Gaya / Patna : In an era where human relationships often falter, a touching story of love and devotion has emerged from Gaya, where Neeraj Kumar has made an extraordinary commitment to caring for his 10 dogs, a family unlike any other.
Neeraj, a middle-class man working in a private job, has chosen a life of compassion over material wealth, even transferring his property to his brothers to focus entirely on the wellbeing of his dogs. Living in a rented house near Old GBM College, Neeraj’s family now consists of 11 members, with his 10 dogs providing him with companionship and purpose.
From a young age, Neeraj had an innate love for animals. Whenever he encountered animals in pain, he was quick to offer help. His journey into dog ownership began when a friend gifted him a dog, which led Neeraj to dream of building a large family of dogs. Over time, this dream materialized, and today, his dog family is made up of 10 loyal companions, each with their own name, including Raja, Chhoti, Lucky, Jimmy, Happy, Chhotu, Chutku, and Chinki.
Neeraj’s bond with his dogs is extraordinary. Not only does he shower them with affection, but the dogs, too, share an unwavering love for him. They understand his every word, and his day begins with his dogs, who are an integral part of his routine. Even when one of his dog family members misbehaves or gets upset, Neeraj’s response is always full of love and patience.
The story of Neeraj’s first dog, Johnny, is a pivotal moment in his journey. When Johnny fell seriously ill with kidney and liver failure, Neeraj didn’t hesitate to spend significant sums on his treatment. Though Johnny eventually recovered, he later passed away, leaving Neeraj heartbroken. The loss was devastating, but Neeraj’s dedication to caring for his dogs remained unwavering. Whenever any of his dogs fall ill, he immediately takes them to the doctor, ensuring they receive the best care.
Neeraj’s commitment to his dogs extends to holidays, where he often takes them on trips to the mountains. Handling 10 dogs at once during these vacations is a challenge, but Neeraj relishes the opportunity to spend quality time with his pets.
Beyond his love for dogs, Neeraj has also made significant contributions to his community. In 1995, he opened Gulnar, a training center aimed at providing women with the skills they need to become financially independent. His initiative has empowered over 150,000 women, offering them opportunities in fields such as sewing, embroidery, knitting, and mehndi.
Despite his work with Gulnar, Neeraj’s earnings primarily go towards the care of his dog family. “My dog family is my own family,” he says. “If I fall sick and a member of my dog family needs treatment, they always come first.”
Neeraj’s devotion to his dogs has come at a personal cost. He remains unmarried, choosing instead to dedicate his life to his animals and his social causes. “I did not marry for the sake of social service,” he explains. “My dog family is like my children. I spend time with them, and they are my life.”
Neeraj is a vocal advocate for the humane treatment of all animals. He urges people to treat stray animals with kindness and compassion, reminding them that these animals are often voiceless and in need of food and care.
