Dog lovers in Saudi have created a group dedicated to rescuing unwanted canines in the Kingdom, and eventually looking for new families for them.
In a report by Arab News, the group of volunteers—headed by Australian dog lover Carmel Hayden and adoptions coordinator Nour Fitiany—has created Open Paws to offer new homes to abandoned dogs. It was founded after they realized there were no groups or societies dedicated for gods, and that online organizations they were able to find only focus on cats.
Open Paws rescues dogs and attempts to return the lost ones to their original owners. For the stray ones, they look for new homes and families either in Saudi or abroad. The sick canines, meanwhile, are brought to veterinary clinics to be treated and vaccinated.
“We still remain a group of volunteers; we rescue and re-home abandoned and unwanted dogs. We have rescued dogs that were found on the street or those who were let go by their previous owners,” Arab News quoted Fitiany as saying.
However, Fitiany said that Open Paws are not a shelter, and are just rescuing dogs to eventually find new homes for them. He added that the group is using its platform to spread awareness, educate people on being pet owners, and inspire them to re-home the rescued canines.
Open Paws says it is still open to accept more volunteers who are old enough to handle larger and more challenging dogs.
