Uttarakhand sisters run school, spend earnings to care for stray, sick animals

RUDRAPUR: It was the sudden death of their pet labrador 11 years ago that proved to be a turning point in the lives of Prabhjot Kaur and Amandeep Kaur. The two sisters from Sisaiya village of Sitarganj in Udham Singh Nagar have dedicated their lives to the care and treatment of stray and sick animals. Owners of a private school here, 26-year-old Prabhjot and 24-year-old Amandeep have been taking care of animals and birds since their childhood.Today they have nearly 30 dogs, 10 cats, 20 birds and a horse under their care.
They spend almost all their earnings from the school in running the shelter and are known in the area for their dedication to healing sick animals.
The sisters’ mission of saving animal lives started after their beloved labrador died due to canine distemper. The pet’s demise left a deep impression on the young minds who vowed to not let an animal die for want of care. Their parents, Hardevender Singh and Barjinder Kaur, were supportive and encouraged their daughters’ noble initiative.
Every morning in the household begins with feeding the animals and taking the dogs for a walk. Prabhjot, who holds a masters degree in both English and in French, and Amandeep, who has a master of computer applications (MCA) degree, then rush to the school where over 200 children are enrolled.
The evenings are spent nursing the sick animals, which are housed in a building adjoining the school, back to health.
Sharing some poignant moments of their decade-long journey, Prabhjot said, “Two years ago, we were on our way back from Rudrapur and found a severely injured donkey lying on the road. We called a veterinarian to provide immediate treatment to the animal. The next day we built a shed for it and after a few days, it could walk again.”
“Another time, we took in a horse which was abandoned by its owner after it suffered a spinal breakdown. Though we did the best we could, the horse succumbed to injuries. Today, many people who can not afford to provide treatment to their pets hand them to us,” she said.
The sisters’ selfless devotion has inspired others to show compassion to animals. Veterinarians have come forward to lend their support to the cause and treat animals for free.
Rudrapur-based veterinarian Dr Sarpreet Singh Thind has helped the duo set up a small veterinary dispensary. Thind said that it was the dedication of these sisters to the cause which inspired him to treat the animals for free.
Another veterinarian from Sitarganj, Dr Jagdeo Singh, who provides free treatment to the stray animals the girls bring to him, said, “I really appreciate what these two are doing here. I have seen the love that exists between them and the animals they have cared for.”
As the members of their family continue to grow, the sisters admitted that sometimes the school’s income falls short. “But our father is there to tide us over,” said Amandeep.
The father couldn’t be more proud of his daughters. "Guru Granth Saahib has taught us to treat everyone equally, be it a human or an animal,” he said.