By JUST DOGS
Everyone loves a story about overcoming adversity; everyone loves an underdog. When a person has gone through a traumatic experience and comes out the other side full of determination and optimism, it is a wonderful sight to see. JUST DOGS store in Kalyani Nagar, Pune had their very own shining light in the form of Vishal.
Vishal is a part of the JUST DOGS TEAM and takes care of housekeeping of the store, hailing from Pune. He is the second brother in a group of four, and works alongside his brother, who is a delivery executive for the same location. Vishal grew up in a Marathi household, enjoying the bliss of childhood through sports, games, and fun. He was an avid cricket fan and still watches a match whenever he can. As a youth, Vishal got into an accident which prevented any further endeavours in the world of sports, which injured his leg severely. This was a huge blow, as it restricted the chances of getting work. Once Vishal’s bed confinement was over, he struggled to find work which could help him sustain a livelihood. Not many would want an injured man for work, but staying unemployed was not an option. Logically, manual labour was out of the question due to his injury, but with determination and a drive to survive, Vishal worked through his limitations and started doing odd jobs to support himself and his family.
One day, Vishal came to know about a job opening through a friend. The position was for the housekeeping staff at JUST DOGS store in Kalyani Nagar, Pune. Growing up, Vishal has always adored pets and continues to have a soft corner for the rambunctious animals. In fact, he even has an indie dog named Tommy, whom he dotes upon. Armed with this information, and the eagerness to surround himself with dogs, Vishal spoke to Ms. Poorvi Anthony, the Co-Founder of JUST DOGS. After a single interview, it was clear; Vishal deserved the job, despite his injury. He was hired on the spot, and has been on the housekeeping staff for 2 years now. In fact, after working tirelessly for 3 months at JUST DOGS, he pooled up his savings to buy an Activa, allowing him to get to work with more ease than before. Vishal has the most inspiring, luminous, and genuine smile, a smile which can brighten up anyone’s mood. With that smile, every morning at 10, he comes in to work, cleans the store and spa, and the products at the store. Now at 36 years of age, Vishal has lived with his injury for many years and has difficulty while working but overcomes these obstacles every day. For him, a life lived happily is of more value than a life spent wasting away in bitterness and regret. Why exist in sadness when you can make your life better through a positive outlook? His mentality shines through, as his supervisor Sneha Dhanagare comments “He is dedicated, optimistic, and does his job well”. Anyone can see that Vishal wants to make the best of his situation, and currently is doing exactly that at JUST DOGS, while being surrounded by cute pets every day!
Listening to Vishal’s story can fill a person with a new vigour for life, for why squander away life thinking about what-ifs? We have the opportunity to do things we love, so grab the chances you can, preferably with a pupper by your side!