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Showing posts with label RESCUE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RESCUE. Show all posts

Doggie Rescue Celebrates 12,000 Dogs Saved

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Sydney’s largest no kill animal welfare organisation Doggie Rescue recently celebrated a new milestone, having saved 12,000 dogs from death row and re-homing each of them with loving families.

That is 12,000 healthy, loving creatures who would otherwise have faced certain death and become a statistic. These dogs have been rescued from pounds around NSW and represent what happens when they are given a second chance at life thanks to founder and CEO Monika Biernacki.

“The number of dogs facing death row every day in Australia is truly shocking. These beautiful animals all deserve the opportunity to find their forever home and I am so proud that 12,000 of them are now happily part of their new families”, explains Monika.

Ms. Biernacki, a former scientist, gave up her work twenty years ago to begin Doggie Rescue when she saw a desperate need to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of dogs that were perfectly healthy yet had been abandoned because their owners didn’t want them anymore.
There are literally thousands of heartbreaking stories behind these animals, but it is the heartwarming result of every new adoption that provides the drive that keeps Monika and her loyal, dedicated volunteers going. 

“Doggie Rescue was created to provide a viable NO KILL alternative in Sydney and to educate the public on their lifelong responsibilities when owning a dog. Dogs should never be an impulse purchase and people need to become educated about where their new addition has come from. Rescue dogs are very special, most adoptees tell us that in actual fact, the rescue dog has saved them! There is nothing like the love and dedication of a rescued animal.” Monika adds.
Lucky 12,000th saved life is a beautiful 4 year old Jack Russell X named Tess
While Tess has now found a forever home, there are so many more dogs at Doggie Rescue looking for homes - of almost every age, size, personality and breed. If you would like to help Doggie Rescue continue its life saving work please adopt don’t shop! If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, donate and help them keep saving these innocent lives indefinitely.

Doggie Rescue recently held its annual Trivia Night which saw 300 volunteers and supporters get together and celebrate these 12,000 lives saved but it was also a fun night out with like-minded dog lovers!

The entertainment included raffles, cash boards, carnival games and of course a riveting trivia team competition which helped raise an additional $10,000 for the shelter so why not mark the date in your calendar and take part in 2018?













About Doggie Rescue

Monika's Doggie Rescue is a registered charity that believes in saving and re-homing dogs from the council pounds. For many years Monika Biernacki and a group of volunteers have been rescuing dogs from death row and successfully re-homing them with permanent and loving owners. In 2001 the charity DoggieRescue.com was established.

Our own Aramis & Porthos were both saved by Doggie Rescue
Dogs rescued from the pound are microchipped, heartworm tested and vaccinated by a veterinarian, who also gives them a basic health check and provides us with an estimate of their age. The dogs are desexed (if required) and given any additional veterinary treatment to return them to good health.

All of the rescued dogs are then cared for, awaiting adoption into a permanent loving home. Once the dogs have completed their 8-10 days quarantine, they either stay at the shelter - Doggiewood at Ingleside on the northern beaches of Sydney - or can be placed into a foster home.

Monika's Doggie Rescue has a NO KILL policy so all dogs are re-housed or stay at the shelter for their life.

The adoption fee represents the re-imbursement for the basic desexing, vaccination, microchipping and heartworm testing only - generally between $350 and $500.

The shelter currently has over 200 dogs up for adoption who are all featured at www.doggierescue.com

RSPCA Cupcake Day 2017 - August 21

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Cupcake Day for the RSPCA is back on Monday 21st August 2017 and the pawfect excuse to get family, friends and workmates together to eat delicious cupcakes!

More importantly, absolutely 100% of funds raised through your baking efforts will help rescue, rehabilitate and rehome the 135,000 abandoned, injured, neglected and sick animals
that come through RSPCA shelters every year.

What you plan for your Cupcake Day party is also totally up to you. You could recruit your colleagues and ask them to bring in their baking creations to work. You could host a school bake sale and get your classmates involved. Maybe you’d like to organise a cupcake party at home with family and friends? Or you could even run a cupcake competition.
Whatever you decide, the RSPCA couldn’t be happier that you’ve chosen to dedicate your time to helping animals who are suffering from abuse, mistreatment and neglect.
Cupcake Day is officially held on Monday 21st August, but since there’s never been a bad time to eat cupcakes, please feel free to hold your event any day during August.

To help you with your fundraising efforts, when you register, the RSPCA will send you a free Cupcake Day Host Kit. This kit includes everything you need to help plan, promote and run your event, ensuring it’s a Cupcake Day to remember!

