Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Jan 1: A team of innovative students from the British School Muscat, led by the passionate and determined Saniya D'Souza, has launched a groundbreaking app, Whiskers & Wings, designed to simplify and enhance pet rescue and rehoming efforts. The app, already gaining attention from veterinary clinics across Oman, is poised to become a game-changer in the world of animal welfare.
Saniya, an ardent animal lover, drew inspiration from a personal encounter with a stray dog. Recalling the experience, she shared, “I found a stray dog during a walk and spent weeks trying to find her a home. When I couldn’t, we decided to adopt her ourselves. That journey sparked the idea—what if there was an easier way to connect rescuers, pet owners, and adopters? That’s how Whiskers & Wings came to life, with that very dog as our mascot.”
The app boasts a variety of innovative features aimed at streamlining the rescue and adoption process. Among its key functionalities is the Missing Animals page, which allows users to post details about lost pets. “This page broadcasts information to a wider audience, far beyond what traditional flyers can achieve,” Saniya explained.
Another essential feature is the Reports page, where users can report stray animals by providing details such as location, urgency, and specific observations. This feature enables rescue organizations to respond quickly and efficiently.
For those looking to adopt or foster, the app includes a "Meet Your Best Friend" page. Here, users can browse profiles of adoptable animals and submit adoption or foster requests via a simple Google form.
Saniya acknowledged the challenges of balancing schoolwork with app development. “As a student, managing the creation of Whiskers & Wings has been demanding. But when you’re passionate about something, you find the time—whether it’s an hour a day or more,” she said.
The app officially launched on November 28, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. Veterinary clinics in Oman have already expressed interest in integrating the platform into their operations. Looking ahead, Saniya and her team have ambitious plans to expand the app’s capabilities.
“We’re planning to launch a clothing line for pets to support our mission, integrate AI for enhanced functionality, and grow our international team. Our ultimate goal is to create a global community dedicated to animal welfare,” she said.
The core team behind Whiskers & Wings includes students Eliesha Reji and Najam Usman, who share Saniya’s vision and commitment. “This is just the beginning,” Saniya emphasised. Through innovation, compassion, and collaboration, Whiskers & Wings aims to transform pet rescue and adoption into an accessible and impactful experience for everyone involved.
Saniya, a class 12 student at the British School Muscat, is the second daughter of Sunil D'Souza and Meera D'Souza, who have been trading in Oman for the last seven years. A talented girl with exceptional speaking and debating skills, Saniya has represented her previous school, ISWKI Muscat, at Model UN events and has won prizes for her leadership abilities.
Fond of animals and nature, she provides rescue and care whenever she comes across one. Saniya is planning to pursue higher studies in the United States and eventually return to India to work and settle, bringing her global experiences back to her roots.