An animal lover since childhood, Shalinee Doolub Gaungoo decided to launch her own NGO to help animals – and people! – in need. In 2017, the Well-Being of Strays association was born. Eugénie Sauzier-de Rosnay
“I really understood what helplessness meant when I met pet owners who, despite all their love for their furry companions, couldn’t give them the care they needed,” confides Shalinee. Supported by her father, she decided to do her bit for change.
“Back then, there weren’t as many associations, rescuers or food distributors. We had to give our all – and still do today,” she explains. Sterilization campaigns, food collection in supermarkets, treatment of stray animals or those belonging to poor families, adoption assistance, education and awareness-raising in the media and in schools… The work to be done is enormous!
After the pandemic, Shalinee was quick to notice a change: fewer volunteers involved, fewer donations to fill the coffers… It’s a tough situation. “Fortunately, many companies are helping us through CSR, while others are providing us with food. A French association, Louspoir, is also helping us in our efforts,” she continues.
Despite the difficulties, she is surrounded by ten faithful friends who give of themselves every day to help stray dogs, cats and owners in need. Her next project: after being able to buy her own transport – thus avoiding her dependence on cabs – Shalinee dreams of acquiring a plot of land on which to build a shelter. “That requires a lot of money, which we still sorely lack,” she says.
Well-Being of Strays
Devotion and (Com)passion!
A lifelong animal lover, Shalinee Doolub Gaungoo decided to launch her NGO to help animals–and people!–in need when she witnessed the helplessness of dog owners who simply couldn’t afford proper care. In 2017, the Well-Being of Strays charity was born.
I truly understood what helplessness meant when I met pet owners who, despite all their love for their furry companions, couldn’t provide the care they needed,’ Shalinee shares. With her father’s support, she decided to do her bit to make a difference. Back then, there weren’t nearly as many NGOs, rescuers or food distributors about. We had to throw ourselves into it, heart and soul-andwe’re still doing so today,’ she explains.
Neutering campaigns, food collection drives at supermarkets, treating stray animals or those belonging to struggling families, helping with adoptions, education and awareness work in the media and schools… There’s an enormous amount of work to be done! After the pandemic, Shalinee quickly noticed a change: fewer committed volunteers, fewer donations coming into the coffers… Times are tough. Fortunately, many businesses help us through CSR whilst others provide us with food supplies. A French charity, Louspoir, also supports us in our efforts,’ she continues.
Despite the challenges, she’s surrounded by ten loyal volunteers who don’t hesitate to give of themselves every day to help stray dogs and cats, and owners in need. Her next project: having managed to buy her own transport-thusavoiding dependence on taxis-Shalineedreams of purchasing a plot of land to build a sanctuary. ‘It requires a great deal of money, which we’re still desperately short of,’ she says.
Website: www.wellbeingofstrays.com
FB: Well-being of Strays
Insta: @thewellbeingofstrays
