Bengaluru Dog Names

Upon arriving at the gate of his three and a half acre farm close to Bengaluru, Rajesh Shukla is greeted by the loud, enthusiastic barks of 735 dogs. The excited pups jump around Shukla, wagging their tails while they are treated to love and affection by Shukla, who pats their heads and scratches their ears.

Shukla used to work in Delhi as well as in the US prior to starting his own business with his wife in Bengaluru 10 years ago. He had all that money could buy, however he felt that there was something important missing in his life. He explains that “life was all about buying big cars and expensive watches and living a fancy life. I had travelled and seen the world many times over but then I was not happy”. 

Now caring for 700 plus dogs on his property, some strays, some pedigreed pups who were dumped, some abandoned by their owners as a result of illness, Shukla is more than happy. Among the dogs on the farm there are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Beagles, Dachshunds, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards and a Pug. When 22 pedigreed dogs were in need of a place to stay after their owner was killed by criminals, Shukla stepped in and brought them to his farm.

Shukla, who is 45, states that “I’m the last stop for these dogs. They are no longer cute and cuddly. Many are sick and no longer wanted”. Shukla talked about when he brought home Kavya, a timid and scared Golden Retriever puppy who he met when she was 45 days old and could not help but love with his whole self. “When we got home, she went and hid in a corner. I got down to her level on the floor and I was calling out to her. She was looking at me, she was scared, but I could see she wanted to trust me. And that’s when the moment happened-it was a physical feeling, my hair was tingling, I could feel a warm glow. And I’ve never needed to ask myself that question ‘why am I here’-again after that”.

Three months later Shukla brought home Lucky, when he found her wet and unhappy in the rain. He continued to bring in homeless and sick dogs, finally purchasing his farm. The dogs now have plenty of space to run around and swim in ponds. Some dogs are ill and need daily medical attention. Fortunately, the farm has ten people, including trained veterinary assistants, that care for the dogs. Providing care for the dogs is expensive at around 45,000 to 50,000 rupees each day, 93% of which is paid by Shukla.