Mumbai Stray Dog Adopted By A Foreigner

A woman from France adopted an Indian stray dog from Versova beach in Mumbai. Traveling artist Lucie had first seen Rani at Versova beach nine months ago.

Lucie is a 28-year-old artist who lives in Marseille, France. She came to India for a painting assignment where she met Rani. She lived on the street near her art studio in Versova. With time, she took a liking towards Rani.

“I became super close to her, feeding her and petting her every day. She began to sleep under my legs while I was painting in the studio’s yard. I decided to adopt her because I couldn’t leave her behind. We chose each other,” said Lucie.

International Adoption

To officially adopt an Indie community dog, Lucie had taken help from Mumbai NGO Animals Matter To Me (AMTM) to go through the administrative process and to fly her back to France.

Activist Ganesh Nayak of AMTM said,

“This is indeed a case of remarkable human-animal bonding that has enabled Rani to fly from Versova beach to her permanent home in Marseille where she is now safe and sound, and happy to run along the French beach. It took us eight months to prepare and clear all documents for Rani’s emigration. We recently got the green signal from the Navi Mumbai-based Animal Quarantine and Certification Centre, making this international adoption possible.”

Rani’s adoption was a long-drawn-out process but with the help of AMTM, she eventually took rani to France, Lucie said.

She further said, “Since then, we’re all happy together. Marseille is a city by the sea. I take long walks on the beach with Rani and she accompanies me to my studio every single day. We do not leave each other’s side. She also has a cat friend (Pablo) and is very good with him.”

She believes in adopting strays instead of buying pedigree pets, which involves a “cruel” breeding trade.

Nayak said, “With this case, a strong message has also been sent out that one does not need to buy an expensive trophy breed pet. It is much better and healthier to adopt a community dog. All animals have immense ability to give love and spread happiness.”

Reference: The Times Of India

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