Risha Chatterjee, a Howrah-based dog rescuer who has been taking care of dogs in distress for a decade, realised the lack of quality and affordable medical facilities for dogs, especially strays. Thus, was born Mutts and Paws.
“I always wanted to do something for dogs since childhood. Being a rescuer, I know how difficult it is to set up a good and affordable clinic/medical boarding facility. That’s when I felt the urge to set up a clinic and my partner motivated me. The idea was to set up an affordable set-up with 24x7 medical infrastructure. It was our-dream-come-true moment,” Chatterjee said.
Risha Chatterjee with Rio who crossed the Rainbow Bridge recently
Facilities at the clinic
Mutts and Paws offers treatment, medical boarding, vaccination and all necessary vet facilities 24x7 at subsidised and discounted rates. If anyone is unable to pay, the clinic takes the help of crowdfunding.
The clinic has a team of vets, para vets, surgeons and specialised surgeons for orthopaedic, pyometra/neutering, castration, eye surgery etc. They also specialise in reconstructive surgery.
Chatterjee makes sure the professionals at her clinic are competent and well-qualified to take care of the pets. “The para vets in our clinic are trained and degree-holders from Belgachia Veterinary College and Hospital. There are a lot of poorly trained para vets, so I am careful about recruiting people.”
The clinic is functional 24x7
After a dog is rescued, a vet thoroughly conducts a health check and blood samples are drawn for several tests. Treatment begins as soon as a dog arrives, whatever time of the day it may be. An isolation centre for parvovirus -affected dogs will soon be available at Mutts and Paws.
The clinic also provides at least one meal to strays in and around Dum Dum and Howrah. Vaccination and sterilisation for strays are carried out around Kolkata.
Saving lives
Mutts and Paws in Dum Dum became operational in even before its formal inauguration in June this year. The clinic has already handled more than 20 severe cases. Tintin, Tuntuni, Rosy, Sundori are among the many strays with critical health conditions that have received love and care at Mutts and Paws. While some are still being treated, many have returned to their usual lives.
“Tintin was rescued and brought to us with a severe maggot wound. She was also pregnant. The person who brought her said she was unable to fund her treatment. Funds were raised and treatment began. She has delivered recently and we will soon sterilise her,” Chatterjee said.
Another stray, Tuntuni, is being treated at the clinic. He was rescued from Bansberia. He needed a reconstructive surgery but the family couldn’t afford it. Tuntuni is now recovering.
Tuntuni after the reconstructive jaw surgery
Chatterjee also owns a dog crèche in Howrah and offers special discounts for Indies. She used to treat and take care of rescued dogs at her home, but realised the need to expand her endeavour and the clinic was set up with crowd-funding.
“I come from a family of modest means and didn’t have the money needed to set up a clinic. Hence, I opted for crowdfunding and received huge response. I collected the entire amount and Mutts and Paws was set up. I am extremely grateful to all my donors,” said Chatterjee.