Meet Ava: Dubai’s adorable Golden Retriever turns one

Dubai: Meet Ava, a golden retriever with golden energy — and the paws to prove it. Born under the Taurus sign (yes, she’s stubborn and fabulous), Ava is gearing up to celebrate her first birthday on Friday, May 16 with a fan club that includes both two-legged and four-legged friends. Cue the balloons, belly rubs, and peanut butter treats!

This adventurer has been living her best dog life in Dubai, where she’s not just sniffing out the sights — she’s stealing hearts.

Her pawrents, Sonam Chauhan, 32, an architect, and Abhineet Narang, 34, a trader, say life before Ava was great — but life with Ava? Game-changer.

“We were your classic DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) couple, focused on work and travel,” says Sonam. “But Ava brought in something deeper — selflessness, joy, and lots of carpet scooting.”

Yes, carpet scooting. Ava’s signature move when she’s feeling a little itchy, and a guaranteed mood-lifter in the house. "She drags her bum across the rug like it’s her personal runway,” laughs Abhineet.

Big wins and beach firsts

While Ava’s a park regular — queen of the grass and social butterfly among the canine crew — her first beach day was a major milestone.

“She was terrified of the water at first,” says Sonam. “But after a few hesitant sniffs and one dramatic paw dip, she went in! It was such a proud moment — like watching your toddler take their first steps, but wetter.”

Now, beach days are firmly on Ava’s approved list — along with blueberries, peanut butter, and any toy she can chew into oblivion.

Sassy, sweet, and slightly spoiled

Ava may only be one, but she’s got the sass of a teen and the wisdom of an old soul. She knows when her humans are feeling low — and she shows up with tail wags and unconditional licks.

“I’ll never forget the night I was feeling really down,” Sonam recalls. “Ava just walked up, tail wagging, and started licking my face like she knew. It was such a pure, grounding moment.”

Party plans? Oh, they’re on.

With her big day approaching, Ava is ready to party. Whether there’s a birthday bandana involved or not (jury’s still out), one thing is certain: the celebration will be full of treats, zoomies, and golden retriever grins.

Because Ava may be turning one — but her legend is just beginning.

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Let’s see what makes your furry (or scaly!) friend totally unforgettable — we’re paws-itively excited!