Sneha Shrestha
Founder, Sneha’s Care
Sneha Shrestha is the founder of Sneha’s Care Animals Welfare Organization, established in 2015 in Lalitpur, Nepal. A passionate and determined animal lover, she has become a leading advocate for animal rights in the region. Through her unwavering commitment, she has built Sneha’s Care into a vital organisation, dedicated to protecting farm animals and community dogs from abuse and cruelty. Sneha’s dedication to animal welfare continues to inspire many, as she works tirelessly to create a kinder world for these vulnerable creatures.
Do you think our capacity to love can extend beyond people, to animals, nature, or even objects? Why or why not?
I believe our capacity to love extends beyond just people, it is not limited to our partner, family, or friends. As human beings, we are blessed with empathy, which allows us to feel deep love and compassion for animals and nature as well. For me, animals are my family. For over a decade, my days have begun and ended with them. I currently live with 10 dogs at home, and I have a much larger family of over 200 animals; including community dogs, cows, buffaloes, pigs, goats, sheep, and cats, they reside at my sanctuary, Sneha’s Care. The foundation of Sneha’s Care is love and affection, which I wholeheartedly share with my animals. When it comes to nature, I feel deeply connected to its elements, and to my surprise, nature responds in the most beautiful way. For instance, whenever I feel stressed, I go hiking in the forest, and I always return feeling re-energized and purified. As for objects, I believe our connection to them is often tied to memories of those we love. For example, when I see a toy that belonged to a beloved pet, it brings back memories of the moments we shared, making me feel a strong emotional connection. This is how our capacity for love extends beyond humans—to animals, nature, and even objects that hold sentimental value.
What is one memory with your pet that always brings a smile to your face?
My pets are my kids, and they never fail me to light up my heart and bring smile on my face. If I reflect back to one particular memory with my pet. It dates back to April, 2015 when the disastrous earthquake had hit our country. A few minutes before the disaster, one of my pet Hachi, he was trying to take me out out of the house, he was just dragging me with my clothes. And the ground started shaking. Even though, it was one of the black days of our nation, but I realized how my pet tried to protect me with his ability to sense the disaster and he tried his best. If humans knew about it, they could have just run to save their life, and my pet even after knowing that something is coming, he didn’t leave me alone. He stayed by my side when I didn’t step out of the house, a few moments before the disaster. So, this is how I feel loved, adored and protected by my fur babies.
In what ways do you think your pet’s love has helped you discover parts of yourself that you might not have otherwise known?
My journey started when I brought two puppies at my place and I kept them outside my room. I didn’t keep them inside my room, because I had some sort of misunderstanding that they might have some disease or it’s not good for my own health. Eventually, one of them passed away due to cold. I was not an animal lover from the very beginning. After that puppy passed away, I was at extreme guilt and this incident unfolded the compassionate part of mine. I brought that inside my room and started taking care of that puppy and named her Zara. She became the light of my life. My life revolved around her, and unfortunately one of my neighbors poisoned her. Despite all my efforts, she didn’t survive. I wasn’t aware of any legal actions that could be taken back then. I realized that even the dogs who have owners are not safe, then what might be the condition of the local community dogs? Then, as a tribute to my beloved Zara and to protect the animals in need, I established Sneha’sCare. Another life changing turn took when our team started rescuing young abandoned calves. They were subjected to die on the roads or to survive on their own. Just because they are not contributing economically to their owners, and they are prohibited to drink the milk of their mother. One of the rescues named Bob, he was a young calf, and he was bleeding all over his body, someone poured acid on his body, and he was wandering in the streets in such condition. This made me realize how scary the reality of dairy is. I switched my lifestyle to vegan immediately. Just to satisfy my taste buds for a fleeting moment, they endure unimaginable pain. Their cries, their suffering—it lingers far longer than the taste on my tongue. And no momentary pleasure is worth that kind of agony. So, these are two of the most life changing moments where these animals have helped me discover hidden part of mine.
Can you recall a time when your pet seemed to “know” what you needed emotionally, even when you couldn’t articulate it yourself? How did that shift your view on love?
