Born in Oman during its renaissance, Nada Al Moosa considers herself a lucky Omani to have not only received education but also her other basic rights as a woman. With an electronic engineering diploma, Nada worked for 19 years before deciding to run her own business. However, most of you in Oman might recognise her as the woman who provides a home for strays; the one who shows love and compassion for our friends from the animal world with her initiative, ‘Omani Paws’ – a well-known animal rescue group. “An animal rights advocate” is how she defines her role. We caught up with Nada to give you an insight into her journey, the importance of being kind to animals, and what we can do to help her initiative.
Did you always feel so strongly for animals or was there something that made you an animal lover?
Not really! I was like most people in my society, indifferent to the struggle animals go through in Oman. However, in 2011 when my daughter and I adopted our first kitten as a pet, I began comparing the lush life of our kitten “Romeo” to the poor bin cats around us. So, I started buying cat food and feeding the strays, as well as began supporting the process of TNR (trap-neuter-release). Then it so happened that a pack of street dogs would come down from the mountain behind my house to eat the cat food, which is when I started buying dog food and feeding them as well. All dogs disappeared except one who would be around my house. I named him “Doggy” and he would walk with me to the bakery daily and wait for me all the time. Seeing the loyalty and love in him is how I learnt to love dogs.
When and why did you decide to start Omani Paws? Were you the only one to start this initiative?
In 2013, I heard about a dog that was attacked by acid. I went to see him at the vet, and this dog despite being in intense pain, he started wagging his tail, happy to see us visiting. I remember crying and telling him how sorry I am, I kept repeating “I am sorry, I am sorry.” I then met the kind couple who rescued him, Denise and Allan, and we kept going to visit the dog with a roasted chicken daily. Couple of months later, together with Denise and Varsha, who I met when we went to pick up new-born puppies that required bottle feeding foster homes; we decided that enough is enough and we need to come together to help street animals. That is how Omani Paws Rescue was founded in January 2014.
Could you share any reservations you may have had before starting Omani Paws? What did you need to consider before launching this initiative?
We didn’t have any reservations at that time. We formed a small group to help as many animals as we could with whatever resources we had. Years later our application to be a recognised charity is still pending, we realised that we are struggling on more levels and the most important one is the mindset of people around us towards these animals.
What are some of the challenges you consistently face with Omani Paws? How do you cope?
Rescuing animals is incredibly stressful, especially when you don’t have government support or even recognition. We struggle financially, emotionally, and logistically, as there is usually a general lack for foster homes. I am thankful to have met like-minded people through this rescue; we keep pulling up and encouraging each other.
Are there moments where you want to give up Omani Paws? If yes, how do you pull through these moments? If no, what is it that keeps these kinds of thoughts away?
Many times, but I remind myself that if I give up there will be one less person to care and help these poor animals. I think about my seven-year journey and reminisce over all the lives that I have helped save, all the happy dogs and cats around the world in happy homes, and this is what keeps me going.
How has Omani Paws influenced your life personally?
The rescuing bit has become the most important part of my life. I have somewhat neglected the other parts of my life at some point, which affected my businesses and my sanity. Rescuers tend to have mental stress; this is usually because we want to save them all but we realise we can’t and that in itself is heart shattering.
Why do you believe it is important for people to help animals?
I believe it is important for us to understand and acknowledge that this earth was made for all of us, to help each other, to coexist with each other. As humans we must have compassion towards the less fortunate, be it humans or animals.
What do you want to say to those that are ignorant and abusive towards animals?
Luckily in Oman there aren’t many who go out of their way to hurt animals. But there are many who are ignorant and abusive. People buy pets and keep them caged, they lose their pets, medically neglect them, and much more. So, to everyone, I would like to say, please think twice before you get a pet. It is a lifetime responsibility that comes with spending time, energy, and money to provide the right environment. Animals are living souls, not disposables.
In this time of COVID, how are animals affected? What are the most frequent issues you are facing to help these animals at such a time?
Because of COVID a lot of our supporters have left Oman, which means that we have less financial support, less foster homes, and fewer volunteers to help. It has also affected the number of dogs and cats sent to the US to be adopted through our rescue partners, due to the airport closure last year and lack of people who are willing to be travel buddies. We are also unable to have fundraising events.
What are your opinions in regard to these COVID related issues and what are some solutions you believe would help?
I think the most amazing thing during this time is the community that we have built over the years. these animal lovers are uniting despite it being a rough time for each of them and are doing everything in their power to help and support our initiative and the animals that need us.
In your vast experience with animals, what are the most common forms of animal abuse you have witnessed? How can people notice an abused animal and help?
Animals being kept in cages under the sun, not being taken care of, living without proper food or even water. These are the most common forms of abuse we see. However, now that Oman has put forward animal welfare laws, I urge people who witness animal abuse in any form to please report it to the concerned authorities.
When you put up animals for adoption, what is the process in picking the right owner? And what happens to those who do not find a home?
We go through interviews with the interested parties, followed by an adoption agreement to be signed. Once that is done and the animal is taken by the family, we follow up with calls and visits to ensure everything is okay and the animal is being well taken care of. We also send a lot of our Omani Paws Rescue animals to Europe and USA where they can find loving homes.
What is the most urgent form of support you need from our readers to help the animals in your care?
I would urge people to come forward to foster our rescue animals for a short time frame; fostering animals can save their lives. It also gives you the joy of having a pet without the lifelong commitment that you may be unable to provide for any reason.
What would you say to inspire people to help animals?
Remind yourself that animals are living souls. We can all help in relieving their struggles and sufferings in one way or another. The simple act of putting out a bowl of water can help save so many lives.
If you have any queries, or would like to help, you can reach Omani Paws on Facebook and Instagram with the name Omani Paws Rescue. You can also send them an email at omanipaws@gmail.com