Since the QAWS Fire devasted the shelter, the site has since been cleared and we're now in the re-building phase. To follow our progress, please click here.
QAWS is pleased to announce that our temporary dog facility is completed and we now have the capacity to hold 30+ dogs at the site. We are currently full with over 25 adult dogs and 20 puppies with a further 11 dogs still in foster care. We are desperately looking for volunteers to come and walk, groom and just spend time with the dogs. We also have ariound 10 cats and kittens staying at Paws & Claws Boarding Kennels (on the same site) that are also up for adoption and would all love someone to come and cuddle them. It is our intention to have a temporary cat facility up and running before the end of the month. All our policies, procedures and adoption fees are still in place and certain criteria must be fulfilled before an adoption can take place.
Every year, thousands of events are organised across the world to celebrate World Animal Day. This year saw the first ever Qatar celebration with QAWS joining efforts with the Harley Owners Group (Qatar Chapter) to see one of the largest harley rides across Qatar on Friday 9 th October. Starting with 2 stalls at Landmark and the Mall to raise awareness of QAWS and animal welfare issues across the world, the 2 groups of bikes rode across the city to meet in Al Waab. The group then made an immensely impressive sight as close to 50 bikes all rode into Villaggio car park to gather around another QAWS display. Dozens of goody bags were handed out to all the children containing small animal related gifts and information on QAWS all in an attempt to raise awareness of the issues suffered by animals all across the world. With hundreds of people spilling out to see the bikes (and find out what all the noise was about!), the event was a great success. Information boards, balloons and animal welfare posters all helped raise awareness and the QAWS team would like to thank all the bikers who rode on Friday. The support shown was staggering and the 10 second “revs for animals” was the highlight of the event!
Woohoo! Things are starting to look up as the initial planning meetings with the architect and project manager kicked off today! Plans for the shelter are coming along fast and hopefully the new facility will be one of the best (if not the best!!) in the Middle East ! No compromises this time – concrete and steel all the way with the blueprints being designed especially for QAWS. Watch this space for more news on how the rebuilding is progressing!
Over the last week, thanks to a very dedicated group of volunteers, the QAWS shelter site was cleared (well almost!). Byrne's rentals donated 2 bobcats and HKH donated a JCB, operator and trucks and between the heavy machinery and a long weekend the old shelter was completely demolished. Working through the night, over 12 truckloads of debris were removed from the site and taken down to the dump. However, we still have approximately another 10 – 15 loads that need clearing which we are trying to arrange to complete over another weekend soon. A huge thank you to all the guys who were at the shelter for the clearance and to Byrne's and HKH who repeatedly came out to the site to fix the numerous flat tyres at all hours of the day and night!
Doha Expat Mums and Kids, ExpatWoman Qatar and QatarLiving's Mums in Doha group joined forces to organise a kids and babies table top sale on October 3 rd . With the proceeds being used to purchase building materials which will then be donated to the QAWS rebuild project, the event was a huge success. Hundreds of supporters came to the event to show their support, pick up a bargain and ensure that the building of the new shelter is successful. With thousands of items for sale, ranging from delicious cakes to second hand toys and baby clothes, a firm favourite was the second hand books stall which was run by the local brownies group. A huge thank you to all the organisers and volunteers who helped run the event, and also to all the shoppers who made it such a success!
Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) are sending out this “S.O.S” distress signal because disaster struck on 3rd September 2009, when an electrical fire swept through our entire rescue facility and completely erased the shelter. That is why this message comes to you in the form of an S.O.S; we need a monumental humanitarian effort, with your help and support like never before, and as fast as possible.
Currently, we have over 100 displaced animals as their “home” at the shelter is no more, they are temporarily lodging with Foster Carer's who have stepped up to assist QAWS during this awful time.
At this juncture, we need absolutely ANY support you can offer to help resurrect the QAWS shelter for the abandoned dogs & cats of Qatar. Please read this page for the latest news updates and information on the help and support we need at this time.
We, and our furry friends, thank you in advance for your support.
