Job Discussion Forums

millie18 · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 185

the only animal welfare/rescue organization in Qatar suffered a catastophic fire earlier today. While 40 dogs survived, all the cats and other animals died.

They are looking for help for foster care for the surviving animals and no doubt for assistance with rebuilding in the near future. Please spread the word and if possible, help out where you can. The official website is qaws.org.

They do not yet have official charity status and this can be a roadblock in certain respects. If you or someone you know can assist it would be greatly appreciated.

Update: while the majority of the cats died, other animals like the donkey and bullock have survived. Some cats may have escaped in the confusion.

Many of the rescued animals are with veterinarian facilities and donations of food, leads, assistance with caring for the animals both with the vets and those still out at the "farm" is needed. They have no water or electricity at the farm and the larger animals drink gallons of water/day. Not to mention the cleaning out and removal of debris that will have to be done.

Some more information can be found on qatarliving.com - it should be easily found if you do a search for QAWS.

lollaerd · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 337

A real tragedy but a lot of people are helping out by housing the pets. Keep the donations going.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Our understanding of "tragedy" is clearly different.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Come on Scot... many people love animals and it doesn't make them bad people. Wink

VS

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,
As a dog owner, I'd like to make their case if I may:

Why Dogs Are Better Than Men

Dogs understand what "no" means.

Dogs do not have problems expressing affection in public.

Dogs miss you when you're gone.

You never wonder whether your dog is good enough for you.

Dogs understand what "no" means.

Dogs feel guilt when they've done something wrong.

Dogs don't brag about who they've slept with.

Dogs don't criticize your friends.

Dogs admit when they're jealous.

Dogs do not play games with you�except fetch. And dogs never laugh at how you throw.

Dogs are happy with any video you choose to rent, because they know the most important thing is that you're together.

Dogs don't feel threatened by your intelligence.

You can train a dog.

Dogs are already in touch with their inner puppies.

You are never suspicious of your dog's dreams.

Gorgeous dogs don't know they're gorgeous.

The worst social disease you can get from dogs is fleas.

Dogs don't make a practice of killing members of their own species.

Dogs understand if some of their friends can't come inside.

Dogs think you are a culinary genius.

You can force a dog to take a bath.

Dogs don't correct your stories.

Middle-aged dogs don't feel the need to abandon you for a younger owner.

Dogs don't mind if you do all the driving.

Dogs don't step on the imaginary brake.

Dogs do not care whether you shave your legs.

Dogs aren't threatened if you earn more than they do.

Dogs mean it when they kiss you.

Dogs are nice to your relatives.

Why Dogs Are Better Than Women

Dogs don't cry.

Dogs love it when your friends come over.

Dogs don't care if you use their shampoo.

Dogs think you sing great.

Dogs don't expect you to call when you are running late.

The later you are, the more excited dogs are to see you.

Dogs will forgive you for playing with other dogs.

Dogs don't notice if you call them by another dog's name.

Dogs are excited when you play rough.

Dogs don't mind if you give their offspring away.

Anyone can get a good looking dog.

If a dog is gorgeous, other dogs don't hate it.

Dogs don't shop.

A dog's time in the bathroom is confined to a quick drink.

Dogs like it when you leave lots of things on the floor.

A dog's time in the bathroom is confined to a quick drink.

A dog's disposition stays the same all month long.

Dogs never insist on talking about your relationship.

A dog's parents never visit.

Dogs understand that instincts are better than asking for directions.

When a dog gets old and starts to snap at you incessantly, you can shoot it.

Dogs don't hate their bodies.

No dog ever put on 100 pounds after reaching adulthood.

Dogs agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across.

Dogs never expect gifts.

Dogs never worry about germs.

Dogs don't want to know about every other dog you ever had.

You never have to wait for a dog. They are ready to go 24 hours a day.

Dogs have no use for flowers, cards or jewelry.

Dogs don't borrow your shirts.

Dogs never want foot rubs.

Dogs can't talk.

