Our tripaws & other special needs dogs enjoyed a day at the beach
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Our shelter sits far out in the remote corner of Umm Al Quwain, off the grid, reached by a sand trail. Because of our location and the needs of our dogs, visits are limited to weekend volunteering activities, or by appointment only, which means the dogs don’t often meet visitors. Within these sandy surroundings live some of the most extraordinary dogs you could ever meet: tripaws, dogs with wheels, blind and half-blind dogs, paralysed dogs, many survivors of accidents and injuries that would have broken lesser spirits.
They may not be the dogs most people get to see, but they feel everything. They hope for everything. And they deserve everything.
This winter, a small group of our trusted, long-time volunteers decided it was time to give these special souls something they rarely experience:
A day out.
A day of joy.
A day where they were the ones chosen.
A heartwarming escape from the shelter
Our volunteers lifted tripaws gently into cars, carried blankets and water bowls, and reassured nervous bodies with soft voices and steady hands. They drove them away from the dry desert… and toward the sea.
What happened next was pure, unforgettable magic.
Dogs missing legs raced joyfully across the sand.
Tripaw Jack Russel mix Mimi went straight in for a swim!
Benny clearly enjoyed the day, like they all did.
Labrador mix Tango was gently helped into the water.
Blind Carla lifted her head to the breeze, taking it all in.
Some got to experience the water without getting wet.
For a few precious hours, these dogs weren’t defined by their injuries. They were simply dogs. Happy, free, loved dogs, all having the time of their life.
And that feeling matters more than words can express!
Sponsors needed for the special needs dogs
This beach day was made possible for a group of special needs dogs who continue to rely on daily care at the shelter. Every pawprint on the sand belonged to a dog who has overcome more than anyone should. Most of them may never find traditional homes. Not because they aren’t loving or worthy, but because their medical and physical needs. Finding adopters for dogs is difficult, finding homes for special needs dogs is even harder. That’s why sponsorship is not just helpful… it’s lifesaving.
Your sponsorship provides:
Daily meals
Medication and ongoing vet care
Safe shelter
Comfort and dignity
For a special needs dog, a sponsor is more than a supporter, a sponsor is their lifeline.
Strength,resilience, and so much love
Watch a dog missing a limb balance with determination.
Watch a blind dog navigate by scent and trust.
Watch a disabled dog light up when someone lifts them toward the sun.
These dogs are living proof that strength comes in many forms.
They love fully.
They forgive easily.
They hope endlessly.
And they deserve to be seen.
Can you help one of these survivors?
You don’t need to adopt — very few people can. But every person can do something meaningful:
❤️ Sponsor a special needs dog
Small actions create big change for dogs who have already overcome so much.
Gentle Flora loves getting love & cuddles
Sweet Bambi is a petite tripaw girl
Owen is a beautiful boy, also a tripaw
Talulah has a twisted nose, but it didn't stop her.
Craigey could not stop smiling, he just loved it.
Most dogs loved to have a swim while others watched.
A final thought
On this beach day, these dogs felt something they rarely feel in the quiet desert shelter:
They felt special.
They felt included.
They felt like they mattered.
And maybe, somewhere out there, someone will feel a spark when they see one of their photos which creates a connection that turns into a sponsorship, foster or forever home ❤️
Awww 🥰 Love this, amazing story, the volunteers and the poor broken doggies enjoying so much!!!