At just 15, Mumbai student Aira Thaker has built an initiative connecting young volunteers, an animal-welfare NGO, pet-care companies and first-time adopters around one goal: helping rescued Indie dogs begin their new lives with greater care and confidence.
Her journey began in October 2023 through a Student-Initiated Service-as-Action project at Oberoi International School. After joining The Welfare of Stray Dogs, or WSD, Aira discovered that street-animal welfare involved far more than feeding community dogs. Rescue, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, adoption and public participation were all part of a much larger ecosystem.
From Childhood Compassion to Community Action
Aira’s bond with community animals began early. As a young child, she regularly fed neighbourhood dogs she called “Blackie” and “Whitie”, accompanied by her father or grandfather. Years later, that compassion developed into Be the Pawsitive Change, a youth-led campaign mobilising students, families and local residents to support rescued animals.
The campaign raised ₹57,301 and collected more than 100 kilograms of food and essential supplies for animals under WSD’s care. Aira also used social media, local outreach and community networks to spread awareness, while making participation easier through online contributions and the collection of in-kind donations directly from people’s homes.
WSD is a Mumbai-based non-profit organisation established in 1985. Its work includes sterilisation, rabies vaccination, rescue, medical treatment, adoption and public education for street animals. Working closely with the organisation gave Aira direct insight into challenges that can continue even after an animal has been selected for adoption.
The Gap She Found After Adoption
While observing WSD’s adoption process, Aira noticed that first-time pet parents often entered the experience with love and good intentions but limited practical preparation. The first few days in a new home can be an important adjustment period for both the rescued dog and the adopter.
That observation led to the creation of the Forever Home Kit, an adoption-support package designed for newly adopted Indie dogs. Each kit included food, grooming and healthcare essentials, along with personalised behaviour profiles and practical care guidance prepared for individual animals.
The idea was clear: adoption should not end when a dog leaves the shelter. New families also need the right information, resources and reassurance to make the transition more stable and sustainable.
WSD later praised the thoughtful structure of the initiative, particularly the personalised profiles and care guides that helped adopters understand each rescued dog as an individual.
Industry Support Turns an Idea Into 100 Kits
Aira researched organisations whose work aligned with responsible pet care and approached more than a dozen companies. Convincing established organisations to support an initiative led by a teenager was one of her biggest challenges, but preparation, persistent outreach and a clearly defined purpose helped her move the idea forward.
Support eventually came from Allana Group and Himalaya Wellness Company, two companies with established involvement in India’s pet food and animal-health sectors.
For the first adoption cohort, 100 Forever Home Kits, each valued at approximately ₹2,000, were prepared and distributed through WSD’s adoption programmes. The initiative mobilised nearly ₹2,00,000 in corporate support, giving new pet families practical help during a crucial stage of the adoption journey.
Formal appreciation letters from WSD, Allana Consumer Products and Himalaya Wellness Company recognised Aira’s leadership, creativity and ability to identify a genuine gap in the adoption process. Allana described the kit as a practical initiative that could help new pet parents feel more prepared and confident, while Himalaya highlighted its contribution to responsible and sustainable adoption.
A Youth-Led Model for Responsible Adoption
Aira managed the campaign alongside school, robotics and tennis, scheduling meetings and coordination work after classes, during weekends and over holidays. Her family and teachers provided guidance while allowing her to retain ownership of the project’s decisions, partnerships and implementation.
Her work shows how youth-led animal-welfare initiatives can move beyond one-time fundraising. By listening to adopters and shelter teams, identifying a practical problem and bringing industry partners into the solution, Be the Pawsitive Change has placed preparation, collaboration and responsibility at the centre of rescued-dog adoption.
Aira’s message to other young changemakers is direct: they do not need to wait until adulthood to make a difference. Starting small, understanding the real problem and consistently showing up can turn compassion into measurable action.
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