Save Our Salukis: our S.O.S rescue appeal
After five years of rescuing and rehoming dogs from around the world, we’ve learned that such tales of exploitation and greed are all too common. The sad truth is that animal abuse is still overwhelming prevalent the world over. As such, rarely a day goes by that the team don’t hear of yet more dogs in need of urgent help. Amidst the ongoing tidal wave of cruelty, we’re embarking on a rescue mission with a particularly harrowing story. It’s a story that casts dogs as mere vehicles in the pursuit of wealth and notoriety; a story we’ve heard one too many times. We’ve decided to write a new, happier ending for our Salukis, with our S.O.S fundraising appeal and rescue mission.
Background
One of the oldest breeds in the world, Salukis have been bred for centuries, admired for their speeds and stamina. Sadly, in a country where dog racing is an increasingly popular part of the culture, these skills have inevitably been exploited by humans looking to make a financial gain. The intense demand on dogs to perform well and win races, leads to such abhorrent practices as injecting them with human steroids.
As you can imagine, these “experiments” fail horrendously with horrific results. These three beautiful, innocent souls were left with permanent limb damage and a bleak future ahead of them. Now unable to race, they were deemed an unnecessary burden and subsequently dumped in the Askar region of Bahrain, in a junkyard renowned for such abandonment. Our three Salukis are just three of who knows how many that have been used, abused and tossed aside; the forgotten by-products of a cruel, greedy sport.
The future
But we’re determined to give these dogs the kind of future that all dogs deserve, no matter their breed or background. They may have had a horrendous start in life, but like all rescues, they will flourish if only we can source the treatment and homes they need. Currently, our Salukis can walk and run short distances, but they’ll need expert advice if they’re ever to lead comfortable, happy lives. We can’t yet be certain what the long journey ahead of them will entail, but we are certain that they won’t get the treatment they need in Bahrain.
The appeal
This is why we’re launching our SOS: Save Our Salukis appeal, which will help us fly them to the UK, as soon as we can. Once in the UK, they will receive proper consultation and care. At just 10 months old, these Salukis have been treated as commodities their entire lives. With the launch of our SOS appeal, we’re hoping to change that by showing them love and kindness for perhaps the first time ever. We’ll be updating this post in the coming days, with rescue plans and further information on fostering and treatment. But before we can begin to map out a brighter future, we need to raise enough funds to cover their boarding, whilst still in Bahrain, their travel to the UK and their consultations when they arrive.
We need at least £9,000 to launch our SOS campaign and we’re relying on our fantastic community to help us reach our target. We haven’t before seen dogs with such severe limb damage and we’re suspecting you haven’t either. So if you can, please donate anything you can to our SOS appeal. Our promise is that every penny will go directly to our rescue mission of these three special souls.
Meet the dogs
All three of our Salukis are now looking for a foster home for when they arrive in the UK. To begin with, they’ll need fostering while they undergo treatment, attend vet appointments etc. but we’d love to hear from fosters who have a view to adopt at a later stage.
All fees and expenses will be covered, but fosters should be prepared to accompany their foster dog to appointments.
So, without further ado…
Click to meet each dog and find out more about their wonderful personalities:
Sampson
Sampson was found abandoned in a junkyard in Askar, Bahrain, along with Suki and Sadie. He and Suki had sought refuge in an old tyre, in an attempt to escape the scorching heat of the desert sun. Tempting Sampson out of the tyre was a challenge, especially given his particularly fragile, poor condition. When he eventually emerged, he did so with a wagging tail; it was as if he knew that he was finally safe.
All three of our Salukis show signs of unimaginable cruelty, their legs crooked and bent. But Sampson is the worst affected, his front legs shockingly bowed. Upon arrival in the UK, Sampson will be seen by veterinary experts to assess the extent of this damage and to provide a comprehensive report of findings, which will better indicate ongoing treatment, where necessary. It’s unlikely that Sampson’s leg alignment will ever be surgically corrected, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have a superb quality of life.
Sampson is everybody’s friend due to his gentle, laid-back personality. He is the most sweet-natured of the three and would make the perfect sofa buddy! Although he enjoys the odd spurt of energy, what he loves most is cuddles and people who pay him lots of attention. He does tire quicker than Sadie and Suki, so would prefer a home where he can walk and play at his own pace.
