Pedigree & Whiskas Dubai Pet Show

Yesterday we headed to the 22nd Annual Dubai Pet Show. It was a super fun morning and Fayth was in all her glory!! She is AN ANIMAL LOVER and really enjoyed seeing ALL the different dogs. Not to mention she got to spend the entire morning with her friend Ryan!!

Expats "breed" a new life into the pet culture club. The families from Western Europe are mainly what has bought "pets" into the Emirates. Owning pets is a relatively new phenomenon in the UAE. There is a ban here on pets in parks, shopping malls, and on beaches, and a requirement to inoculate annually against rabies and to register them with the municipality. These things have failed to deter expats from keeping animals back home in their countries. Pet numbers are increasing at the rate of 10 per cent a year. In some Muslim countries dogs are regarded as unclean but the Salukis (a certain breed) are given a different status in Arab cultures because of their loyalty, intelligence and history of travelling and hunting across the Middle East with nomadic desert tribes. This dog is admired for its beauty, speed, and endurance in the hot climate.

When it comes down to it...it's fair to say "expect a mixed reaction when walking dogs in Dubai." And, do not give a "local" a toy dog or a picture of your pooch as a present. More than other countries you are expected to keep your dog under control, avoid busy streets, and warn any workmen coming into your home that you own one. There are few dog-friendly parks, cafes' and restaurants. And they say the desert is the best place for a runaround!

I must say where we live we see dogs all over the place. They are always on a leash and going out for a walk or to do their business!! Plastic bags are a must if you are a pet owner and need to be carried at all times. If dogs are confiscated they will be returned to the owners within three days provided they have a tag number and a fine of 2,000 AED...or 547.00 US dollars is paid!!

Now...for the fun part...THE PHOTOS!! I had to include a ton because we loved all the dogs at the show!! Our all time favorite...the English Sheep Dog...and he took second place!!

Are we getting a dog in Dubai?? No way...not in this apartment! Will we get one upon returning to the states...YES YES YES!! Can we agree as to which kind we all like?? NO!! Jon wants big and ugly, I want cute and cuddly, and Fayth...she wants a pink dog...one day she wants one that's big the next day that's small!! I guess we can "duke it out" when the day comes...for now...we love to pet, get kissed and watch other peoples dogs!!

**PS** be sure to double click on the lady in striped pants and wearing a white hat...she was the "looker" and the "hot topic" at the show!! No JOKE...she had to be 70 years old!!