Despite being considered holy in the Hindu religion, the reality for cows in India is bleak.

Stray cows in India are often abandoned by their owners after they can no longer provide milk. Herds of them travel in search of water and food, and die of starvation in temperatures north of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

But there is some hope. Cow ambulances are being deployed around the country to bring cows into shelters set up by the government and animal rights groups. Thanks to these groups, India's abandoned cows can live out their lives in comfort and safety.