A SURE-FIRE WAY TO BETTER A DOG’S LIFE
An animal-loving Omani is aiming to create new bonds with man’s best friend with lengthy walks through some of the UAE’s most beautiful terrain and hopefully change a few misconceptions along the way, writes Nick Webster
Omani takes to the hills to provide people, and their canine friends, a fresh take on the world,
DUBAI // Hussain Darwish wants to unite man and beast and help banish the notion that Arabs have no affinity for dogs or care for their welfare.
The Omani set up K9 Challenge to change the way some people treat animals by finding homes for abandoned dogs. During winter, the group heads to the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah or the surrounding desert for dog walks, with people taking their pets or adopting dogs from rescue centres for the day.
Mr Darwish, who grew up in the UAE and kept pets as a child, says he was shocked by the cases of animal cruelty he saw.
The 31-year-old, who has two German Shepherds, named Max and Chacka, wants to share his passion for animals in the hope that it will encourage others to offer homes to abandoned pets.
“Organising these events is stressful, but I’m passionate about dogs. I want to introduce new people into dog walking to show what they can get out of it, particularly in the beautiful outdoor environment of the UAE,” he says.
“The idea started when I was out for a hike with some friends and our dogs. There are not many places to take the dogs for a walk and it is important they are exercised. The mountains are an amazing place to take them.”
After posting photos of the walks on Facebook, Mr Darwish says people began to enquire about the locations where they were taken.
“Most people had no idea there were mountains so close to Dubai where you could visit for the day.
“I came up with the idea of a challenge for dog owners and their animals – a safe event with marshals – to encourage more people to get outdoors.”
Growing up in an animal-loving family in Dubai helped Mr Darwish develop a deep-rooted respect for dogs in particular, and he enjoyed a strong bond with family pets. Organising events is a welcome relief from his day job in marketing.
The K9 Challenge has five checkpoints, with different distances between each. The most challenging is a 4.5 kilometre loop. The latest challenge, planned for November 11, will cover a 5.5km route, the longest yet.
The walk is not a competition as organisers do not want people running or taking risks as it is a long way to the base camp and a difficult place to get to if someone gets injured.
“Dogs are special – they are real companions,” Mr Darwish says. “Many people think Arabs are cruel to animals and don’t treat their pets well. This is not true overall, and we are trying to change that view.
“We are not aggressive to dogs, nor do we hate animals. Religion does not let us harm animals, but there are a few people who are abusive to dogs. This is so wrong, but not the case for the majority. Sadly, people harm animals all over the world.”
For those interested, there are plenty of dogs who need homes or to be walked.
People can foster a dog for a day and that ultimately can help to create a bond.
Last year, 28 dogs were rehomed from RAK Animal Welfare or K9 Friends in Dubai from people taking dogs on the challenge. Anyone wanting to take a dog for the day can contact K9 Friends or RAK Animal Welfare.
Each team participating in the challenge must have a minimum of one dog, and a maximum of five.
There are five start times, with the first batch leaving checkpoint one at 8.30am.
Those wishing to take part can register online at www.hk9.ae or at Go Sports retail outlets.