Couple’s dogged commitment to canine care

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 19

Veterinary science may not be considered a lucrative career but passion for animal welfare led to the establishment of the state’s first fully equipped multi-specialty hospital for canines.

From a small beginning in 2011, Suvidha Vet Care and Research Centre, run by a doctor couple, Dr Bhanu Khajuria and Dr Anisha Tiwari Khajuria, is a first-of-its-kind centre having a full-fledged modern diagnostic lab.

A state where pet care is still an anathema among people, the care centre is giving new lease of life to thousands of canines.

There are many firsts to the credit of the hospital. It has a modular operating theatre, computerised radiography, ultrasound, blood analyser, microscopic examination, tonovet, x-ray unit and a ventilator for serious cases.

The service is not only limited to domestic pets. The clinic provides free treatment to stray dogs brought in by any Good Samaritan occasionally.

“I am passionate about animal welfare. Initially, we faced a lot of challenges such as how to make people aware about the need for pet care. But today, we can say with satisfaction that our efforts have paid off,” said Dr Bhanu Khajuria, who sits at Sanjay Nagar Clinic, which is having the main hospital building. It is connected with other three clinics.

Four clinics are run under ‘Suvidha’ at Sanjay Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and Raya Morh (Bari Brahmana) by a team of veterinary doctors and supporting staff from J&K and outside the state.

The hospital has separate microbiology and pathology laboratories for canines and felines, grooming services, in-house pharmacy and air-conditioned in-patient facility for dogs.

“Whoever comes here feels surprised that we have such a sophisticated lab and equipment. There is no such clinic in the state,” Dr Bhanu Khajuria said.

The four clinics are supervised by his father Tarsem Khajuria, who is the director of ‘Suvidha’ and inspiration behind the initiative. “My father served in the veterinary department and retired as a veterinary officer. He inspired me to choose this field. He is a motivator and inspiration for all of us here,” Bhanu Khajuria said.

“We have saved thousands of animals. Our dedicated team ensures that every sick pet gets the required attention. All major and minor surgeries are conducted here,” said Dr Anisha Khajuria.

Much of the publicity for the clinic has been through word of mouth by people who brought their pets for treatment and found a perfect place for care.