothing has stopped her from doing this most noble work of feeding the dogs and fighting for their rights.
The RWA every year felicitate the senior residents of their colony who have contributed in the betterment of their colony.
Has any RWA in Delhi ever felicitated a caregiver for his or her contribution for stray dog welfare? For getting them sterilized, vaccinated and for giving them food everyday.
Reena's contribution for the dogs of her colony has been emmense but will her RWA ever felicitate her and give her the honour and respect she deserves?