Jun 262 min read

Robin's Story

1.⁠ ⁠What made you choose to adopt not shop?

First, because there are so many loving dogs, puppies to seniors, who need loving homes. But this specific adoption was motivated by a desire, now that I have retired, to do something more to help the dogs of the Middle East. After I adopted a dog from Kuwait several years ago, I became aware of the dangers for dogs there, as well as their amazing personalities and intelligence. I decided to adopt a dog with special needs, as I'd heard they are the hardest to find homes for. Both of my wadis are tripods due to shootings, and I know how easily they adapt.

2.⁠ ⁠⁠What is Robin's backstory?

Once I decided I would adopt a dog with special needs, it didn't take long to spot Robin's story on Muscat Dog Adoption's Instagram feed and know immediately he needed a home, and quickly. At one year, he was living on the street and had been shot and left at the vet's. Maryam came in, covered his expenses, and, after his leg had been amputated, brought him home to care for him. He developed a bad infection in his jaw because of the shooting, requiring more surgery. Additionally, there was no room for him at the farm, so he had to remain in his crate at Maryam's for 18 months. He was well loved and cared for, but of course longing for a family.

3.⁠ ⁠⁠What was the most surprising thing you found about adopting a street dog?

With both of my former street dogs, I'm always amazed by how friendly they are with people. Maybe it's because kind people fed them while they were living "rough." But I realize that some street dogs are the opposite. The other remarkable thing is their sometimes spooky intelligence and intuition, again maybe due to street-survival skills.

4.⁠ ⁠⁠What were some challenges, and how did you overcome them?

The main challenge I've had with Robin is his dog reactivity, though never toward my two other dogs (or cats). While he was easily and quickly trained to ignore most dogs on walks, there are one or two (unneutered males) that he goes ballistic toward. We're working on it. He's only been with me for four months.

5.⁠ ⁠⁠How did your wadi change your life?

Having a wadi dog is a unique and deep experience which has enriched my life enormously. My life has always involved multiple pets (and children), but my wadis have impacted my life profoundly, teaching me more about dogs and dog behavior than I ever expected, also a few things about myself, like needing to learn better leadership skills. ;) Additionally, I became interested in Middle Eastern culture and history and now spend quite a lot of time studying it.