Avis
Lyons
Avis
was born in London, and lived there until 1990 when she moved to Romford
in Essex.
In december 2000, whilst on holiday in Kerala with her daughter,she
became extremly
upset and moved by the condition of the beach dogs, she noticed that
all the female dogs
had had pups, but there were no puppies to be found.
When she returned to England she was determined to do something about
the situation.
She
approached International Animal Rescue, I.A.R., an organisation based
in Goa, India
with head offices in the U.K. As a result she set up a centre in Kovalem,
Kerala under their umbrella.
In 2002 she rented a former private hospital which became both home
and clinic for Avis and her animals.
Owing to the success of this venture,and the overwhelming need for a
permenant
centre of this kind Avis sold her house in the U.K. and
started this charity (ARK)in its own right. She has brought some land
and had built a centre with 60 kennels.
There is a fully equiped treatment clinic, and an education centre.
Across the road are the much needed living quarters, that also home
many
of the disabled animals that can't fend for themselves and have become
permanent residents.
The land is about an acre and also has the puppy house.
With daughter & Grandaughter
The
centre employs six full time staff. The vet Dr Arun works six days a
week.
He carries out all the sterilisations, and deals with all the emergencies
that
come into the centre, such as dogs from road accidents, or wounds that
are infected.
A regular stream of people visit throughout the day, usually the poor
seeking
medical help and advice for their animals.
People come from miles around to bring their
sick animals to the centre for treatment.
There is also a full time veterinary nurse.
Assim is both dog catcher and ambulance driver.
Rajeev and Sheila are the full time kennel staff, and have proved to
be a very calming
influence on the more agressive and nervous dogs.
Ramah is responsible for cleaning the centre and preparing the many
meals for the animals.
Usually the dish of the day is fish and rice as commercial foods are
not readily availible.
Avis in office
Avis
feeds the kittens
Avis
Lyons,Founder
Meet the staff
