By Karen Hibell, The College of Animal Welfare
I have heard many times that India is a country of contrast, and more recently from many locals as we were greeted in the street; welcome to ‘God’s own country’. Everyone was interested in how far we had travelled, our thoughts of their country, but more importantly a selfie with our very own Doctor Coe; who was more than obliging.
Hinduism accounts for approximately 50% of the population, with the remaining spread between Christianity and the Muslim faith. This provides the state with a diverse culture, full of tradition and colour.
After a day travelling, I am still not quite sure what hit me first when we arrived from the lush green landscape of Pookode to Thrissur, the 20th largest city in India. Also known as the cultural capital of Kerala. The smells, the sounds of people going about their everyday business in the bus station or the market, the chaotic approach to roundabouts or the incense burning in the hotel. India is a medley that stimulates the senses and the adventurous spirit.
Kerala is beautiful. Bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east; this forested region is amongst the world’s top 10 biodiversity areas. Known also as the Malabar coast, the official language is Malayalam. Its geography has influenced the development of the state within its own microcosm, resulting in Kerala being one of the most developed parts of India.
No day was the same; the diverse range of species and lifestyles resulted in the observation of examinations and treatments of family dogs, street dogs and livestock; dogs, cattle, goats and chickens on the same day. Clinics such as artificial insemination and the early neutering of dogs, separated only by the central courtyard of the hospital. Canine leptospirosis and distemper are common place here, and we saw a number of patients being treated within the hospitals during our stay; after fluid therapy returning home with their owners. Debilitating parasitic conditions, such as Babeosis; a tick-borne protozoan infection incurred a series of daily treatments for the patient.
I travelled to India on a teaching project; little did I know how much I would learn from India and the people I travelled with.