Introduction
A Dubai woman turned her personal heartbreak into a source of healing for others. Rupkatha Bhowmick’s journey of caring for her senior dog, Mr. Popo, inspired her to build a global community. She now supports fellow pet caregivers who feel alone.
Her dog, Mr. Popo, suffers from multiple serious conditions. These include a rare disease called Canine Lafora. Bhowmick’s life changed completely to become his full-time caregiver. She faced immense challenges and deep loneliness. This experience showed her a great need for connection among others in her situation. She decided to fill that gap with understanding and practical help.
A Life Changed by Love and Diagnosis
Rupkatha Bhowmick shared her life with her dog, Mr. Popo, for over twelve years. Their world shifted when Popo began having weekly seizures. Bhowmick and her husband restructured their entire lives around his care. They later learned Popo had Canine Lafora. This is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease. The diagnosis explained the seizures. It also began a cascade of other health issues for Popo. He developed Cushing’s Disease and laryngeal paralysis. He also showed signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, similar to dementia in humans.
The Deep Commitment of a Caregiver
Bhowmick’s commitment to Popo knew no bounds. She changed her work schedule to be home with him. She and her husband learned to anticipate his every need. Their nights revolved around his care schedule. Bhowmick cooked special meals tailored to his complex health needs. She consulted veterinarians across the globe, including an expert in Australia. She adopted an integrative care approach for Popo. This combined traditional medicine with personalized nutrition and herbal remedies. Her dedicated care kept him seizure-free for a year and a half.
Transforming Pain into Purpose Through Education
Feeling powerless led Bhowmick to seek knowledge. She embarked on a rigorous journey of study and certification. She wanted to understand every aspect of Popo’s conditions. She earned certifications in Integrative Hospice and Palliative Care for Dogs. She studied Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) Food Therapy. She also became certified in Holistic Canine Herbalism. Furthermore, she trained in holistic grief and loss counseling. This helped her bridge the gap between animal care and human emotional support. Education became her tool for empowerment and healing.
Confronting the Loneliness of Pet Caregiving
Despite her knowledge, Bhowmick faced an unexpected challenge: profound loneliness. She found that people often don’t understand pet loss. Well-meaning friends would say things like, “at least you had him for so long.” These comments minimized her deep grief. She realized the world lacks a common language for animal loss. Caregivers are often silently expected to “move on.” Bhowmick saw that many people caring for senior or sick pets felt this same isolation. They were exhausted and alone in their journey.
Building “Wiser Woofs”: A Global Support Community
Bhowmick decided to create the support system she wished she had. On November 1, 2025—Popo’s 13th birthday—she launched a new community. This group is specifically for caregivers of senior and ailing dogs. She also continues to run her established platform, Wiser Woofs. The community provides resources, tools, and, most importantly, emotional support. Members span the globe, from the UAE and the US to India and Portugal. It is a safe space where people truly understand the challenges of constant care.
The Realities and Lessons of Compassionate Care
Bhowmick’s experience offers crucial lessons for all pet owners. Love is just the starting point for compassionate caregiving. The practical and financial realities are significant. Costs include veterinary care, medication, special food, and home modifications like orthopaedic beds. Caregivers must also prioritize their own well-being to avoid burnout. The journey is not about being perfect. Some days are strong; others are vulnerable. Both are okay. The most important thing is not having to walk the path alone. A supportive community makes all the difference.
