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ANIMAL LOVER Tony Water, the expat hairstylist affectionately known as The Dogfather because of his devotion to unwanted animals, could soon be pounding the streets like a stray.
He is currently living with his menagerie of 100 cats and dogs, Bert, the bunny, Farid, the ferret and several birds on a dilapidated compound near Karranah which is facing redevelopment.
His 'Second Chance' shelter is the last hope for many of the island's unwanted animals. Some have been handed in by owners who are moving away, others have simply been dumped and are found wandering the streets - the worst are those who have been abused and are left injured and terrified to fend for themselves.
Whatever the case, Tony takes them all in and, with lots of loving care, turns their lives around by finding homes for those he can and offering the rest shelter in an extensive fenced kennel, cattery and exercise area at the rear of his home.
But, he has now received official confirmation that the compound, on which there are only a few other residents, is to be sold to make way for the construction of a new restaurant and retail complex.
The Dogfather - whose nickname followed a front page article in GulfWeekly about his passion for helping stray animals - and his family of furry and feathered friends have to be out by June. The desperate hunt is on for suitable new premises.
He said: 'The compound has been sold before but nothing has come of it. But this time a licence has been issued for the new project, so it's definite, we've got to go.
'I'm really hoping we can find somewhere with a piece of land and accommodation, we can put up our own kennel blocks but it needs to be somewhere where there are not many neighbours as the dogs can be a bit noisy.'
Tony, a hairdresser by trade, had his own salon in the Crowne Plaza for many years but when his daughter, Sarah, moved to the US 10 years ago, he was left to care for her animals, a dog and a cat, and the love affair with abandoned and unwanted pets began.
Tony said: 'Things sort of snowballed from there. Once people hear that I take in animals there is never any shortage of them needing help and I never turn away any animal. Hardly a week goes by without at least one new arrival.'
Six years ago Tony gave up the salon to concentrate on caring for the animals full time though he does still see a few clients - trimming both human and canine hair - to help finance his rescue efforts.
He moved to rural Karranah four years ago from his previous premises in Janabiyah and shares his home with workers Tula and Sudaka as well as son Yakoub so he is desperately searching for somewhere for them all to move to.
As well as the random waifs and strays handed in by concerned members of the public, Tony also helps rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals for the Cat Society of Bahrain and Pet Animals.
Deputy chairman Hana Kanoo said: 'Tony has been working with us on evaluating, rehabilitating and re-homing animals since 2006 and he is absolutely the best person for the project. He always sees the good in every animal and takes the time to bring it out.
'I really hope that he can find a new home that will allow him to carry on this important work. It would be such a great loss not to have him here for the animals.'
If you think you can help Tony and his charges you can call him on 39629889.
