"When the original group of dog lovers first came together, the outcome they envisaged was a kennel club for pedigree dogs, along the lines of the UK. Kennel Club. This was quickly overtaken by the more urgent need for an organisation to help protect and re-home dogs in dire circumstances. Over the intervening years, K9 Friends has gone from strength to strength, until today it is established to the point where it is known by most people in the U.A.E. who have an interest in man's best friend." As a result of the formation of K9 Friends in 1989, thousands of dogs have been homed. In addition to this, we have funded veterinary treatment, reunited lost dogs with their owners and have been instrumental in homing an incalculable number of K9 and non-K9 dogs, as well as offering counsel to dog owners and rescuers. At the same time, we have raised awareness of the plight of dogs in the U.A.E. through a variety of ways. Under the chairmanship of Carol Mather, the founding member of the group, who steered K9 Friends through some turbulent times with her leadership as chairman for the better part of five years, a small band of volunteers pursued the ideal of compassion for dogs. until today it is established to the point where it is known by most people in the U.A.E. who have an interest in man's best friend. From the beginning, a large number of volunteers have done their "bit" to help realise the ideals of the founder members. The turning point for us came in the year 2000 when we finally, after a long struggle acquired our own kennel, with which we are now able to house some of the many needy dogs.
