A massive community-led effort to protect voiceless animals from the blistering Rajasthan summer, the Dog Home Foundation has launched an unprecedented hydration campaign in Jodhpur, popularly known as the 'Sun City'. With the mercury frequently touching 45°C, the foundation has established a network of over 10,000 water tanks (khelis) across the city to prevent heat-related deaths among stray animals.

*   Strategic Hydration Grid: The foundation mapped "High-Risk Zones"—areas with minimal water access—to install free tanks, ensuring a widespread reach.
*   The Power of One Resolution: The movement was founded by Kuldeep Khatri in 2017, following a personal incident where he struggled for two days to find medical help for an injured puppy
*   A ‘Jodhpur Model’ of Community Ownership: The initiative has evolved into a massive public movement where shopkeepers fill the tanks daily and local children take charge of cleaning them

*   Medical Emergency Support: Beyond water, the foundation operates a 24/7 ambulance service to provide immediate medical intervention for stray animals.

THE SCIENTIFIC NECESSITY

Experts warn that during heatwaves exceeding 40°C, the risk of heatstroke and dehydration in stray dogs and cattle surges by up to 80%. Lack of water can lead to animal aggression and increased road accidents as animals wander onto highways in search of moisture. 

A representative from the Foundation noted that while animals cannot express gratitude verbally, their survival serves as a "silent blessing" for the entire city

By shifting the focus from social media "optics" to ground-level infrastructure, the Dog Home Foundation has turned Jodhpur into what locals now call a 'Heartful City'. The initiative serves as a blueprint for other urban centers grappling with extreme climate challenges and animal welfare issues.