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For more than 10 years, Navwinderan Mahenderan has continued showing up for stray dogs in need, even when every rescue became more physically demanding.
An accident may have left him with a permanent limp, but it never took away his determination to help animals that had nobody else to depend on.
The 33-year-old self-employed man from Klang has spent over a decade rescuing street dogs, arranging medical treatment, preparing food, building shelters and finding loving homes for them.
Through Pawtarian, Navwinderan hopes to improve the wellbeing of street dogs in Malaysia and ensure they receive the love, care and respect they deserve.
Taught compassion by dad
Navwinderan’s love for animals began when he was a child, with his father often bringing home puppies found wandering on the streets, and the family caring for them until they recovered or found new homes.
We never saw them as strays. They were simply lives that needed kindness,” he told WeirdKaya.
As he grew older, he realised that helping one or two animals wasn’t enough. Many more were still living without food, medical attention or protection.
That realisation inspired him to start Pawtarian, which grew from his personal rescue efforts into a mission focused on rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals.
“Every rescue reminds me why I started. The challenges have grown, but so has my determination,” he said.
Broken but determined
During his time in college, Navwinderan sold “Adopt, Don’t Shop” wristbands to raise money for the vaccination and neutering of street animals.
At the time, he never imagined that the small effort would eventually grow into an organisation that had helped hundreds of animals.
His rescue work later became more physically challenging after an accident left him permanently disabled and a limp that would stay with him for life.
Rescuing animals can involve carrying injured dogs, travelling to difficult locations and responding to emergencies late at night.
Despite the pain, Navwinderan refuses to turn away whenever an animal needs him.
Every rescue reminds me that the pain I feel is temporary, but for the animal, it could be the difference between life and death.”
“No matter how difficult it is physically, I know they have no one else to rely on. As long as I’m able, I’ll keep going because every life is worth fighting for.”
The dogs saved him too
While Navwinderan has helped save countless animals, he said the dogs also saved him during one of the lowest periods of his life.
During the pandemic, he lost his job and went through a breakup, leaving him feeling lost and uncertain about his future.
However, every morning, the stray dogs were still waiting for him.
“They gave me a reason to get up each morning and reminded me that no matter what I was going through, there were lives that depended on me,” he said.
“In many ways, while I was trying to save them, they were also saving me. Today, I proudly say that they saved me,” he added.
Tiger’s second chance
One rescue that remains close to Navwinderan’s heart is Tiger, a dog he found along the KESAS Highway a few years ago after it was hit by a vehicle and fractured its right hind leg.
Tiger required surgery costing RM3,900, an amount which was successfully raised thanks to the generosity of Pawtarian’s followers and allowed his leg to be repaired. After a month of recovery, Tiger returned to his happy and playful self.
Finding him a permanent home, however, took longer.
Navwinderan said ordinary looking mixed breed dogs and adult dogs are often overlooked by adopters, who may prefer younger puppies or dogs with certain appearances.
Still, he refused to give up on Tiger. After five months of waiting, Tiger was adopted by a loving family.
“His story reminds me that every dog deserves a chance, regardless of how they look,” he said.
Showing up when nobody’s watching
Behind every happy adoption photo are hours of food preparation, shelter cleaning, veterinary appointments and late night rescues.
For Navwinderan, the hardest part is not only the physical work but also the emotional burden of seeing animals suffer while knowing he cannot save them all.
Some animals arrive injured, frightened or traumatised. Others do not survive despite receiving treatment and care.
The pain never completely goes away, but I turn that sadness into motivation to continue fighting for the ones who are still waiting for help.”
Navwinderan finds strength in watching a once injured dog run happily again or seeing a frightened puppy slowly learn to trust humans.
“Rescue work is not just about saving animals. It is about showing up every single day, even when nobody is watching.”
Navwinderan now hopes Pawtarian can secure a permanent space and establish a transit neutering centre where more animals can be rescued, treated and rehabilitated.
He also wants Malaysians to understand that street dogs are not simply nuisances as many end up on the streets due to abandonment, irresponsible ownership, and a lack of proper population control.
More than a decade after his father first taught him to care for helpless puppies, Navwinderan continues carrying that lesson with him.
His accident may have changed the way he moves, but it never changed the direction of his life.
As long as there are street dogs waiting for help, he intends to keep showing up for them, one rescue at a time.
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