....and the speechless got a home

 

 

 

On the bustling outskirts of Nagpur, just off Mankapur Ring Road, lies a quiet sanctuary where lives are not just saved, they are cherished. It is here that entrepreneur-turned-animal rescuer Smita Mire has built a world of compassion, care, and second chances. Her shelter, Save Speechless Organisation, has become a haven for dogs that society has cast aside: the paralysed, the injured, the abandoned, and the forgotten dogs. Smita’s journey into the world of animal rescue was not planned. It began with a heartbreak.

 

Years ago, her own beloved dog met with an accident that left him paralysed. As Smita was engrossed in her professional commitments, she couldn’t give him the attention and care he needed. The dog passed away, and the guilt of that loss became a turning point in her life. “That pain stayed with me,” Smita recalls. “I knew then that I had to do something, not just in his memory, but to ensure no other dog suffers the same fate.” Thus was born ‘Save Speechless Organisation’, a shelter built on one woman’s promise to never let a helpless dog die due to lack of care. Today, nearly six years later, that promise has grown into a full-fledged mission. Smita is now a mother to nearly 250 dogs, all under her shelter’s roof. Each dog has its own story of pain, survival, and healing, and Smita remembers them all. From dogs rescued from highways to those abandoned in faraway villages, the shelter takes in animals in the most critical of conditions. Many arrive with broken limbs, severe infections, or paralysed bodies. Yet under Smita’s care, they receive medical treatment, nutritious food, and above all, love, a rare commodity for animals so often deemed unworthy by society. The shelter is run primarily on Smita’s personal income. Despite being a full-time entrepreneur, she dedicates a significant portion of her earnings to the shelter’s upkeep.

 

Occasional donations trickle in from concerned citizens, but the lion’s share of the effort remains hers alone. With the help of two assistants, she ensures the dogs are fed, treated, bathed, and made comfortable every single day, without fail. When asked how she manages, Smita smiles. “It’s not a burden. It’s love. This is what I was meant to do.” Smita’s compassion is evident the moment you visit the shelter. The dogs, though some disabled, are full of life. Wagging tails, playful barks, and affectionate licks welcome visitors, not just as guests, but as members of their extended family. However, the journey has not been without pain and resistance. Smita has seen firsthand the cruelty dished out towards animals, beaten, starved, thrown out of homes, or run over without remorse.

 

Her voice quivers as she shares stories of dogs found in horrific conditions. “It breaks my heart how cruel some people can be,” she says, she said with pain in her eyes. “There have been times when locals near the shelter have thrown stones at the dogs. And when the dogs react in fear or try to protect themselves, they’re labelled aggressive. But the truth is, they only retaliate when provoked.” Despite the criticism and cruelty, Smita stands firm in her belief that all animals deserve a chance at life and love. She uses social media platforms to share rescue stories, raise awareness about animal rights, and educate people about responsible pet ownership and compassion. “I hope one day, people realise that these animals are not aggressive, they’re just hurt, scared, and voiceless,” she says. “They need healing, not hate.” What makes Smita’s work all the more admirable is her personal connection with each animal. She has a story to tell for every dog at the shelter, a memory, a moment, a name.

 

“They’re not just dogs,” she says softly. “They’re my children.” Visitors to Save Speechless Organisation are often moved by the sheer love and dedication that fills the space. Smita can be found at the shelter every single day, caring for her dogs like a devoted mother. And she has no plans of stopping. “I’ll do this for as long as my body allows me to,” she affirms. “And even then, I hope someone will carry it forward. These animals deserve someone to fight for them.” In a world where the voiceless are often unheard, Smita Mire has chosen to be their voice, their advocate, and their family. Through her selfless work, she is not only saving lives, she is restoring faith in humanity, one paw at a time.