Please get ready to meet an extraordinary woman. In more ways than one. It’s Roxanne Davur Conz, who the world knows as just, Roxanne. She leads a life few would dare to or care to. For quite simply, what she does, calls for qualities beyond your ken. A lot of dedication, commitment, involvement, struggle and challenges are involved. And a certain level of madness!
Roxanne lives by herself on a two-acre plot of land in the wilderness, almost. Amidst 400 dogs, 170 cats, horses, ponies, mules and donkeys. With a few calves and cows thrown in for good measure. You saw her with one on the cover!
That’s right. It’s a shelter, a home for animals in Karjat, 70 kms from Bombay.
Animals; abandoned, uncared for, left in misery arising from some situation or the other. Probably Paradise, that’s what it is called. “Why the ‘Probably’?” I ask Roxanne who I have known since forever. “Well, because if it was just Paradise it would mean I had to be dead and living in heaven or hell,” she quips! That’s Roxanne, quick to the point, witty, intelligent and oh-so-upfront.
But to be honest, I couldn’t help thinking, as I looked around me, sitting with her at the shelter, wasn’t there a little bit of both, hell and heaven, right here on Earth? You could so easily step on one of the dozens of dogs of every age, size, shape, colour and breed, making all kinds of different sounds around us. Barking, wailing, snarling, moaning, whining. Some keep a watch over us, others disinterested, half asleep. The smell, so strong, in the hot and humid atmosphere, the dust blowing around, the area, unkempt, unclean. Can’t be easy maintaining standards…
Denne historien er fra September - October 2023-utgaven av dogs & more.
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Denne historien er fra September - October 2023-utgaven av dogs & more.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A Kick on the Butt
A dazed horse was seen with red ‘injury and blood’ marks on its body during a Muharram procession in Dongri, Bombay, post which animal welfare activists raised an issue.
A Lick on the Face
Hats off to the Uttarakhand law officials who left no stone unturned in rescuing a dog who fell into the raging waters of the Bhagirathi River.
UNDER THE WEATHER 10 Tips to Keep Pets Healthy
There is so much you can do to keep your pets healthy and optimise their lifespan, let me share a few tips here.
The Green-Eyed Boy Russian Blue
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The Enchanting Kingdom of Animals Unusual Acquaintances
A part from eating unusual food when one travels the world, what is interesting is meeting people with varied cultures and traditions.
Treat Them with Kindness, No Less
The love and affection that the world-renowned industrialist possesses for animals is hardly unknown.
Loving Family Of Four
Bringing home pets during testing times is perhaps the best one can do for children undergoing emotional strain. This mother did just that, bringing back many smiles into their lives
Chef Paul Noronha
He’s just settled into his role as Executive Chef of ITC Maratha, this seasoned F&B professional. Yet, it’s his role as dog dad to Shia he treasures most
Swedish Vallhund The Cow Herd
Their history dates back to the time of the Vikings making them a timeless breed with a warrior spirit. The Swedish Vallhund knows its job well and how to keep its parent happy
Pass me the Popcorn Says the Binturong
Contrary to the skunk, this furry mammal lets off a buttery popcorn aroma to mark its territory. The binturong is full of surprises and quite a creature to uncover
