Donate to help Stray Animals in Kuwait

Expats are leaving Kuwait in droves.  And unfortunately, many feel that they have no other alternative (they do!) than to dump their pets.  Shelters are overwhelmed.  Many people find animals and want to help.

Give Hope Club works with Touch of Hope Rescue and is an easy way to help the many rescued animals at Touch of Hope during this crisis. Pay your monthly membership through a link in your phone and you'll also be eligible to win great prizes in the monthly lucky draw.

Choose from one of these memberships:

 -Silver (10 KD monthly)

-Gold (20 KD monthly)

-Platinum (30 KD monthly)

-Diamond (40 KD monthly)

 Then send a what's app message to +965 99835252 with your full name & type of membership and we will send you the payment link. Please share this widely and help the helpless!

  

Touch of Hope works with Wings of Love Kuwait in Baltimore to fly animals out of Kuwait to homes in the US.  Please help if you can.  Any amount makes a big difference.

Happy Dog

I took my boy to the beach this weekend.  It was the 2nd time he's ever seen the sea, so he was a little happy (Mashallah).

It was such a gorgeous day.  I went with my camp buddies and came back so relaxed.  I will be back down there for sure a lot this summer.  

I used to take Desert Dawg to this very same beach when she was younger and she never played in the waves.  Now, she's so blind, deaf, and frightened by even the smallest things that I don't dare take her too far from home.  She's just too fragile at 17 years old.  She runs around my apartment, but I think that's just because she knows where all the furniture is.  (For that reason, I've been too afraid to re-arrange anything.)  Poor little thing.  I'm just trying to make her as comfortable as possible.  Mike has taken over all her old toys; she's not interested in anything but her food and her favorite wool blanket.  I love that little dog so much and it is so hard to see her fading.  Almost 17 years is a long time for a dog to live, so I've been blessed.

Anyhoo, Mike came along at the right time.  It is so different to have a big dog again.  I grew up with big dogs. He's so strong and athletic and it is going to be fun to take him places.

Oh ok, and something I want to say:  I've been seeing a LOT of messages on Instagram and Facebook for people trying to get rid of their pets.  Most commonly is, "Please help us in re-homing (Flan) as the mother has decided she no longer wants animals in the house."  My standard answer is always (and will always be "Re-home the mother.")  Deciding to take a pet is a responsibility.  You are teaching your children responsibility.  You don't just teach them that it is ok to dump your responsibility when you no longer feel like taking care of it. Piss-poor parenting.   Pet ownership should be (and is to me) a life-long commitment (for the full life of  the pet).  Now that the cooler/camping season is over, you will see a lot of pets being dumped.  It was fun to have them outside and play with them (as puppies/kittens) and now that it is going to be hot and the animals are a little older, people are looking to get rid of them.  THESE PEOPLE DISGUST ME.   (End of sermon.)

Anyhoo, I had a great day with my big, hyper-puppy.  Hope all y'alls had a nice weekend too.  Wasn't the weather amazing?

Mikey's Obedience School Orientation

I joined a group on Instagram called Group German Shepherd Dog Kuwait (group_gsd_kw).  They have gatherings every Saturday afternoon at Messila Beach from 2:00 to 4:00 and post photos of the events. They look like a totally cool group of people and I've been trying to get over there to see them in action.  Everyone is invited.  I wrote to the group admin guy and asked him if he could recommend a good trainer (as he is a hyper 5 month old and I can't wait to get him into school).  I've been interviewing schools and trainers for a while now.  (This is nothing!  I interviewed 6 dentists before having my root canals done.... Its what I do.)

Group GSD immediately got back to me with a contact for GSD_Q8 Kennel (add BU_NOOO7 on Instagram for contact details).

This is what happens when I try to take a shower. (He now also answers to "A%&hole!"  So wrong.)

Last night, I drove up to The Kingdom of  Kabd to check out the facility for Mikey. They primarily train German Shepherds and working security dogs.  

I told them that I wanted to talk to them before leaving my dog there, etc.  We had coffee outside in cool weather with lots of dogs barking in the background.   They were LOVELY people and I felt completely confident with them.There were other trainers around bringing out happy dogs. They answered all my questions immediately and sincerely with confidence and direct eye contact.  

Usually if you leave your dog at an obedience school, they keep him for about a month and you don't get to see him.  These guys have another philosophy:  Every dog is different.  Every dog requires a different training schedule. There is no reason why an owner can't visit the dog or take him out for a few days. They don't use punishment with the dogs, but rewards, and that training must continue when the owner takes the dog home (so they must also train the owners).   So, I will pay the fee and it will be on-going (and the cost is less than other schools I've spoken to).  

The trainer, Peter, is from Slovakia and showed us his personal dog that he brought with him; a really beautiful and intelligent GS.   I asked them how they train and if they ever have to hit the dogs.  The guy literally sucked in air and said, "Of COURSE not!" (THAT is the response I was looking for!!) ; and then brought out a dog that had been trained by another trainer operating in Kabd (I'll just call him S for Sadistic - also the first letter of his real first name.  San&*s), who has been known to beat dogs into submission.  The female GS was a beautiful animal, but cowered every time a command was given.  It was heartbreaking.  They said that she will never be the same, but they were trying to rehabilitate her.  

What is really ironic is that I have had S's number on my phone for months; it was given to me by someone who told me that he is a great trainer.  I just never called.  I called these nice guys at GSD_Q8 Kennel instead.  And for 3 years running back, I have had friends with a farm right across the road from S's training center.  They kept inviting me there to see the dogs and I was always reluctant (and shouldn't normally have been as I love dogs and usually am happy to go visit them).  God keeps me out of trouble and I'm always thankful.  I would have never forgiven myself if I had given Mikey to someone like that and they had broken his spirit.  Seeing that poor cowering dog last night broke my heart.  I can't imagine how her owners must feel.  