Last year, I had a severe problem in my health. I was diagnosed with severe nerve problem. It was going worst with time, and I felt like I will never recover. But the way my pets and animals helped me get out of the situation, it’s magical. I would have given up, if they had not been there. I was almost bed stricken and my dogs used to wait for me, so I could get up and start playing with them. They waited for me with great patience and my prime motive to get back to good health was to be there for them and for the animals in need. From this phase of life, I realised love is not only about being with each other at good times, love is also about waiting patiently by the bed side. Love is also about talking through eye language, and love is all about understanding each other at highs and lows.
What is your favourite activity to do with your pet, and why do you enjoy it so much?
The favourite activity that I love to do with my pet is taking them in a walk. They love to welcome me back home. After a busy day at my office, I go back to my home, where they are ready to cuddle with me. In fact, the favorite part of my day is evening where I can spend my time with my ten dogs. They have a special ability to erase the stress I have due to work. Another is I love every activity that falls under taking a good care of them. Besides, I also feed the community dogs around my locality, and the way they run towards me even though my hands are empty, it gives me different sort of happiness.
Do you think there’s a certain “language” in the way pets love their humans that we just haven’t learned to fully understand yet?
I believe we can never compare animal love with the love of humans because their love is pure, untouched by any conditions, expectation, and selfishness. There is a movie based on real life from Japan, the dog’s name is Hachi and he waits for his master in the station, even though the master has already passed away. There is a dog in Alka Hospital, her owner passed away and she is still waiting for her owner. There are many heart-warming and heart-breaking stories which keeps us shocked and amazed at the same time. We humans have been underestimating the feelings of animals and there are so many thing humans needs to learn how amazing and beautiful animals are! The love of animal is different and pure form of love that doesn’t fade away with time, judges nobody, and expects anything in return. But human love, no matter how deep it is, it often carries traces of selfishness: from needing validation, or seeking something in return. Animals love with their whole hearts, with nothing but love itself, and perhaps that’s the kind of language we’ve yet to truly understand.
Irfan Khan
Veterinarian
Dr Irfan Khan is a respected veterinarian and the founder of several impactful initiatives, including Troll Society, Paaila, Sankalpa, and Upaahaar. With a deep commitment to both animal welfare and social change, Dr Khan has dedicated his career to improving the lives of animals and communities. His work spans across various organisations, each with a unique mission to promote compassion, sustainability, and support for those in need. Dr Khan’s innovative approach and unwavering dedication have made him a notable figure in both the veterinary and social sectors.
Do you think our capacity to love can extend beyond people, to animals, nature, or even objects? Why or why not?
Yes, I absolutely believe our capacity to love can extend beyond people, to animals, nature, and even objects. Love isn’t just about humans it’s about connection and caring. It’s a feeling that connects us to what we care about, and that can be just as strong for a beloved pet animal, a captivating natural scape, or even an object that holds an emotional value of a human being. For example, many people form a very deep bonding with animals, share their feelings be it happy or sad and talk to them even if they do not speak. Many people experience serious love for nature, seeing its beauty and they find their peace and belonging here. Even objects can carry sentimental value, reminding us of memories or experiences that are dear to us. Love is about feeling connected to something or someone, and that definitely includes more than just human beings. It is a force that binds everyone not just human beings.
What is one memory with your pet that always brings a smile to your face?
I remember when rescued a cat and brought her home. I named her IQRA, She was just a tiny, scared little ball of fur, and I was nervous about how she’d adjust. Later she was diagnosed with a fatal virus named Panleukopenia and almost died. But, I treated her with necessary medications for next 7days and after a few days, she started following me around the house, sitting by my side every time I sat down. One evening, I was feeling a bit down, and she jumped up on the couch beside me, curled up into a little ball, and fell asleep on my lap. It was like she knew exactly what I needed. That moment, feeling her warmth and trust, made me realize how deeply animals can understand and connect with us, even without saying a word. Every time I think of that moment, it brings a smile to my face because it reminds me of how special the bond between us can be.
In what ways do you think your pet’s love has helped you discover parts of yourself that you might not have otherwise known?
I used to be an aggressive person, with a shy and introverted nature that kept me distant from others. But when I started connecting with animals, everything began to change. My pet’s love helped me discover a softer side of myself that I never knew existed. Through the bond I developed with them, I realised that I had the capacity for softness, patience, and care. Over time, this connection helped me open up, and I became more extroverted, learning how to deal with different situations and people more comfortably. Animals showed me that I could be both strong and gentle, which has had a greater impact on how I approach the life now.
Can you recall a time when your pet seemed to “know” what you needed emotionally, even when you couldn’t articulate it yourself? How did that shift your view on love?
