Vidhi Malla
Summers in India are harsh and if you do not have an indoor place to go to, then it can get really frustrating. Can you even imagine leaving your dog out in the sun for a few hours? No? Well then think of the numerous animals who do not have someone as awesome as you to look after them.
Here is a handy list of things that you can do to help your furry and feathered friends beat the heat and perhaps survive during the harsh weather.
Water! Water!: With the soaring temperature animals and birds become less active due to the heat. Moreover, it gets incredibly difficult for them to find clean water sources or for that matter any water sources to quench their thirst.
Animals and birds have to travel long distances till they can actually find a source of water. By placing a simple water bowl of clean water outside your house, you can make a huge difference in the lives of these animals. Also remember that in summers, water might dry up quickly, so do refill the bowl on regular basis.
Shelter and shade: During summer months, animals instinctively look for sheltered places to shelter themselves. A lot of them hide under cars to protect themselves but that can be dangerous. If you can, create temporary shelters around with discarded cardboard boxes of cloth to help them. If you are feeling generous, you could also open your gates to the street animals and perhaps let them in the front porch of your house.
Easy access to food: While animals tend to eat and consume less during summers, it is also a time that their search for food decreases for obvious reasons. Animals do not scavenge for food in the scorching sun as it takes a lot of effort. Perhaps, more than the availability of food itself. So, if you can, leave seeds for birds and left over vegetables for cows around your house. You can also leave some food for street dogs but do make sure that you do not leave it just outside your house as animals can become territorial.
Be careful: Animals often take shelter under parked cars and vehicles and if you are not careful, you might cause unintentional pain. Always, ALWAYS, look under your vehicle before driving or atleast spend a few minutes once you have started the engine for the animals to realise and run away.
Alertness can save lives: Summer time is difficult and like humans animals can also have a tough time coping with the sun. If you ever find an animal in need, never shy away from helping. You might save a bee or a street dog, but in the end a life would be saved due to your kindness. So, be alert and be kind to all.
Note: I have seen the summer impact on bees too. I general keep a spoon or a bottle cap filled with honey mixed with water around plants, incase the bees decide to take rest. Being kind is the only way to be connected to yourself and your soul. So, be kind.