ABU DHABI // Well-wishers have donated more than Dh3,000 to help fund a hip replacement operation for abandoned dog Captain Jack, whose leg was amputated by vets after he was rescued from the desert near Abu Dhabi.
Jack is one of more than 70 dogs taken in by Animal Action who needed to be rehomed. Eighty more were waiting to be rescued from building sites and wasteland near the capital.
He moved around with the aid of a wheelchair, but a replacement hip will help the dog run around freely.
Sarita Darch, a volunteer at Animal Action, said Jack’s recovery was amazing.
“Jack has been getting on well with the wheelchair, but it was only a temporary solution,” she said.
“Once he has had the hip replacement it will be better. He tries to keep up with the other dog in the foster family where he is recovering.
“We are still hoping and searching for a permanent home for him. Older animals and those with special needs are always harder to rehome.”
The Dh2,500 donation to pay for his surgery, due later this month, was provided by Michelle Wienburg, with an anonymous donation of Dh500.
Reduced treatment rates were offered to the group by the Australian Veterinary Hospital in Khalifa City A.
Animal Action wants to hear from more people like Sarah Laidlaw. The Scot moved to Abu Dhabi with her family nine months ago and she offered a rescued dog a temporary home.
“I couldn’t commit to an animal as we plan to go away for seven weeks in the summer, but this is the next best thing,” she said.
“I had a dog for a week that was dumped at the gates and tied up with a belt. I’d been about four days without an animal and then had a message from Animal Action about another dog. He looked really sad, so I offered to help.
“To see the animals recover and get rehomed makes it worthwhile,” Mrs Laidlaw said.
“Anyone with a passion for animal welfare, but can’t commit full time should give fostering a go. All they need is love and a bit of care.”
To offer help as a foster carer for dogs waiting to be rehomed, email animalaction@hotmail.com.
nwebster@thenational.ae
