Hi my name is Shango and I’m a 4 to 5-year-old desi dog from the streets on Gurgaon, India. Shango means shadow, and I’ve been called both, because I follow right behind the one I love most. For the past 2 1/2 years, that’s been my rescuer Jyoti. If I had my wish, I would be a lap dog—I much prefer the company of my human friends to being alone!
Jyoti first met me in January of 2016, the low spot of my life. I had been dumped in her neighborhood and was very unwell. The local street dogs were growling at me threateningly, but they didn’t attack me, probably because they could tell I was sick. Jyoti tried feeding me, but I wouldn’t eat. When I still wouldn’t take food after 2 days, Jyoti saw that I couldn’t even walk, so she picked me up and brought me to the vet. Jyoti thought my problems were likely due to the stress of being abandoned in a strange place, but the vet found that my platelet count was very low due to tick fever. I also had symptoms of kennel cough. After 6 weeks of intensive antibiotic treatment, I recovered, and since then, I’ve gotten all of my vaccinations on time and have been a healthy, playful guy, freely offering my unwavering loyalty and unlimited love.
If you are looking for a low maintenance dog – I am it!! I am a very calm and loving dog who has great house manners and is fully potty trained. I am always being told I am such a good boy! I enjoy meeting and interacting with adults and children of all ages. I get along well with other dogs. I have even lived with cats and do well with them. I do have a little anxiety and don’t like to be left alone. I will need an adopter who is patient and experienced who can allow me to feel safe and secure while I adjust to my new environment. I am great on car rides. I’m neutered and walk nicely on a leash. Basically I am a very chill guy who doesn’t ask for much to be happy – just some love and pets is all I ask for. I spend time indoors and outside, but my favorite place is in bed—no need to run a marathon when you can be cozy. I’m in foster care now, and have been doing great! I was very well-behaved at my first grooming appointment, and I think you will agree, I’m more handsome than ever! I’m looking for a person or people who will recognize the gem they have and never let me go. I will miss Jyoti greatly, but will be so excited to finally have a forever family of my own. More than just your shadow, I’ll be your loving and devoted best friend!
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Desi (day-see) dogs live on the city and village streets of India, with an estimated 400,000 in the capital Delhi, alone. Also called Indies, Indian Native Dogs, or pariah dogs, these dogs have changed little over thousands of years. Desi dogs are highly intelligent, alert, good-looking, athletic, and full of character. Many urban desi dogs have recent European breed ancestry too, along with sighthound sleekness and speed.
While most street dogs experience indifference at best, some neighbors and business owners look after their community dogs. Delhi’s extreme weather (cold winters, sweltering summers, thick smog, and monsoons), dangerous traffic, disease, human violence, and attacks from other dogs, ensure that most desi puppies die before reaching adulthood. It’s a great irony that increasing numbers of status-conscious Indians are buying expensive and ill-suited foreign breed dogs, while more resilient and regal-looking native Indian dogs often have to travel internationally to find willing adoptive homes. Most of the desi dogs that ISDF places could not survive on Indian streets due to early orphaning or injury, or have been rescued from especially threatening situations.
If you are interested in adopting SHANGO, please contact Dawn Trimmel at info@istreetdog.com. You can also find our adoption application here. Your application must be appryoved before scheduling a meet and greet.