Dog adoption day sends out pet awareness message

Two animal rescue centres organised an adoption day where 60 dogs were put up for adoption by residents. Twenty of these were successfully adopted on the day, into comfortable homes.
About 500 people visited the Toil and Tinker outlet in Al Quoz, which hosted the Doggy Adoption Day organised by two rescue bodies - Protection of Animal Rights Association (Para) UAE and Al Mayya k9.
The event brought together dogs from different backgrounds and circumstances such as strays, sick dogs and those whose previous owners couldn't afford their medical care.
Speaking about the adoption process, Sarah Al Zaki, co-founder of Para, said: "We have adoption forms for those interested in taking home the dogs, so that we get to know their home set-up, occupation, lifestyle, commitment and sense of responsibility, and can screen them. We also check that if the dog they are looking to adopt is a suitable companion for their lifestyle."
Al Zaki said the adoption day is just an introductory and interactive meeting for people to visit, interact and meet the rescued dogs. "That is why we tagged it 'Come and meet your new best friend'. The dogs are not given away on adoption day. We take a couple of days to screen the interested parties first," said Al Zaki.
The adoption day takes place once a month, or whenever the rescue centres feel the need to put up the dogs for adoption. "Apart from aiming for a happy home for these dogs, the day also creates awareness for many who don't know how many dogs desperately need a home here."
Laura Hosford, owner of the dog and cat boutique Howl and Growl - which is housed inside Toil and Tinker and also hosted the event - said: "By being part of this event, we want to inform people about adoption and understanding that it's about commitment and not just a fancy pet. We are promoting the practice of adoption and discouraging people from buying at pet shops."
Howl and Growl also launched a scheme called the 'underdogs scheme', in which people can donate their dog's old collars, dog food or their dogs' old beds. These will be given to rescue organisations to support them.
Laura, who has two dogs and two cats - of which three are adopted - is looking to adopt or foster yet another dog.
South African national Jade said he was here with his fiancée to adopt a dog that could serve as a companion to their Miniature Pinscher named Zaola. "I am happy to find my dog a companion of the same breed; we are making the two interact with each other today to see if they are compatible. My current pet, Zaola, is also an adoptee from Para UAE. She was abandoned by her previous owners due to an illness," Jade said.
The one day community event also had a kids' corner, face painting and craft-making from recycled items, and food trucks.
saman@khaleejtimes.com
 

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• Dubai