The trainer told me what to look for in a true trainer:   He reached into one pants pocket and brought out a tennis ball and a leash.  He reached into the other pocket and brought out dog treats.  He was also wearing a uniform and told me that he wears it so that the protection dogs are familiar with it and know immediately who he is.  (I asked him if he was also wearing Kevlar underpants. He just laughed.)

Mikey will start school as soon as he's had his last puppy shots at the end of this month. He is not socialized around big dogs. (Totally embarrassed me last week at IVH and wouldn't stop barking.  Eeek.  I kept saying, "He's just a puppy.  He's just a puppy."  At 50 pounds/21 kilos, he doesn't look like a puppy.)  He's great with humans (children and adults), small dogs and cats, and my goat,  Paco.  (They had a cat at the kennel who is used to the big dogs and Mikey walked right up to say hello, nose-to-nose.  The cat hissed and Mikey flew back about 5 feet. LMAO!)  Mikey is dying to play with the big dogs so I'm happy about it.  I'm trying to arrange a reunion with Mikey's litter's brothers and sisters.  From everything I've seen and heard about the breeder, he's a wonderful person with amazing dogs.

All this German Shepherd stuff has added so much activity to my life!  More things to be thankful for.  More blessings.  More amazing people to meet.  Mashallah.

Animal Care - Obedience Training: Post 3 of DG Series

So, last night, I got obedience trained.  (No, pervs, not like THAT!)

Animal Care's behaviorist came over to do an analysis of my beast; now 4 and a half months old.  Mikey is a good dog, really, for his age, but he is really big and coming up on puppy puberty.  He doesn't quite have a grip on house training and he is "competitive" with Desert Dawg (in other words, he bops her, bites her, and herds her like a little sheep at whim).  At an old and wise bitchy 17, she is nonplussed.

Basically, Gill teaches dog owners how to teach their dogs.  Train the trainer.  I learned a lot just by having her observe my home environment and how the dogs interacted.

And, if you are like me (born before the 90's), if you grew up with dogs, your idea of obedience training meant a rolled-up newspaper to the snout.  Gill is into positive reinforcement/force free training which she says resolves the issue rather than masking it.  I think I'm going to need more training on this because I've just been conditioned to bop, not reward.  (Dayum!  Come to think of it, maybe that is the problem with my relationshits too:  Puppy Training 101.)

So like, for example,  when your puppy (or boyfriend) pees all over the floor (chats with bimbo-ho's on whatever app-de-jour he is on), you don't go apeshit and turn all crazy-lady, but reward him when he does the right thing.  "Good boy!"  Huh.  Fascinating.  Actually, Libra was trying to teach me this technique and I just didn't listen....

I'm going to have to get a clicker and some Scooby snacks.

Gill recommends (back to "real" dog talk now) that I put Mikey on a leash as soon as I wake up (or now, as soon as HE wakes me up - which may be at 1, 2 or 3 am) and walk him out to where I want him to do his business.  Reward him with a little treat when he does the right thing.

She said that the competition thing is going to take more work.  Yeah, Mikey herds DD, but then DD instigates drama and often bites him or growls/barks at him.  Gill said that Mikey will take it to a point, but then the drama may turn on her.  I have to be careful.  She showed me some techniques for getting them both to relax and share.  Lots of repetition.  I also have to get between them or learn to walk away when they're not doing what I want (SNAP!  Again, a useful relationship technique that I haven't been able to master!  Yikes!)

So ok, nuts and bolts:    Gill will come to your house and for a meager hourly fee, she will work with you and your dog(s).  She'll give you LOTS of information (I should have recorded it!) and great advice.Gill has only been in Kuwati for 3 short weeks, bless her!  I'm surprised she got to my house as easily as she did.  It wasn't just work for me - we had a lovely chat over coffee and it was comfortable because it was my house.  I could have been in my PJs and she's the kind of person who wouldn't have even batted an eye.  I like her! I'm sure  you will too:  she's just good people.  Good energy.

Gill wants to do puppy classes, so I am trying to generate interest for that (because I want to be involved). She want so do small classes to teach/socialize dogs AND their owners.

She said it isn't just play, it is serious business, as the development cycle for dog learning is the first 16 weeks.  (I didn't know that!  I guess it is similar to a relationship also, come to think of it... You only have a limited amount of time to set the standard.)  That is when they learn some behaviors that may last the rest of their lives.  It is important to get them accustomed to different situations, sounds, textures, animals and kids during this time.  (Thank God I got Mikey out of that cage Puppy Dude had him in!)

Gill wants to educate people on animal behavior and training.  Please help me spread the word about this great service!

Again, if you want info on Gill and Animal Care, check out their website animalcare.com.kw or their Facebook page.  Gill rocks!  Meet her.  Talk to her.


Again, I can't believe I didn't get involved with Animal Care/PetSpa before!  I love K'S PATH and this group is closely affiliated with them.  Why am I so dumb?!  Yeh.

PetSpa - Animal Care: Part 2

I posted earlier about the grand opening of PetSpa in Shaab.  The GM, Lee Williams, sent me a generic blogger invite (get 'em every once in a while) which I responded to (just cause I was in the mood for a nanosecond and slightly energetic.  It mighta been the day after I had my B12 shot).   Anyhoo, Lee is VERY good at PR and invited me to check out the spa and learn about their services.  I'm so glad he sent me the e-mail because this has opened up doors for me.  I've been hearing about Animal Care for years, but I have never checked them out (why did God make me so lazy? There's a reason for everything, right?  hmmmmm....)