Yes, I can recall a moment when my pet seemed to understand exactly what I needed, even when I couldn’t express it myself. There was a time when I was feeling anxious because of the stressful work I do and the cruelty towards animal just lost in my own thoughts. I was sitting outside in cold, not saying anything, but my dog Khaire came over and gently nudged his head into my lap. He just sat there, quietly, as if he knew something was off. I didn’t have to say a word. His presence alone was comforting, and I could feel my anxiety easing as I ran my hand through his fur. It was like he could sense my emotions and knew that I wanted to get comforted, even though I couldn’t put it into words.
What is your favourite activity to do with your pet, and why do you enjoy it so much?
I absolutely love playing with my pets and talking to them. There’s something so special about those moments when we’re just goofing around together, whether it’s chasing each other, or just cuddling. It feels like we share this special bond. I also enjoy talking to them, even though I know they can’t respond the way humans do but they nudge their head and wag their tails. It’s comforting, though, because they always listen so attentively, and it feels like they understand. It’s these little things that make our connection so meaningful.
Do you think there’s a certain “language” in the way pets love their humans that we just haven’t learned to fully understand yet?
Yes, I do agree that there’s a certain language in the way pets love their humans that we haven’t fully understood yet. Animal express their feelings like happiness, sadness, fear, pain, etc. with their body language which is understood by a true animal lover only. A wagging tail, head nudge, playing on the floor lying upside down, or being close to us when we are sad or happy is their language of love. I believe animals have their own unique, silent way of expressing love that we’re still learning to interpret it. They know how to comfort us without saying anything at all, and that in itself is a form of communication.
Shanaya Nangia
Content Creator
Shanaya Nangia is a rising content creator in Nepal, known for her engaging and relatable presence across social media platforms. With a keen eye for creativity and a passion for storytelling, she has captured the attention of audiences, offering everything from lifestyle insights to thoughtful commentary. Shanaya’s ability to connect with her followers and share authentic experiences has made her one of the most promising voices in Nepal’s digital landscape. Her growing influence continues to inspire many aspiring content creators in the region.
Do you think our capacity to love can extend beyond people, to animals, nature, or even objects? Why or why not?
I definitely believe our capacity to love extends beyond people. We are all a part of this incredible universe that is far greater than just people, and love is the most surreal thing we have. Love is magic. I have grown up with all kinds of animals as pets – dogs, fish, and even rats – and I have felt love for these wonderful animals since I was a little girl.
What is one memory with your pet that always brings a smile to your face?
It is difficult to think of just one memory. I currently live with four dogs and I have countless memories with all of them, but my first pet was a very smart little white rat. I used to make little cardboard houses for her every week before she had her own cage. She used to chill on my shoulder all the time, and even though she could climb down herself, she would request for her personal “elevator” – my hand – to gracefully descend down upon.
In what ways do you think your pet’s love has helped you discover parts of yourself that you might not have otherwise known?
With the love that I have shared with my pets over the years and the relationships we have built, I feel like I have built a level of communication and understanding that takes place without words or sentences. Collectively, we have developed our own individual ways of communication with one another – whether its sounds, or tones, or expressions – and I really feel like this has opened me up to a level of intuition that I wouldn’t have discovered had I only been interacting with people.
Can you recall a time when your pet seemed to “know” what you needed emotionally, even when you couldn’t articulate it yourself? How did that shift your view on love?
One of our dogs, Bowser, is incredibly emotionally intelligent and sensitive. As many young people do, I had a challenging experience with navigating personal mental health issues when I was a teenager. During those times, he could often detect a panic attack before it fully peaked and would come lay on my chest and put his face against my face. It was very sweet and actually helped a lot.
What is your favourite activity to do with your pet, and why do you enjoy it so much?
Play time is our favourite whenever I get the chance. My sister stocks them up on toys, so they have a whole basket full. Our dog Bhuku loves playing fetch more than anything.
Do you think there’s a certain “language” in the way pets love their humans that we just haven’t learned to fully understand yet?
Probably! But they’re doing a great job even without this certain “language” because I definitely have been lucky enough to feel loved already. Hopefully they don’t actually start speaking soon, because I don’t trust my dogs fully enough to keep all my secrets!
