In India, stray dogs are everywhere — lying near shops, sitting quietly in parks, or wandering through busy streets. Most of them are Indian indie breeds. They’re not wild or dangerous. They’re just dogs that were either born outside or thrown out when someone no longer wanted them. The saddest part is how common this has become, and how little people seem to care.

Many families prefer to buy foreign breeds like huskies, pugs, or St. Bernard. These dogs are seen as more beautiful or social-media friendly. But they’re not built for India’s climate. They get sick easily, struggle in the heat, and need constant care. Meanwhile, indie dogs are strong, smart, and used to our environment. But instead of being appreciated, they’re ignored or avoided.

A lot of people adopt indie dogs just to “try it out” — like they’re a test to see if someone can manage a pet. Once they decide they want a different breed, the indie is pushed aside, taken to a shelter, or simply let go. Some people even use them to teach their kids how to “handle a dog” before buying a fancy breed. It’s unfair. These dogs are living beings. They get attached. They remember.

Indie dogs are treated badly just because they’re common. People call them dirty, beat them, or throw water at them to make them leave. Even when they’re friendly, they’re chased away. Shelters are full of them — many overcrowded, with barely enough food or space. Some are even put down just because no one wants to adopt them.

What hurts more is that these dogs are naturally adapted to India. They know how to survive here better than foreign breeds ever could. But they’re still rejected. People will spend thousands on a dog from abroad, while a loyal and healthy indie dog is left out on the street.

There’s a false belief that indie dogs are not trainable or safe. That’s not true. I’ve met indie dogs that are more loyal and understanding than many foreign breeds. They’re alert, low-maintenance, and friendly if you treat them right. All they need is a little care and a safe home.

We may not have the power to make laws or shut down breeders, but we do have a voice. We can spread awareness, adopt when we can, and ask others to consider it too. Even small things — like feeding a dog in your colony or getting it vaccinated — make a difference.

In the end, a dog doesn’t care where you come from or how much you paid. It just wants love. Indie dogs have been loyal to this land for generations. The least we can do is stop ignoring them.