HELP ME spend my last few years with my MOM!

This is a story the rescue community face often, the hardest decision in the world for expats.Miles away from home, lost job, lost home and facing the prospect of leaving behind your greatest friend, your dog.

This is when you forget your pride you beg, borrow and ask for help from anyone, as you owe in this case your friend Tomato, every effort you can to take him with you.Please lets keep him where he belongs.

Every penny will help tomato.

The following words are those of Tomato's owner asking for help -

Tomato was born on 7th July 2010. He was so tiny and could fit in the two palms of my hand. I fell in love with him immediately because he had a very cheeky, yet loving and naughty personality. We have shared countless memories together and he has been with me through so many of my difficult life events and helped me get through them..

End of June of this year I lost my job. Completely unexpectedly and through no fault of my own. I tried so hard to find a new job, submitting at least 50 job applications each and every day. I was met with rejection after rejection. I tried applying in the UAE, America, Germany, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan.

Nothing for months. Then, as I was going through severe stress, I finally got a job offer in Japan. It has always been my biggest dream to work and live in Japan so I thought that my dreams were coming true. That was until I saw the Pet import requirements for Japan. My heart dropped and I panicked. Japan considers the UAE a high-risk rabies country so a Rabies Titer test is required, after which the Pet must wait for 180 days before he or she can travel to Japan.

I am condensing this story here but to cut it short, I have been crying every day for months once I realized I would have to leave him behind with a new family or parent. It seemed too impossible to take him with me due to the timings, regulations and costs. Frustration and heartbreak. I am crying hysterically as I write this. I can barely see the screen. Tomato is an angel. I know people say all the time that their dog is like a human, but Tomato truly feels like a human to me. He comforts me as I cry, understanding that I am not well. He’s an incredibly active dog but when I am sick or down, he will be very calm and come up to my and stare deeply into my eyes. He will then lean against me and sleep with his head on my lap.

He’s happy when I’m happy and sad when I am sad.

He was attacked by a Husky when he was around 6 years old and since that day he has become very anxious when he is not with me. He is aggressive towards kids and other dogs, but only out of fear and to protect me. He is a senior dog now, his eyes have become milky and he has Teeth problems. But he can still see pieces of his favorite snack - Bananas! - even in the dark. His vet says he is so healthy for his age, except the teeth.

We have spent 14 incredible years together. He is my best friend, my entire world, the goodest boy there ever was. The thought of leaving him behind has destroyed me completely. I cannot imagine my life without him and this is the most difficult year of my entire life.

A few days ago I finally posted in the Facebook group “Dogs in Dubai” and was absolutely overwhelmed with the response. So many people willing to help get Tomato to be with me in Japan. My hope returned and I got in touch again with many relocation companies. I am going to do this!

I have received a quotation of AED 12,500 for Tomato to come to Japan as Cargo on Emirates Airlines. I am currently only able to afford 50% of this cost. I really need help with the other 50% (so around AED 6,000).

It would mean the world to both me and Tomato to be together as I could never forgive myself if I am not by his side for his final few years.

Thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart.