A Walk That Stayed With Us: STARTRADER at Animal & Us Fujairah

More than Just an Act of Kindness

It started with a few wagging tails and unfamiliar yet instantly lovable furry faces. When the STARTRADER team arrived at Animal & Us Fujairah, smiles lit their faces as they prepared to share another act of kindness. They donated bags of food, as well as harnesses, to support the shelter that has been taking care of the pets.  However, the visit turned out to be something far more personal: a rare connection and memories that will never be erased.

About Animals and Us

Tucked away in Fujairah, the shelter Animals and Us is exerting great efforts to support those furry, fragile creatures. From providing shelter to taking care of the animals’ health and well-being, the team never falls short in doing all that they can. STARTRADER has always been supportive of such humanitarian causes, and thus this initiative came to life.

This shelter is a story of compassion, with Michelle Francis Mathanda as its main author.  A full-time primary school teacher, Michelle had too much compassion in her heart to remain idle when it came to animals in need. She began with a humble and simple start—rescuing animals and sheltering them in her home in 2006.

But when the numbers grew beyond what she could manage, she made the bold decision in 2016 to rent an industrial warehouse and gradually transform it into a fully functioning shelter.

Unforgettable Memories

All it took was a tail switch, and soon each of the STARTRADER’s team members was carrying a harness in hand. Though some dogs were a bit hesitant at first, they could soon feel the love the team came to show and they started to roam around freely with their companions.

And the STARTRADERs soon got their gift: laughter, joy and satisfaction engulfed the whole visit. There wasn’t much noise. No ringing phones, no keyboards. Just the sound of footsteps, some two-legged, some four and a sense of achievement, of giving back to the community.

Final Thoughts of Love

What began as a CSR visit became a reminder of something deeper: Sometimes, support looks like a hand holding a leash, walking beside someone who simply needs a companion, even if only for a little while.

The team left with muddy heavier shoes, yet lighter hearts! The dogs stayed behind but their eyes were brighter as they were seen, heard and walked with even if for a short while.

And for STARTRADER, that was the real reward, as the team aims to continue to support those less privileged and make a real impact one step at a time.