(Grand Opening of PetSpa Shaab)

Lee's invitation for grooming was for both dogs. At the same time.  EEEEK!  I was reluctant to have both of my dogs in the car at the same time, but it worked out really well.  They were quiet and well-behaved (probably thinking, "OMG!  What is she doing NOW?!  Why are we BOTH here?")  I could smell the fear. Fear is good.  It means they won't be ripping out the interior of the car - or worse - each other.

Desert Dawg and Mikey still aren't getting along (although it is getting better).  Now they seem to be working together against me; barking at each other just when I'm relaxed on the sofa. Peeing in unison on the floor.  Finding a hidden place to poo when I'm not looking (AND the door to the terrace is OPEN!  Whyyyyyyyyy???)  Mike is now big enough to jump onto my high bed - and push DD off with one bat of his gigantic paw.  That is her Supreme Territory and not allowed.

Back to my story (sorry - I digress....)

So, finding PetSpa is a no-brainer:  Fahaheel Expressway (30) towards Kuwait City, the 1st Shaab exit, then bang a right and it is down about a block on the right.  You can't miss the sign.

PetSpa does grooming at this location, but I am finding out more and more about their services; and I'll write more later about it because I'm thrilled by their pet-friendly education philosophy and overall caring for animals in Kuwait.  I need to actually sit down and talk to them about it all; it was a bit much trying to take it all in with the wolves in tow.

I was very impressed.  Smiles all around when I walked in the door (unlike a few other places I won't mention where the receptionists refuse to make eye contact, acknowledge your presence, or look up from their busy work.  Am I invisible??)   Not at PetSpa.  I swear, it was like walking into a daycare facility (yeah yeah, I know - I don't have kids, but I have dropped my nephew off many times when he was little).  Smiling faces, colors, murals on the wall.    And - you don't have to drive 45 minutes to get there or worry about your dog catching Parvo from something that just walked in from the horrible Friday Market. I noticed immediately how clean the shop is.  Everything was shiny new and they were disinfecting the grooming tables when I walked in.  It smelled clean. You can see the grooming tables from the reception area through a glass wall.  It is a happy place. They also have a little shop where they sell food, toys, and items like leashes and collars (I'm going to have to talk to them about ordering some of those LED leashes and collars - too cool.)

Both the groomers that I met that day are European:  VERY nice ladies and (get this) professional.  Oooo saaaaaa - refreshing!    The head groomer is British and we had a nice chat about why Mikey's skin is dry.  I didn't know that you have to cure internally.  I was thinking I could grab some doggy conditioner or oatmeal shampoo and bam, but no.  She said that even the more expensive dog foods on the market don't have the oils essential to keep dog's skin moisturized here and she recommended putting a little olive oil in his food.   She said fish oil would work too.Huh.  Who knew?  He'll probably love it.  Good to know cause I just plunked down 30kd for a 50lb bag of chow that's making Mike itch and keeping me up all night. Greeeeat.

My 2 wolves took a few hours total to groom (I had lunch with a friend in the meantime until they called me).  Mikey came out with a "boy bandana" on (which he ate in the car on the way home); and Desert Dawg had a pretty pink ribbon in her hair.  I've NEVER been able to get a bow in her hair in the past 17 years that wasn't out in 2.5 nanoseconds, but this bow stayed in for a few days.  Cool.  She looked so preeeety.  I love how they did her little bangs ("fringe" in Briddish!)

I was really happy with the outcome for both dogs.  .... And I totally forgot to tell them not to put on the puppy perfume that other groomers often add.  DD is extremely allergic.  They didn't put any perfume on at all which is probably in keeping with their natural product philosophy.

When it was all done, I got a card with the services they had received on it and 2 follow up e-mails (one from each dog) with before and after photos.  They were so cute - as if the e-mails were written by my little monsters (only in Briddish rather than American English, addressed to "Dear Mummy."  Oh well, my mother always wanted children with a British accent, so maybe now she is getting them with her grand children.  Ha ha.).  Check out the e-mail I got "from Mike":

"OK Mum,

You are soooo right the spa isn’t just for Girls its cool for boys to, I love my new super soft shiny coat and cant wait to show it off to all my friends.

I promise to be a good boy and keep myself clean.

Love

Mike

xoxox"

Sadly, I know Mike didn't write it, however, because we both know he'll never promise to keep himself clean.  Aint gonna happen.  I thought it was SUCH a cute touch, though.  Loved it!

PetSpa also has a mobile grooming van.  Joseph (who j'adore!) who was formerly at IVH works in the van.  He's really good - and loves animals, so he's gentle.

They also have a mobile vet van which I will learn more about later and post about.  Photo courtesy of some other blog I "borrowed" it from...

Like a parent with legitimate concern for their children's well-being,  I take the selection of schools for my dogs very very seriously.  I'm not going to leave them in the care of just anyone.  I was REALLY impressed to know that PetSpa/PetCare's South African behaviorist, Gill (Gillian Pirow), will come to your home for an assessment; to educate not only the dog, but the owner (the Dog Whisperer always says how important this is).  I have an appointment with Jill to stop by and assess Mikey for obedience school this summer.  Lee tells me that Gill has brought a new level of sophistication to Kuwait in terms of dog training (force free training).  I was very concerned about stories (past and present) I have heard from people about supposed "dog training" in Kuwait (often located in Kabd which immediately makes me nervous).  One friend's dog went "missing" and I later discovered that the man she left it to train had been involved in dog fighting.  Another friend's dog "mysteriously died" while in the care of an obedience school (and his body was not,  returned leading to speculation).  I've also heard stories of well-reputed obedience schools in Kuwait that use physical punishment as a way to train the dogs. I am already fascinated by PetSpa's approach and  I can't wait to learn more.