Not sure where to start? Just follow these five simple steps for a perfect Cupcake Day party:

STEP No.1: REGISTER

Taking part in Cupcake Day is easy. Simply register now for FREE and you’ll receive an awesome Cupcake Day Host Kit. This kit will give you everything you need to plan, promote and hold your event.

STEP No.2: PREPARE

Plan where you’re going to hold your Cupcake Day party, organise what you are going to bake and decide if you’re going to theme your event. You could hold a raffle or include competitions for the best looking cupcake, the best tasting cupcake or even the most creative cupcake. It’s totally up to you!

STEP No.3: PROMOTE

Once you’ve decided when you’re hosting your party, invite your colleagues, family and friends via social media, and send them a save the date email. Update your online fundraising page with the details of your event and send everyone the link, asking them to donate to support your efforts. Don’t forget to follow up with a reminder email closer to the day of your party!

If you’re hosting your Cupcake Day party at your school or workplace, remember to put up posters to tell everyone about it! You can find lots of free downloadable materials to promote and decorate your event by clicking on 'Resources and Posters’ under the ‘Planning an Event’ tab. These will help you spread the word and maximise your fundraising efforts.

STEP No.4: HOST

Once the big day arrives, make sure everyone knows you are fundraising for the RSPCA and display your donation box in a visible spot. That way, your guests know where to donate their funds.

And of course, don’t forget to enjoy your party with all your favourite people!

STEP No.5: BANK

Once the party is over, remember to bank your funds. The easiest way to do this is via your online fundraising page. This will contribute to your fundraising total and help you get on that much-coveted leader board! 5 very simple steps that can make a very big difference to animals in need at your local shelter!

And we all need extra calories to get through this cold winter anyway, some come on Australian dog lovers, let's get baking! It all starts with registering in your local State.

Squishy Face Crew Book Helps Rescue Dogs

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Owners of brachycephalic dogs with wrinkly, squishy faces young and old, big and small, rescues, mixed breeds and purebreds, locals and out-of-towners, are invited to apply to see their pooches featured in this photography book.

Following on from the success of 2016’s fundraiser project – Tails of Sydney, which has raised over $8,000 to date – applications are now open for the #SquishyFaceCrew book, which will raise funds for two charities who rescue squishy faced dogs.

This book will raise much needed funds for these two dog rescue charities, Mini’s Bulldog Rescue and Pug Patrol Rescue. As the popularity of these types of dogs grows the groups that rescue them need more financial support. 


“Bulldogs are such a special breed” says Jay of Mini’s Bulldog Rescue, “to most people’s surprise, there is an increasing number of bulldogs in need of rescue and rehoming. Mini’s Bulldog Rescue Club relies on community donations and the support of volunteers. The precious funds raised from this book will go directly towards the vet care and behavioural support of the most desperate bulldogs in need of rescue, which we couldn’t otherwise help.” 

Ruby from Pug Patrol Rescue Australia says they’re “on a mission to rescue Pugs and other ‘squishy faced’ breeds from abuse, neglect and exploitative breeding - the money raised by this project will not only enable us to rescue more dogs, but will also help us provide the extensive veterinary care and rehabilitation that our rescues need before they find their fur-ever home.” 


If your application is successful, the participation fee is $100 per dog. Please apply directly at www.ruthlessphotos.com/squishyfacecrew-book

Ruth’s long history of helping dogs in need. In 2008, Ruth and her husband adoped three rescue dogs in the space of six months! She found herself wanting to help more dogs like hers to get adopted and that is how her pet photography journey began...

Photographing dogs in need has always been a priority that she devotes a large portion of her time to. Hundreds of dog and cat owners cite the picture she took of their pet as the reason they wanted to meet, and subsequently adopt, their furry best friend. 

Ruth currently shares her home with her husband, four rescue dogs and the occasional foster puppy (or four!). Ruth also has two other fundraising projects in the pipeline – a 2018 Rescued Blockheads calendar and a 2018 Adorable Puppies diary. 

Applications are currently open and spaces are very limited. Full details can be found at www.ruthlessphotos.com under the “fundraiser projects” tab. 


About Ruthless Photos 

Based in Sydney, Ruth O’Leary is one of Australia’s most sought after photographers. She takes colourful and emotive photographs of dogs in stunning locations. 
Since the launch of Ruthless Photos in 2009 she has specialised in dog photography for both private and commercial clients. If you’d like to find out more, please visit www.ruthlessphotos.com

Dog Lovers Book Club - July 2017

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Finding Gobi is the ultimate story of hope, of resilience and of friendship, proving once again, that dogs really are ‘man’s best friend.’

