Bengaluru: In the remote landscapes of Leh-Ladakh, a sanctuary named Yasuragi — which means tranquillity — has become home to more than 35 rescued dogs and a quiet refuge for those healing from trauma. At its heart are Nidhi Muthane, 31, from HSR Layout in Bengaluru, and her fiancé Rinchen Takpa, who started the initiative in 2020.What began as a rescue operation for injured and abandoned street dogs has grown into a therapy and rehabilitation centre where animals and humans help each other heal. “Yasuragi is much more than a shelter. It’s one big family,” says Nidhi, who lives full-time at the sanctuary with the dogs.Nidhi and Rinchen are now building a veterinary hospital and a retreat centre to host visitors. Their vision includes supporting communities facing mental health challenges — particularly soldiers and children. “Ladakh has a great number of army personnel. Just being around dogs helps people with PTSD or depression,” says Nidhi.Yasuragi plans to partner with mental health professionals in Bengaluru to explore animal-assisted therapy, particularly for children and trauma survivors. “Dogs are natural empaths. They don’t hold grudges. They love unconditionally,” Nidhi adds.One of their rescues, Jimmy, a paralysed puppy, quickly became part of the Yasuragi family. “The other dogs could sense her pain. They were incredibly gentle with her,” she recalls.Nidhi and Rinchen, who met in Ladakh through their shared love for dogs, are set to marry this winter. For Nidhi, the journey has been deeply personal. “There was a time I thought it was the end. But my dogs saved me. They reminded me I had a reason to hold on. Therapy dogs can do that for so many more people — they mend hearts without saying a word.”