I'll keep you posted as I'm going to write about PetSpa/Animal Care in a mini-series - now that I have "discovered them".  I think it is important as many of my readers are pet-owners and I get a lot of questions from people.

Go get your pet groomed there.  Seriously worth a visit.

Shaab Phones:  5001-5757 / 5001 5858 / 5001 5959
(They also have locations in Rai and Mahboula)

More on PetSpa and Animal Care:  (Note that their website needs work, but they may have done that on purpose - I dunno.  The most informative page is their facebook page. and they are also on Twitter for notifications at AnimalCareKuwai)

http://totallypets.me/?p=1278
https://www.facebook.com/animalcarekuwait

Animal Care: WATER!!!

So this weekend, I was at my camp.  We have a friend who just added a tent (our camp has now become an expansive "compound" with more friends adding more tents all over the place.  More on that later).  Anyhoo, new dude brought 2 dogs with him:  His prized English bulldog and a French bulldog (I could tell causa their accents and one wore a beret).  The English bulldog got to sleep in his tent. I don't know why he didn't let the French bulldog sleep inside too (maybe because he was trying to hump the little guy all night, doggy style; come to think of it, also known as "French-style" so either way, it makes sense.).  Anyways, Dewy (French dog), was tied outside to one of the tent stakes.  Well, it gets hot in the morning and Dewy was out there with his little pug face in a hot pant with NO WATER.

Ok people, but to me (and I'm sure others) -- this is just animal abuse.  You do not leave an animal (ANY animal) in your care without water.  You wouldn't do it to your kids (well shet - maybe a lot of people over here might...).  Anyways, Dewy was so hot that he was trying to dig up the tent stake so he could set himself free.  I got him some water and moved him into the shade.  [I also replaced the chain/wire that was around his neck with a proper collar and leash (I keep them in my car just in case I have to rescue some critter.)]

Then, prized English bulldog came out when the owner woke up. Dude tied him up and again - NO WATER.  WTF. Pugs and bulldogs are NOT good breeds for Kuwait anyways:  It is too hot here and they have breathing problems to begin with because of their short snouts. (United Airlines even refuses to fly them during hotter seasons of the year because of the risk.)  Without water, they can die very quickly.

One time, I was at the Friday Market (I believe it was around 1998 - the last time, I vowed, ever to go there again).  There were a bunch of dogs in small cages, panting heavily and looking near-death.  I asked seller dudes where the water was.  They pointed to empty plastic water bottles littering the ground.  Uh... noooo.... unacceptable.  I went and bought a plastic container, filled it with water, and brought it over to the dogs.  Phucking ridiculous.

When I was 10, my evil step-father came to pull me out of school because I had forgotten to give my dog water that morning.  He totally humiliated me in front of the whole class.  I never did it again.  Maybe what these people need is a good, healthy dose of humiliation.

Always, always, always have fresh water available for your pets and livestock.  It is just common sense.  How would you feel?

Kuwait Finally Wising Up to Wild Animals as Pets?

Arab Times

Hunt Begins For Pet Wild Animals

‘Safety Of People Vital’

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 26: The Interior Ministry in cooperation with the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) is said to be looking for ‘pet’ wild animals which put at risk the lives of citizens and residents, reports Al- Anba daily. The authorities have called on residents and citizens to notify them if they are aware of any wild animals in their vicinity. The daily added, the authorities plan to confiscate wild (pet) animals and punish their keepers.

This is done in the best interests and safety of the people. The sources added the Kuwaiti Penal Code punishes those who neglect animals and the civil law punishes the owner by forcing him to compensate the victim if attacked by the wild animal.

The source pointed the concerned authorities have received several complaints accusing people of breeding wild animals such as tigers, lions and crocodiles. Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti man shot dead a crocodile with a bullet to his head after the reptile crept into his house recently in Salwa, reports Al-Rai daily.

According to reports the man was at work and his maid called him to say she could not enter the house because a big lizard was in the doorway. The man rushed home and found the ‘pet’ crocodile which had reportedly escaped from its keep from a neighboring house.

---

So here's what I want to know:   What are they intending to do with the animals?  Maybe give them to some snipers like what they allowed to happen with the stray dogs in Kuwait?  I can see this being very bad.

If I were the (STUPID) owner of a wild/exotic/endangered animal and LOVED it in Kuwait, right about now, I would be thinking of ways to ship it out of the country to a game reserve somewhere.  Idiots.

Doggie Daycare Kuwait

I have been looking for a service like this because recently, I have been having some work done in my house and I have been looking for someone who could take care of Desert Dawg during the day ( now that I no longer have the same reliable friend who had been watching her for years).

I haven't used there services yet, but I like the way they responded to my inquiry and I like what they have to say on their website:  www.doggiedaycarekuwait.com. 

I have to have Desert Dawg's booster shots updated.  It is required by ddc (they keep it lower case and out of respect - props! - I will too).   I'm reluctant to get boosters because she's never in the company of other dogs and has an allergic reaction every time I have her shots done.  At her tender, bitchy,  elderly age (112 in human years or 16 in actual years), I try to limit trauma every way I can.

