Siberian Seagulls. You only see them in India during winters, migrating from the tundra of northern Russia. This is Yamuna Ghat in Delhi. A place that bustles with activity during colder months of the year, attracting tourists, casual bird watchers and even professional photographers.

We were there for the birds. But a boat ride to a small island changed everything about the trip for us. We met a pack of wild Indian Pariah Dogs there, cautiously observant of the visiting humans. Living away from a dense population of people, they functioned the same as any other free-roaming dog; they played, groomed themselves, hunted and scavenged, only, they wanted nothing to do with us – the humans. We were lucky to catch a new mother feasting on a kill, maybe a large rodent of some sort.

This chance encounter left a lasting impact on us, more so when we returned to shore, to the free-roaming street dogs we’re used to, some shy, others friendly and adoring of people. We are a product of our experiences. A product of our environment.

There’s a lesson to be learned there. An opportunity to understand free-roaming dogs just a bit more. And we just wanted to share that with you.