Hyderabad: For many once-abandoned Indie (Indian native breed) puppies, weekends now bring a chance to leave the streets behind and begin life as a cherished family member. An increasing number of city families are stepping forward to adopt Indie puppies, choosing homes over hostility.The shift is being driven in part by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), which has been organising weekend adoption drives featuring rescued stray puppies. Every weekend, dozens of Indies find new homes through these camps.Not long ago, many pet lovers preferred foreign breeds, often overlooking Indian dogs. These puppies once roamed the streets, vulnerable to accidents and abuse. Now, they are finding families, care, and a second chance.Adopted and “part of the family” within a weekR Srinivas, a student from Film Nagar, adopted a puppy from KBR Park last Saturday. He said the family was initially worried about its health. “When we brought the Indie puppy home, it was dull because of the vaccine effect. For the first two days, it barely moved and mostly slept. But within three days, it recovered completely and became very active and affectionate,” he said. The puppy’s adaptability surprised them. “It already understood basic habits. Whenever it needs to use the bathroom, it goes outside. We didn’t even train it much; it just picked it up naturally,” Srinivas added. In Srinivas’s joint family of 14, the puppy quickly became the centre of attention. “Eight of us, including children and elderly members, are involved in taking care of it. We feed it milk, curd rice, and proper puppy food. It now sleeps on the bed with us and follows everyone around the house,” he said.Simbaa’ becomes an emotional bond for this coupleMoved by the harsh treatment stray dogs often face, Ayanava Roy, an IT professional from Beeramguda, decided to adopt an Indie puppy. “Adopting an Indie puppy was one of the best decisions we made. They just need love and time. Once they trust you, they give back so much more,” he said. “Many times, I saw people throwing stones at stray dogs or behaving badly with them. After relocating to Hyderabad, I felt I should at least give one of them a safe home.” About eight months ago, Roy saw a social media post about a puppy up for adoption. He traced it to Isnapur and brought the pup home. The first few weeks were difficult. “For the first month, it was quite challenging. Simba was scared and took time to trust us. It found it difficult to adjust to indoor life and to both of us. Gradually, it began to feel secure. Now it is affectionate and attached to us. It waits for us at the door, follows us around the house, and has become very protective,” he said.A Valentine’s Day gift with meaningFor G Yadagiri, a driver from Basheerbagh, Valentine’s Day was about compassion. He adopted an Indie puppy at a GHMC weekend drive and gifted it to his grandsons in Shamshabad. “I wanted to give them something meaningful—not just a toy that lasts a few days, but a puppy that teaches love,” he said. Since the puppy arrived, the children have formed a strong bond with their new companion. “They are feeding it milk and eggs regularly, are very protective about it, and have become more responsible in just a few days,” Yadagiri said, adding that the puppy has brought new energy and excitement into the home.An injured stray becomes beloved ‘Cooper’For Asha Tampa, an entrepreneur running a handloom start-up, adopting Indie dogs has become a way of life. Nearly a year ago, she received a call from an NGO about a two-month-old stray puppy badly injured in an accident. “The puppy was in bad shape. It wouldn’t have survived if no one intervened. I ensured it received immediate medical attention and proper treatment. Today, Cooper is healthy, playful, and deeply attached to us. He transformed completely. He’s very affectionate and has a special bond with my friends too. Whenever they visit, he gets excited and plays with them,” she said. Cooper is the third stray Asha has adopted. “All three of my dogs were once strays. They just needed care and a safe space,” she added. —
