In the UAE, residents and dragon boat racers teamed up to rescue a pet dog that had been missing for a month, successfully reuniting it with its relieved owners.
Watch: UAE locals and dragon boat teams join forces to save pet dog missing for a month
Early on Saturday morning, an unusual team of UAE residents — including a group of dragon boat athletes, an animal rescuer, and this reporter — woke before dawn and paddled out to a Sharjah island on a mission: to locate a dog that had been missing for over a month.
The rescue effort was prompted by a report from a resident living on the 50th floor of a tower overlooking Al Khan Corniche. Pakistani expat Muhammad Zohaib, who has lived in the building for three years, told insider18 that he noticed “a faint movement” on the deserted island three days earlier.
“I was surprised because the island is isolated. There are no pathways for humans or animals, and the strong currents make swimming across almost impossible. Seeing a land animal there left me puzzled. When I zoomed in with my phone, I noticed something white and grey running around,” said the 24-year-old recent graduate.
Believing it might be a cat, he shared the video on a local Facebook group. A volunteer replied, saying it was likely a dog or possibly a fox due to its size. Tasmiyah, from the Red Paws adoption community, alerted authorities but also appealed to nearby residents for help, fearing the animal had limited access to food on the uninhabited island.
The main hurdle was reaching the island. A dragon boat racer from the Sharjah-based Paddle Tribe, who had seen the social media post, offered assistance. The group, about 20 members strong, usually practiced at Al Khan Corniche before sunrise to prepare for upcoming competitions.
“I used to have a dog who passed away two years ago, and I also have a rescued cat at home. If it goes missing even briefly, I worry. When I saw this video, I felt compelled to help another dog and its family,” said Francesca, a Filipino expat and dragon boat team member.
Within 24 hours of Tasmiyah’s post, a rescue plan was in place. At 6am, Zohaib, an animal lover hoping to run his own shelter someday, arrived at the shore with dog treats to lure the animal. Another resident brought a leash, treats, and feeding bowls to assist. Meanwhile, Tasmiyah had been contacted by two other residents who had missing pets in the area.
The team reached the island just before sunrise and finally spotted the animal: a husky matching the description of Meli, a dog that had been missing for over a month. Meli, a 1.5-year-old puppy, had eluded capture for hours as she scurried around the island. The dragon boat racers continued their practice nearby while rescue attempts continued.
Tasmiyah contacted Meli’s owners, a Sri Lankan couple, Sumudu and Sri, who joined the rescue effort. The couple explained that Meli went missing when she was taken for a walk without a leash. They had reported her disappearance to Sharjah Police and the Municipality but had almost given up hope.
“We lost Meli on December 7. She was our first pet in the UAE, and we tried everything to find her — posters, a reward, even contacting authorities. After nearly a month, seeing the video gave us hope that it might be her,” said Sumudu.
By 1.30pm, a professional rescue team arrived on-site, equipped to safely capture Meli. Two members of the dragon boat team joined the effort. “I had to step away briefly, but my coach and I returned to help. I really hope we succeed this time,” said Joy, a team member, during the afternoon rescue attempt.
The professional team successfully trapped Meli and brought her back on the boat. She appeared calm and receptive to affection, safely secured in a cage for transport to a veterinarian. Meanwhile, the dragon boaters paddled back to shore under the guidance of their coach, drawing attention from onlookers witnessing the rescue.
How Meli ended up on the small, shrub-covered island — surrounded by salt water with no drinking water and minimal food — remains a mystery. Rescue volunteers discovered her paw prints circling the area and a dead bird, indicating her struggle to survive.
Thanks to the cooperation of over 20 people — a diverse group of residents, dragon boaters, and animal lovers — Meli is now safe, receiving medical care, and finally reunited with her family.
The rescue of Meli highlights the incredible spirit of community in the UAE, where residents are often quick to respond in times of need. From amateur animal lovers to professional volunteers, the collaboration between strangers, inspired by a simple social media post, demonstrates how modern communication and civic responsibility can come together for a common cause. In neighborhoods like Sharjah’s Al Khan Corniche, residents often rely on one another, not just for emergencies, but for day-to-day support. Such acts of kindness foster strong connections among expatriates and locals, proving that a shared love for animals can bridge cultural and social differences.
Volunteers involved in the rescue say that coordinating the effort required patience, planning, and a lot of teamwork. The dragon boat racers used their paddling skills to navigate safely to the island, while animal lovers provided treats, equipment, and encouragement to coax Meli toward capture. The careful planning ensured the safety of both the rescuers and the dog, who was frightened and unfamiliar with human interaction at the time. By dividing responsibilities — navigation, baiting, and observation — the group managed to keep the operation organized despite initial setbacks during the early hours of the mission.
Meli’s ordeal also serves as a reminder of the challenges pets can face when unsupervised. Stranded on an island with no access to clean water or food, the husky’s survival instincts were put to the test. Experts say that pets lost in such isolated areas risk dehydration, injuries, or encounters with wild animals. Owners are advised to use leashes, microchips, and GPS trackers to prevent similar incidents. The story of Meli emphasizes the importance of pet safety, awareness of local geography, and community vigilance, particularly in areas with difficult terrain and strong currents like the Sharjah Corniche region.
Social media played a crucial role in reuniting Meli with her family. The initial video shared by Zohaib sparked a chain reaction of messages, calls, and posts that ultimately mobilized over 20 people to participate in the rescue. Platforms like Facebook and local WhatsApp groups have become vital tools for community-led initiatives, whether it’s helping lost pets, alerting neighbors about safety concerns, or organizing volunteer efforts. The incident demonstrates how digital connectivity can transform a small observation into a coordinated rescue operation, proving the power of collective action in modern urban communities.
For Meli’s owners, the reunion was a mix of relief and joy after weeks of uncertainty. Sumudu and Sri expressed deep gratitude toward the rescuers, describing the experience as life-changing. “Seeing her safe and healthy after nearly a month was emotional. We cannot thank everyone enough — their dedication, time, and care brought our dog home,” they said. The husky, once frightened, is now being treated medically and slowly adjusting back to her home environment. Stories like Meli’s highlight not only the bond between humans and their pets but also the extraordinary lengths a caring community will go to ensure the safety and well-being of animals.
