Rescued Desert Dogs Find New Home in Sibonga, Cebu

Rescued Desert Dogs Find New Home in Sibonga, Cebu

In a heartwarming turn of events, 12 desert dogs from Kuwait have found a new lease on life in Sibonga, Cebu. The dogs, who had been residing in a makeshift shelter in an industrial zone in Kuwait, were flown to Cebu on August 15, 2025, aboard Qatar Airways.

The shelter, established in front of a building where Maria Donnabelle Lee works, faced imminent closure due to the building owner’s decision to remove the “eyesore.” With the shelter’s demolition scheduled by the end of July 2025, Donnabelle feared the dogs would be abandoned in the harsh desert conditions of Kuwait. Temperatures in the desert can soar to around 50°C during the summer and drop below 10°C in the winter, posing significant risks to the dogs’ health and safety.

Determined to save the dogs, Donnabelle reached out to her community and animal lovers both online and offline. Through their collective support, they raised funds to cover the expenses for transport, vaccinations, crates, and tickets for the 12 dogs. Donnabelle expressed her gratitude, stating, “I was so worried, I panicked. I cried in front of the dogs and asked that they help me pray for assistance.”

The rescued dogs, who had been living in the shelter for about five years after being rescued from the desert of Mina Abdullah during the pandemic, are now adjusting to their new home in Sibonga. Donnabelle emphasized that these dogs deserve a chance to live out their lives in a safe and loving environment, free from the threats of abandonment and harsh desert conditions.

This successful rescue operation highlights the power of community support and the impact of compassionate individuals in making a difference in the lives of animals in need.