Boss
Boss adopted Hugz when he just showed up on his own several years ago. He’s really earned his name this year. When some huge boars approached Hugz, all the dogs ran for cover except Boss. He stayed, barking incessantly at the boars. And when one of them made a move towards Maad, he jumped in between Maad and the boar and chased him away...no small fete given that the boar weighed maybe four times boss's weight. Thanks to Virginia for sponsoring Boss.
Amira (“Princess”)
Amira is one of our favorites. She’been at Hugz for 3 years and is one of the friendliest dogs (she looks like she has some Lab in her). She just loves her belly rubbed and rolls over whenever she sees someone. Thanks, Laura, for sponsoring Amira.
Coco
Coco was rescued from a gang of kids tormenting her in a gas station. Ironically, she has now become one of our friendliest dogs with children and she loves to run and play with them. Coco had a very rough spay operation and barely survived. Ever since then she has become a love bug, begging for a hug from the ones she loves. Thanks to Winifred for sponsoring Coco..
Snoopy
Snoopy is a cuddly 50 pound teddy bear and loves to be smothered with love. She is our biggest dog and spent a few months as matriarch, before she decided it was too much work. She still breaks up fights between the adolescent dogs (like Bean and Basboosa), but you can find her most of the day just laying around enjoying the warm sun. She loves being at Hugz and shows her gratitude every day. Thanks Sherri for sponsoring Snoopy.
Amoura (“Moonlight”)
Maad and Usama were walking in a remote olive grove when a little puppy started following them enthusiastically. They returned to the area for several days hoping to find her mother, but instead were greeted by Amoura’s happy demeanor and wagging tail. After ensuring her mother was not in the area, Maad and Usama brought her to Hugz where her puppy-like exuberance has been contagious. We basically became her mother and she constantly expresses her love and gratitude, although we feel we are the lucky ones. Thank you,Theresa, for sponsoring Amoura.
Badu
Badu was surrendered to Hugz by a couple who had been working at a non-profit in Palestine but had to go back home. She’s a beautiful dog who loves people, but she had problems socializing with other dogs, especially at feeding time. We were so worried about her we even started looking at adopting her out. But then we introduced her to a new puppy named “Awiyeh”. Badu loved Awiyeh so much she’d let her eat right out of her mouth…inconceivable with any other dog. Now they are penmates and play with each other all day. Thanks for sponsoring Badu, Amy.
Anwar (“Light”)
Hussain rescued Anwar from the streets in Nablus and cared for him in his yard. As much as he loved him, his neighbors complained so he had no choice but to give him up to Hugz. Anwar had a hard time adjusting at first and the Hugz residents initially rejected him. It got so bad we started making arrangements to have poor Anwar shipped to America. But at the last moment, somehow Anwar was able to turn things around. He was able to make friends and be accepted and can now be seen running around playing with the other Hugz dogs.
Taybeh (“Sweet”)
Taybeh was rescued along with “Rooz” as one week old puppies, abandoned on the side of the road in a freezing rain. She and Rooz are inseparable and love to explore around Hugz together. Taybeh is an attention hog though (as you can see in the middle picture :)), and can’t wait for a human to enter the pen so she can play with them.
Farra (“Little Mouse”)
Farra came to us one day old, along with her 8 siblings and mother in January. Her mother was rescued from the streets of Ramallah by the Palestine Animal League when she was still pregnant from kids who were throwing rocks at her stomach. Farra and her siblings were born in PAL’s care and were entrusted to Hugz the next day. Farra is really enjoying life at Hugz, and although she is free to roam the Asira hills, she is the only un-penned dog that has decided to never leave the grounds. This is the only home she has ever known and she wants to protect it, and even as a tiny puppy, she would always patrol the grounds and bark loudly if anything was amiss. Thanks, Margaret, for sponsoring Farra.
Nilin
Nilin was found abandoned near a gas station in the village of Nilin, covered in dirt and oil. He fit right in when he got to Hugz and has been full of energy and curiosity ever seen he got here. He always tries to escape when we open the pen door, but he just runs around outside for a minute then comes right back, because he really loves his penmates and would rather play with them all day. Thanks to Kelly for sponsoring Nilin!
Awiyeh (“Strong One”)
Usama rescued this abandoned puppy from Nablus. Although she is very playful and friendly, she is unexpectedly strong and doesn’t let other dogs push her around. She is besties with Badu and they spend all day playing with each other. It’s always fun to open her pen because she can’t wait to attack whoever visits and shower them with kisses and hugs.
Fayrooz
Fayrooz was rescued when she was only a week old, in a freezing rain by the side of the road. She and her three siblings were brought back to life by our volunteer from France, Elodie. “Rooz” is now in great health. She’s super friendly and excitable and loves playing with other dogs, especially her sister Taybeh.