RAK animal shelter lets you take rescue dogs on a hike, beach visits

Ras Al Khaimah: An animal shelter in Ras Al Khaimah has come up with a novel inititaive under which its dogs get a break with residents being given a chance take them on a hike, out on the beach, or even to a park and their homes.

Called “Dog’s Day Out”, the initiative by the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre is free of cost, with several residents, especially those that cannot own dogs for various reasons, taking up the offer.

Lana Azad Karim, Manager of Community Welfare Services at the largest and only official shelter in the emirate, told Gulf News that the centre has over 400 rescue dogs which could well do with a change of scene.

“The numbers are increasing everyday but we have a limited staff. All our dogs do go out for their daily walks but we thought of introducing the Dog's Day Out programme to enable them to forge special connections with humans, making it easier for them to get adopted. It turns out that the dogs - and those who take them on these outings - are loving it. The dogs are becoming more social while the humans are cherishing the canine companionship,” said Lana.

Lazan Gray, a South African expat who lives and works in Ras Al Khaimah, is one such beneficiary.

She said, “Due to a very busy work schedule, it’s difficult for me to keep a pet. Since the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre launched their ‘Dog Day Out’ programme, I often take one of their rescue dogs to go hiking with me or spend the day with them by the beach.”

She said, “It’s the perfect harmony of getting some puppy love and giving the dogs a chance to get out of the shelter.”

Natalia Tomaszewska, a Polish sports and fitness coordinator who lives in Al Hamra Village and works in Dubai, said she is also making the most of the initiative.

“I volunteer with the shelter and take the dogs out regularly. I am particularly fond of one of the dogs, Arrow, but unfortunately cannot adopt him because of my work schedules. So I take him over the weekends - we go hiking, to the beach, run errands or just sit back and relax at home.”

She said, “Recently, a hike was organised for Polish expats under the Idylla Foundation. Twelve of us friends took four dogs from the shelter on a four-hour hike covering 7km in Jebel Jais. It was a lot of fun, and I would recommend this more people,” said Natalia.

“I just think dogs are great companions and provide unconditional love.” said Natalia, adding that has been an animal lover since she was a little girl.

According to Lana, any volunteer can join the programme. “We’ll match you with a dog that could use a day out and provide supplies.”

Those who are not volunteers yet, can sign up for the programme by contacting the centre, which organises various other activities with not just dogs, but also cats, turtles, goats and other rescues it shelters.