First Pet Ever to Win a Mercedes: Rescue Dog Pluto’s Journey Captures Hearts in the UAE

(MENAFNEditorial) Abu Dhabi, UAE – 27 April 2026: Shory Group (“Shory”), a First.tech company and one of the fastest growing AI insurtech firms in the region, has awarded a Mercedes-Benz to Pluto, a rescue dog who was once passed between homes and left in a boarding facility – making him the first pet in the UAE to win a Mercedes-Benz.

While the prize is a first of its kind, it is Pluto’s journey that has resonated most. Originally taken in as a temporary responsibility, Pluto’s now-owner had planned to find him a permanent home. At the time, she and her husband were living in a small studio apartment, balancing demanding jobs and already caring for a cat. Adopting a dog was not part of the plan.

Despite every effort to find Pluto a forever home, no one came forward. He was eventually placed in a boarding facility, but his family never stopped visiting. And with every visit, walking away became harder. Pluto would greet them with overwhelming excitement, as if he already knew they were his people. What started as temporary slowly, inevitably, became permanent.

Andrea Petrovic says: “Life changed quickly once Pluto came home. What started as a temporary promise turned into something much bigger than we ever expected. Pluto didn’t just become part of our daily life - he changed the direction of it. Through him, we learned patience, responsibility, and what it really means to show up for a dog every single day. But it didn’t stop there. He pushed me to look deeper into how we care for dogs, their health, their nutrition, their overall wellbeing. That journey didn’t just change his life; it grew into something that now helps many other dogs live better lives too.”

“This moment with Shory isn’t just about Pluto. It’s a reminder of how one dog can completely shift your world, and through that, impact so many others. Sometimes, it really does start with just one dog,” she added.



The prize was awarded as part of #EveryPetHasAShory, an initiative by Shory inviting UAE pet owners to share real stories about their pets on social media. Open to cat and dog owners across the country, participants shared photos and videos of their pets’ journeys for a chance to win prizes including AED 10,000 or a 2026 Mercedes-Benz, celebrating the role pets play in people’s lives. Shoryhas also recently committed AED 100,000 to support UAE animal shelters, including Six Hounds, Animals and Us, Salam Animal Welfare, to manage the increasing demand for care.

Aoun Al Smadi, CEO, Shory UAE, said: “Pluto’s story has truly stayed with all of us at Shory. It reflects the special place pets hold in people’s lives, as companions and as part of families and communities. We see that every day through the growing community of pet owners in the UAE, and the increasing importance placed on responsible care, from adoption to health and wellbeing.”

Today, Pluto continues his inspiring journey as he is registered as a blood donor with the Small Animal Blood Bank in Dubai and has helped save the lives of 12 dogs. His impact has also extended beyond the home, inspiring his owner to move into the pet care space and support rescue initiatives across the UAE.

This initiative forms part of Shory’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Alongside its core focus on delivering accessible, fully digital insurance solutions, Shory continues to support initiatives that create meaningful, positive impact across the communities it serves.

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