Story: Coconut came to DAR after being struck by a car. She was too scrawny and weak to perform the needed hind leg amputation when she arrived. Unfortunately, infection set in and we had to amputate it immediately. She had a long recovery but is now is a fit and healthy girl.

Personality: Raring to go… on three legs. Coconut is a NUT! After her rough start you would never imagine that she was the one growling and howling at the gate everyday to be the first one let out for her daily hike. She loves hiking and playing with the other dogs, and getting dirty. She does not seem too concerned about keeping her white coat clean, as long as she is having fun.

Story: Cookie, along with his sister, was found on the streets as a puppy. They were weak and malnourished, just like many street dogs. Sadly, Cookie’s sister did not survive, however, Cookie is a fighter and did survive the accident, but had to have his front leg amputated.

Personality: Pack Professor Cookie is the leader of the DAR gang. He teaches the newcomers the ropes on how to act at the shelter and teaches them how to do certain things. He takes care of his great following very well and imparts all the knowledge he has. “Look, you’re in my territory. Do as I say, and I will take care of you.”

Story: Coyote was abandoned in Dharamsala by her owner. Having no street smarts, she was hit by a car and suffered a fractured wrist along with an infection in her leg. It has taken a long time to heal, but it hasn’t gotten in her way.

Personality: Coyote is a really loving dog and interacts amazingly well with humans so we suspect she is an abandoned pet. We’re still hoping to find her a local adoption but she’s happy at DAR for now. She loves people and will need an owner who will give her a lots of love and attention.

Story: Luckily for Dorjee, someone saw him lying on the road, bleeding and in pain, after being hit by a car. He was 6 weeks old. We could not save his leg, but he adapted very quickly to his new life as a tripod.

Personality: Dorjee was terrified of humans when he first got to DAR. He was so teeny tiny but growled at anyone who got hear him. He also tried to run away a couple of times. After his amputation and lots of good care, Dorjee is now a DAR star. You can find him playing with other pups, and even letting all of the new pups lay on top of him as if telling them, “Don’t worry, you will be okay, I am here for you.”

Story: Imli arrived at DAR with a femoral fracture to her back leg after being hit by a car. Only 4 months old, she was found by a kind spirit working at another local NGO. After a few weeks, she was walking again but due to a deep infection in her leg, we had to amputate.

Personality: Imli is a compassionate friend to the recovering dogs. She sits quietly near their crates sharing her strength and will to survive so that they may too. She loves and craves human attention and she is very sweet and endearing.

Story: Johnny was most likely a pet that became unwanted when he developed arthritis, and was dumped on the streets. DAR found him and brought him back to good health, and decided he will stay with us for the long haul.

Personality: The stubborn old man with a Harley-Davidson in his garage. He had a youthful life, one with great risks taken and many adventures lived. He is getting older now, but he doesn’t seem to notice and just does not want to give up! He runs as fast as he can, though he is the slowest of the lot. He barks at everyone and everything because he has earned this right over the many years of experiencing life. He is a funny old man, with a slightly lopsided face.

Story: Leia came in with a bad dog bite wound to her ear, and was already a tripod when she came in. She recovered from her injuries but she can’t walk very well on her own.  She wouldn’t be able to make it on her own on the streets and would get bullied by other dogs or people so DAR will be her Forever Home. She also has low platelets so she is easily susceptible to disease. The miracle dog remains strong in spirit. 

Personality: She’s incredibly good-natured and her presence keeps things much livelier. She has this loving stare that makes you feel like you are the only one!

Story: Life has been rescued by us a number of times because his skin problem cannot withstand the rough conditions of the street. He leaves our shelter healed, but returns a few months later sore and scabby again, so we have decided to keep him has a permanent resident so that his hairless body is cared for.

Personality: The stud muffin who ended up developing a complex because he lost all his hair. Life is a big, strong dog who likes to keep the pack under control. His bark is deep and demands authority. But he’s calmed down a little since losing his fur and crown jewels, taking a step back and realising there’s more to life than good looks and power. He still has a very soft spot for the ladies and loves a good cuddle.

Story: Poor Mikey! We rescued him when he was only 8 weeks old. He was run over by a car and his front leg was completely degloved. We tried for months to save his leg and have the wound heal. It would be okay for a bit, then swell up. After 6 months of trying, with the help of our vets and volunteer vets, we realized that we could not save his leg and it had to be amputated.

Personality: Since Mikey has been with us from such a young age, he has no baggage—well, except from being hit by a car—but he loves humans and other dogs! He loves hiking, cuddling, and playing. He even still like being scooped up for a hug. Now that he is no longer in pain or bandaged, we know he will really thrive!

Story: Scottie came to us as a little puppy who had been hit by car, rendering both his back legs useless. One leg required an amputation, and the other leg had a large wound that healed in a way that stopped him from ever learning to use the leg. And so, Scottie became our token permanent resident with two legs.

Personality: Paralympic bronze medalist, because the only thing keeping him from gold is his easily distracted mind when anyone new passes the shelter. Being the go-getter that he is, Scottie has trained hard and now has an upper body bigger than Arnold Schwarzenegger. He plays rough with all the other young ones, and when he’s tired he snuggles up for a good cuddle. He has an unbreakable spirit and soft heart and an adorable face to match.

Her Story: She was found on the streets as a puppy, with a small wound and handed to our Founder, Deb Jarrett, at a dinner party. Personality: Silent Seductress Shashi loves to chase cows, and more often than not, bite them. This is not good and hence Shashi has undergone intensive training to distract her from these roaming cows. Shashi is one hot tough nut to crack, but now she is very obedient and will do anything for a treat, including not chase cows.

Her Story: Teddy was only 6 months old when he arrived at DAR with both of his back legs severely broken. We were able to surgically pin the bones back in place and with the help of physiotherapy he built up the strength to walk again.

Personality: Teddy is very playful now and is best friends with Dorjee and Shakira. He is nervous around new people and can be quite vocal about it, but he has lots of energy and is a big and strong boy who will need lots of walks.