UAE | General

This Christmas give man's best friend a place to stay

K9 Friends, a non-profit dog rescue organisation, has imposed a deadline of this weekend on any UAE resident planning to home a dog as a special gift to their loves ones for Christmas.

  • By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:17 December 14, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Some of the puppies currently at K9 Friends that are up for adoption this festive season.
  • Image Credit: Supplied picture

Dubai: A Dubai-based charity is reiterating the old adage "a dog is for life, not just for Christmas" this festive season.

K9 Friends, a non-profit dog rescue organisation, has imposed a deadline of this weekend on any UAE resident planning to home a dog as a special gift to their loves ones for Christmas.

Jackie Ratcliffe, Chairperson of K9 Friends, told Gulf News on Sunday that people should think very carefully about whether they are fully committed to looking after a dog long-term.

She said, "Anybody who wants to give a dog or a puppy as a special gift this year must come and see us sometime this week as we won't be homing any of our animals in the week leading up to Christmas."

Impulsive decisions

The issue of animal welfare always comes around at this time of year as thousands of people across the world make the impulsive decision to buy a dog without thinking of the consequences after the decorations have been taken down and the last mince pies devoured.

Ratcliffe added, "Only last week we had two six-month-old puppies brought back to us. They had only been away for three months but the owners were complaining that the dogs were chewing up things and tearing up their furniture."

"We are full all year round and aren't always able to house unwanted dogs. It's a problem we face 12 months a year, not just at Christmas. But of course people do make impulsive decisions at this time of year and we urge UAE residents to think twice before undertaking such a commitment."

"... many people think it's a good idea to get a pet as a Christmas present. But haven't prepared themselves fully for what is involved and by the time the New Year comes, the novelty has worn off and many puppies are forgotten about."

The charity has also felt the effects of the global economic downturn with many residents no longer able to care for their pets.

All of the dogs at K9 Friends have been microchipped so owners can take their pets back to their home country after the animal is given a blood test.

Are you planning to adopt a pet this Christmas? What do you think of this tradition? Do you have any special Christmas memories or traditions? Send us your Christmas stories.


Your comments


My heart melts whenever I see the sad and lonely look in the deep brown eyes of these puppies that are up for adoption.
Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 15, 2008, 09:36

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