Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA): how it all began

The first seeds of our story were planted in 2001 on a beach in Sri Lanka when British veterinary nurse Rachel Wright helped a very thin street dog who was unable to eat. By simply befriending the dog and removing a stick that was lodged in the roof of her mouth, Rachel was able to help that animal who was suffering.  Every few days after that, the same dog would bring another street dog with her, each with a problem of their own – an infected ear, a wound on their paw and with some very simple treatments, each was made better.

A few weeks later on a visit to Southern India, Rachel had a light bulb moment: ‘If I can do that with my little first aid kit, what could I do with a whole veterinary hospital?’  She realised that even the greatest changes must start somewhere and from that one dog the idea to create an animal hospital took root. She decided that on 4^th October 2005 (World Animal Day) she would open her hospital somewhere in the world, she just didn’t know where.

Trust in the universe and it will take you to where you need to be.  In 2004, Rachel found herself visiting Ajmer and was shown a photograph that would change her life forever.  In the photograph 4 street dogs had all been tied together to a wooden post and left without food or water, in the desert to die.  Horrified and disturbed by what she had seen she instantly knew that she had found the place to plant her Tree of Life for Animals.

From a seed to a tree

Within a year, TOLFA was established as a Charitable Trust and we had started construction on a barren piece of land located amongst the ancient Aravali mountains.

Through the donations and support that we have received, we have been able to transform a dream into reality and today we are a thriving veterinary hospital and shelter, with a wonderful team and the facilities to care for up to 600 animals at any one time.