Bridget.

A sweet beautiful greyhound showed up in our doorstep a few months ago, when I came to visit my family. Initially, we were scared that it might bite us, but instead she just stood there and watched us walk inside our home. Since I sensed she is harmless, and having a soft spot for the homeless, I ran to the kitchen and re-heated some leftovers in the fridge; I hurriedly mixed them in a plastic bowl, and placed the food and water outside our gate, as the dog just stood there staring at me. I closed the door halfway and I saw her rush towards the plate and ate with gusto. I was both glad and sad seeing her consume the meal in less than a minute.

My mother named her "Bridget", in honor of the first female dog she had when she was younger. I know we’ve already created an invisible bond ever since we started feeding her, and she loves it every time I pet her when I’m around. She sees us off every time we go out, giving a sniff to my dress and our car, followed by a wag of approval. We also find her waiting at our doorstep anticipating our arrival at the end of the day. Some of our family friends have already met her, and she hasn’t snarled at any of them. I think she suffers from abandonment issues, and she wants to be adopted or adopt us somehow, but my dad said he saw her (possible) owner once. What I don’t understand is why he allows her to be out for so long without the concern that she may run into trouble? I know greyhounds require daily walk and 15-20 minutes of exercise every week, but keeping her outside for hours seems strange to us.

We don’t see her as a stranger any more, or an image to be feared. She is now part of our family even if she can’t live with us at the moment. Unlike in the Philippines, it’s odd to see stray dogs roaming around the streets of KSA, looking for a free meal or home. We would call PAWS to rescue stray animals and provide them shelter before putting them up for adoption. But like any homeless individual who craves for a home, love, and care, we will continue to provide Bridget’s daily chow and affection that she needs most, until we earn the right to keep her.