Hello all,

Apologies for my long abscence. Things have been a little hectic around here lately.

How have you been? Enjoying the weather? Because, yes, I'm still awaiting the day when I will put on a cardigan/sweater, even a pair of socks? Hee hee!

But, bizarrely, it's now spring for all things nature. All the birds are fighting for their mates, just like a night out at a nightclub, I guess. Even the giraffes are bashing necks! How do I know that? Well, we had a lovely few days at Sir Bani Yas Island........ Enveloped by the rugged and breathtaking natural beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island and located just two hours drive away from the city of Abu Dhabi, lies the alluring Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.

Well, yes, that was a quote from their brochure! Very nice too. But the wonderful thing it is an animal conservation site and wildlife reserve, and houses many endangered species there. We didn't see all 87 km, but went out on a little buggy, much like a safari. We saw a cheetah and many, many sand gazelles, I was even to be seen negotiating a kayak in the mangroves!! But, my, that's harder work than it looks on paper! I felt like a wrestler afterwards. So, enough chat, you want to see a giraffe.

Giraffe picture.

I like the way you can see her little tongue sticking out. I think she looks like a Mary, not sure why?

Anyway, I have two new little additions to the family to share with you. No, I haven't had twins. These are two rescue dogs we've just adopted, from a wonderful charity here called Strays Of Abu Dhabi (www.straysofabudhabi) Animals have been hit hard by the recent recession. And many expats left animals or gave them to this charity when they lost their jobs. Both our new dogs were found wandering the streets here in Abu Dhabi.

I'll say a BIG HELLO to Harry and Sheila first! Sorry about my lack of blog. And we're thinking of you Harry! Looking forward to you visiting us soon. Hopefully it won't be puppy chaos by then

So, introducing Bonnie. I usually call her Bonnie Minx. Because she is a bit of a minx.

Very inteligent young lady she is too.

And introducing Suki, the Saluki. A pedigree, possibly from a puppy mill. It really stresses how important it is to check your new dog doesn't come from a puppy mill. They are really designed to make the most money with the least amount of care for the dog. Very often, they have socializing problems and are not comfortable with people. They are also prone to health problems which is bad for your dog and can also be very expensive.

Suki, the Saluki

She's a little underweight at the moment, but is really enjoying her new garden.

Anyway, I'd dearly appreciate all you onliners to join my cause on facebook?

 I've gathered together a group of talented artists (including myself), 13 at the last count! who are all donating one of their paintings for a big charity art auction I'm organizing in April 2010. Just joining this group: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/388344/93770468?m=b20fc063 would really help gather some momentum and stir up some publicity. I'm donating my racehorse painting from my website page www.moorethanart.com

The great thing that underpins www.straysofabudhabi.com is that they also go into schools and educate youngsters about what they do and how to treat dogs/strays found. More awareness of this in middle east would be great.

I already have 12 willing artists and volunteers. You can help in many ways: just join the cause! or make a small donating if you wish! or if you an artist/photographer who would like to donate some artwork just contact my via facebook under the name!  'Artist Laurel Moore'. Thanks