Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
When Sarah Clarke's story of adopting and bringing up her two dogs, Jack and Baloo, in Bahrain was recently featured in GulfWeekly, she had no idea where it would lead her.
Scores of readers responded and they all had special tales to tell about their experiences of looking after pets in the kingdom.
Sarah's friend Pauline Richards of Delmon Boarding Kennels, a day care centre where dogs can go swimming, training on treadmills and stay during their masters' vacations, was also overwhelmed by the interest it generated.
As a result the two enterprising ladies decided to embark on a literary journey and put together a book that would act as a guide into adopting and taking care of canines in the desert.
The 'to be' authors are encouraging owners, young and old, to continue to contribute to the venture by relating their own dog's story. They assure everyone that writing skills are not as important as the tale.
Along with photographs and details of different dogs such as breed and sex, Sarah and Pauline are collecting information on the difficulties, problems and training procedures that have worked or failed for different dogs and, most importantly, the personal real life stories about what it is like to bring up a dog in the region. Among the softer aspects, they also want the dog owner to write about what they love about their pet.
The two dog lovers believe that there are plenty of moving stories out there. Sarah, 44, from Al Jasra, said: "Recently I came across a woman who said that her late dog was responsible for changing her life.
"Talking from my personal experience I know that taking care of a dog is not easy. I want people to cut down on adopting on a whim and realise that taking care of a dog is hard and emotionally draining.
"There are practical problems involved - dogs need a lot of physical activity. If there are no rules in place and if you don't know what to do with a dog it will take over your house. Fifty per cent of misbehaviour problems are due to lack of exercise.
"Many are happy to give a dog a home but suddenly find that it's too much, or that they are leaving the island, or get pregnant, and for several legitimate reasons decide they cannot take care of it anymore.
"This results in many sad stories that are unnecessary. Dogs suffer from lots of problems - they can be car sick, travel sick, claustrophobic, have fear of walking on tiles and can also dominate their owners. If you don't want your dog it is better to put it to sleep rather than abandoning it. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment.
"Many feel alone and too proud to ask silly questions about raising a dog. The book will help readers understand the basics and help them find the dog within."
Pauline, 49, from Janabiya, added that children are especially attached to dogs and the driving force behind the book is the love for these animals.
The book will contain a selection of the best stories they gather and the money raised will go to a yet unnamed animal welfare project on the island. Sarah said: "Everyone who contributes to the project will have a say in the matter. Some ideas include a dog match-making service on the internet and a scholarship fund for an animal that needs a finishing school.
"We do need some assistance - in the research, photography, graphic design and advice on publishing and we are looking for a kind benefactor who wants to support us."
If you have a doggie tale to tell don't hesitate to email your story to sfclarke2@aol.com or give it to Pauline at Delmon Boarding Kennels, Barbar, by September 30.
