Throughout the UAE, abandoned animals are a problem. Dogs are being offered for free re homing, and foster homes sought to take in dogs which otherwise would be left on the street as the sanctuaries are bursting at the seams.
Only a couple of animal sanctuaries will actively euthanise. Some of the sancturaries are spending thousands of dirhams on keeping dogs that have no hope of ever being re homed, for example, very aggressive or very deformed dogs.
Measures are being taken to curb this and new laws are being passed. Now, it is illegal to sell dogs unless you have the correct license. Pet shops sell pedigree dogs only and charge between 9,000 and 12,000aeds (£1,500 - £2000) Also, the import laws have been increased. The list of banned dogs is extensive, and only certain countries are allowed to import dogs under the pet passport programme. Other countries have to follow the old ways of quarantine.
Oddly, the only real twinges Ian and I have for home is when we think about our animals that we have left behind. Luckily, we know that they are all in great hands, but we would love to bring them out here.
As we both think that our house does not feel like a home without animals, we have reviewed our options. Over here, you can either adopt an animal or foster an animal until a suitable home has been found. Ian wouldn't let me go down the adoption route, but I am excited to announce that we have fostered a little dog.
She is called Poppy (as we picked her up today at 11am - Remembrance Sunday). She is a cross between a Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier and has the temperament of our dog at home. She is such a sweet dog, but sadly her story is not so sweet.
Poppy was kept on a puppy farm as the mother. Basically, this means that she was either constantly pregnant or breastfeeding. As soon as she was no longer able to have puppies, she was thrown out to fend for herself.
Poppy still has a very strong maternal instinct. She has a furry toy that she just likes to sleep by. We also think that she would have slept outside in the sand previously, as when she goes to bed, she scratches at the bedding as though she is digging herself a shallow ditch to make herself comfortable in.
The laws here are strict about dogs and animals, but until neutering becomes the standard as opposed to the exception, the problem will continue and gorgeous dogs like Poppy will always need homes.
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