Sampson is incredibly courageous and strong willed. Despite a horrendous start in life, he has not allowed it to define his personality nor his zest for life! All Sampson needs now is someone to believe in him enough to offer a second chance at happiness.
Please note, because Sampson needs to undergo further medical examination upon arrival UK, prospective fosters / adopters will need to be prepared to take him to our partner vet (Greater London area). We are looking ideally for people interested in fostering Sampson with a view to adopt, though we will consider fosters that are prepared to commit to providing medium-term care.
- Gentle
- Always smiling
- Deserves a second chance
Suki
Suki was found abandoned in the same junkyard as Sampson and Sadie, seeking refuge in an old tyre. He was extremely nervous and, unsurprisingly, had zero trust in humans, even those who were trying desperately to help. He soon started to realise that he was safe, and as he did, he started to seek attention from his rescuers by resting his head in their laps. For the first time, finally, being shown the love he’d been waiting for.
All three of our Salukis show signs of unimaginable cruelty and neglect. Luckily, where Suki’s legs aren’t too badly affected, the likelihood of him needing surgery is low. Suki can enjoy life just like any other dog, but he’ll likely benefit from a slight change in diet (involving less protein and more vitamin C) but that’s a small price to pay for a second chance at happiness.
Suki is an affectionate boy who loves to be the centre of attention, which seems to be a common theme in these Salukis! Now that he is more trusting of humans, he loves to make new friends of both the human and canine variety. This lovable boy will always greet you with tail wags and happy little chirps, even if you’ve only been gone a few minutes. Suki also loves playtime and will often instigate it by bringing you a toy.
Despite a horrendous start to life, Suki still loves playtime and walkies as much as any dog. He certainly doesn’t let his disability hold him back so would thrive in a home where he can finally live life to the fullest!
Please note, because Suki needs to undergo further medical examination upon arrival UK, prospective fosters / adopters will need to be prepared to take him to our partner vet (Greater London area). We are looking ideally for people interested in fostering Suki with a view to adopt, though we will consider fosters that are prepared to commit to providing medium-term care.
- Bundle of energy
- Affectionate
- Playful
Sadie
Sadie was rescued from the same junkyard as Sampson and Suki, sheltering herself under a derelict porter cabin. Sadie was the most difficult to rescue as she had zero trust in humans – after all, it was humans who had abandoned her here. It was a long wait, but eventually Sadie emerged and allowed herself to be carried away to safety.
All three of our Salukis show signs of unimaginable cruelty, their legs crooked and bent. Like Suki, Sadie’s legs aren’t too badly damaged and so it’s unlikely that she will need surgery upon arrival in the UK. Instead, she’ll need a special diet, consisting of less protein and increased vitamin C. But this is a small price to pay for a loving home of her own. Despite the setbacks she’s already faced, Sadie has every chance of living a perfectly normal, happy life.
Sadie is a bright spark, already showing signs of being a fast learner and is very eager to please. She loves being praised and showered with attention! Sadie would make a great family companion due to her well-rounded character; mostly calm and gentle, but energetic come playtime! Despite her difficult start in life, Sadie is now a very sociable girl who actively seeks out attention and is happy to share toys and food with other dogs.
Like Suki, Sadie is still incredibly mobile despite her disabilities. She adores the freedom to run around big, open spaces and will need a home where love and playtime is in abundance!
Please note, because Sadie needs to undergo further medical examination upon arrival UK, prospective fosters / adopters will need to be prepared to take him to our partner vet (Greater London area). We are looking ideally for people interested in fostering Sadie with a view to adopt, though we will consider fosters that are prepared to commit to providing medium-term care.
- Smart cookie
- Sociable
- Loving
Donate
You can donate via our dedicated Save Our Salukis fundraising page which will ensure that 100% of your contribution will go towards this campaign, helping to fund the board, transport, treatment and aftercare of Sampson, Suki and Sadie.
If you live overseas and would like to donate in your preferred currency, please donate via PayPal, specifying where you’d like your donation to go in the comments field.
You can find out more about alternative ways to give here.
Despite having been the victims of such horrific cruelty, thanks to your support we’ll be able to give them the happy and healthy future they truly deserve. We are so grateful for your support.
On behalf of Sampson, Suki and Sadie: thank you.
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