In an incident drawing similarity to the story of Hatchi, a German Shepherd was abandoned by its owner and spent eight hours in a bustling marketplace of Delhi, clinging to the hope of the owner returning. The dog’s ordeal came to light after a video shared by an X user, Ajay Joe, sparked widespread concern on social media.
The dog, later named Swiggy by rescuers, was seen perched on a parked scooter, her eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face. Joe’s post described the heartbreaking scene: “This evening, a dog was brought to a marketplace in Delhi on a scooter and left behind. She has been sitting on another scooter for eight hours, waiting for her owner. Her eyes are filled with longing and despair.”
The post quickly went viral and people soon took to X and Instagram in coordinated efforts to rescue the dog. According to media reports, volunteers ensured Swiggy’s safety through the night, feeding and comforting her while an animal ambulance was arranged.
The rescue was finally executed by Kaveri Rana, founder, Sophie Memorial Animal Relief Trust. Swiggy was brought to safety, where it was discovered that she is a female dog—a detail overlooked in the urgency to protect her. “We were so focused on ensuring her safety that we didn’t pause to check her gender. The efforts of volunteers staying with her through the night were instrumental in keeping her safe,” Joe said in a follow-up post.
Swiggy’s story has drawn attention to the plight of abandoned pets and the critical role of animal welfare organisations and compassionate individuals in providing them with a second chance at life.