Meet Fahida: A Dedicated Dog Mom and Animal rights Advocate
In this edition of our pet lover series, we sit down with Fahida Emetumah, a project manager working with a global dog NGO, who shares her love for dogs and the joys and challenges of being a dog mom in Lagos, Nigeria. Join us as we learn more about her furry family members, Hida and Katya, and what it's like to navigate life with these lovable companions.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your love for dogs?
My name is Fahida, and I work as a project manager for a global dog NGO. I've always known I was a dog person. I grew up in a "dog family"—we had about eight dogs. I remember Hurricane, Taro, Stormy, Blackie, and a few others. My love for dogs came from my mom and grandmother. It’s just always been a part of me. When I moved out on my own, I knew I’d eventually have my own dogs, and now here I am!
Tell us about your dogs, Hida and Katya.
Hida is 3 years old, and Katya is 2. Hida is actually Katya’s mom. I had a rescue dog, Tiger, who was Hida’s brother. Long story short, Tiger got Hida pregnant, and that’s how we ended up with Katya. Sadly, Tiger went missing, but I’m so grateful to have these two. Hida is independent yet clingy—she wants me nearby but doesn’t want too much attention. And oh my gosh, she loves food! Katya, on the other hand, is sweet, loves pictures, and is very thoughtful. She always waits for me when we’re walking down the stairs, like she’s looking out for me.
What’s their favorite activity, and how do you bond with them?
Hida’s favorite activity is definitely eating, but she also loves car rides. She’ll jump into the car even when I’m just grabbing something quickly! Katya loves running around and playing with other dogs. She’s super social. Our bonding time is often during car rides. I’m busy, so I don’t always have time for long walks, but we take joy rides around the estate. I’ll get them some pup cups, and we have fun just being out together.
Can you share a memorable story with your dogs that always makes you smile?
One of the most memorable moments was when Hida gave birth to her puppies on my birthday two years ago. I had plans to go out, but she went into labor, so I stayed by her side the whole night. She gave birth to nine puppies, including Katya. It was a special moment, and even though I canceled my birthday plans, being with her during that time was so worth it.
What does your daily routine with them look like?
My mornings usually start at 6 a.m. when Hida comes to my bed, and we head downstairs so they can go out to pee. Depending on the day, we’ll go out again later in the morning or around noon for their food. Since I work from home now, I’m more flexible, but I still make sure to fit in their meals, some playtime, and their potty breaks. I usually end the day with one last walk or outing before we all head to bed.
What’s been the most challenging part of being a dog owner in Lagos, and how did you handle it?
One of the biggest challenges here is access to veterinary care. I’ve had emergencies where I couldn’t reach a vet, and it’s terrifying. I remember one time Hida ingested hand sanitizer, and she was foaming at the mouth. The vet’s number wasn’t connecting, and I had to figure things out on my own. After that incident, I found a personal vet who agreed to be available at any time for emergencies. Still, there’s a huge need for 24/7 veterinary services here in Lagos, both on the mainland and the island. It’s definitely a gap that needs to be bridged.
Lastly, if Hida and Katya could talk, what do you think they would say about you?
Katya would probably say, “Thank you.” She’s very grateful for being rescued from her previous home. Sometimes I catch her just staring at me with what feels like gratitude. As for Hida, she’d definitely say, “Thank you for all the food!” She’s always so appreciative when it comes to mealtime. Both of them would probably just thank me for taking care of them, and honestly, I’m grateful to have them too.
Conclusion
Fahida’s journey as a dog mom in Lagos shows how much love, patience, and dedication it takes to care for our furry friends. From overcoming challenges to cherishing special memories, her bond with Hida and Katya is a heartwarming reminder of the joy dogs bring into our lives.
Be sure to show love and kindness to all animals—they profoundly impact our lives in more ways than we can imagine.