They do grooming and the pet-sitting services sound wonderful.  They also pick up and deliver.  Woo hooo.

So anyhooser, check them out.  I've posted their link to the right of my screen.

Help the Kuwait Zoo

Mark posted this a while back and maybe I can help bring attention to this problem (and ask people for their help).  I haven't been to the Kuwait Zoo since I first went there in 1993.  At that time, seeing the wolves and the way people treated them literally broke my heart and I vowed never to return again - just can't do it.

I hope they will find help for the poor animals.

Mark's full post is below (from 248am.com)

Why the Kuwait Zoo is a disaster

Everyone who’s been to the Kuwait Zoo knows how sad and depressing the place is. I’ve written about it a number of times and it’s just something that has bewildered me for a very long time. Why is the zoo the way it is? I always figured the people who worked at the zoo didn’t care about the animals but after meeting a few of the staff members recently I now know that’s not true. Turns out there are two main reasons why the zoo is a disaster, the first is the zoo visitors and the second is they just don’t have enough money to make it better.


The Visitors
Majority of the people who visit the zoo do not respect the animals nor do they respect any of the rules. On one trip to the zoo during the daytime when it was fairly empty I witnessed three different incidents in a space of 15 minutes that summarizes the problem with the people at the zoo. The first incident took place at the elephant enclosure. We noticed a woman with her young kid had climbed over the fence, through the cactuses all the way to the wall of the elephant enclosure and were taking pictures next to the trunk of the elephant that was sticking out. One of the zoo employees who was with me yelled at the women to get away from the elephant because it was dangerous and the woman just coldly took her time making her way back out over the fence as if she had done nothing wrong. A few meters away on the other corner of the enclosure there was a kid next to his mother with a bag of oranges throwing them at the second elephant. Again the zoo employee had to stop the kid from throwing oranges at the elephant while the mother was pretending she wasn’t noticing any of this.



The third incident occurred just a short distance away at the baboon enclosure. As we arrived we noticed a kid was on top of the fence sticking french fries into the baboon cage trying to feed them. His mother and his sister were standing next to him watching and then the baboon stuck his hand out of the cage and the little boy tried to kick it hard but ended up missing and hitting the cage. The zoo employee I was with yelled at the boy to get down and then pulled the kid down but the kid kept climbing back up wanting to feed the baboons. The employee was telling the kid how dangerous it was since the baboons can bite and scratch people when his mother started shouting at her. She told the employee that no one cares about her kids more than her and if this was dangerous she wouldn’t be letting her kids feed the baboons. I was just standing there going WTF?

Visitors are one of the biggest issues of the zoo. I’ve already posted about how some kids try to kill the animals with slingshots and how the trash people throw into the cages end up killing the animals as well. A lot of kids are uneducated and abusive throwing whatever they can at the animals or in the case above trying to kick them. This is why the zoo tries to protect the animals using chicken wire (a fence with very small openings) around the cages, cactus plants, higher fences and security guards. But even those defenses fail all the time, people still manage to shove food into the cages, they pull down the chicken wire fence and put it on top of the cactuses so they can walk on them towards the cages. Even security guards get ignored and the guards are too afraid to confront the visitors anyway.

No Budget
Now this second issue is the bigger of the two. The zoo has limited financial resources. Although Kuwait is a rich country, the zoo and animals aren’t really a priority. Right now there are two major enclosures for example that need to be changed or fixed but the zoo staff haven’t been able to secure the budget for them.



The first problem is the elephant enclosure. Right now there are two elephants and the enclosure is pretty tiny. The larger of the two elephants has started destroying the walls of the enclosure because of frustration. The zoo submitted a proposal to double the size of the enclosure since there is an empty plot right next to the elephant enclosure but the proposal was rejected. Instead a construction company was brought in to install large metal beams around the elephant enclosure as a solution (pictured above).



The second problem that is in dire need of attention is the chimpanzee cage (pictured above). There are four chimps in one of the most depressing cages I’ve ever seen. They have no entertainment whatsoever inside, it’s just a rectangular dark cage with concrete floors and thats it. But, there’s a great spot in the zoo which the staff want to convert to a chimp enclosure. It’s a large space (see below) that can be planted with trees and greenery and chimps can roam free in it. The plan was proposed but rejected due to budgetary reasons. So now the space is gonna be turned into a reptile enclosure filled with a few crocs and turtles which is going to be a complete waste of space.



So although the staff do want to improve the zoo they just don’t have any money do so. It’s very depressing. Even when it comes to fixing enclosures or purchasing new medical equipment it’s all handled in the same low priority “put a bandaid on it” way.

The Solution
The visitors problem is very difficult to fix. One way would be to increase the prices of the tickets (currently it’s 500fils) in hopes that would stop or lessen the amount of visitors that come to the zoo. Educating the parents and the children is too large a task for the zoo to handle and signs and leaflets really have no effect. The most realistic solution to the people problem is to continue and try to protect the animals (I suggested replacing cactus plants with barbed wire) and hiring Kuwaiti security to replace the current expats.
The solution with the budget should be simpler… just increase the budget, but that’s not happening. A more realistic option we discussed is sponsorship by private companies. Companies could sponsor an animal enclosure and the money would be used to build it or improve it. It’s something that’s done in other zoos around the world and in this situation it would be a great way to solve a lot of the problems.

