THANK GOODNESS FOR ROOFUS
My dog is not an easy dog. He doesn’t like big dogs, or loud, breathy dogs. He’s not fond of strangers or our neighbours. He has a fit when the Deliveroo man rings the bell, and walking him around the cat colony of The Greens is a bit like braving the gauntlet. Come to think of it, Roofus is a rather difficult dog.
But he’s been my lifeline during quarantine.
Having something to focus on other than my own worry and fear has been essential. With a dog, our household has a forced routine, the type of schedule and consistency that experts say is crucial during turbulent times. We have to wake up to take Roo for an early walk; we have to make sure he gets outside to exercise; we must ensure that he eats right. And, aside from the many quirks mentioned above, Roo is amazing. He helps me see joy in the little things, like when he finds a treat I’ve hidden somewhere in the house, or when I make him a new toy out of old tea towels, and he squeals in delight not knowing what to do with himself.
And so, I’m not surprised in the slightest that during these testing times animal shelters have seen a spike in applications. When you imagine unknown weeks of pacing the same home and seeing the same limited number of people, or even just your own reflection, the idea of a cute, cuddly companion, one you can pet, take walks with, and talk to (with the added benefit of them not talking back) – is suddenly incredibly appealing. But as the old adage goes (albeit slightly adapted), a dog is for life not just for Covid, so if you are thinking about adopting (and for the love of all things good, please adopt, don’t shop) do so knowing that this is a proper long-term commitment.
In this issue, we’ve put together a guide to owning a dog in the UAE. We’ve sourced pet-friendly cafes, great daycare spots, and things to know before you home a rescue. We hope you find it useful. And if you’re still looking for your paw-fect pal, we’ve listed a handful of desert dogs desperate for a loving home.
Roofus has given me the invaluable gifts of humour and joy during this extraordinarily challenging crisis. I’m not really sure how we’ll repay him, but we’ve got ample time, right here at home, to try.
Enjoy the issue