She catches dogs in a humane way

Kochi: Pushpa Ramankunju is known in her village for many reasons. A 'SheTaxi' driver, an autorickshaw driver, a pet lover and above all a dog catcher who nabs strays without hurting them.
A resident of Kunnukara panchayat in Ernakulam, Pushpa caught as many as 12 street dogs within a week after she set out on a mission.
"I love dogs and when I catch them, it is not done in an inhuman way.I have seen people catching dogs by hurting them for no reasons. At least, I can keep those people at bay in my village," Pushpa said as she waited her turn at the autorickshaw stand.
She said that she would feed the dog, forge some kind of bond with the animal and bring it in. "But there were times I was forced to catch them with a net. But I ensure that they are not beaten or hurt," she said.
The dogs are then brought to Kunnukara veterinary hospital and sterilized. Pushpa was previously working as an employee with Milma Society at Edappally. She resigned after working with the firm for over seven years.
"Due to continuous road blocks on the stretch due to Metro works, I used to be late to the office every day. I had to start from home very early and some days, I didn't get paid because of the delay," she said. After resigning from the job, she became more active and pursued her hobbies - taking care of her pets. When asked about family she is tight-lipped. She just volunteered a line: "Valiya kudumbam, santhushta kudumbam" (large family, happy family).
At home, the pet lover has two dogs, cats, cows and goats. Amid all the jobs she juggles, Pushpa manages to find time to take care of them. After she bought a taxi with assistance from the SheTaxi service, she managed to earn a living. But owing to lack of demand for the taxi service in her locality, she bought an autorickshaw.
"I rarely drive to city areas. Continuous road blocks and Metro works make it difficult to drive. So in the extra time I get during the 'She Taxi' rides, I drive my autorickshaw," she said.