It was a sunny day when we, Stella the Rottweiler, and Phulki the Indie, set out for a special visit with our K9 Healers team to Udayan Care. Accompanied by Adnan Khan, CEO of K9 School India, assistant trainer Srishti Sharma, and volunteers Sumona DasGupta and Karnika Palwa, we were on a mission to bring comfort and joy to the children there.
Our visit was part of the K9 Healers project, a not-for-profit initiative inspired by Homer, K9 School’s first therapy dog. Homer had touched thousands of lives with his calm presence, and now, we were continuing his legacy. Our work is about more than just therapy—it’s about breaking breed stereotypes and showing the world that rescue dogs like us, a Rottweiler and an Indie, are just as capable of love and healing as any other dog.
When we arrived at the Udayan Home for Boys, the excitement was palpable. Some boys were shy at first, keeping their distance, but Phulki and I knew how to break the ice. Phulki wiggled her way over, and soon, a brave boy named Deep reached out to me. With a gentle nuzzle, I reassured him, and soon, the other boys joined in, petting us, giving us treats, and learning how to ask us to sit. I made sure to flash my biggest smile, while Phulki charmed them with her gentle nature.
It felt so good to see them relax and have fun with us. Some of them even took turns walking us around the terrace, amazed that we listened to their commands. It was like they found new friends in us, and we loved every minute of it.
Next, we visited the girls at Udayan Home. At first, the girls were a bit shy. They stayed near the chairs, watching us from afar. But we didn’t mind. We’ve learned that sometimes humans need a little time to feel comfortable. Slowly, one of the girls came forward, reaching out to pet Phulki. I could see Phulki’s tail wagging like crazy, and soon more girls followed. We sat with them, accepted their treats, and just enjoyed their company. A little toddler boldly walked up to us, shaking hands like she had known us forever. Her bravery seemed to inspire the others, and before long, we were surrounded by happy girls.
The day was filled with moments of connection. We didn’t need to speak their language to understand how much they appreciated our presence. We could feel their happiness, their laughter, and their warmth. We knew we were making a difference, not just by being there but by showing them the unconditional love that only we dogs can give.
The K9 Healers initiative is about more than just therapy; it’s about educating people on the benefits of canine-assisted activities and breaking down societal biases. Whether working with children with special needs or those in care, we aim to create safe, non-judgmental spaces for emotional healing. We believe in spreading the message that love, compassion, and the ability to share are what define us all—whether human or canine, regardless of breed, color, or background.
As the day came to an end, we left Udayan Care with full hearts, knowing we had made a difference. We can’t wait to return, to help more children feel the unconditional love and companionship that only we therapy dogs can provide.