US naval personnel and sailors recently visited the Bahrain Animal Rescue Shelter (BARC) in Hamala to provide much-needed assistance to hundreds of abandoned animals that are sheltered there.
The visit was part of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s Community Relations (COMREL) programme, which allow sailors and NSA departments the opportunity to reinforce morale by demonstrating community stewardship.
Volunteers built cat climbing towers from wood pallets provided by the NSA Bahrain Environmental Department and power tools from the Public Works Department.
Naval personnel walking a dog at the shelter
Sailors also participated in other volunteer activities including walking the dogs, playing with cats and levelling terrain around the facility.
“The experience was great,” said Hull technician first class Marcos Marmolejo, one of the sailors visiting the centre.
“It combined two of my favourite activities – volunteering and playing with dogs, especially Victor, the pitbull I walked,” he added.
The centre is currently inviting volunteers to walk the dogs and become flight buddies.
BARC is currently home to more than 150 cats and 300 dogs.
The sanctuary opened in 2018, providing a new home for the animals earlier sheltered at the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Saar, run by the late Tony ‘The Dogfather’ Waters.
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