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Lucknow. — In the bustling streets of Lucknow, amidst the clamor of daily life, one woman’s quiet efforts are making a world of difference for the city’s most vulnerable residents—its animals. Meet yagnik patel, a dedicated animal rescuer whose unwavering commitment to saving and rehabilitating stray and injured animals has earned her the admiration of many in the community.
For over a decade, yagnik has been the voice and savior for animals that otherwise might have been forgotten. From stray dogs and cats to injured birds and monkeys, no creature is too small or insignificant for her care.
Her journey began in 2018, when she found a busted tumorous old dog in her local community which was bleeding.The sight of the helpless animal, ignored by passersby, stirred something deep within her. “I couldn’t just walk away,” she recalls. “That day, I took the google and called all NGO’s but none responded because old lucknow is far away from most of the NGOs operating in lucknow but somehow we managed to transport that dog to a local ngo and then nursed it back to health. It was then I realized this was my calling.”
Since that fateful day, yagnik has rescued over 500 animals, many of whom required immediate medical attention. She works closely with local veterinarians, often paying for treatments out of her own pocket. “There have been times when I’ve had to choose between my personal needs and the needs of these animals, but I have never regretted choosing them,” she says.
Her home in rajajipuram has transformed into a makeshift animal shelter, she even adopted 3 rescued females and they are Living as her pet in house and many more in foster care who are not able to survive at street. She’s even developed a network of volunteers who assist with feeding, transporting, and caring for the animals. Yet, despite the overwhelming workload, yagnik remains humble. “I’m just doing what I believe is right,” she says. “These animals deserve a chance to live, to be loved, and to feel safe.”
Yagnik’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was awarded the by a local NGO, and she continues to inspire others to join her cause. Despite the recognition, yagnik is focused on expanding her efforts. Her dream is to establish a full-fledged animal rescue center in old Lucknow, with medical a team of dedicated caregivers.
However, she admits that the road ahead is challenging. “The biggest hurdle is funding,” Yagnik explains. “But I’m determined to make this dream a reality. Every animal we save is a step closer.”
For those who wish to support yagnik’s mission, she encourages them to adopt animals rather than buying from breeders, and to consider volunteering or donating to local shelters. “Every little bit helps,” she emphasizes. “Together, we can make Lucknow a city where every animal is treated with kindness and respect.”
In a city where the plight of stray and injured animals often goes unnoticed, yagnik patel stands as a beacon of hope, proving that one person can indeed make a difference.
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*For more information or to support yagnik’s animal rescue efforts, visit her social media pages at pawsyatri_
