Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a pet. After seven years of arguing, campaigning and petitioning, my parents finally agreed and I now find myself coming home to a four-legged bundle of energy and joy every afternoon.
While thinking about my situation and how hard I worked just to be allowed to adopt a dog, I realised that I wouldn’t even dream of leaving him behind, or giving him up; which is, unfortunately, a huge problem on the island.
The biggest organisation for adopting stray animals and taking care of them on the island is the BSPCA (although Tony the Dogfather is also extremely active in this regard), and if one should venture down to the shelter at the weekend, it becomes both appalling and motivating to see just how many animals are in need of a home.
The sight of so many abandoned dogs and cats would be enough to move anyone, and even if you can’t take one in permanently, the organisation welcomes any form of help in terms of walking the dogs, helping to bathe them, food and money donations. It’s even possible to foster certain animals during times of recovery from illness or pregnancy/birth.
The concept of charity and volunteer work is absolutely key to belonging to a community, especially one as small as Bahrain. Between the BSPCA Thrift Shop and the welfare centre, there are plenty of opportunities to go and help the animals at the weekend ... and adopt one into your family.
