Karuna Club is an initiative taken by students from Grade 11 that focuses on the importance of street dogs and their health. This club has hosted sessions varying from food drives to workshops on how to behave around dogs and much more. I volunteered to be part of the club with the aim to help those dogs who weren’t appreciated and out of my overall love for dogs. I don’t have a pet dog or any pet in that sense, but I have always been excited about the idea of having one. However, these sessions helped me recognize that oftentimes, only well-bred dogs are appreciated, while street dogs are seen as dirty, disease-ridden, and aggressive. The club helps break this stigma by showing that treating them with care and respect, the street dogs can be just as loving and loyal as any other well bred pet dogs.
LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
By participating in this club, I identified both of my strengths and areas for growth. My strong point was my ability to connect with and care for animals, as I naturally felt comfortable around the dogs we worked with. Also, I found that I could communicate with people who were hesitant about interacting with street dogs, by helping them understand and appreciate these animals. However, I also realized that I needed to improve my patience, when trying to befriend the street dogs. Due to the habit of hanging out with pet dogs, who are usually more welcoming to humans, I initially thought that dogs who we worked with will be similar. I immediately tried petting them or playing with them, and when they didn’t return my enthusiasm I felt upset. However, I soon realised they require their own time to become closer to humans and some may take more than others.
LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
The mistreatment and neglect of street dogs is an issue thats not often talked about, yet it is one of the major global issue. Street dogs face abuse, malnutrition, and health problems due to a lack of care. By participating in the club, I engaged with an vital global concern which is animal welfare. The club’s initiatives, such as food drives and awareness campaigns, contributed to a larger movement which promoted the importance of ethical treatment of stray animals. This action done for the dogs, shows how making small efforts for those in need can lead to other individuals being inspired to make the same changes
LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
One of the most important lessons I learned from Karuna Club was the ethical responsibility humans have toward animals. Many people mistreat or ignore street dogs without considering the consequences of their actions. Through these sessions, we emphasized that these animals have as much right to kindness and protection as any other living being. This CAS experience made me more mindful of how our choices, whether it’s choosing to adopt instead of shop, feeding a stray instead of ignoring it, or even reporting animal abuse can have a significant ethical impact. Compassion should be held towards not just pets but towards all animals in need, and also compassion should be promoted to those who don’t recognise the importance of treating everyone with respect.
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