Interview by Vidita (16 years), Youth Ambassador
I recently had the chance to speak with someone whose story truly touched me. Ms. Anantmala Potdar isn’t just a dedicated lawyer, loving wife, and proud mother—she’s also the President of the RWA in Saket, New Delhi, and a passionate advocate for street dogs.
Her journey from pet lover to a voice for community animals is a beautiful example of how compassion and leadership can go hand in hand. Here’s what she shared about her experience balancing the needs of residents and the welfare of street dogs in her neighborhood.
A Personal Journey Rooted in Compassion
Vidita: Mala Aunty, can you tell us what inspired you to start caring for street dogs?
Ms. Potdar: It all began with Snowy, an old community dog who found her way into our driveway and just stayed. She became part of our daily lives. Feeding her, caring for her—those little acts of love changed me. When Snowy passed away, it broke something inside me. But it also strengthened my resolve to care for other community dogs who, like Snowy, deserve love and dignity.
Challenges from the Community
Vidita: What are the biggest misconceptions or issues you face?
Ms. Potdar: Many people see street dogs as dirty or dangerous, especially if they’re unaware that we vaccinate and care for them. Some neighbors complain about feeding or sheltering them. That’s hard. But these dogs aren’t a menace—they’re part of our ecosystem. We’re working to change perceptions by spreading awareness and involving the community.
Daily Life as a Caretaker
Vidita: What does your day look like as a caregiver for these dogs?
Ms. Potdar: Every morning starts with a little snack for my four street dogs—Licky, Moti, Pointy, and Brownie. I observe their responses closely; if they seem hungry, I give them more. I check their bedding too, making sure it’s clean and comfortable. Over time, I’ve learned to understand their unique signals. When I ask, “Do you want mum mum?” and they stick out their tongues, I know they’re ready to eat!
Health, Healing & Behavioral Care
Vidita: Do you often deal with medical issues or challenging behavior?
Ms. Potdar: Yes, street dogs sometimes suffer from skin allergies, wounds with maggots, or even just a simple cough. We call in para-vets when needed. For trauma or behavioral challenges, I’ve created separate, safe spaces so they can eat and rest comfortably. Each dog is different—one prefers a big plate, another avoids closed spaces, another needs more personal attention.
Leading with Compassion as an RWA President
Vidita: How do you balance your care for street dogs with your responsibilities as RWA President?
Ms. Potdar: That’s where the idea of coexistence truly matters. As RWA President and also Secretary of the Federation of RWAs in Saket, I strive to balance empathy with practical leadership. We’ve formed a Dog Committee to manage the relationship between residents and our community animals. It serves as a bridge—residents contribute voluntarily to the dog fund, and the funds are used for medical care or temporary shelter.
If there’s a dog bite or other behavioral concern, we address it quickly—calling in expert advice to ensure public safety while also protecting the animal.
Building a Support System
Vidita: How do you manage resources for the dogs?
Ms. Potdar: We created a small fund at the RWA called the Stray Buddy Corpus or dog fund, where volunteers and dog lovers contribute voluntarily. It helps cover medical emergencies. We also plan awareness events—melas or carnivals—where both dog lovers and skeptics can come together, talk, and understand each other’s perspectives.
Promoting Coexistence, One Step at a Time
Vidita: What role can the RWA play in encouraging coexistence?
Ms. Potdar: RWAs can be powerful agents of change. We send regular updates to our residents on sterilization and vaccination drives, share online profiles with names and pictures of our community dogs to create familiarity, and organize awareness campaigns. When residents begin to recognize these animals not as threats, but as part of the neighborhood, empathy follows.
A Final Message
Vidita: What would you like residents and other RWAs to take away from your journey?
Ms. Potdar: That kindness costs nothing. Coexistence is possible—if we replace fear with understanding, and irritation with empathy. These dogs aren’t just animals on the street—they are lives we share space with. When we care for them, we build not just a safer community, but a more compassionate one.
Reflection
I hope Mala Auntie’s story encourages others to step forward, whether as RWA by setting up an Animal Welfare Committee and dog fund, as a caregiver of street dogs by feeding them, or anyone by donating to the cause, or simply showing kindness.
Because in the end, we all belong—humans and animals alike.
Vidita (16 years), Youth Ambassador, Stray Buddy Program by All Creatures Great and Small