When I was about to turn 40, I decided I needed to do something that would really expand my horizons. My life was good, but something was missing. A feeling of making a true contribution on this planet was lacking deep down inside of me.

The need to fill that void led me to Dharamsala, India to spend several weeks volunteering at a preschool. Working with the children proved completely overwhelming, as did the chaotic culture of India. What truly got to me, however, was seeing an injured and bloody dog lying in the temple where the school was held, apparently left to die. It broke my heart to watch the dog suffer — and to see how little the local people seemed to care about his condition.

I was saddened by the reactions, and felt helpless. Incredibly, my path crossed with a local man who knew someone who could help. Miraculously, my actions and concern sparked a change. Today, I am happy to report the dog, Tommy, is healthy and cared for by this very village. Upon returning home to the USA, I knew I needed to do everything in my power to improve the lives of the street animals. I created Dharamsala Animal Rescue to raise awareness about the animals of Dharamsala and fund local projects.” – Deb Jarrett, Founder

Have you heard the one about the two fleas?

Two fleas are coming out of a bar when one asks the other ‘Do we take a dog or do we walk home?’

Hi. My name is Suraj and I like to tell jokes and entertain nice folks at Dharamsala Animal Rescue (DAR).

It was these nice folks that gave me this name, after they rescued me off the streets—hungry, skinny, and my fur had all fallen out—I was so itchy!

Suraj means “sun” in Hindi. I guess they named me that because of my golden fur and eyes. I am so grateful to DAR…they just took me in, fed me, and gave me medicine until I felt strong and happy for the first time in my life.

Now that I am healthy, strong, happy, and dare I say “handsome,” DAR offered me a job as Mascot, Reviewer, and Advice Columnist. I of course jumped at the chance to do anything to help. My job is to make people aware of the plight of the street dogs and animals of Dharamsala….

I have my own Instagram and Twitter accounts, as well as a Facebook Group called Eat Play Bark.  I am doing a LOT of modelling for this new job. I am working on campaigns for Funk Dog bow ties, Indigo Island men’s shirts, as well as several local restaurants in Dharamsala: Norbulingka, Bodhi Greens, and Illiterati Books and Coffee. An amazing photographer, Elena KryLove made me look so good for the photo shoots.  I even got to meet Bollywood actor, Asif Basra!

As you can see I’m very busy. If you want to get in touch, hit me up on Twitter and Instagram.

Woof.