SHARJAH // It is a happy ending to an all-too-common Christmas story.
Little Elsa, a golden retriever-terrier puppy, had cruel start to life when she was dumped in a bin in a Sharjah industrial area.
But now, at less than three months old and named after the character from the Disney children’s favourite Frozen, Elsa has found a warm and loving foster home.
“I took Elsa in three days before Christmas,” says Greek kiteboarding instructor Babis Kokmotos.
“She was very scared and needed a good home. She comes to the beach with me every day.
“I travel a lot so it is hard for me to have a dog all the time. This is the next best thing.
“It is difficult when they find new homes as I get so attached to them. Dogs are a big commitment and I don’t think people consider this when they give them as Christmas presents.”
Elsa is one of the many pets welfare groups say are dumped after being given as Christmas presents, or by families who find them inconvenient when they want to go on holidays.
Pooja Prakash, who founded the Sharjah pet-fostering service Furry Friendzz Forever, discovered Elsa days before Christmas.
“People are leaving animals alone as they don’t want to spend on kennels over Christmas,” Pooja says.
“Another issue is people who give puppies as presents without thinking about whether the new owner is ready for that commitment.
“They are usually dumped during January and February.”
Charities are having a hard time in finding loving homes for abandoned pets, as the number of victims of the “season of good will” grows.
Julie Borland, a British mother, found 10 newborn puppies and their mother hidden in a bush near the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club.
“I had seen the mum in the desert, wandering about near the trees. She looked as if she was either pregnant or had just had puppies,” Julie says. “She was quite scared and when I followed her, I saw all these puppies.
“I’m not sure where they have come from, if she was a stray or if she has been abandoned by her owner.”
She has been leaving food and water for the mother twice a day, and took to Facebook to appeal for others to help.
The puppies are still very young and reliant on their mother, but within weeks they will begin to walk and explore, putting them in danger from the busy road near by.
Wonder Pets, a Dubai charity that helps to find new homes for unwanted pets, has offered to take all 10 puppies and their mother.
Nabeel Haroon, the owner, says it is the busiest time of year but he will make space for the dogs, vaccinate them and help them into warm, caring environments.
“As soon as the mother becomes more used to humans, we will pick her and the puppies up to try and rehome them,” Nabeel says. “Too many animals are being left at this time of year.
“Many people are travelling so they often just leave their animals behind and forget about them.”
For more details, email Ms Prakash on furryfriendzz.forever@gmail.com or call Wonder Pets on 04 276 7655.
nwebster@thenational.ae
