As if the holiday season didn’t pull at our heartstrings enough already, we’re about to go a step further. Prepare yourselves (this is going to be good, I promise).

If you haven’t learned this already, we’re a team full of animal lovers (hello, cruelty free!), and have a tendency to spend a hefty bit of our day perusing the pages of rescue groups and shelters sending posts, stories and pages to each other highlighting the latest sob story, plotting an impossible plan of how we’re going to save all the dogs of the UAE. Yes, we really do this – I’m not joking in the slightest.

The truth is, whilst we can’t “save them all” we can do one bit a time, and so can you. So, without further ado, our top 4 ways to gift with purpose this holiday season (and no, it's not entirely all about dogs)…

Foster a dog

Time off for the holidays? Looking to fill your house with a lot more love? Become a foster pawrent. Sure, this may not be a gift you can give to someone else, but it’s one that gives back to the greater good and to a helpless soul that can’t speak for themselves. There are thousands, upon thousands, of dogs, young and old, looking for homes – are you in a position to help? Below are just a few of the many rescue groups who could really use your help...

Bubbles Pet Rescue

K9Dubai

Stray Dog Center UAE

Gift a sponsorship – not a dog

We completely understand that adopting, and even fostering a dog (or cat) isn’t for everyone. It takes quite a bit of work, experience, and a whole lot of patience. But that doesn’t mean your ability to help the endless abandoned souls ends there – Stray Dogs Center is looking for Christmas sponsors. Thus far, 249 of 782 dogs (and counting) are sponsored with 533 pups to go! Visit their site here to sponsor and contribute to the shelter, food, care, medical treatment, and any necessary operations.

Sponsor a dog through Stray Dog Center UAE

Sponsor a dog through K9Dubai

Support a small business

When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance (we can fully vouch for this statement). The UAE is brimming with brilliant small businesses and start-ups that could use all the love and support you can possibly give this season. We’re proud to be supporting small businesses from the region and beyond who are doing their part to give back in big and small ways by going cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable and clean.

Gift outside of your circle

Sure, your friends and family would love a thoughtful gift from you this holiday season, but what about those who are facing financial hardship? Meanwhile, the holidays can be the happiest time of the year for some, others it can quite easily be the most heartbreaking. So, why not lighten the load for someone else and give back by sponsoring a family, donating clothes, toys, or food? For more info, check out this helpful guide on giving back in the UAE...

Learn how to donate in the UAE here

The holidays are so much more than material things, they’re about doing good, giving back and best of all putting the biggest smile on someone’s face that you can possibly imagine. If you ask us – no act of kindness is ever too small.