Balu, from Pune, India, once unsure of his path, knew one thing for certain: he wanted to save animals.
After saving for more than 10 years, he purchased a van and transformed it into a fully equipped ambulance for injured and abandoned dogs.
With this vital vehicle, he rushes street dogs to veterinarians for life-saving care.
“At first, I was a bit scared of dogs,” Balu shared with Open Road India. “But now it's my life. I can't stop. I'll continue this work all my life.”
Balu doesn't stop at transport—he cares for sick dogs and cats at home, bandaging wounds, administering medicine, and providing nourishing meals.
To fund his selfless mission, Balu offers affordable transport services to local pet owners, charging just €0.20 every 2 km—a nominal fee for such compassion.
“If shelters are full, I keep 5 to 6 stray dogs at home, even those with broken legs,” he explains.
Despite his dedication, Balu faces challenges: in India, stray dogs are often seen as pests, and not everyone supports his efforts. “Fortunately, many people appreciate what I do, but some dislike seeing me help sick and injured dogs,” he notes.
Watch this inspiring video (in English; enable subtitles as needed) to hear Balu's full story.
