MATCHBOX

It all began with Gazelle, a fragile German Shepherd puppy found abandoned in a garbage yard—weak, malnourished, and struggling for survival. A compassionate rickshaw driver discovered her, rushed her to a veterinary hospital, and hoped for a miracle. The vets revealed a heartbreaking reality: a severe spinal injury had left her paralyzed. She couldn’t stand, sit, or even eat properly. Worse still, having spent her short life lying on one side, only half of her neck had developed.

With no hope of adoption and euthanasia denied on religious grounds, Gazelle’s fate seemed sealed—until Ramesh Sinha stepped in. He took her home, determined to give her a life filled with love and dignity. She was fitted with a four-wheel walker, introduced to a makeshift swimming pool, and given a life jacket. She learned to walk, run, and even swim to everyone’s amazement. Gazelle refused to let her disability define her. She played, chased birds, and fought for her ball like any other dog. Despite her indomitable spirit, her neglected past had left its mark. Four months later, her frail body gave in, and she crossed the rainbow bridge on February 9, 2022.

The Birth of Freedom Park

Her passing left a void, but her courage sparked something extraordinary. Deeply moved by her journey, Ramesh envisioned a sanctuary where special-needs dogs could live with dignity and freedom. Around the same time, Maya Parekh entered the picture. The two met in a dog group in September 2021, initially bonding over their love for animals. Though their first initiative for stray and pet dogs never materialized, they remained in touch, often walking their dogs together. The experience of taking care of Gazelle had left a profound impact on Ramesh. Maya, having seen the entire journey, was moved too, and together, they decided to embark on a mission that would change many lives.

The Founders

“Gazelle was our turning point,” Maya recalls. “She showed us that every dog deserves a chance, no matter their condition. Ramesh and I knew we had to do something bigger.”

Ramesh had a farmland 35 km from Ahmedabad, which they began transforming into a sanctuary. With the help of volunteers, they fenced the land, planted trees, and made the space dog-friendly. Freedom Park opened its doors on March 26, 2022, welcoming its first two dogs.

“Freedom Park is not just a shelter—it’s a promise,” Ramesh says. ” Unfortunately, Indian streets are filled with numerous Gazelles—Indie street dogs who are beaten, run over by cars, and left to fend for themselves, with no one stopping to help. Seeing this heartbreaking reality, I knew I had to do more. That led me to open the Freedom Park. Freedom Park is a promise that no dog, no matter their disability, will be left behind.”

The Safe Haven

What began with two amputee dogs soon blossomed into a thriving community. Through social media outreach and word-of-mouth, more rescues arrived—some from shelters like Jeev Daya and Danev Foundation, others from kind-hearted individuals. Today, Freedom Park has provided a home to over 85 dogs, with 45 currently residing in its care.

Sustaining the Sanctuary 

Sustaining such a sanctuary requires immense dedication and resources. Freedom Park thrives on donations, volunteers, and creative self-sustaining initiatives. Regular vet check-ups, deworming, vaccinations, and medicine donations ensure the dogs receive the best care. Fundraising efforts include selling handmade dog biscuits, warm beds, clay water pots, and festive-themed collars. Pet burial services offer grieving owners a place to honor their beloved pets, while virtual adoptions allow supporters to sponsor a pup from afar. Seasonal food drives ensure the dogs stay nourished, even in harsh weather.

The team has introduced various initiatives to spread awareness and ensure Freedom Park remains self-sufficient. They hand-paint coffee mugs, organize winter camps, and make pickles from vegetables grown at Freedom Park. Additionally, they craft jute beds and other handmade products to generate funds and sustain operations.

In addition to external support, Freedom Park has embraced sustainability by growing its own vegetables and constructing a 200-meter-long canal for natural water therapy. Where along with water therapy people can have fun canoeing the canal. 

Honoring Gazelle’s Memory

At the heart of it all is Gazelle’s memory. Her tomb, known as Gazelle Corner, stands as a tribute—a place where volunteers rest, visitors connect, and some find peace in meditation.

A Legacy of Love

Freedom Park is more than a shelter; it is a testament to resilience, love, and second chances. Ramesh often says, “The more hands we have, the more we can achieve.” Every dog here, no matter their ability, is cherished like royalty. If Gazelle taught the world anything, it is that life—no matter how brief or challenging—is worth fighting for.

At Freedom Park, every paw finds a home, every soul finds love, and every heartbeat echoes the legacy of a brave little German Shepherd who refused to give up!

To support Freedom Park, adopt a dog, contribute to its upkeep, buy something or visit the park.