IN THE BEGINNING...

"When the original group of dog lovers first came together, the outcome they envisaged was a kennel club for pedigree dogs, along the lines of the UK. Kennel Club. This was quickly overtaken by the more urgent need for an organisation to help protect and re-home dogs in dire circumstances. Over the intervening years, K9 Friends has gone from strength to strength, until today it is established to the point where it is known by most people in the U.A.E. who have an interest in man's best friend."

As a result of the formation of K9 Friends in 1989, thousands of dogs have been homed. In addition to this, we have funded veterinary treatment, reunited lost dogs with their owners and have been instrumental in homing an incalculable number of K9 and non-K9 dogs, as well as offering counsel to dog owners and rescuers. At the same time, we have raised awareness of the plight of dogs in the U.A.E. through a variety of ways. Under the chairmanship of Carol Mather, the founding member of the group, who steered K9 Friends through some turbulent times with her leadership as chairman for the better part of five years, a small band of volunteers pursued the ideal of compassion for dogs.

Over the intervening years, K9 Friends has gone from strength to strength, until today it is established to the point where it is known by most people in the U.A.E. who have an interest in man's best friend. From the beginning, a large number of volunteers have done their "bit" to help realise the ideals of the founder members. The turning point for us came in the year 2000 when we finally, after a long struggle acquired our own kennel, with which we are now able to house some of the many needy dogs.

K9 Friends has become a prominent group, but people are often surprised to learn that the operation is very small, and that its continuance is wholly dependent on contributions from the public. They are often amazed to hear that the administration of K9 Friends is undertaken exclusively by a small number of volunteers, The current committee consists of the five volunteer members, assisted by other highly valued volunteers who spend hours taken from their busy schedules to help take care of the needy dogs. It is wonderful that so many people give their time and efforts so freely. Nevertheless, considering the scale of problems facing those concerned with canine welfare, such a small group of people can only hope to achieve a fraction of the work that needs to be done.


K9 Friends also have a number of temporary foster homes, without which we could not function. These are homes where dogs will be taken in and cared for in dire emergencies, availability permitting. This last fact is of great surprise to many who are under the misapprehension that we can provide shelter for any and every dog in need. The support that foster parents provide K9 Friends Re-homing Service is invaluable.

K9 Friends are proud of their successes but believe that even more could be achieved. Every year, some dogs are taken to the Vet. for euthanasia. Although most of these are too sick, injured or traumatised to be saved, with more help perhaps some future dogs could look forward to long and happy lives.