“I’ve always been surrounded by animals, especially dogs. Growing up with them made me feel connected in a way that’s hard to explain. My parents were supportive, and they never discouraged my love for animals, which I’m grateful for. It shaped who I am today.

But the real turning point came in tenth grade when I met Nita, a volunteer at Blue Cross. Watching her dedicate herself to rescuing animals opened my eyes. That’s when I knew I wanted to do something similar. Since then, I’ve spent the last 15 years rescuing and caring for animals, and I haven’t looked back. It’s not easy, but every time I help an animal, it reminds me why I started.

My mornings always begin with two things I hold close—my grandmother and my dogs, Lucky and Kanyakumari. After that, the day kicks off. I assist in running our mini-shelter with our coordinator, Shalini. We take in animals, care for them, and help them find their way back into the world. Besides that, I work as a Cruelty Response Officer with HSI India, covering Hyderabad and Telangana. It’s unpredictable, but that’s part of what makes this work worthwhile. Every day is different, and even on the toughest days, knowing I’ve helped an animal keeps me going.

Running rescues requires money, and raising funds isn’t always straightforward. That’s why I started Scoobies Pet Services. It was a way to support myself and continue rescuing animals. Over time, Scoobies grew, and I saw people becoming more aware of their pets’ needs. Now, more pet owners are focusing on proper care, whether it’s healthcare, nutrition, or training. Through Scoobies, I get to help people understand what their pets need and make sure they get it.

Of course, it’s not without challenges. Some people still see animals as just possessions. Others don’t know what it takes to care for them properly. On top of that, it’s hard to get enough resources for large-scale rescues. But I keep going because even the smallest win makes a difference.

Becoming a dog trainer was a natural step. After volunteering at Blue Cross, I trained under Shirin Merchant, who’s one of the best in the field. Her course changed everything for me. I learned how to understand dogs better, and I knew I wanted to help people connect with their pets in meaningful ways. In 2018, I completed her Level 2 course and started working as a professional trainer.

One of the most memorable experiences was training a dog named Masti. Working with dogs is more than teaching them commands—it’s about building trust and understanding. They have so much to say, we just need to listen.

I’ve seen attitudes toward animal care change over the years, particularly in urban areas. There’s greater awareness about the physical and emotional well-being of pets, with more people opting for responsible pet ownership, including proper healthcare, nutrition, and training. I believe my role, through both my rescue work and Scoobies Pet Services, has been to serve as a bridge between pet owners and the best care practices for their pets. Education plays a key role here-whether it’s helping people understand the needs of their pets or encouraging them to adopt rather than buy. It’s about fostering a culture of compassion, not just convenience.”

• Panneeru Teja, K9 Behaviourist & Trainer