By the way you’re a company and are interested in doing this, email me for more details [Here]
It’s really sad that the zoo doesn’t have any money to improve the situation for the animals. It’s not only the elephants and the chimps that are in trouble but those two are the priorities right now. The baboon cage for example has around 70 baboons inside and is over crowded. The tiger needs more space, the hippos need a new water filter for their pool and one of the giraffes is limping but they don’t have a portable xray machine to check and see why. They even have one animal enclosure nicknamed Guantanamo because it’s that bad.
The problems with the zoo are major and hopefully I was able to bring it some exposure.

Cheetah Attack in Kuwait

This from my friend, Areej, on Facebook:

 Cheetah attacks a group of 7 Kuwaiti men.

Today i found in Al Rai about cheeta attack at 7 guys. The complete scene has printed in Arabic but this is what I got that at Muttala (Desert) 7 Kuwaiti guys were enjoying BBQ around 10pm and then one cheetah invaded in the tent to join their BBQ, one of them was wounded badly but in a moment all guys escaped the tent and hid in their car.

For complete Arabic version
http://kuwaitup2date.com/2013/02/17/cheeta-attacked-at-bbq-in-kuwait-kuwait-q8/

One commenter said:   "I read that the guys that got into the car started chasing the Cheetah and then the guy that owned it started yelling at them that was his Cheetah I said he was hunting with it..."
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I think they should put the owner in jail.    Usually what happens in Mutlaa stays in Mutlaa....  
(I better call my friends to make sure it wasn't their camp that got attacked.  Dayum...)

These animals are wild and have the instincts of wild animals.  You will never be able to domesticate them.  It is genetic.  Keeping wild game cats as pets is just unnatural and WRONG.

Has anyone heard anything?

Pet Shops in Kuwait & Where to Take Your Dog

Kuwaitiful blog has a very good post about a number of pet shops in Kuwait and what items they have for sale.  I'm not going to re-post because it has a lot of photos that I don't want to plagiarize.  Kuwaitiful does very nice work!  To see the entire post CLICK HERE.

In addition to the list, International Veterinary Hospital and Ace Hardware are also good places to buy dog toys, accessories (even doggy clothes) and food.

I've been sent quite a few questions recently from people who are bringing their dogs to Kuwait and want to know where they can take them off the leash to run around.

I keep Desert Dawg on a leash at all times.  She's bitchy and vindictive and she would probably pull a runner on me just out of spite.  I'm super-afraid of her becoming bait in some dogfight somewhere or being sold in the Friday market.  Even the thought of it makes me tear up (sniffle). It happens here and if people do steal your dog to keep it as a pet, eventually the novelty wears off and they might even dump them somewhere in the desert.  Kabd is full of a variety of dogs - some of them purebred - that people have dumped.

Get your dog microchiped at IVH or RAH.  It won't make much of a difference, though, because the only places some good samaritan can go to check to see if your pet has a chip are at IVH or RAH and they may not want to bear the expense or the drive time.

As a dog owner, you've also got to be aware that the municipality leaves poison out for strays.  That means your pet (or your child) is at risk in public walking areas and other places.

So where do you go?  My recommendations are (this time of the year) to take them out to the desert somewhere and let them run around.  Just get in your car, newbies, and drive out to an open area. Don't be afraid.    Or, sometimes the beach at Zoor is empty (write to me for directions).  Unfortunately, Kuwait doesn't have dog parks and pets in public green parks (from what I've heard) are not allowed.  Sucky, but true.

I think that dogs, like people, adapt.  I've had to adapt to the hot weather (staying inside for long periods of time).  Get a treadmill, put your dog on it, and put him/her in front of the TV with the AnimalPlanet on.

More animal poisoning in Kuwait - Pet owners beware

Ladies Who Do Lunch In Kuwait Blog posted yesterday about poison being put out for snails.  It will also kill pets.  This morning, I was unfortunate enough to come across one of our neighborhood's stray cats, which had obviously died of poisoning.  (I did not want to pass along a gory photo, but the death must have been pretty horrific; bleeding profusely from the mouth and bulging red eyes.)

Beware pet owners.

See LWDLIK blog post here.

Dog Story

My 18 year old nephew is a natural-born writer.  He's been writing exceptional stories since he was quite young.  Now, he's in his first semester in college and wrote the story below and blew.me.away.  His professor said that the first essay kids hand her during their first year is about the death of a grandparent or a pet.  She said that when she read this story, she sat on her sofa, reading it to her boyfriend, and they both cried. 

(This happened when I was home in August and I'm glad I was there with the family.  If it had happened while I was in Kuwait, I would have been a basket case.  I'm so glad we were all together.)

Alex, I hope you keep writing.  Your talent is too special not to continue.  Love you, boyyyyy.

Rascal

I woke up that morning earlier than most. Summer was coming to and end and it was the week before I was to leave for college. I got up around 7:30; I must have heard my parents already up. As I peaked down stairs I heard no noise, no barking coming from my usually obnoxious dogs and no sign of my parents even though their door was open. As I turned around the corner into the kitchen I’ll never forget how I felt as I looked into the laundry room. I was confused and broken hearted to see my parents huddled around him I had never hurt so much from a bad girlfriend or a lost football game or even a broken bone. But when I saw him lying there I kind have wished I were feeling any other pain.

