You Don’t Have to ‘Rescue’ a Dog to Support One

There’s a lot of pressure around doing things the “right” way when it comes to street animals. Some people think if you’re not adopting, fostering, or donating, you aren’t helping.

That’s not true.

Helping can be as simple as feeding the same street dog every morning. Or checking on a limping pup. Or making sure the pups near the chai stall get vaccinated.

Support doesn’t have to mean adoption. In fact, many street dogs thrive in their own territory — as long as someone’s looking out for them.

Not every dog wants to be indoors. Not every dog can adjust. But every dog deserves food, water, medical help when sick, and a sense that the world isn’t entirely unsafe.

When you choose to help without taking over, you’re respecting their independence. That matters just as much.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” — ask yourself this:

Is that dog safer, healthier, or calmer because of your presence?

Then yes. You’re doing enough.