Abu Dhabi resident and animal lover Laurel Moore is hoping to raise as much money as possible for the Strays of Abu Dhabi (SAD). Along with other non-profit organisations, SAD aims to build an animal sanctuary – the first designated animal welfare centre in the city – aimed at providing much-needed medical care, housing and provisions for stray pets across the region.
Cats and dogs are frequently found living in sickening conditions, struggling to find food, water and shelter and barely surviving the soaring summer heat. Until recently, there was only one solution for strays (even those found to be perfectly healthy) and that was to put the animals down.
‘My feeling is that this cause has gone beyond worthwhile and is now essential,’ explains Laurel. ‘There are lots of small groups helping animals here in Abu Dhabi: Feline Friends do a great job helping cats as does the Dhabian Equestrian Centre and Dhabian Rahma Animal-Rescue. I also know of many people who just end up looking after groups of cats and dogs in different areas. What is needed is a cohesive animal rescue centre – somewhere a person can take an animal in distress or need. If a sponsor stepped forward to offer some land and facilities, these smaller groups would need to work together to form one group, probably under a new name.’
The aim for Laurel and the various animal welfare charities already based in Abu Dhabi, is to follow in the footsteps of Melissa Davis, the teacher-turned-founder of the new RAK Animal Welfare Centre in Ras Al Khaimah – the first dedicated home for animals in the emirate.
So far, Laurel has gathered together 51 artists from around the world who were willing to donate one piece of art each for The Animal Lovers Art auction, to be held on April 17 at the Millennium Hotel. Artists will interpret the theme according to their individual style, which will range from experimental to contemporary and classic.
‘In addition to 15 local artists, 35 American artists will be taking part. Karen Lecocq is an art lecturer at the University of California and owns two galleries: Gallery 25 in Fresno, California and Gallery 10 in Washington DC. She has chosen 35 of her top artists to send a piece of artwork each – the selection is very exciting in its variety. Paintings, photographs, wall sculptures and a mosaic from local artist Nassim Al Majed. All participants have generously agreed to a “no reserve” on their artwork, so it’s likely we’ll start the bidding at Dhs50 on each item. All money raised goes to SAD.’
Some of SAD’s costly animal services include vaccinations, worming, tick and flea control for street dogs; medication and treatment for sick or injured stray animals; kennel fees, since SAD pay the full price for kennels for six months of the year, and sterilizations of adopted dogs (spays and neuters). The charity survives on a ‘hand-to-mouth’ existence, raising money throughout the year by hosting community events such as the SAD Ball. All of the volunteers, including the head of homing and fostering at the charity, Dr Rachel Shaw, give their time and work for free.
For a chance to get your hands on a one-off piece of artwork (and help to raise money for an extremely worthwhile cause), get yourself along to the auction and make a difference. Happy bidding!
Animal Lovers Art Auction, The Millennium Hotel. Exhibition from April 10 concluding with the auction on April 17 and music by ‘Cool’s The Rule’ jazz band. This is a free event. For further information about the auction, contact Laurel Moore directly on questions@moorethanart.com or 050 906 9557.
Donations
If you would like to donate money to help build a shelter for the animals, you can do so through:
Strays of Abu Dhabi: The ‘Animal Lover’s’ art that will be up for auction will also be placed on the Strays of Abu Dhabi website to allow bidders to view paintings in advance.
www.straysofabudhabi.com or call 050 130 7392
Dhabian Equestrian Centre: To help support Tina Al Qubaisi, owner of the Dhabian Equestrian Club, you can contact her directly on dhabianequestrianclub@gmail.com or 050 662 0969
Feline Friends: To help support Feline Friends’ (FF) sterilization programme, you can make a donation either by visiting the American Vet Clinic (AVC), British Vet Clinic (BVC) or the German Vet Clinic (GVC) or by visiting felinefriendsuae.com
