Putting their best paw forward

ANIMAL lovers from across the kingdom stepped out to support the annual Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) dog walk and raised more than BD5,000, writes Charlie Holding.

A record 250 supporters strode out with their four-legged friends to raise funds for clinical equipment essential to tackling the kingdom’s stray dog problem.

Even walkers without their own mutts could enjoy the sunshine by hiring a stray from the shelter for the 4km desert trek around Askar.

BSPCA fund-raising co-ordinator Joyce Hughes said the day was enjoyed by people and dogs alike. “The shelter dogs in particular had a great day out! The public really love this event and as a fund raiser I constantly get asked when the next dog walk will happen!

“It was helpful for people to get to understand what we do with the money they so generously give. They can also see our new site and witness firsthand the progress of the building.”

The BSPCA receive more than 3,000 animals annually of which they manage to find homes for a mere 300 – less than 10 per cent.

Some of the young walkers attended the event in the hope of adopting one of the rescued dogs. Ahmed Farret, 15, from Tubli, said: “The event was a great way for people to see all the dogs that need homes and, inshallah, I’ll find one to take home today!” 

His sister Farah, 16, said that the event was a refreshing day out and a good way to highlight how many animals the shelter is trying to find homes for. She said: “Most of the time people only really care about people and don’t think too much about animals, so events like this are not only great fun but also raise awareness about animals in need.”

Other dog walk participants including Leen Nasr, 15, a student at British School of Bahrain, attended the event with her dog, Snoopie, for different reasons.

“I just think it’s really good to get dog owners together and have fun with our pets. The event was held for a good cause and I think it was beneficial and fun at the same time, although the weather was a bit hot. At the end of the walk Snoopie was more tired than me!”

The BSPCA’s ambitious operations manager Paul Duke, 42, believes the large turnout for the dog walk shows just how far the kingdom’s animal lovers will go to put their best paw forward.

“We had a great turnout and everyone really seemed to enjoy the walk. It was great for people and pets alike.
“It also showed people that shelter pets can make good pets and these animals really appreciate all the attention they are given.”

One of the walkers, Sarah Almeer, 18, understands just how much shelter animals appreciate the support. She adopted Alfie from the BSPCA a month ago and has seen him become a more outgoing and much happier dog.

“When I got Alfie he was really shy but he’s come so far in the past month, he’s more outgoing, has loads of energy and I’ve even managed to teach him to sit!

“I love animals and I’ve been to the dog walk for three years in a row and every year it just gets better and better.”

The BSPCA is always looking for more volunteers to help at its current shelter in Saar.

For details call Louise the shelter administrator on 17591231.