Animal Rahat is as sad as can be to announce the passing of one of its wonderful resident dogs, Tommy.

Tommy relaxes on the porch of one of Animal Rahat's sanctuary buildings.

With help from Animal Rahat’s veterinary staff, Tommy had been doing his best to fight serious liver disease. Despite the vets’ best efforts, the disease advanced rapidly and Tommy’s condition quickly deteriorated. Ultimately, the most compassionate course of action was to let him drift away peacefully and surrounded by those who loved him and whom he loved right back.

Tommy will be sorely missed by all who knew him—especially his human caregivers and his animal friends, the other sanctuary residents.

A young Tommy plays at the sanctuary with rescued dog Hershey.

A grown-up Tommy rolls on the ground with rescued dog Rossy.© Aneesh Sankarankutty

Tommy came to Animal Rahat’s sanctuary as a pup back in 2016 after he was spotted at the edge of a road where traffic was speeding by. Animal Rahat’s team saw him and stopped just in time to scoop up tiny Tommy before he could attempt to cross the busy street.

Tommy as a puppy at the sanctuary, shortly after he was rescued from the roadside

After a futile search for his mother, veterinary staff assessed Tommy and found him riddled with parasites that had left him weak and anemic—and in need of prompt medical treatment.

Thanks to Animal Rahat, he became healthy, his personality blossomed, and he soon took on the role of official sanctuary greeter, always eager to welcome visitors and new residents.

Tommy greets a new equine resident of the sanctuary.

Tommy enjoys affection from a group of schoolchildren during their visit to the sanctuary.

Tommy joins staff and fellow resident canine Guddi to welcome a rescued pony to the sanctuary.

Every dog deserves to live a wonderful life like the one Tommy enjoyed, thanks to Animal Rahat’s dedicated staff and generous supporters like you—a life with access to healthy food and fresh water, shelter from the hot sun and monsoon rains, a soft bed to call their own, high-quality veterinary care whenever needed, plenty of safe space to run and play with friends, and lots of affection.

Tommy leans into his caregiver, relishing his daily grooming session.

Tommy smiles as he lies on his bed, even more comfortable thanks to a new blanket that was kindly provided by a generous donor.

Tommy savors a hug from a staff member.

Tommy shows his playful side during a grooming session.

Tommy joins staff and fellow sanctuary residents Rossy and Guddi for Diwali festivities.

Tommy will be missed terribly, but you can help keep his memory alive.

Please consider honoring his memory by sponsoring another dog who would like to be loved as Tommy was. Tommy’s rescue enabled him to grow up in comfort and among friends of many species, but more dogs just like him need rescuing. Your gift will support all of Animal Rahat’s work and could absolutely mean the difference between life and death for a dog like Tommy.

Tommy takes a stroll at the sanctuary under the setting sun.© Aneesh Sankarankutty