Eleven years earlier I woke up to a much happier sight. My mom had got me from my room to bring me outside by the garage. I was an eager kid and old for my age so I was expecting big things for my birthday like an apache helicopter to a jet pack or the power rangers; almost anything a seven year old boy could come up with or thought of. However I definitely wasn’t expecting a best friend, let alone two. But there they were two yellow lab puppies so small you could scoop them up with one hand. As I ran over to the crate and rolled around with them as they made their puppy sounds and teethed on whatever part of clothes they could find. I knew right then that it would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

My mom, being the liberal as she is,  let me name one all by myself, and back then that kind of power was a huge deal. We named the lighter colored one Beau as a family and I decided to name the darker colored one "Rascal" after the movie, “The Little Rascals”;  as it just so happened to be my favorite movie at the time. As the years went on I would soon be very frustrated at my decision because it turned out that Rascal was the least trouble out of all of our dogs. Rascal was obedient; he was playful, but only when one of us initiated the playing. He also turned out to be the smartest and wiser of the bunch. He was nothing like the Little Rascals depicted in movie, sadly. He was timid and didn’t like to swim, which often made me mad. All the other dogs knew how to swim except for him…

I guess if the worst of your problems as a dog father is your dog being obedient and not being a “little Rascal” then I guess you could say that I had minimal problems.

Rascal might have been the fattest dog on the planet. He could chew threw a brick wall if he was hungry enough. After finishing his dinner he would stand by the drawer where he knew the treats were concealed. Even after he had his “post-meal” snack he would then proceed to lick his bowl digging for whatever scraps he could find. All this contributed to how he got his more common name, “Fat Rascal”. Wherever he went in the house he waddled;  he would waddle into the kitchen he would waddle into the den and out the back yard chasing a ball. My mom would always see him coming and say, “Hey, hey, hey here comes Fat Rascal.” Yes he was that fat.

He was a loving dog most of all, he loved his momma (my mother) and boy did he love his dad (my step-father Wayne). He would follow that man into hell if he had to.  Wayne couldn’t go to the bathroom without that big lethargic mutt waddling on after him. Wherever you so Wayne around the house you most likely saw Fat-Rascal waddling alongside.

I never realized how much time I spent with him until I sat down to think about it one day. He was there with me through elementary school; every time I would get off the bus there he was barking his head off in the window waiting for me to come inside. The big guy was with me through all of high school, he even was up late nights coming home from parties or after games.  Rascal and I have been through a whole lot in our lives. I was there when he was sick, feeding him his pills or picking the ticks off of him. He was there for me when I was sad or sick and he was always damn proud to be by my side. Its not often you find a friend like that. I don’t think I ever will again. He was the brother I never had.

Eleven years later and summer was coming to and end and it was the week before I was to leave for college. We were all sitting in the living room watching TV like we did most nights as a family;  my parents and I and our three dogs Beau, Rascal and the newer edition to the family, Lola. Beau and Lola were off doing their own things playing with each and my parents were dozing off. Rascal was surprisingly awake it was really unlike the old guy -lately usually he was either eating or sleeping but not that night. That night he crawled over to me like he used to as a puppy and started hitting me with his paw.

He and I rolled around on the carpet for a good hour that night. I didn’t see it then but I sure see it now. He was loving on me and licking my hands and face like he hadn’t done in a long time. He was just playing, playing like a new puppy. I didn’t think much of it at all; I was too caught up in the moment. Now I see that he might have just been telling me how much he loved me and reminiscing on all the great times we had.  He was saying goodbye.

That night he couldn’t walk down the steps to go outside and use the bathroom. Of course I thought nothing of it; he was an old dog and this was usual. If I could go back I would have played with him all night, I wouldn’t have let him fall asleep, I would have rubbed his big fat belly all night. I would have done a lot of things different if I had known that was the last night ever that he was going to fall asleep for the rest of my life.

I got up around 7:30; I must have heard my parents already up. As I peaked down stairs I heard no noise, no barking coming from my usually obnoxious dogs and no sign of my parents even though their door was open. As I turned around the corner into the kitchen I’ll never forget how I felt as I looked into the laundry room. I was confused and broken hearted to see my parents huddled around him I had never hurt so much from a bad girlfriend or a lost football game or even a broken bone. But when I saw him lying there I kind have wished I were feeling any other pain.

There he was, lying there on the floor, so peaceful, just the way he lies when he naps. This time it was a different nap, I knew this nap was the one that he wouldn’t be waking up from. It was the first time id seen Wayne cry, ever, in all my life. My parents moved away so I could see him. I can still feel the heavy sadness in my head and in my gut like it was yesterday. I saw him lying there and all the times I shared with him kept flashing through my mind. I thought my dogs were invincible, I thought my dogs could never die. As much as I could have prepared for seeing him like that,  nothing could have kept me from feeling the heartache I did.

           

Mom called the vet as Wayne and I wrapped him up in towels and took him to the car. Before they took him to the vets they let me say one last goodbye to him. I held him, crying. His body was cold and hard but he was the same color and had the same face as he did when he slept. I don’t know why I thought he would look different. I thought holding him would feel like he was less real. But sadly it didn’t feel less real at all, he felt like the same little Rascal I was holding last night. I couldn’t think of anything to say so I just kept holding onto him as if it could bring him back. I thought maybe the longer I hold on, the more memories I’ll have with him. When they left to the vet and I was alone, I don’t think I’ve ever cried so hard in my entire life. It was as if my best friend had died. A best friend I’d watched grow since he was a puppy running around with a ball in his mouth until he was a big wise old dog chewing on a bone. One of the biggest persons in my life had just passed on.

Rascal was my dog. He was my best friend he would do anything for me and I would have done anything for him. I realize now that there are only a few rare people you come across in life that can love you unconditionally and will always have your back no matter what.   You have your mother and your father and then… you have your dog, mans best friend. I know Rascal couldn’t stick around forever; all I can do now is cherish the time I had with him and accept his passing.  Not a day goes by where I don’t think about him or hear someone say in my head, “Hey, hey, hey here comes Fat Rascal.”

