The amber glow of the sun setting in a sea of tall buildings glows a Melbourne apartment, as the four-year-old Jalebi, wrapped in her pink, cosy blanket, looks at through the glass window, enjoying the winter evening. This Indie dog from the bustling streets of Patiala, India, now lives in comfort with her parents, Alicia and Arun, in Australia.
Jalebi, with her dusky coat and shimmering brown eyes full of hope, tells a story of extraordinary luck. Rescued from the streets of Patiala, she has transitioned to a life of luxury in Australia.
“Jalebi adores sweet treats and has a coat as sweet as the dessert she’s named after. When I heard the ‘Jalebi Baby’ song, it felt like she should have a theme song,” the dog parents shared.
With over 13,000 Instagram followers from India, Australia, and New Zealand, Jalebi is the talk of the town.
Jalebi’s Instagram feed captures their adventures with Arun and Alicia—exploring the city, trying on new outfits for Jalebi, indulging in Hindi TV series, sampling Melbourne's eateries and, of course, belly rubs and nap times.
Jalebi in her Melbourne home. Photo: @Itsjalebibaby/Instagram
Alicia, a Kiwi, and Arun, an Indian, made Melbourne their home in February last year, with which they decided to bring Jalebi home, the puppy they fell in love with in Patiala.
Two years ago, Alicia was training midwifery educators in Patiala. One morning, Jalebi appeared outside their home, and after a few pats and some food, she became a constant companion.
Jalebi in Patiala. Photo: @Itsjalebibaby/Instagram
As their time in Patiala drew close, the couple faced a difficult decision.
“It would have been cruel to leave her back on the streets after she’d become accustomed to being cared for,” the couple explains.
Determined to provide Jalebi with a permanent, loving, warm home, they embarked on a complex and costly mission to bring her to Australia.
Australia’s strict pet import regulations made the journey challenging. Pets from non-approved countries like India must be transshipped via approved countries.
Jalebi’s journey to Melbourne, Australia.Photo: @Itsjalebibaby/Instagram
Australian pet import regulations designate specific countries for direct pet imports. Since India isn’t on the approved list of Group 1, 2, or 3 countries, pets must be relocated to one of these groups and meet all the necessary preparation guidelines.
However, Jalebi was a lucky dog! Despite the hurdles, her journey didn’t end with land rules.
The process began with the assistance of their friend Pankaj, who runs 'Guardians of all Voiceless' in Patiala, and the pet relocation company Pet Fly.
Jalebi’s journey involved obtaining rabies vaccines and blood tests, followed by a mandatory three-month waiting period before departure from India.
Her trip started with a flight to Paris, France, where she stayed in foster care for eight months. Due to delays in Australia’s quarantine system, Jalebi was then sent to New Zealand for another six months before she could join Alicia and Arun in Melbourne in June 2024.
Jalebi in her Melbourne home. Photo: @Itsjalebibaby/Instagram
All pets entering Australia must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine to safeguard local wildlife and uphold biosecurity standards. However, since Jalebi had already completed her quarantine in New Zealand, she was spared this final step.
Jalebi with Arun & Alicia in Melbourne.Photo: @Itsjalebibaby/Instagram
Training Jalebi, a street dog from India, proved to be a task requiring patience and dedication. “She’s incredibly adaptable and a quick learner. It took time, but she’s made significant progress,” say the dog parents.
After two years of meticulous planning, extensive paperwork, and an expenditure of approximately $15,000 USD, Jalebi finally arrived home in June.
Jalebi with Arun & Alicia in Melbourne.Photo: @Itsjalebibaby/Instagram
Now, her Instagram is a testament to her new life—morning walks with Arun, snuggles on the couch with Alicia watching Mirzapur, and enjoying the stunning Melbourne skyline.
Jalebi, now about four years old, revels in her Melbourne lifestyle.
“She loves her walks along the river and getting affectionate pats from everyone in our building,” the dog parents shared.
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