Habiba’s Rescue Story
Question: What do you name a dog who is described as “the most loving, sweetest, and friendly” dog? Answer: Darling! But, to make the name more personal to the history of the dog, translate it into a language from the place of her birth. Since I was born in Oman, my name in Arabic is Habiba. And, I am truly a darling! My foster mom also says that I am “great with everything and everyone!” I am also very lucky…
A few months ago, some construction laborers noticed me near some trash bins. I had massive, deep wounds on my legs because I was attacked by other street dogs. I was totally alone, injured, and scared. I did not have my own dog pack for protection. I lived in the heat without access to water, and I ate garbage to survive. My only joy? My cat and kitten friends who also lived nearby the trash bins. Thankfully, this compassionate group of workers rescued me, and I have known care and love since that day.
I currently live in a wonderful foster home with two other doggies. My leg wounds are totally healed, and I am vaccinated, and spayed. I am now eight months-old. I am learning appropriate manners and skills for a dog my age, like leash-walking, potty-training, and command-following. In the house, I show typical puppy inquisitiveness, but overall I am well-behaved. I need an average amount of exercise, and I love riding in the car. Soon, I will be making the long journey to find my Forever Family in the U.S. I can’t wait to make all of your days… darling!
Oman is an Arab country in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It has wonderful national treasures, vivid landscapes… and thousands of “wadi” – or street – dogs. These wadi dogs can be seen virtually everywhere. Unfortunately, they face the same plight as dogs in many Muslim countries where they are generally viewed as unclean and not fit to be pets. Dog ownership is rare, and when they are owned, dogs are usually not allowed in the house. Pets are viewed more commonly as guard dogs who roam the outside vicinity of the property. The government doesn’t have humane animal welfare laws, and, worse yet, police have open rights to shoot “any and all” street dogs. There is no requirement that the dogs have to be a nuisance or sick; rather, they will be killed just for having the unfortunate luck of being born on the streets in Oman. It is a common practice. Many wadi dogs suffer a slow, painful death caused by festering gunshot wounds. If a gunshot does not kill them, street dogs die of disease, starvation, abuse by people, vehicles, and extreme weather conditions. In the summer, the temperature can easily soar to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most Omani street dogs do not survive beyond the age of three.
If you are interested in adopting HABIBA, please contact Dawn Trimmel at info@istreetdog.com. You can also find our adoption application here.
Rescue Partner: Nada Al Moosa
Arrival: August 31, 2017
Age and Weight: 8 months and 35 pounds