How to Help the Dogs of The Beirut Disaster

Donate to help the people and animals of Beirut here.

I have always been fascinated by the lives lived by dogs I see in my travels. Fortunately, my research and curiosity as an anthrozoologist provides ample opportunities to muse over the many highs and lows that dogs and humans navigate in their interconnected relationship across cultures. 

In 2019, I spent a large portion of my time hunched over my tape recorder translating, transcribing, and sifting through the patterns that emerged from extensive interviews I recorded during the previous spring. During my prior travels to Beirut with my husband (a native to Lebanon), I had often observed the ways in which the incredible people of Lebanon interact with the local dogs. I was fortunate to find a wealth of people who were willing to open up to me about their experiences. Some shared their homes with dogs and considered them to be a part of their family. Others thought dogs were pests who should stay out of sight and mind. Still more found themselves somewhere between these two inevitable extremes of human opinion. The Lebanese relationship with dogs is endlessly fascinating and those who are interested will be pleased to read more about this project in future writings. 

Now, however, I would like to discuss the terrifying reality that Lebanese dogs and humans are facing as they navigate the wake of a disastrous explosion in the port of Beirut. The media, quite rightly, is focused on the human devastation. As an anthrozoologist, it is my role to broaden our focus to include the animals with whom our lives are so inextricably intertwined. What has become of the dogs of downtown Beirut? Were lives lost? Were people separated from their beloved companions? What about local wildlife? Who is tending to their needs, if anyone?

Following the explosion, and my urgent calls to all of my friends and family in Lebanon, one of my first calls was to an unique organization that does unparalleled work to improve the welfare of animals in Lebanon. Their offices are in Hamra, a neighborhood of Lebanon that suffered extreme devastation during the blast. Jason Mier, executive director of Animals Lebanon, tells me that they have been in overdrive since the explosion first shattered the glass of their headquarters, injuring many of the animals inside. They are doing everything they can to reunite lost pets with their humans, rescue animals trapped in damaged or destroyed areas, give veterinary care to injured animals, care for animals whose owners were killed in the explosion, and so much more. I am so grateful for the work they do every day to help improve the relationship between humans and animals in Lebanon, but especially now during this hour of need. 

My husband, owner of Salon Riz on West 82nd street, and I have lived and worked on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for more than a decade. I have always been awed and inspired by the incredible generosity and kindness of our neighbors. The outpouring of kind words and concern from our friends since the explosion has been overwhelming. Thank you! Many people expressed a desire to donate or help, and they were looking for direction. So, we have organized a gofundme account where people can donate money. The funds collected over the next several days will be divided equally between Animals Lebanon (above) and Bassma (an incredible organization that is helping people who are suffering during this crisis). We wanted to do something for humans and for animals. We hope that it helps in some small way.

Donate to help the people and animals of Beirut here.

Thank you, everyone, for your love and generosity in the midst of our own stressors and struggles. Huge hugs and love back to all of you!