When the four-year old cat died unexpectedly, the couple thought it might be time to try a dog.
Their house is an ideal setting for any dog, a villa with a large enclosed garden in the back on a quiet street in Mushrif. Because they had seen several dogs fostered by friends, they thought that might be the way to start. So they contacted Strays of Abu Dhabi.
Before SAD lets a dog be adopted, they send it to at least one foster family to see how the animal behaves with adults, children, or other pets, and in some cases adjusts to
apartment living. Some dogs go to several foster homes before they find a permanent home. A few never do.“We wanted to learn about having a dog,” Christina said,
rather than make a long term commitment right away. She and Bruce didn’t know what breed might be best. They were looking for a dog “suitable for us – something not too
much of a challenge.” The first dog they got from Strays of Abu Dhabi was Kahuna, a friendly Saluki mix, about four years old.
Kahuna is playful and loves to go on long walks. He was lucky with his foster home. The Dalchers took him on 3 1/2 mile walks along a mostly shady route early each morning
when it was cooler and 30 minute walks after 4 pm. From the walks, they learned Kahuna isn’t at ease with other dogs. He is very happy around adults and adjusted quickly to being interviewed and photographed. Nothing could take Kahuna away from his favorite toy, a pair of old socks that he seemed to never tire of tossing around and chewing. He was curious and explored the visitors, sniffing and checking out how much petting they might offer. And he gracefully posed next to an ancient Victrola record
player – looking just like the dog featured in ads for the machine that ran in the 1950s.
The Dalchers who are Americans who have spent recent years in Britain don’t know how long they’ll be staying in Abu Dhabi. Bruce is a lawyer specializing in maritime issues. He came here as a consultant on contract, but that’s over, and he is “looking around.” Given the uncertainty, the Dalchers took Kahuna for a week. The day after he was photographed, Kahuna went back to SAD, and a dachshund four month old puppy came to live at the villa. That dog too will probably be replaced by another because as Christina said, “We want to spend some time” getting to know various dogs.
Everyone who comes to the event on October 30 can meet Kahuna and the 18 other dogs currently at SAD’s kennel. All are available for fostering or adoption. It’s a great occasion for anyone who’s been thinking about getting a dog . . . or a second dog to keep the first one company.
