Reporter’s diary: Kids rope in families to keep water bowl for strays

But, what about our furry friends – especially the ones without homes - who seek similar respite? A heart-warming trend noticed of late is a few Chennaiites placing a bowl of water outside their homes on the pavements or near their shop entrance lest a thirsty dog or cat may be searching for some comfort. 

Upon asking one such house-owner (an elderly woman), this scribe learned that it was her granddaughter in school who had come across such an idea, from a book at school. All the kids promptly decided to implement the pet project at their respective homes and their parents’ stores or offices, with strict instructions to their family members on refilling the water bowl at regular intervals while the tweens were in school. Of course, they apparently posted pictures on social media about their initiative with a picture hugging a cute puppy, urging their followers to do the same. No wonder then, the idea spread like a house on fire.

In this time of sharing rap lyrics or selfies all the time, it is uplifting to note that kids of this generation look beyond the pets at home and also care for the ones on the street. There would be quite a few grateful barks and purrs out there by now!