‘Paws’ to help our furry friends

Summer is a devastating season for stray and abandoned animals..

Summer is a devastating season for stray and abandoned animals with several charities across the island working hard to save their lives and reduce their suffering.

Bahrain Rescues is one of these charitable organisations that is operating way over capacity, with a room for 10 small dogs now holding 40, and it is BD9,000 in debt.

The non-profit organisation, which has had over 20 volunteers over the years, give or take, tend to use their own resources and donations to buy food and litter, to pick up, treat and rehome animals that have been injured or abandoned.

“Animals may arrive traumatized by bad circumstances, but we do whatever we can to make them healthy and happy,” said Mojda Banahi, one of the core members of the shelter. “It’s not only about their recovery from injury or illness; it’s also about a place where they can socialize with people and other animals.

Over the years, they have cared for around 50 dogs and 20 cats living in the facility, as well as a donkey and more. The group has also helped rehome more than 100 animals – everything from Rottweilers to hamsters.

“Bahrain Rescues has sad stories and sad beginnings, but there are happy endings too,” she said. “Bahrain Rescues is a happy place.”

However, they need all the help they can get, which is why Mojda urges people to reach out to their Instagram account @bahrainrescues to find out how to best support the shelter, be it through funding or time spent with the animals.

She also added that ‘anyone can make an impact’.

“If you cannot donate, you can speak to someone who has some sort of influence,” Mojda shared. “You can repost on your social media. Any way you share the message is impactful and will make a difference.”