Bengaluru Cobbler Turns Shop Into Shelter For Dogs And Cat, Internet Comes Forward To Help

Social media users rallied to support a Bengaluru cobbler, who runs a tiny business with three dogs and a cat, after reading about his story. In India’s technology capital, the cobbler, fondly called Ramayya uncle, has a modest shop where he takes care of a minimum of three stray dogs and one kitten. His story was first made public in December 2023 when his video was posted on Instagram account – “Leia the Golden Indie.”

“This sweet old cobbler has a tiny shop outside Decathlon in Whitefield, Bangalore,” read the caption to the video that prompted a fundraising initiative. “If you ever pass by there, I hope you’ll take a second to look at what real love, kindness and generosity look like. In that tiny space where he works to repair old shoes, you will always find at least 3 dogs sleeping warmly and a little kitten playing,” the post further mentioned.

The account, along with hundreds of other viewers, praised Ramayya uncle for giving stray animals his meagre space and food, emphasising that his lack of finances did not stop him from being humble. Several people were moved by the good-hearted cobbler that they asked how they could support him.

Soon, a fundraising for the Bengaluru cobbler was organised by the Instagram account ‘Leia the Golden Indie.’ Ramayya Uncle, according to the fundraiser page, not only fed the stray animals but also took them to the hospital when they got sick or hurt. The campaign received donations from dozens of people, and last week, the cobbler received the proceeds, which brought tears to his eyes.

Ramayya uncle received a card with the names of all the donors to the event on it, along with the amounts raised. Recalling that his wife passed away four months earlier, the cobbler told the recipients of the money that he had been raising his daughter on his own.

In addition, the Instagram account holder stated that Ramayya uncle will get a transfer of half of the funds raised to his bank account, which he can use for “anything he needs or wants.” The remaining half would go towards feeding stray dogs in the area.

On the internet, a lot of individuals expressed their happiness about the news, while others praised the cobbler for his kindness.

A user said, “Please don’t make me cry today pls”.

Another commented, “So touching”.

“Even the cat is talking with him,” a user also mentioned.