SPOTLIGHT: How adopting a dog changed my life
- tiina
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Interview with Chloe Shenton, proud dog mum to Kenji
Bringing a rescue dog into your life isn’t just about giving a homeless animal a second chance — it’s about opening your heart to something unexpectedly beautiful. For Chloe, a Dubai-based expat, adopting Kenji from Stray Dogs Center transformed her experience of living abroad and filled an empty space in her heart she had long felt, but couldn’t quite define.
We sat down with Chloe to hear how her decision to adopt a rescue dog in the UAE changed her life in ways she never imagined.
Q: Chloe, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to the UAE?
I moved to the UAE about seven years ago. Like many expats, I came for work and adventure — and while it’s been an amazing journey, there were times I felt really disconnected. Expat life has so many incredible highs but it can also feel painfully lonely at times - especially when you are far away from family, familiar comforts and the life you once knew. For a long time, I felt something was missing, like there was a hole in my heart I couldn’t quite explain.
Q: And then you met Kenji. How did that happen?
Yes! That was the moment everything changed. I came across Kenji through Stray Dogs Center after he was rescued from a dangerous situation. When I saw his adoption post on Instagram, I just had this overwhelming feeling — I had to meet him.
Here’s the crazy part: when I got in touch, I found out he was actually living in foster care in the same building as me! It honestly felt like fate.
Q: What was it like bringing home a rescue dog?
Life-changing. Truly. From the moment Kenji walked into my apartment, it was like something clicked. He’s so sweet, loyal, a little shadow that follows me everywhere like I’m his whole world.
I didn’t just adopt a pet — I gained a best friend, a reason to get out of bed on tough days. And that hole in my heart? He’s filled it with morning kisses and the purest kind of love.
Q: There are a lot of misconceptions about rescue dogs. What would you say to someone who’s hesitant to adopt?
Please, please don’t let the word “rescue” scare you. There’s this idea that rescue dogs are damaged or difficult but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
These animals are overflowing with love. They’re just waiting for someone to give them a chance. They don’t need luxury — just a safe home, a walk in the sun, a kind human to pet them. Someone to curl up beside at the end of the day. What you get in return is far more than companionship—it’s unconditional love, loyalty and emotional healing in ways you never expected.
Q: What has surprised you most about adopting a dog in the UAE?
I think the biggest surprise has been how many incredible dogs are waiting in shelters like Stray Dogs Center. There are literally thousands of abandoned and surrendered dogs in the UAE, just like Kenji — all of them deserving of love.
Also, the support from the rescue community here is amazing. From the team — all volunteers by the way — to Kenji’s amazing foster (who I’m still in touch with — Kenji even goes back for playdates!), it’s been such a warm and supportive experience.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about adopting in Dubai or the UAE?
Do it. If you’re ready to commit to caring for and to adding a four-legged family member to your home, please consider adoption. There are so many dogs out there — maybe your very own “Kenji” — who are just waiting to love you back.
Don’t shop. Adopt. And you might just find the piece of your heart you didn’t know was missing!
Interested in adopting a rescue dog in the UAE?
Find many of our dogs currently looking for homes on our website:
Start the process by filling your application and our team will help find your perfect match!
If you are unsure, or have no experience, you can start by fostering a dog to see how it works out. If you are happy, you can go ahead and adopt. We'll help and guide you through every step.
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