By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Around 85 animal lovers from various nationalities took part in one of the biggest dog walking activities yesterday at the 2nd Chance Rescue-Qatar, one of the three animal shelters in the country.
The activity was organised by HERO-Qatar (Helping, Empowering, Recognising OFWs in Qatar), a non-profit Filipino organisation, in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Rho, to raise awareness about animal shelters in Qatar and services they provide to the community.
Regular walking is essential to dogs’ health and over 150 dogs at the shelter were given a chance to walk around the animal farm during the activity which also served as opportunity for HERO-Qatar members and supporters to bond over worthwhile cause. The group also donated bags of dog food to the facility.
The activity was led by HERO-Qatar President Kentry Beltran Ayson, HERO-Qatar Founding Chairman Henry Dimaano and Akhro-Qatar Representative Daryl Jan Violenta. It received an overwhelming support from other community groups, including Filipino Fitness and Health in Qatar (FFHQ); Pag-Iribang Bikolnon-Qatar (PIBQ); Cavitenos sa Qatar; WeGo Qatar; D’Fri3ndz; and ILoveQatar. EVE House of Catering and Events sponsored refreshments.
“We are glad to be able to put together this wonderful event which is a way of advocating the rights of animals. We are glad to support 2nd Chance Rescue-Qatar in its noble cause. We are also thrilled to be able to volunteer our services to the facility,” said Ayson. 2nd Chance Rescue-Qatar was established in 2009 as a rescue mission of Abdulla Al Naemi and later turned into a full-scale animal shelter, now home to over 150 dogs and 50 cats.
“We are thankful to efforts of HERO-Qatar and other Filipino groups in bringing attention to what we do at the shelter. We look forward to continuous support of communities to facilities like ours,” said Amy Redfern, Manager, 2nd Chance Rescue-Qatar.
2nd Chance Rescue-Qatar holds dog walking/Open Day on Saturdays from 3pm to 5pm. Those keen to visit the farm or donate dog food may email at [email protected] The Peninsula