Sophie Vaidya
Director, Guranse Tea Estate & Mai Tea
Sophie Vaidya is the Director of Guranse Tea Estate and Mai Tea, two renowned names in Nepal’s flourishing tea industry. With a strong passion for quality tea production, she has played a pivotal role in promoting Nepal’s tea heritage both locally and internationally. Sophie’s dedication to sustainable farming practices and her vision for the future of the tea business have made her a key figure in the industry. Through her leadership, Guranse Tea Estate and Mai Tea continue to thrive, offering premium teas that reflect the rich flavours of Nepal.
Do you think our capacity to love can extend beyond people, to animals, nature, or even objects? Why or why not?
Absolutely. Love isn’t just about human relationships—it’s a deep emotional connection that can extend to animals, nature, and objects that hold sentimental value. Anyone who’s ever had a pet knows that the bond you share with them is just as strong (or in some cases stronger) as any human relationship. The same goes for nature—there’s something deeply moving about being in a place that makes you feel at home, even if it’s just a quiet spot in the mountains or enjoying a cup of tea and our family tea estate. Even objects can hold meaning when they remind us of special moments or people we care about. Love isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about what brings you joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Love, at its core, is about connection, and that connection definitely isn’t limited to just humans.
What is one memory with your pet that always brings a smile to your face?
There are so many memories and little things my dogs do every day that make me smile! Like when Juju, our Tibetan mastiff with a thick coat, had a (really bad) haircut and suddenly looked like a skinny, shy little boy. Or when Leila decided to get into the fire pit and turned her white coat completely grey. And then there’s Gnocchi, our oldest girl—when she gets the zoomies, she flops onto her back and kicks into the air like she’s having the time of her life.
In what ways do you think your pet’s love has helped you discover parts of yourself that you might not have otherwise known?
Pets teach us patience, responsibility, and unconditional love. They don’t care about flaws or bad days—they love without judgment. That kind of bond helps reveal a gentler, more nurturing side of ourselves that we might not have fully embraced otherwise. They also teach us to live in the moment, which is something we often forget in our busy lives. Leila is our previous dogs pup but Gnocchi and Juju are adopted and bringing them into our lives has made us even more passionate about adoption and helping animal welfare organizations. There are so many animals out there who just need a chance, and seeing how much love and personality our dogs have, I can’t imagine them not having the home they deserve. They remind me every day how important it is to give animals that second chance and to support the animal welfare organizations that work so tirelessly to help animals in need.
Can you recall a time when your pet seemed to “know” what you needed emotionally, even when you couldn’t articulate it yourself? How did that shift your view on love?
Absolutely. On bad days or when I’m sick, all three of my dogs will just lay in bed with me, as if they know I need comfort. They’re all very sensitive to emotions, but Leila is especially in tune with mine. If I’m having a rough day and stay in bed, she will literally stay with me all day—only getting up for meals and then coming right back. The way they look at you in those moments—it makes you feel so loved, like nothing else matters. It’s a kind of love that doesn’t need words, just presence. And that has completely shifted the way I think about love. It’s not always about saying the right thing or doing the grand gestures. Sometimes, just being there is everything.
What is your favourite activity to do with your pet, and why do you enjoy it so much?
Honestly, I just love spending time with them, no matter what we’re doing. Walking around the garden with them (and obsessively taking pictures of them), watching them play, or just laying in bed together—every moment feels special. They don’t need anything extravagant to be happy, and that’s what I love about them. Just being with them, feeling their presence, and seeing how much joy they find in the simplest things—it makes me happy.
Do you think there’s a certain “language” in the way pets love their humans that we just haven’t learned to fully understand yet?
Definitely. Animals communicate in ways we might not always recognize—through body language, energy, and instinct. They show love through trust, loyalty, and small gestures that we sometimes overlook. All animals have their own way of showing love, even if we don’t always recognize it. Stray animals, for example, will wait for you every day if you feed them, or even if you just take two minutes to pet them. We’ve adopted a dog who lives close to our office and every single morning when I enter the lane and honk she knows it’s me and comes running into my office to greet me without fail. Our dogs at home wait all day for us to come home, and every single time, they greet us like we’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them and they haven’t seen us in forever. Even hurt animals, the ones who have every reason to be afraid, often know when you’re trying to help them, and they let you. I think animals understand love in a way that’s so pure and instinctive—without expectations, without conditions. We may not fully understand their language, but the way they show up for us, again and again, is more than enough to know it’s there.
Leave a Reply