Dogs seldom outlive you.

Dogs enjoy heavy petting in public.

Regards,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:55 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:34 pm Post subject:

Dear NCTBA,

"Dogs understand what "no" means.

You write this twice. Freudian slip? Inquiring minds want to know..."

No slip - two "NOs" is a "No-No."

"When a dog gets old and starts to snap at you incessantly, you can shoot it.

"Honey? Are you reading this?"

You'd better hope and pray she isn't, dawg.

Regards,
John

ThaneKerner · Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 139

I always loved that sci-fi short story 'A boy and his dog'. Perhaps that has more to do with my liking Harlan Ellison.

"Blood ate well that night...."

johnslat · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 4:37 pm Post subject:

Dear ThaneKerner,
Ellison ROCKS - wish he were writing more. Heck, I'm still waiting for "The Last Dangerous Visions" (he's also a great editor.)
Regards,
John

mesquite · Joined: 04 Jan 2009 Posts: 80

QAWS is a credit to the expatriate community in Doha. These people deserve more respect and support. It was good to hear that some of the public has responded positively. Qatar Foundation should help them out, they have enough money.

lollaerd · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 337

It is nice to hear that some people have a community conscience.

Work to begin on new animal shelter

Plans for the new animal shelter: a far more efficient and impressive facility Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) is looking forward to rising like a Phoenix from the ashes when they begin building work on their new state-of-the-art animal shelter soon.The group, which lost their shelter in a fire last September, has been offered assistance by UAE-based architects Hamilton, who have designed the new shelter on a pro bono basis. Yesterday, Hamilton officials met QAWS representatives to discuss the future of the shelter and the concept behind the plans for the new facility.Although the project�s cost is unknown yet, it has been estimated at around QR10mn.

The complete area of the project will be around 10,000 sq m overall, with around 2,000 sq m making up the built-up areas, explained Hamilton�s architectural manager, Yahya al-Tahan, who described �Project Phoenix� as a pleasure to work on.�It is nice to do something different and my team and I have really enjoyed working on this,� he said, adding �this is a chance to give something back to the community.��At Hamilton we feel that everything is not always about fees and profits - we have the chance to contribute to the community here,� he added.Al-Tahan explained that love for animals was the main reason behind the company deciding to assist with the new plans for the shelter, explaining that his team had closely studied animal shelters in the UK and considered all the regulations necessary for such facilities.�This has been designed to the highest international standards,� he said, adding �there is nothing else like this in the region.�Al-Tahan explained that the concept behind the designs was that the shelter has to be a simple, minimalistic space where people can easily interact with the animals, and so he began by looking at Japanese architecture as an inspiration.

And the plans he has produced have certainly proved to be a hit with QAWS officials who described the prospective shelter as beyond their wildest dreams, saying �we just want it to be finished tomorrow!�
However, they are aware of the magnitude of the task ahead of them, and are looking forward to working with the entire community in Qatar to assist with building something for the future.
�This is another chance for Qatar to be a real leader in the region,� said QAWS chairwoman Janet Berry, �they can be the first country to offer this level of support to animal welfare.�The group will be hoping for organisations to offer their assistance in kind with the build, but they are also pushing to gain charity status � something they have needed for years, but are yet to achieve.�When people see these plans they will realise just how serious this is,� said Berry, adding �this is not a hobby, this will offer something the country needs, both now and in the future.�

Besides the numerous and extensive new facilities the shelter will offer to QAWS and its many resident animals, �Project Phoenix,� also contains a number of rooms and areas which can be used specifically for education � something QAWS have always felt passionately about.With many schoolchildren and young adults becoming regular visitors at the farm over recent years, the new shelter will offer far more sophisticated resources for educating new visitors about animal welfare whilst providing them the opportunity to interact with the rescued animals.Senior project manager, Sean Cormack, who has taken on the role of project manager for the new shelter, explained that his involvement stemmed from his passion for QAWS and the animals they look after.

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=338353&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16