In a world where divisions often seem to overshadow unity, compassion stands as a universal force for good. This was evident in the recent “Campaigning for the Protection and Welfare of Stray Dogs” initiative led by Global Peace Women (GPW) Sunshine Family Volunteers (SFV) in Lalitpur, Nepal. This initiative which took place from September to December 2024, led by Adv. Shristika Bajracharya, aimed to rescue, feed, and advocate for improved welfare of abandoned street dogs while fostering peace and unity within families and the broader community.
The campaign addressed the growing issue of homeless and neglected dogs in areas such as Kupandole, Chobar, and Emadol. Many stray dogs suffer from malnutrition, injuries, and harsh living conditions. The SFV team, along with five local families, came together to provide food, medical aid, and shelter, ensuring that these animals received the care they needed. One of the core activities was the “Fill the Bowl” campaign, where volunteers fed over 50 street dogs weekly, ensuring they had access to nutritious food and clean water. Additionally, SFV collaborated with three animal welfare centers, providing donations and medical supplies while raising awareness about animal rights and responsible pet ownership.
At the heart of this initiative was the belief that compassion strengthens peace. The campaign encouraged families to work together in service, instilling values of kindness, responsibility, and empathy. Through hands-on volunteering, both children and adults learned the importance of caring for the voiceless, reinforcing that peace is cultivated through small but meaningful acts of service. Participants shared how volunteering deepened their family bonds, creating a culture of respect and cooperation.
“Serving together allowed us to step away from daily distractions and focus on a shared mission. It helped us connect, build trust, and reinforce the importance of kindness—not just towards people but towards all living beings,” said one volunteer.
“Volunteering as a family helped us learn how to share tasks, respect one another’s abilities, and collaborate,” shared another volunteer.
“Our familial bond was strengthened through volunteering together as a family. It was an opportunity to serve together for the greater good, exploring our family values. Our ability to work together to address social needs as a team was greatly enhanced,” added Anjali Shrestha, Shristika’s aunt.
By engaging in compassionate service, families became peacebuilders in their communities, demonstrating that true peace begins at home and extends outward.
Despite its success, the project faced several challenges, including difficulties in fundraising, managing unpredictable street dog behavior, and coordinating volunteer schedules. However, the team’s perseverance ensured that the campaign remained on track. One of the biggest lessons learned was the importance of patience and adaptability. Volunteers realized that creating change—whether for people or animals—requires consistent effort and a willingness to navigate uncertainties.
Following the success of this initiative, the SFV team in Nepal aims to expand the campaign to more areas by mobilizing additional families to join SFV, strengthening partnerships with local shelters, businesses, and government bodies, and continue advocating for better animal welfare policies. Through continued advocacy, education, and hands-on volunteering, initiatives like this can become models for other communities worldwide. By integrating compassionate action into peacebuilding, this project stands as a powerful example of how small acts of kindness can transform communities.
Adv. Shristika Bajracharya, the project leader, found her inspiration for this initiative in an unexpected realization—while she had spent years serving people, she had never extended the same care to animals. Witnessing the harsh conditions faced by street dogs in her community, she felt compelled to take action, believing that ‘our voice and their presence matter.’ Since joining GPW four years ago, she has led multiple grant projects, growing as a leader through skills in project management, networking, problem-solving, and facilitation. For her, the most rewarding aspect of this campaign was seeing families embrace compassion as a foundation for peace, proving that even small, consistent acts of kindness can transform communities.
“This project has made us realize our sense of responsibility toward all living beings. Volunteering together as families not only helped the animals but also strengthened our bonds and our commitment to peace,” she said.
The “Campaigning for the Protection and Welfare of Stray Dogs” initiative proves that peace is not just about preventing conflicts but also about nurturing a culture of care. In caring for animals, we learn to care for one another, strengthening the very foundation of peaceful families and societies. This is a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a world where love, dignity, and respect reign supreme.
