Bijnor's Viral 'Divine' Dog Rescued After Temple Circling Episode
A stray dog from Bijnor that captured national attention after videos showed it performing parikrama around a Hanuman idol has been successfully rescued in a discreet operation by veterinary experts. The canine, affectionately named Bhairav by local residents, was transported to a Delhi hospital for urgent treatment, where veterinarians confirmed that its unusual circling behavior stemmed from a neurological disorder rather than any spiritual manifestation.
From Viral Sensation to Medical Emergency
The story began when villagers in Bijnor noticed Bhairav continuously circling the idol inside a temple for two consecutive days. Videos of this behavior quickly went viral on social media platforms, attracting thousands of devotees who believed the dog possessed divine qualities. However, animal activists and veterinarians who saw the footage immediately recognized signs of distress and illness.
Sandhya Rastogi, an animal activist involved in the rescue, recalled the challenging circumstances. "It was January 14 when we first learned about the dog circling the idol. The moment we saw him, we realized something was seriously wrong. His movements clearly indicated illness, not divinity," she explained.
The Delicate Rescue Operation
Rastogi and her team faced significant obstacles as they attempted to intervene. "People had started worshipping Bhairav, making it extremely difficult for us to approach. We were torn between respecting people's faith and addressing the critical risk to this suffering animal," she shared. The activists spent days trying to convince devotees that the dog needed medical attention, pointing out that Bhairav had stopped eating and drinking entirely.
As Bhairav's condition deteriorated, the team finally received permission from temple authorities to administer basic fluids and medication, but only after dark when devotees had left. "That moment felt like a ray of hope. We had been camping there for three days by then," Rastogi remembered. The nighttime intervention proved crucial, and when Bhairav managed to drink some milk and eat glucose biscuits the following day, a few devotees began to understand the seriousness of the situation.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
The rescue team eventually transported Bhairav to an animal shelter in Noida, where comprehensive medical examinations revealed the true nature of his condition. Sanjay Mohapatra, founder of House of Stray Animals in Noida, provided detailed insights into Bhairav's health issues.
"An MRI confirmed neurological disorder likely caused by a recent accident or injury. Additionally, an ultrasound showed swollen intestines, probably due to inappropriate food offerings from devotees including sweets like gajar halwa and puris," Mohapatra explained. Blood tests further confirmed that Bhairav was infected with anaplasma, a tick-borne bacterial disease commonly known as tick fever.
This infection affects white blood cells and can cause multiple symptoms including:
- Fever and lethargy
- Joint pain and mobility issues
- Loss of appetite and digestive problems
- Potential bleeding complications
Recovery and Future Plans
After receiving appropriate medical care, Bhairav has shown remarkable improvement. "Bhairav is now recovering well. His fever has subsided, and his appetite has been restored. We will ensure he returns to Bijnor soon," Mohapatra confirmed. The veterinary team emphasized that the dog's circling behavior resulted directly from the neurological effects of the tick-borne infection, not any supernatural occurrence.
This incident highlights several important aspects of animal welfare in India, including:
- The need for public awareness about animal health issues
- The importance of timely veterinary intervention
- The delicate balance between cultural beliefs and animal welfare
- The risks of feeding inappropriate foods to stray animals
The successful rescue operation demonstrates how coordinated efforts between animal activists, veterinary professionals, and understanding community members can save animals in distress while respecting local sentiments and beliefs.
