Dehradun, July 13 -- Who is a genuine dog lover? Someone who gives a stray a home or one who merely feeds her or him? The answer is a no brainer!

By feeding a stray, one is merely appeasing one's conscience. It makes the giver feel good. However, providing nourishment, without giving the stray a safe, secure and loving home, is simply not enough.

The Dog Hospital & Sterilisation Centre in our neighbourhood has written - on one of the walls of its reception area - that if 1 out of every 50 Indians were to adopt a stray, there would be no strays left on the streets of India.

I speak from experience when I say that - except for looks - strays have a distinct edge over pedigreed dogs. Strays are hardy, have stronger instincts, are excellen...