Did God answer the donkey's prayers? A visit to the animal shelter supported up by retired British couple Jean and Bob Harrison convinced me that God, for once, was moved. Bob and Jean are His angels to help animals in distress.

Overwork and cruelty has made life of donkeys a pure hell. Their owners take a fiendish delight in literally working them to the bone, to death. In addition two overloaded sacks which a donkey can barely carry, the donkey owners beat them mercilessly. At the end of the day the donkey does not even receive a full meal. He is left out in the cold to forage for whatever food he can find. And next day it is the same routine. The straps cut into his flanks, right to the bone and leave festering wounds. If he does not die of infection or disease, he continues a life of torment and death finally comes as a relief.

Donkeys are so over worked that, “You just have to place a finger on the backs of some donkeys, for them to collapse. The nerves have been so worn down by overloading,” says Bob. “ It is such a shame we ill-treat a quiet, beautiful and hardworking animal with such cruelty. ”

They play such a significant role in carrying construction load and most of us just look at them and say “Oh, well, they are only donkeys.” Not so for Bob and Jean. Moved to tears by their plight, Jean decided he had to do something to bring at least some relief to donkeys. They are building a sanctuary for donkeys, dogs, horses and other animals. Animals who have been ill-treated, maimed, wounded, old and suffering; mute victims of human insensitivity and cruelty.

Its called Project AssWin!

The Asswin Project was born in 2005 in New Delhi. Bob and Jean started a 24x7 mobile clinic, their old Maruti van put to use as an ambulance. Living with two suitcases; one with their clothes and the other with medical supplies to treat animals and traveling from one construction site to the other, one jhuggi to another… That is how they spent their first Christmas in India!

What surprises Bob is that, “Some vets have no affection for stray animals. They do not even want to touch them. A great deal of enthusiasm and patience is required to solve the several problems that animals face. Even the public need to be sensitive."

According to Bob and Jean - It was, and still is, a lone crusade. Very little help is coming from people of India or any government organization. Most of their Work, Ass-Win Project is funded by Bob's pension fund and retirement savings. Their friends, family and some noble people from back home in UK also contribute to Asswin Project. Bob and Jean manage to do what they can with only Rs. 70,000 a month, most of it from their pocket.

What did they do in the beginning? Bob and Jean moved around in their Maruti van, treated injured, ill and wounded donkeys on the spot. Serious donkeys were transported the vets and government shelters. The number went up to 80. Then came a point where government shelters refused to take in any more animals. There was no other option but to shelter the donkeys at their home in Gurgaon. But soon the neighbors started to complain about the noise.

Jean painfully comments, “The neighbors wanted us out of here and they have complained to the police against us!”

Bob and Jean responded by approaching the municipal commissioner who granted them a shelter in outskirts of Guragon, Now they are working with MCG's Animal Shelter in Village Kherki Majri, a district of Gurgaon. Each morning Bob visits the shelter and feeds animals with vegetables (particularly carrots), eggs and fruits. Donkeys love Parle G biscuits and Bob makes it a point to carry a few packs.

Bob comments, “Donkeys are not so “Gadha”, If by chance the shelter’s kitchen is open, donkeys know where the food is and one of them also knows how to open the gate of the kitchen.

Bob recounts the story of a dog he treated. The dog recovered and went away only to return with his girl friend who needed medical care. Animals, Bob feels, are intelligent and understanding. Even donkeys are very intelligent and work uncomplainingly right to the moment they fall dead.

Jean loves to recount this story. It is about a pregnant donkey and a puppy called Snowy. Snowy and the donkey developed a bond and were in each other's company. Even when the donkey foaled, Snowy would be at her side and play with the foals. One day the donkey mother was taken back to the shelter. A few days later they visited her with Snowy in their vehicle. It was a heart moving reunion. This story was also featured on a popular Indian TV show.

When asked what motivates them, Bob replied “The look of gratitude, peace and a little glimmer of happiness in the eyes of the animals he has tended are all the reward. Once we rescued a donkey that had a serious injury in her leg. When we got her home and tended to her, we realized she was pregnant. We then realized we had saved two lives! It was very fulfilling!”

Bob is definitely disheartened that in India a spiritual country where a cow is worshiped; made a religious feature - why is donkey so cruelly abused? Hindu Gods have chosen various animals as their vehicle, then how could we be so cruel towards animals?

To keep the things going, Bob and Jean are spreading the word around and request aid in whatever form. Bob says, “People are responding and we hope this project continues when it is time for Bob and Jean's second retirement. Hopefully we will find funding and dedicated people with a love for animals to take up the loving burden.” Jean and Bob worry about the future. They need to find a successor, or someone with the same strength, dedication, and love for animals.

Jean and Bob Harrison deserve admiration, appreciation and support. It's time to show that we Indians also care.

Just Rs. 1000 Rupees donation from 1000 people would go a long way to helping animals…Maybe children can arrange donations, Schools can start and campaign for animals or individuals and corporate can contribute?

What do you think?

Jean and Bob can be contacted at: +91 – 9810164214 or via email: bobleek26@yahoo.co.in

Their residence is: C-19, Greenwood City, Sector-45, Gurgaon, Haryana 122002.