Emergency book sale for PAWS

     Facing eviction from its premises at short notice, the Protecting Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is in a desperate situation.  With no time to lose, we need the entire community to rally round and help this dedicated, hard-working group of volunteers in their fight for survival.  The lives of some 150 animals in their care depend on us, not to mention the plight of many future rescues.

     An easy way for you to come to their aid is by purchasing books by local photojournalist Claudia Farkas Al Rashoud.  Dame Violet Dickson and What the Camels Said to Santa are being sold, with all proceeds going to the PAWS emergency fund.

     Dame Violet Dickson, “Umm Saud’s” Fascinating Life in Kuwait from 1929-1990 is the remarkable story of an extraordinary Englishwoman and is also a history of Kuwait.  Affectionately called “Umm Saud” by the Arabs, she became a legend in her own lifetime.  She lived in Kuwait for 61 years, first as the wife of the British Political Agent to Kuwait, Colonel H.R.P. Dickson, and later as a widow.  During this time she lived through the age of ancient bedouin traditions into an era of affluence, and ultimately, with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, a period of horror.  The book is illustrated with over 70 photographs including rare and previously unpublished pictures of old Kuwait from the Dickson family collection.  Dame Violet Dickson is also available in an Arabic edition.

     What the Camels Said to Santa is a children’s book about Kuwait’s desert environment, with full color photographs of Santa Claus, his friends the camels, and other local desert creatures.  Meet the gerbil, the Common Black Beetle, the Lacertid Lizard, the Spiny-Tailed Agamid, and of course, the camels, and find out what they have to say about the situation in Kuwait’s desert.

     Also on sale for PAWS is another charming children’s book, In Kuwait, by Pattie Meyer, with original illustrations by Margaret Bosworth’s local art students. 

     The books are conveniently-priced at 3 KD each or two for 5 KD, so why not take care of some of your holiday gift buying while supporting a worthy cause.  You can find them at Greensac, shop number 12 on the mezzanine floor of Galleria 2000, Salmiya; Sandouq Al Sharq gift shop on Sayed Yaseen Street, Block 17, Building 1, Salmiya; and Images Salon and Day Spa facing the Fourth Ring Road in Salmiya, Abothar Al Gafari Street, Fouad Al Rashid Building, number 4, first floor.  They will also be sold at PAWS events and upcoming holiday bazaars.  For delivery of large orders and for any other information please call 97485666.

What happens when your pet dies in Kuwait?

Ok, so this is going to be a rather somber post, but maybe someone can answer my question. If you are an animal lover or have had a pet, you will probably understand; while some out there will probably scoff at the whole concept.

  

Our family’s beloved dog died while I was home in the States this summer.  He was 12 years old and went peacefully in his sleep.

Our pets are treated like family members; pampered and cared for during their entire lives.  My own dog here in Kuwait is the same.  She is the only surrogate family member I have. She has been with me for 15 of my 16 years in Kuwait.  We treat our pets with respect; giving back the same unconditional love that they give us.

At 150 pounds, our dog, Rascal, was too large to bury in the back yard like we might have done with smaller pets.  (I had a pony when I was 13 who died of old age.  We had to pay $1000 to have her buried with a bulldozer.  Large animals are treated similar to humans and must be buried – by law – 6 feet underground.)   So, our family called and found an animal hospital that would take his body.

Like many other animal hospitals in Western countries, pet deaths are big business.  People like us don’t mind paying large amounts of money to have pets either cremated or buried; treated with respect.  There are even pet cemeteries where you can go to visit.  I’ve seen several with marble vaults and vases for flower placement.  It isn’t cheap.

Our family chose to have Rascal cremated.  His ashes were returned to us in a lovely carved walnut box with his name on a brass plaque.  The animal hospital also provided a plaster-cast paw print plaque with his name, date of birth and death; as well as a poem entitled, “the Rainbow Bridge.”  The technicians at the animal hospital were obviously accustomed to seeing grief-stricken customers and were kind and compassionate.

As I mentioned, my dog in Kuwait is now 15 years old.  She has been with me through it all:  helping me through new-to-Kuwait insecurities the year after I arrived in Kuwait.   Being with me when I feared my mother was on the plane from Boston (AA flight 11) on September 11.  Next to me when scuds were falling on Kuwait in 2003.  With her head on my chest any time I fell sick with a cold or flu.  Through relationships and friends and jobs and house moves.  She has always been there, always happy to see me.

I worry what I will do when she passes away.  Practically, I worry about what I will do with her doggy remains.  I have heard of people being picked up by police while burying their pets in the desert.  What is the alternative?  I can’t even think of just wrapping her little corpse and putting it in the trash.  Not after so many years of love and care.  What will I do?

I have been asked my many people through the blog about what to do and I don’t know the answer to this question.  What do you do when your pet dies in Kuwait?  Is there any way to send them off with dignity?

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Update (Same Day)

I wrote to International Veterinary Hospital asking if they perform pet cremations.  They said they are planning to offer the service in the future.  Hopefully, I won't need them anytime soon (Inshallah), but it is good to know that a vet hospital is looking into it (and that you can get a quick, respectful response).

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September 11

I talked to Bu Merdas last night.  I was trying not to cry because every time I think of the inevitable, it makes me all sad.  He was incredibly supportive and said he would help me when the time comes.  He is usually the kind of guy who makes jokes when things get serious, but he was so sympathetic and understanding.  He has had the misfortune of having to bury many family members and assist in the burial/funerals of extended family members.  I guess this has made him compassionate.  I feel a tremendous amount of relief just knowing that I can count on him.