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Sun, Jan 25, 2026 | Shaban 6, 1447 | Fajr 05:44 | DXB 
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'Thank you, my Dubai family': Owner reunites with abused dog days after video goes viral
Last week, a video went viral on social media of a man attacking the dog in the balcony of a building in Jumeirah Village Circle
A Spanish national has been reunited with her beloved pet in Dubai, just days after videos of it being abused went viral on social media. Paula Sanchez, who flew from Madrid into the UAE to reclaim her French bulldog Copper, took him home on Monday.
“When he saw me, he started jumping excitedly and was super happy to see me,” Paula said. “He is a very special dog and hopefully he will overcome the trauma soon.”
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Last week, a video went viral on social media of a man attacking the dog in the balcony of a building in Jumeirah Village Circle. The man then proceeded to sit on the dog, trying to choke the animal with his legs. A neighbour is heard shouting that he will report the man to police. After animal rescue volunteers filed complaints with authorities, the dog was taken away by Dubai Municipality.
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Paula said she was very thankful to the UAE authorities for their role in helping her reunite with Copper.
Playful again
In a video posted on Instagram, Paula emotionally shared that Copper “was safe” and she was hopeful. “He is now playing around and making friends,” she said.
“Thank you, my Dubai family. Everything happened because of all of you. You should feel super proud of all the noise you make. I don’t know how to give all this back.”
She then proceeded to show a care packet full of dog toys, sent to her by a pet-loving family
“I was shocked,” she said. “They sent a lot of things for him to play with. There are blankets and treats. You have made his day.” She also showed a yellow toy, which she said has become his favourite.
She added that she was hoping justice would be served and the man who hurt the dog would be suitably punished.
In a previous video posted on Instagram, Paula had claimed that the dog belonged to her and was taken away by the man using threats. “This person took him from me, and it has been three months of nightmare,” she said. “I told everyone that he was not safe.”
Nasreen Abdulla
Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.
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