Bhubaneswar, Jan 9: In the waning days of December 2023, a call reached the Twamashrita Foundation, echoing the distress of a community's beloved canine, Coco. This stray friend was suffering from an enormous tumor on his neck. The plight tugged at the heartstrings of the foundation's volunteers.

Upon receiving the call, Twamashrita, a Bhubaneswar-based NGO that acts for distressed communities and stray animals, sprang into action. Volunteers, Dhiren and Gulu in collaboration with students from Gopabandhu Hostel, Utkal University started a mission to locate Coco. Eventually they traced the ailing Coco. Displaying an extraordinary level of care, they cradled him securely on the back of their bike and transported him to the SUM Veterinary Hospital on January 5, 2024.

At the hospital, the dedicated medical team, led by Head of Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Niranjana Swain, and Surgeon Dr. Ramesh, examined Coco. Their diagnosis revealed cancer in Coco's neck. A three-week chemotherapy regimen was advised before contemplating surgery.

After undergoing the first chemotherapy session, Coco was transported to Gopabandhu Hostel in an animal ambulance, a recently introduced service by SUM. Here, a compassionate soul named Gyana, a student of journalism, and his friends embraced the responsibility of caring for Coco. They had prepared a temporary shelter to provide the comfort and security Coco desperately needed.

In the meantime, Coco's health condition is improving. Gyana expressed optimism, stating, “Soon, he will regain his playful self.”
Twamashrita Foundation, known for its unwavering commitment to the welfare of voiceless creatures, operates through various channels such as organising events, facilitating skill development courses, and conducting educational and awareness programmes. Their innovative approach includes the development of Odisha's first automated crowdfunding application.

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