Dogs are often celebrated as man’s best friend, known for their loyalty, companionship, and the unconditional love they offer. However, stray dogs, our furry friends on the streets, are frequently neglected and misunderstood. Many people harbor fears of stray dogs, primarily due to concerns about hygiene and the potential risks associated with their lack of vaccinations and proper care. Stray dogs often struggle to stay clean and healthy, lacking access to regular grooming and medical attention.
Rotaract club of Smart City Navi Mumbai X Pawfriend.in
To help out our furry friends and build a stronger bond between an animal lover and stray dogs, without any exchange of words, Pawfriend.in has proudly earned the tag of “Animal Welfare Partner” after joining paws with the Rotaract Club Of Smart City Navi Mumbai! It’s a partnership that truly celebrates the joy of giving and the love for our four-legged companions! On Sunday, October 8th, 2023 a groundbreaking initiative called “Trail the Tail!” in Kharghar saw 100 stray dogs equipped with QR codes, giving them unique identities and enhancing their safety.
Founder of pawfriend, Mr. Akshay Ridlan stated that it is a unique identification tag with end-to-end information about the stray stored in it. This QR code can be put as a tag on the dog and easily scanned when anyone finds a lost stray in their vicinity. One quick QR code scan, and the passerby can have all the information about the original feeder or caretaker of the mute soul! Digital QR based Aadhar card for strays! Much like a school ID card containing essential details about a student, these QR codes store vital information such as the dog’s name, vaccination and sterilization status, and the identity of their feeder.
Within just two and a half hours, the QR codes were securely attached to the scruffs of the dogs’ necks. This marks a pioneering effort in Navi Mumbai, following a similar successful initiative at Mumbai Airport. Dr. Projesh Mukherjee, President of the Rotaract Club of Smart City Navi Mumbai, detailed their significant contribution: “Our club procured 85 to 100 collars for the QR codes designed by Akshay. A team of seven to ten dedicated Rotaract volunteers, along with local dog feeders, worked tirelessly to attach these collars to the stray dogs. In just two and a half hours, we managed to cover areas around Hiranandani, the Three Star Hotel, and nearby localities in Kharghar.” This innovative project not only sets a precedent for animal welfare in Navi Mumbai but also showcases the power of community collaboration and technology in improving the lives of stray animals.
Recognition by media
Their efforts were unique and never before seen initiatives were covered by organizations such as The Hindustan Times and Newsband.in. This dynamic collaboration saw the club rolling out exciting fundraisers, rallying animal lovers from all corners to support their cause. With a mission to make tails wag and purrs louder, they organized creative events and heartfelt appeals, encouraging the community to contribute generously. Their combined efforts not only raised funds but also raised spirits, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless furry friends.
Various major flagship events of the club saw the initiative as well as Pawfriend.in tagged as the cause partner so as to raise awareness . PR Activities, CTA during events at major venues like Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha and Nexus Seawoods mall Navi Mumbai, and many more steps were taken to raise awareness and educate people about this initiative.
