E-Paper
Sign In
How this pet adoption runway in UAE helped rescue dogs find potential homes
From a wheelchair-bound pup to nearly 40 rescues on the ramp, a first-of-its-kind initiative turned the spirit of compassion into a community movement
- PUBLISHED: Fri 3 Apr 2026, 4:43 PM
When Cherry, a tiny rescue dog in a wheelchair, rolled down the runway at Dubai's Eventchic Ballroom, there was hardly a dry eye in the room. For the 500+ people gathered there, it became a collective moment of hope and compassion, as rescue dogs took centre stage at a first-of-its-kind adoption runway show, earning both applause and the promise of forever homes.
The event, which took place on March 29, was the brainchild of Archana Nadkarni, the Indian founder of Flooff.me, a Dubai-based pet care platform. “I wanted to give rescue dogs their own moment,” she tells Khaleej Times. “Each dog deserved a space to be seen and admired, exactly in the way they deserve.”
The spark behind Flooff
Recommended For You
Archana, who moved from Mumbai to Dubai in 2006 for work, says the seeds of Flooff were planted long before she ever called the UAE home. “Growing up, I saw dogs who were once loved suddenly abandoned or surrendered," she adds. "It wasn’t always about irresponsibility or insensitivity. What came to my notice was a lack of awareness, guidance or access to the right services.”
During the pandemic, she realised she could use her background in digital transformation to create change. “Pet parents were navigating everything in silos. From vets and groomers to rescuers and adoption groups, it's all disconnected. So, the idea was to bring everything together under one platform, like a Booking.com for pet parenting.”
Since launching in August 2021, Flooff has grown into a paperless ecosystem connecting pet parents to trusted service providers, ethical businesses and rescue groups across the UAE. “At its heart, Flooff is about making pet parenting much more easier and informed,” she adds.
A runway for rescue dogs
The idea for the Adoption Runway Show, she explains, “was born from seeing how rescues worked so tirelessly, yet were often hidden from view.” The fashion‑show format offered a novel twist. “A ramp walk allows each dog to shine as an individual,” says Archana. “It’s their chance to walk proudly and be seen. Many of these dogs come from tough backgrounds. They’ve never been admired just for who they are.”
Archana envisioned the event as a celebration of rescue organisations across the Emirates. With barely 10 days to plan, she partnered with Eventchic Designs and creative director Jardel to bring the idea to life. Though an ambitious leap, the event quickly went viral on social media.
How it all came together
What began with zero RSVPs grew into an outpouring of community interest. “Within days, we crossed 500 registrations,” Archana recalls. “It felt like the whole city wanted to be part of something meaningful.”
When doors opened slightly past 4pm, the ballroom quickly filled up with families, young couples and longtime rescuers. “The atmosphere was electric but calm,” she says. “Kids sat right in front of the stage, reaching out to the dogs, connecting so naturally.”
Nearly 40 rescue dogs took to the runway, including Cherry, the show’s emotional opening act. “[Cherry] set the tone,” says Archana. “Each dog, whether shy or extroverted, seemed to understand it was their time to shine. Some didn’t even want to leave the ramp.”
Finding the right match
While some adoptions went into immediate trial phases, Archana emphasises that the focus was never on quick placements. “Adoption isn’t an instant decision. Ultimately, it depends on the right match,” she says. “We work closely with rescue partners to ensure proper checks, home visits and adjustment periods.”
Participating groups included Stray Dog Center (UAQ), RAK Animal Welfare Centre (RAK), House of Hounds (Abu Dhabi) and Green Paws (Dubai). Each platform left with increased visibility and a flurry of follow‑up adoption inquiries. “The event gave these organisations a shared spotlight,” says Archana. “It showed how collaboration can create real impact.”
A hopeful start for new pet parents
To ease the transition, Flooff curated a special adoption starter pack for each new family. “Every adopter becomes part of the Flooff ecosystem,” Archana explains. This includes lifetime membership, exclusive discounts across more than 500 pet services and a three‑month food supply from Hill’s.
Additional perks range from grooming sessions and vet consultations, to yoga and pet wellness kits, all designed to help new pet parents to start with a strong footing. “We wanted to celebrate responsible adoption,” says Archana. “Not just by giving a pet a home, but helping that bond thrive.”
More adoption runways to follow
Given the overwhelming response, this inaugural show won’t be the last. Archana confirms plans are underway for more adoption runway editions, including a cat‑focused event. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “We hope to evolve into longer events and more curated participation whilst always prioritising more comfort for the animals.”
For Archana, the night’s biggest triumph, however, was hardly about the turnout or publicity. “It wasn’t about us or the audience,” she says. “It was about giving each dog their rightful moment of dignity and connection.”
