The Good Samaritans

Mad Dogs Trust

Penny Shepherd has become a household name in Fort Kochi. Her extensive work with the strays in the area, not to mention her clinic’s great reputation, all adds to her neighbourhood fame.

The Mad Dogs Trust was her late husband Brian's idea. The couple were in India accompanied by their three Dalmatians.

When one of the ‘mad’ dogs had a cut leg they began looking for a vet. The arduous task took up the good part of the weekend and still they found no solution. On seeing the plight of street dogs, the Shepherds decided to set up their own clinic in Veli. Together with the experience they gained from volunteer work at the Government Veterinary Clinic, and with the trained technical know-how of hired hand, Dr Amitha George, the Mad Dogs Trust started functioning in full swing.

The team takes in sick dogs and sterilise the hounds before returning them to the streets.

This is not an easy task. The funding for such good deeds weighs heavy on the pockets and they have started accepting donations by way of repayment for treating household pets.

But why ‘Mad Dogs Trust’? Penny says that the full name was in fact ‘Mad Dogs (and a Scot)’. “The ‘Mad Dogs’ part was in honour of Noel Cowards’ song that observed the absurdities of the English in Asia. While the ‘and a Scot’ is in memory of my husband who died last year in October.” Penny continues her work with the strays of Kochi. Her dedication to the job is reflected in her success. Donations from well-wishers or volunteer work is welcome. Contact at 974601856.

kochi@expressbuzz.com