Review: A Dog's Purpose

I love reading, especially books related to animals and I thought maybe I'll start doing some reviews on books that I read that are related to animals! The latest book I read was W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose.

It is a fictional novel that takes you through the multiple lives of a dog who, in each life, learns something in order to achieve something in his next life. If you do not like the idea of reincarnation, then this book will be confusing for you. However, the author's way of writing was exciting and it grabbed my attention so well. I took the book with me to school and read between classes, it was so hard to put down! The book has funny moments, things that will make you smile, and situations that will make you cry.

The book let's you view the life of a stray puppy, a purebred puppy, a working dog and more all from the dog's point of view. It is very interesting and it gives you an idea about how dogs see our daily lives and how they live with us without actually understanding our language or why we do what we do.
It is such an amazing book that makes you realize all the things dogs do for us that make our lives better. It made me think about my dogs and all the dogs I have raised or found homes for and what they have done to effect me and other people in so many ways. A Dog's Purpose is a must-read for dog lovers!

I got the book from last year's annual bookfair in Kuwait, but you can find it on Amazon, there's also A Dog's Journey.

Australia Zoo!

WOOHOO!

Home of the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is located in Queensland, one hour drive from where I'm staying. Of course, I went to see it!

First of all, the feelings I had on my way were so messed up I felt weird, like I was about to take a test! Anxious and nervous because I have been watching Steve on Animal Planet for as long as I can remember! His passion towards animals (especially crocodiles) was so inspiring to me and I have always wanted to meet him. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2006.

When I got there, I could not believe my eyes! I was there, standing where Steve, a childhood hero once stood! I was so overwhelmed I had to fight back my tears. I am in the place I've always wished to visit!

The zoo is spectacular. All the animals were active and curious about the visitors! There were playgrounds, diners, cafes, and gift shops everywhere. Posters and statues were in every single corner, which were cool to pose next to. Shows were on through out the day as well as animal encounters and volunteers to answer your questions.

Apart from me being obsessed with being there, it was such an educational trip and it made such an impact on me to see some rare animals and I got to know how I can help to save them. So over all, the place is a haven for animal lovers, an adventure for families and kids and an educational hot-spot for those wanting to know more about animals.

The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve is being threatened by strip mining. Click on the link to learn about how you can Save Steve's Place.

I'll leave you now with some pictures that I took at different parts of the zoo such as Tiger Temple (my favorite!), ElephantAsia, Roo Haven, the Crocoseum, and many more! (Click on the picture to zoom in).

Starting a movement!

For those of you who are not following me on Instagram, I want to tell you about my StartAMovement hashtag.

This #StartAMovement is put on everything that is part of the movement I hope to start, which is Animal Care Awareness. I was inspired by one of the people I follow (@ozyzz). By this movement, I hope to get more people interested in learning about animal care and cruelty. In addition, some may even post information regarding pet care and certain breeds etc.

So if you love animals or pets and want to make Kuwait a better place for them, start posting the RIGHT information (seriously, make sure you do not post things that are not proven and are not true. So no rumors and ancient beliefs.) and tagging them with #StartAMovement. This way you can spread information and encourage others to learn and ask about animals.

Some of the accounts I really enjoy following on Instagram are:

@19green78

This man Fahad Al-Roumi posts a LOT of basic information about different kinds of animals in both English and Arabic. Very interesting new info about weird animals and fish as well! He deserves an applause for the work he does.

@dog_breeds_q8

Manal, who is a good friend of mine posts about different dog breeds, their requirements and some info all in Arabic. If you love dogs and you'd like to know more about them then you should check her profile out.

 @allaboutdogs1

This account is also about dog breeds. Very good information (mostly in Arabic) about certain things like the size of the litter and certain diseases. It mentions the basic things you need to consider before adopting (or buying) a certain dog breed.

 @emeraldscattery

This account is owned by a Chinchilla cat breeder. I usually wouldn't support breeders but the account is full of information that is helpful for cat owners. It's clear that the breeder is a responsible one, so I guess it's okay. A question-and-answer type of pictures in both English and Arabic which is fantastic. Plus pictures of cute Chinchilla cats!

If you have any suggestions please leave them in the comment section below or send me a message using my Contact Me page!

Blogging at last!

I missed this!

Dear readers,

I apologize for not posting anything for a while, but I hope you understand that I was in over my head with things to do since I got to Brisbane, Australia. I will make sure to post whenever I can.

First, I keep getting asked "How is studying vet?!". The thing is, as an International Student I have to take a Foundation Year. So right now I am taking biology, chemistry, maths, academic English and behavioral science. Not YET studying vet, just to make things clear.

Anyways, I am loving Brisbane. The biodiversity here is breath-taking, and I haven't seen all of it yet! I'm seriously enjoying the weather, though it can be unpredictable. The people are really nice, super friendly and the other students with me in Foundation Year are too. I am the only person that is studying veterinary science (as I know, I don't know everyone). I'm desperate to get to know other students who are wanting to study vet it's pathetic. lol.

Lastly, I wanted to tell you all something exciting! I have signed up to the RSPCA's UQ Veterinary Science Students Program. It is a volunteering program for students who are studying vet (obviously) where they can do some work at the RSPCA shelter and farm. I'm so excited to start it is making me count the days! Hopefully I'll be able to share this experience with you all!

Note: most pictures are taken at Roma Street Parklands.