Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar Gynecologist Dr. Rashmi Thapa was returning from the hospital one day. A dog's body was lying on the road with blood from a car crash. That sight made his heart melt. She remembered, 'If she could have been rescued immediately, she would have survived.' The next day, she saw a dog wandering on the street with paralysis.

After seeing the pitiful condition of dogs on the streets day after day during hospital-camping, she started looking for a dog rescue organization. However, no such organization was found in the east. Finally, she decided on her own to open a treatment center for injured and sick street dogs. "If you can help someone in a small way, it makes you feel happy", Rashmi shared her experience, "I have started to think that happiness is not by earning wealth, but by serving." 

Her decision to take time out from her busy schedule to open a rescue center was exemplary in itself. About 5 years ago, with the help of some volunteers, she worked to rescue injured, sick and helpless dogs. In 2079, she opened an organization called 'Sahara Animal Shelter' after working in the rescue and treatment of dogs for two years. She is currently dedicated to the service of injured and sick dogs. ``Some time ago, we were planning to settle abroad as husband and wife,'' said Rashmi, 'but, after opening the institution, we did not want to leave. After that, I resolved to devote my life to the service of people and dogs. After treating sick people, Rashmi gets involved in the rescue, rehabilitation and treatment of helpless community dogs. After 'dressing' the dog rescued from the street, she goes to the hospital again. Now the organization has 5 employees, including two veterinary technicians, to take care of the dog. Rashmi also takes care of their services.

They are running Sahara Animal Shelter by renting 10 pieces of land in Mangluthan located in Biratnagar-5. The shelter has beds for dogs, a playground. Straw, jute sack and tripal are mainly used for sleeping. There is also a blanket to wear in winter. They are given nutritious food just like humans. Kanika, soybeans, lentils, chicken mixed with chicken, vegetables are the daily food of the dogs here. 

organization has so far rescued and treated injured and sick dogs from places like Jhapa, Sunsari, Ilam, Saptari. The animal farm has a chronically ill and injured dog. There are currently more than 60 dogs in the shelter. There are many dogs in shelters with cancer, rickets, wounds, worms and disabilities," says Rashmi. "People go to the hospital when they are sick. Family, relatives take care. However, the dog has no hospital, no relatives.'  She had personally spent about 35 lakh rupees to establish the foundation of

organization. There were many who thought he was 'stupid' for spending so much money on a dog. However, she did not give up on her goal. Instead, she took up the challenge and proceeded to set up the organization. She says that she is spending about 2 lakhs a month on the dog's care. Rashmi has been raising all that amount. There is no support from the government. I am spending all my income on this," she says, "there is a need for the cooperation of the local government in such a work." 

Injured and sick dogs brought to the shelter are taken to the rescue area after treatment and released. However, dogs with amputations or severe conditions are kept in shelters. Chemotherapy is also given for dogs suffering from cancer. Rashmi said that more than 70 dogs suffering from cancer have been treated so far. According to him, the disease is transmitted from one dog to another during the calving season. Dogs with cancer are given 3 to 6 months of chemo and only after they are cured, they are taken back to the place of rescue. Rashmi says, "treating dogs means working for public health and the environment as well."