5 years at the shelter, is it Zoro's turn now?

Zoro spent most of his life at the shelter

Zoro was brought to Stray Dogs Center in Umm Al Quwain by the municipality. This was over five years ago. Born likely in 2017, his early life remained a mystery — but what we do know is that he spent more than half his life waiting behind shelter gates, one of our nearly 1,500 dogs hoping for a second chance.

Now, Zoro’s luck has finally started to turn. Thanks to the dedication of Kristen, one of our long-term volunteers, this gentle boy was able to leave the shelter this summer, and begin a new chapter in Dubai. His first stop was a temporary foster home, where he experienced the simple joy of living in a real home again—what a relief it must have been after years in the shelter! Unfortunately, the foster family had to travel, and Zoro was moved into boarding. Still, after his long years at the harsh shelter, boarding feels like a hotel, it even comes with air conditioning. More importantly, being in Dubai gives him visibility and the chance to attend adoption events, where he just might meet his forever family—or another kind soul willing to foster him while he waits.

Zoro’s journey in pictures

At the shelter

Zoro spent years in the shelter, living in a shared pen with several other rescues.

A beautiful fluffy boy with amber eyes

Zoro was the only black dog in his pen

A favourite of the volunteers

Zoro’s calm nature stood out, even in such a crowded environment. Over the years, the shelter volunteers grew very fond of his friendly and gentle demeanour.

Waiting for the shelter gates to open

Zoro enjoying the volunteers cuddles

Shaved for skin issues

Like many dogs who spend long periods in a shelter, Zoro faced some health issues. He was examined by the shelter vets before leaving and had to be shaved down to treat his skin issues related to the extreme heat. Even then he remained patient and gentle through it all.

All set to go!

Shaved and medicated before his departure.

In the car leaving the shelter

One of the most emotional moments of Zoro’s story came when he finally sat in a car, leaving the shelter behind. For the first time in years, he was heading toward a new chapter in his life. This is what we hope all our dogs get to experience.

Leaving the shelter after 5 long years.

First stop: a temporary foster home

Zoro experienced the warmth of a home environment in a temporary foster home. It gave him a taste of the life he deserves, and he adapted beautifully. Clearly he has lived in a home before and longs to go back to one.

First time in a home for ages.

New experiences

Zoro got to visit doggy parks and discover the surroundings of his temporary living area during his daily walks. He even got to go to a restaurant, and was very excited. He is so well behaved he could go anywhere!

Visiting a restaurant for the first time in his life

Visiting doggy parks was fun

Discovering the new neighbourhood on his walks

At his first adoption day

Zoro recently attended his very first adoption event in Dubai. Meeting new people and other dogs, he showed everyone just how polite, calm, and loving he truly is.

Dogs at adoption day waiting to get chosen

Our adoption day volunteer offering Zoro a treat

Zoro making friends at adoption day

Today in boarding

Thanks to the wonderful boarding facility, Zoro now enjoys daily comfort and care in boarding while he waits for the right family to find him. Can you see the light in his eyes? He knows... he's only one step away from his forever home and a family to call his own! If you would like to meet Zoro to foster or adopt, please fill the application and we'll be in touch!

Gorgeous boy, enjoying the new phase of his journey

Zoro makes friends everywhere he goes

Dogs also get to swim in boarding

Surrounded by buddies with a light in his eyes

Meeting Zoro: The polite gentleman

Zoro has shown resilience, patience, and kindness through every stage of his journey. He is calm, gentle, and remarkably tolerant—whether with dogs, cats, or even children. Volunteers describe him as a “polite gentleman,” and anyone who meets him quickly sees why.

Why Zoro’s story is so rare

We have almost 1,500 dogs in our care, and the reality is that very few get the chance Zoro did.

Statistically, less than 1% of long-term dogs are lucky enough to leave the shelter for foster or boarding.

Zoro has beaten the odds, but his real happy ending hasn’t arrived yet, he still needs a forever home.

How you can help Zoro

Zoro needs vet sponsors to cover urgent dental care (scaling and treatment) 🦷

Donations for Zoro’s veterinary care can be made directly to Kara’s Veterinary Clinic. Please mention Zoro/SDC when sending your support 🙏 

DONATE FOR DENTAL CARE

  Can you foster Zoro, or better yet, adopt him? ❤️

Even though he is enjoying his stay in boarding, nothing beats having a home of your own. A soft bed and a hooman to cuddle up to and walk with... Please fill either the foster or adoption application and one of our team members will be in touch, to answer any questions you may have and to arrange for you to meet Zoro in person.

ADOPTION / FOSTER APPLICATIONS

Hoping for his forever home

Zoro has already proven that senior shelter dogs are just as deserving of love as any pup. He has been given a rare chance to step out of the shadows, and now all he needs is the right family to see him for the treasure he is.

👉 If you’d like to foster or adopt Zoro, please contact Stray Dogs Center. We would love this long-timer’s wait to finally end in love ❣️

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