In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell speaks with Yvonne Senden, the founder of Doggie Adventures, about her journey in creating a dog-friendly community in the UAE. They discuss the challenges of dog ownership in the region, the importance of public etiquette, and the exciting initiatives like Leash Explorer and WoofStock that promote responsible pet ownership and community engagement. Yvonne shares her insights on how to make the UAE more dog-friendly and the responsibilities that come with being a dog owner.

Where can you find Yvonne?

Doggie Adventures (Website, Instagram, Youtube)

Leash Explorer (Website, Instagram)

WoofStock (Website, Instagram)

Takeaways:

• Doggie Adventures was founded to create a better life for dogs in the UAE.
• Public etiquette is crucial for responsible dog ownership.
• Leash Explorer offers exciting adventures for dogs and their owners.
• WoofStock is a festival dedicated to dogs and their well-being.
• Community engagement is key to making the UAE more dog-friendly.
• Dog owners must respect public spaces and other people's comfort.
• Education about dog behavior is essential for both owners and the community.
• Creating a directory of dog-friendly places helps pet owners navigate the UAE.
• Yvonne emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership.
• Future initiatives aim to enhance the dog-friendly community in the UAE.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]- Introduction to Yvonne and Doggie Adventures

[03:23]- The Journey of Doggie Adventures

[06:04]- Challenges of Dog Ownership in the UAE

[08:50]- Public Etiquette and Responsibility of Dog Owners

[11:26]- Community Engagement and Advocacy for Dog-Friendly Spaces

[14:19]- Navigating Dog Etiquette in Public Spaces

[19:36]- Consultations and Community Engagement

[20:22]- Introducing Leash Explorer

[21:51]- The Annual Challenge and Activities

[23:17]- Inclusivity in Dog Activities

[25:29]- Planning Hikes for All Dogs

[27:27]- Creating Wolf Stock: A Dog Festival

[31:48]- Making Communities Dog-Friendly

[35:46]- Future Plans and Community Feedback

[38:16]- The Power of One: Inspiring Change Through Love

[39:07]- Creating Welcoming Spaces for Dogs and Humans