Words By: Trace Rogers
Are you an animal lover that likes getting outdoors and is looking for something different to do? A great opportunity exists right on our doorstep and the bonus is that this adventure is all about a very good cause.
The Animal Welfare Project UAQ (TAWP), was founded by Barbara Carstens and Louise Mitchell in May 2014. They have taken on the full-time job of looking after the animals living in the Umm Al Quwain industrial area. These ladies spend up to nine hours a day ensuring that the animals are watered, fed, neutered, tended to for medical emergencies and (most importantly) vaccinated. In the event that they come across a younger animal or animal that cannot fend for themselves, the animal will be removed from the environment to be taken care of. For the best part, they will look for foster and permanent rehoming for the animal. In other cases where it is evident that the animal will thrive back in the original environment, they are returned. In all cases the first consideration is what is best for the animal.
Animals currently being looked after by TAWP include: dogs, cats, camels, donkeys, goats and sheep – all of them in great condition and always very happy to see the ladies (and friends).
Be part of the experience. TAWP will gladly have you join in on the feeding rounds. This involves travelling to various feeding stations to place food down for the animals. Be prepared though, many of these animals are far less interested in the food and far more interested in receiving hugs and cuddles. When we arrived at the first feeding sight, we were treated to (what would be an unusual sight anywhere else) the dogs running towards us followed by their camel companions. It was so special to see those happy dogs followed by camels on a mission. The dogs and camels really seem to enjoy the interaction with people and I was challenged to a head/fist butting competition with one of the goats. It was an amazing experience and the best part for me was to see that these animals were all very happy and well taken care of.
Knock on effect. As a result of going out to care for the animals, these ladies have developed a rapport with the workers who live in the area. This is fantastic as many of the animals are overseen by these men and although there is a genuine concern for the animals they do not always have the means or know-how to care for the animals properly. A genuine sense of gratitude and friendship has developed and the workers have become watchdogs for the animals, alerting Barbara or Louise when there are emergencies.
The other positive effect of this project is that it keeps animals out of shelters and in the environment that they are happy in. There is a neutering project in place, so although the animals are fed and cared for, it is done responsibility without encouraging further breeding.
Get out there! If you are considering going out there, the meeting point is about 45 mins drive from Dubai. To organise a visit, please contact TAWP UAQ through their Facebook page.
Be sure to wear comfortable clothes as there is a bit of walking, carrying and a lot of cuddling involved. Also, feel free to donate. This project relies on donations to continue the great work.
