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DOG-OWNERS brought their beloved mutts along to a tea party in the garden of a popular pet store in a bid to support the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA).
Pet Arabia staged the community event on a Saturday afternoon and was encouraged by the number of customers who turned up with their families to enjoy a cup of their favourite brew with small bites and delicious sweets.
Managing director Abdulrahman Alkhan said: “It was a delightful day and a great way to help such a worthy cause in a small but sincere way, as well as raise awareness of its work.
“Pet owners often dream of a place where they can have a cup of coffee and bring along their dogs, and in Bahrain it’s almost impossible.
“This was why I thought it would be a great opportunity for the whole family, including their pets, to attend a nice afternoon gathering where everybody accepts and loves pets.
“It also emphasised the message which we always try to send to people, that Pet Arabia is not just a store where you can find quality pet products, it is a community of loving and caring pet owners.
“We also wanted this fun event to have a good impact on the community and to help less fortunate animals by donating all profits to the BSPCA shelter.”
Visitors paid BD5 for the pleasure which included receiving complimentary natural treats for their dogs from Pet Arabia. Home-based vendors displayed their hand-made products and there was also a special ‘dog kissing booth’ and a photographer at hand to capture souvenir images.
The BSPCA was established in 1979 and is officially registered with the Bahrain Ministry of Labour as a non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare of animals.
It is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and receives no official funding. The BSPCA depends on the generosity of the public as well as money generated by its thrift shop to keep an Animal Welfare Centre in Askar operating and help compound cats and stray dogs by offering a free ‘Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return’ programme to the public.
