Like most languages, there are two forms of Arabic we use here. Modern Standard Arabic is what is used in work correspondence, news media, news channels, government communication and so on. And the other is the Bahraini dialect and slang that is used in everyday life and conversations with each other.

Both the forms have their place and we know when to use either of the two. Can you imagine using the official proper form for a casual conversation, like talking about what the neighbors did.

If you grew up in the 90s in Bahrain like I did, you will remember the kind of Arabic dubbed for cartoons like Captain Majid, Jazoora and Nus Batal. I didn't think much of it then but I visibly wince listening to it now. However, I do enjoy speaking that kind of Arabic out loud just for fun when I am alone or with my furry friends at the shelter.

In fact, this happened once at the shelter before Covid-19 when I was about to take Jager out for a walk. Jager unintentionally added a fresh item to my love scar collection and in pain I blurted out "تبا لك أيها الأحمق" which means "Damn you, you idiot." I thought I was alone until I turned around and saw a three Bahraini volunteers standing there and give me funny looks.

From then on, I make sure to do a 360 degrees look around before I open my gob.

The last weekend during Eid, I hung out with Sunny and Rollo on Friday and with Trio and Falcone on Saturday.

I really missed my baby Sunny and I decided to walk out with him first. He really is one of the most easygoing of dogs and I have always enjoyed our peaceful times together. However...he has two pet peeves - he is uncomfortable when carried and absolutely abhors baths.

Though he enjoys a good soak in the tub, he hates water being poured on him. Every time we walk past the bath areas or towards them, he starts bucking like a horse that has just seen a rattlesnake.

It was really hot and humid on Friday and the tub in the parking lot was in use. So I really wanted to cool him down but he downright refused to go to the bath area. So I decided to get another tub out and fill it up. The moment I walked near the hose, he panicked. You can imagine my dilemma and how exasperated I was getting. Thankfully, my fellow volunteers stepped in and helped fill it up.

I heaved a sigh of relief when he got into the tub.

Sunny would make a wonderful addition to any family, but watch out for bath-time.

Now Rollo is a chilled out dude. He's no fuss and is a simple guy at heart. He just wants his walk, food, water and tender loving care. He's up for any walk no matter how far the distance. He'll match you step-for-step.

In all the time I spent with him, I know we don't click but yet he is courteous and friendly with me. If that ain't a good example of a gentleman, I don't know what is.

In the short time I have spent with her, Trio has started to grow on me. I think it is because she reminds me so much of Safina.

She has so much of energy to burn and alot of places to explore. She keeps me on my toes as, at the moment, she doesn't get along with other dogs. But that can be remedied with patience and training.

In my previous walks with her, she keeps her distance from me. But this time she really warmed the cockles of my heart. I was giving her a scratch on her head and when I removed my hand, she pressed the side of her body to my leg to let me know she wants more of that good scratching.

It's moments like these that reminds me why I keep coming back to the shelter.

Falcone is another one of those fuss-free dogs. He is always rearing to go for a walk and puts his front paws up on you at the start to urge you to get going. You will end up telling him, "Alright! Alright! Keep your breeches on. We're going."

When he is in his kennel is when you will see that he withdraws into himself. When you look into his eyes, you will see a hesitant hope that maybe it will be you that will take him home.

It's looks like that really get to me every time. I pray he finds the forever family looking for a tender soul like him.

What really does cheer me up in these moments of melancholy is being surrounded by my fellow volunteers, who have also become dear friends in all the time we have spent together.

The shelter is not just a place to make furry friends, you could end up bumping into your next prospective bestie.

If you do get the time this weekend, I do hope to see y'all at there.

Note: Do please call ahead to make an appointment, if you are interested in adopting or volunteering.