Episode 1 : Tails of Truth - What You Get Wrong About Street Dogs

“Kindness to animals and respect for their rights is the mark of a civilized society.”

César Chávez

If I had a rupee for every time someone told me to “be careful” around street dogs, I could probably fund an entire shelter by now. Let’s get one thing straight: our Indian pariahs (yes, that’s their proper name!) have a seriously bad rap. Feared, ignored, misunderstood. But behind every bark and wary look is a story of survival, loyalty, and quiet courage.

It’s time we separate fact from fear.

🛑 MYTH 1: “Street dogs are aggressive and dangerous.”

Not true.Most of the dogs you see on the street are cautious, not violent. They’ve been hit, kicked, chased , no wonder they’re scared. But aggression? That’s rare. More often, they’re just looking for food, rest, and safety. If anything, they avoid humans until they know they’re safe.

🛑 MYTH 2: “Feeding them makes them breed more.”

Nope.Feeding keeps them alive , it doesn’t cause a population boom. What controls that? Sterilization. In fact, many feeders like me get them vaccinated and spayed. Hunger shouldn’t be used as population control - compassion should.

🛑 MYTH 3: “They’re dirty and diseased.”

Let’s rethink that.Street dogs groom themselves, roll in the dust to cool down, and stay surprisingly clean. Sure, some have skin issues or wounds - but so would you, living on concrete with no shade or meds. Many are dewormed and vaccinated by feeders or NGOs. What they need isn’t judgment — it’s help.

🛑 MYTH 4: “They’re used to this life.”

Used to it? Maybe.Deserving of it? Absolutely not.Surviving on hot pavements and garbage isn’t “normal” — it’s heartbreaking. They feel thirst, pain, and loneliness like any other dog. We can’t keep ignoring them just because they’ve adapted for survival.

🛑 MYTH 5: “They bite randomly.”

Nope, Like any animal, dogs bite only when they feel threatened or are in pain. Street dogs are usually the first to move away from humans. I’ve been feeding the same dogs for years - not one bite, only tail wags and trust earned slowly.

What I’ve Learned

After years of feeding, rescuing, and spending time with Chennai’s street dogs, I’ve realized this: they’re not scary. They’re survivors. And if you stop and look closely, you’ll see the quiet strength in their eyes. You’ll see hope, not hate.

I once met a limping, scruffy little pup who barked at everyone. Most people threw stones at him. I gave him a biscuit. Now, he stays right on my street, quietly watching over me and making sure I’m safe whenever I walk alone. Turns out, all he needed was kindness.

💛 Look Again

So next time you pass a street dog, don’t cross the road.Just look again.There’s a soul there. A story. And a silent hope that someone will care enough to stop.