For stray dogs scavenging for food, a discarded plastic bottle can seem like a small glimmer of hope. The scent of leftovers draws them in, but curiosity quickly turns to panic when their heads become trapped inside. These helpless moments can be life-threatening, but thanks to the efforts of one man, countless dogs have been saved from such predicaments. Vivek Chevvakula has made it his mission to rescue stray dogs stuck in plastic bottles, and to date, he has freed over 25 dogs from this distressing plight.
Vivek’s journey began when he first encountered a stray dog struggling with its head stuck in a bottle. Witnessing the animal’s fear and helplessness ignited a sense of responsibility in him. He realized this wasn’t an isolated incident—it was a recurring problem caused by improper waste disposal. Instead of walking away, Vivek decided to act. He has since dedicated his time to helping these vulnerable animals and spreading awareness about the importance of crushing plastic containers before discarding them.
The rescues are far from easy. Stray dogs are often skittish around humans, and adding the fear and confusion of being trapped makes them even harder to approach. “The hardest part is the initial panic,” Vivek explains. “These dogs can’t see, they don’t know what’s happening, and they’re just trying to escape.” Each rescue is a delicate balance of speed and gentleness. Vivek must work quickly to prevent the dog from injuring itself while also calming it enough to remove the bottle safely.
Once the bottle is removed, the transformation is immediate and heartwarming. Vivek describes these moments as some of the most rewarding in his life. “When I remove the bottle from the dog’s head, it makes me feel the happiest,” he says. “Their relief and gratitude are something you can feel—it’s an incredible connection.”
Beyond the rescues, Vivek’s work has an important message: small actions can prevent big problems. By taking a few seconds to crush plastic bottles before throwing them away, we can stop countless animals from suffering. His dedication serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small the act.
Vivek’s mission goes beyond saving lives; it’s about creating a culture of care and responsibility. For the dogs he has helped, Vivek isn’t just a rescuer—he’s a symbol of hope and a reminder that compassion can change the world, one life at a time.
