Abu Dhabi Week caught up with the visual arts graduate who acts as a ‘voice for the voiceless’ through her online rescue group Animal Action – Abu Dhabi (AA-AD).
Tell us about AA-AD.
AA-AD is a volunteer-run rescue group with three main volunteers and many others who take on smaller jobs. We have the biggest amount of animals for a non-funded rescue group with no shelter that we know of. We usually have around 80-100 animals for adoption at a time and rely entirely on foster homes.
Is there a rescue story that had a significant impact on you?
My proudest adoption story was Chaucey, a dog we could not find a home for for 21 months. You could see the life go out of his eyes. He’s now been adopted and has an amazing family. When we announced his adoption there were lots of happy tears.
What is your proudest moment with AA-AD?
Making the Animal Action video almost a year ago. I had to go through hundreds of pictures and videos and realised what a difference we’ve made. I was personally proud when I came third for the Ahlan Best Personality Award. I realised people were grateful for the work I was putting in.
How do you balance AA-AD with being a visual artist?
I think of managing AA-AD as my full time (unpaid) job and then I paint in the evenings once it starts to quieten down online. I paint to survive; I rescue dogs to live.
To find out more visit: www.facebook.com/AnimalActionAbuDhabi
