Who are we
A note from the founder
By Garima Solanki
I have been rescuing animals for the past 15 years now. No team, no spotlight – just me, doing what I could, one life at a time. My approach has always been simple: treat, heal, release. Give them a fighting chance, and let them live free.
But then came Canine Distemper. A cruel, silent killer that doesn’t just take lives – it drags them out. I started seeing dogs twitching uncontrollably, some with broken jaws, unable to eat, suffering while still technically ‘alive’. Others were blind, paralyzed, or stuck in a cycle of seizures, completely alone.
This disease doesn’t kill quickly. It drags dogs through hell. I have seen them starving because they couldn’t chew, crying out mid-seizure, lying in corners with no food, no hope, and no human willing to touch them. Even euthanasia, a basic mercy, was denied to many. I watched too many die this way.
That broke me.
BDRC was born out of that pain but also out of love. It's the first (perhaps even in the world) focused entirely on Canine Distemper. We rescue. We care. We give comfort. We fight for those no one else will touch. Sometimes we help them survive. Other times, we are just there to hold them as they go.
No fancy buildings. No big budgets. Just honesty, compassion, and action for the dogs that are otherwise forgotten.
This is personal. This is necessary. And this is just the beginning.
The Beginning
Built with passion, purpose, and resilience
Founded solely on Garima’s personal savings, the center initially worked through referrals and cases from close-knit animal support groups. Today, BDRC has become the first name people think of whenever a CD-affected dog needs help.
The center is designed to be a safe space where dogs battling Canine Distemper receive proper medical care, attentive rehabilitation, and the chance to recover before being released back into their original territories.
Although based in Bangalore, our team continues to guide and support pet parents and rescuers across India through calls and consultations.
BDRC’s mission goes beyond rehabilitation. We strive to raise awareness, dispel myths, and promote preventive measures against Canine Distemper.
Meet Our Founders
The Force Behind the Start
Garima Solanki
A software developer by day and a Canine Distemper advocate by night, Garima officially laid the foundation for the rehabilitation center in late 2023. But her journey with rescue and rehabilitation goes back over 15 years, spent tirelessly working in the field to save and heal countless dogs.
She has gone beyond immediate treatment – helping them not only recover from the disease but also live fulfilling lives after. Collaborating with volunteers from across India and even internationally, Garima has pioneered many in-house recovery methods, including setting up a hydrotherapy pool for rehabilitation.
Balancing her professional career with her passion, she dedicates every free hour to the shelter’s growth and to breaking the stigma around Canine Distemper and the dogs affected by it.
“I cannot choose a favorite among these dogs, but if I had to, I’d say I share a special bond with Lily.”
Harshit Solanki
A driving force behind the center and a major player in the day to day operations of BDRC, Harshit has been with the center since its starting stages in December 2023. What began as a small contribution of physiotherapy and grooming for the dogs later on evolved into his full time commitment to the center’s operations and functioning.
While Garima had to balance her professional career along with the progress of the center, Harshit became the constant presence at the center. He took over core responsibilities from managing the treatment documentation, to staff coordination and medical visits with vets. Today, he also plays a key role in preparing monthly reports and facilitating communication between the on-ground team and management.
Harshit’s vision is simple – help as many dogs as possible and to build a team truly devoted to dogs battling Canine Distemper. His dedication and hands-on involvement have been instrumental in helping Garima strengthen the center’s foundation and continue its mission of recovery, compassion, and hope.
“I love a bunch of dogs at our center, namely Goldie (RIP), Sagar, Ballu, Cookie 2, and Luna. Playing with them is the best part of my role here!”
Humans of BDRC
The Hearts Behind The Work
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Megha Chatterjee
Megha is a recent addition to the BDRC team, managing the shelter’s social media while also bonding with the dogs and capturing life at the center. Her favorite, Bata, was the first to connect with her. She also claims Bata to be a professional reel star!
Ram Chandra Adhikari
Ram Chandra Adhikari has been with BDRC for over a year, taking on everything from feeding and grooming to physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. What he loves most is the affection from the dogs, with Uri holding a special place in his heart.
Rahul Barman
Rahul Barman, who joined BDRC in November 2023, is a true all-rounder—managing tasks from driving and cleaning to grooming and therapy for the dogs. He enjoys working with the pups, values the supportive environment, and shares a special bond with his favorite, Lily.
Our Volunteer
