Puppy CuddlesWhere Hope Begins

Puppy Cuddles is an animal welfare initiative founded by Devangi Mehta, driven by a lifelong commitment to rescuing, treating and caring for voiceless animals. What began in 2001 with the rescue of a single injured puppy has grown into a mission dedicated to helping stray dogs, cats and other animals in need.

Based in the Bhuj region of Kutch, Puppy Cuddles works to provide rescue assistance, medical care and shelter to vulnerable animals. Through years of perseverance, community support and the generosity of compassionate individuals and organisations, the initiative has continued its work despite financial challenges and limited facilities.

With rescue ambulances, veterinary support and plans for a new animal welfare shelter and hospital complex, Puppy Cuddles is working towards a future where more animals can receive timely treatment, safety and care.

Its journey is a powerful reminder that one act of kindness can grow into a movement that changes countless lives.

Our Story

From One Injured Puppy to a Mission of Hope

A journey of compassion, resilience and community support.

In 2001, when Devangi Mehta was just ten years old, she rescued an injured puppy. What seemed like a small act of kindness became the beginning of a lifelong commitment to animals. With her parents’ encouragement, she gradually expanded her care to stray dogs and cats.

After moving to Bhuj in 2008, she received guidance in animal care and treatment from Dr. Hareshbhai Bhinde. Her beloved pets, Roby and Snowy, further deepened her understanding of animal suffering and strengthened her determination to help animals that could not speak for themselves.

In 2017, her father helped turn her dream into reality by providing a home and space for animal care in Laxminagar, Bhuj. However, the loss of her father and grandmother in 2021 brought profound personal and practical challenges. Her mother became her greatest source of strength, helping her continue the mission through grief and hardship.

After having to leave the original shelter, Devangi moved the operation to a rented plot in Sukhpar. Despite financial difficulties and limited facilities, she remained committed to caring for animals.

Throughout this journey, several individuals and organisations played important roles. Dr. Kuldeepbhai Chhatpar provided veterinary guidance, while Chiragbhai Thakkar of Vaishnavi Pharma supported the shelter with medicines. Team members Vikram and Harish stood beside Devangi through difficult times.

In 2022, with Miti Thacker’s support, Manojbhai Solanki of Shri Ramkrishna Trust, Kukma, helped clear the shelter’s pending rent and provided a place for relocation. This brought renewed stability to the initiative.

The following years marked important milestones. In 2023, the efforts of Ragini Vyas helped Puppy Cuddles receive its first ambulance through Ashapura Foundation. In 2024, Kalpana Ben Thacker connected Devangi with Kamal Ben Joshi and Prashantbhai Joshi, whose support helped secure another ambulance for on-the-spot treatment. Members of Zoom N Yoga Park also contributed an ambulance and supported improvements in animal welfare facilities, including cat care.

As the mission expanded, the need for a permanent and better-equipped shelter became increasingly important. Tulsidasbhai Joshi, Kamal Ben Joshi and Bharatbhai Mehta of LNM Lions Hospital supported this vision. Through Tulsidasbhai Joshi’s efforts, the trustees of Bhuj Panjarapole generously provided land for the proposed new shelter.

Ravindrabhai Sanghvi helped connect Devangi with Her Highness Maharani Saheba Pritideviji of Kutch, who announced a donation of ₹2 crore towards the new complex. Tulsidasbhai Joshi also pledged ₹51 lakh, bringing the long-held vision closer to reality.

On 15 November 2026, Puppy Cuddles is scheduled to celebrate the Bhumi Pujan of its new shelter and hospital complex, marking a significant milestone in a journey built on perseverance, service and collective generosity.

From one injured puppy to a growing animal welfare mission, Puppy Cuddles continues to demonstrate how compassion, when supported by a community, can create lasting change.