A Mother’s Fight to Reunite Her Family – Including Their Three Beloved Dogs
A mother’s journey to reunite her children with their three beloved dogs after their lives were turned upside down is a testament to love, perseverance, and the power of community.
In October, her world shattered overnight. Faced with an unexpected and traumatic life event, she was left reeling. Her primary focus was getting her children to safety in South Africa. But there was another painful decision looming—what to do with their three dogs, who had been a source of comfort, joy, and stability for her family.
Financially, it seemed impossible to fly them home. Agonizing over the thought of rehoming them, she knew in her heart that separating the two male dogs wasn’t an option. The stress was overwhelming. “I found myself traumatized, in a trauma daze, unable to function properly,” she shared. “But I desperately needed to get to my children.”
One emotional breakdown in front of her neighbors turned out to be a turning point. Without her knowing, they reached out on Facebook, sharing her story in hopes of finding a solution. And that’s when strangers became lifelines.
On a Sunday morning in November, she received calls from kind-hearted people who had seen photos of her dogs online. They understood there was more to this story than just a rehoming post. They offered help—real, tangible help.
A team formed. Some stayed through to the end, others helped along the way, but together they made the impossible possible.
Ralph became a constant figure in the dogs’ lives, taking them on walks, getting them groomed, and donating his time, energy, and funds. Sanobar stepped in when they had no place to go, paying for three months of boarding and ensuring the dogs were safe. Safinaz provided ongoing support and encouragement, while the neighbors who started it all—Sharmen and Mohan—offered a safe place to cry, rest, and regroup.
Through community fundraising and the generosity of strangers, they managed to raise almost all the funds needed. As of now, there’s AED 6,700 left to reach the goal. Soon, the dogs will be on their way to South Africa, where they’ll reunite with their family and run freely on the beaches.
Her message to everyone is simple yet profound:
“We never know what people are facing in their life. While we can’t always help financially, we can be kind—and that can have an immense impact.”
At PETWITHIT, we believe in sharing stories like this because they remind us of the compassion and love that exist within our community.
