We Drove to India!

The end of the journey, and the funds raised for Friendicoes

When they arrived in New Delhi, Tushar and Pooja were visited by Arti Tandon, an Indian who lived in the U.S. to study and like them, had recently returned to her family home in Delhi from Philadelphia. Here’s what she wrote us:

Arti: Being a crazy animal lover myself I couldn’t help but be excited that I was about to meet an amazing couple who had traversed the rough terrains of Central Asia from Europe into India, facing tough obstacles such as bad weather, lack of oxygen at high altitudes, political unrest and even lack of proper hygiene. They drove 13,500 kilometers and visited 15 countries, all for the love of animals and the adventure of driving.

They also raised $4,814 for Friendicoes – which will be a huge help to the local spay/neuter program.

I met them at their family’s farmhouse, whose backdrop is one of luscious green gardens. We drank some cold Shikanji — lemonade with spices.

They told me that in Europe, they met an immense love for animals, but that in Central Asia people were a little more cynical. They were nice but they just couldn’t fathom why a couple would travel the world advocating for animals when poverty and political unrest plagued the continent. In Uzbekistan, people were always asking them, Why a charity for animals? In Europe, by comparison, they were greeted everywhere as champions for a cause.

Doggie’s dog cart

When I asked them if there was anyone in particular that left a lasting impression on them, they told me about a beautiful 7-month-old puppy called Doggie whom they’d met at an animal clinic in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

Doggie, who looked a bit like a Great Dane, was paralyzed from the waist down, and had been brought to the clinic to be put down by his family. But the veterinarian, Dr. Ruhi, told Tushar and Pooja she didn’t want to kill this dog, even though Tashkent lacks any proper facilities to treat complicated conditions. So when they arrived in New Delhi, Pooja contacted an organization called Innovation India and asked them to build a cart for Doggie. They paid for the cart themselves, and had it shipped to Tashkent at no cost, thanks to Oceanid Logistics, also based in New Delhi. Today, Doggie can run around, sit or stand, and do all good doggie things.

On top of the world

Pooja and Tushar grew up in Delhi, and Pooja visited Friendicoes for the first time when she rescued a dog outside of her college and brought her to the clinic to be treated. They plan to move back to Delhi within a few years, and to adopt a dog from Friendicoes.

The toughest and most alarming part of the whole journey was when they were at a very high altitude in the Himalayas, and Pooja couldn’t breathe properly due to lack of oxygen. They both feel that the trip has changed them – made them stronger individuals who can adapt to different situations and environments. It also brought about a sense of appreciation they felt for life and people. As a couple they learned so much more about each other.

Do they plan to do anything like this again? Yes, indeed. They’re already thinking about an even longer trip, covering 50 countries, covering 40,000 kilometers over six months. This next one, they say, will be planned well ahead of time so they can get sponsorships from corporations and more media attention for the animals.

Good Luck Pooja and Tushar. The animals are rooting for you!