FINDING GOBI
The True Story of a Little Dog and an Incredible Journey
by Dion Leonard

In 2016, Dion Leonard, a seasoned ultra marathon runner, unexpectedly stumbled across a little stray dog while competing in a gruelling 155 mile race across the Gobi Desert. The lovable pup, who earned the name ‘Gobi’, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the treacherous Tian Shan Mountains, managing to keep pace with him for nearly 80 miles. 

As Dion witnessed the incredible determination of this small animal, he felt something change within himself. In the past he had always focused on winning and being the best, but his goal now was simply to make sure that his new friend was safe, nourished and hydrated. 

Although Dion did not finish first, he felt he had won something far greater and promised to bring Gobi back to the UK for good to become a new addition to his family. This was the start of a journey neither of them would ever forget with a roller coaster ride of drama, grief, heartbreak, joy and love that changed their lives forever. 

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 1st June 2017

RRP: $22.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

BILBO THE LIFEGUARD DOG
A true story of friendship and heroism
by Steven Jamieson

When Steve Jamieson met Bilbo, a chocolate Newfoundland puppy, little did he know that the small bundle of fluff would grow to take up a huge space in his heart and change his life forever. The pair were inseparable, with Bilbo accompanying Steve to his job as head lifeguard of Sennen beach in Cornwall every day. 

With his webbed paws and thick, double layer of fur, Bilbo was an excellent swimmer and he was soon promoted to honorary lifeguard. He was even credited with saving the lives of three people.

Word about Bilbo spread and fans flocked from miles around to meet the friendly giant. But Bilbo and Steve couldn't have foreseen the obstacles that life would throw at them. Together, they would have to gather every bit of their strength to fight for their livelihood.

Warm, heartfelt and moving, Bilbo the Lifeguard Dog is a tale of heroism and friendship, and is one man's tribute to his extraordinary dog.

Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: Pan Macmillan, 29th June 2017

RRP: $19.99 at www.booktopia.com.au

MIKE & SCRABBLE TOO
Further Tips on Training Your Human
by Mike Dicks

The relationship between dogs and humans has been evolving for tens of thousands of years, but it was only when Scrabble began writing about this from a dog's perspective that humans realised the true nature of their 'Best Friend' status. 

You could read an academic guide to understanding this friendship, and you probably should, but you should also flick through the thoughtful, insightful and funny thoughts of this rather clever dog. 
Mike&ScrabbleToo is the difficult second album or the awkward sequel to Mike&Scrabble. 

This book represents the collected posts and tweets of our dynamic duo from the summer of 2016 to 'it's Christmas,' and reflects the changing nature of their relationship - as well as the improving drawing skills of Scrabble's chosen illustrator, Mike! Featuring more flights of fancy, more smiles and fewer moments of sadness than Scrabble's first offering.

Hardcover, 64 pages
Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd, 28th May 2017

RRP: $29.99 from www.booktopia.com.au


WILL'S RED COAT
The story of one old dog who chose to live again
by Tom Ryan

Tom Ryan touched the hearts of thousands when he wrote about his intrepid little dog Atticus and their quest to climb 48 mountains to raise money in memory of a friend who had died of cancer. 

But nothing touched his fans more than the story of Will, the old, gruff dog whom Tom and Atticus brought into their home in May 2012, believing that they were simply doing a good deed by helping nurse an old dog through his final days. 

With the right attention and affection in a loving home, Will bounced back and lived for two more years - to the ripe old age of 17 - and helped Tom understand a great deal about aging, how to live a full life and make the best of our days. In Will's Red Coat, Tom tells the story of his misadventures with Will and how he nursed him back to health and a good life. 

Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group, 27th April 2017

RRP: $35.00 from www.booktopia.com.au

Dog Lovers Book Club - Kids' Corner

MY DOG GETS A JOB
by Elizabeth Fensham


My Dog Gets a Job picks up where the very successful My Dog Doesn’t Like Me left off.

At almost ten years of age, Eric is now the responsible owner of his dog Ugly. But when Ugly is involved in a series of mishaps including the theft of a roast chook and a bedroom decorated with duck poo, it is clear Eric needs to do something to keep his dog out of trouble. Luckily, Eric knows exactly how to solve the problem … 

Ugly needs a job. But how can Eric find a job for a dog, even if his dog is a genius? 

Humorous and engaging, My Dog Gets a Job will appeal to pet lovers of all ages. 


Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher: University of Queensland Press, 29th May 2017
For Ages: 8-12 years old

RRP: $14.95 from www.uqp.uq.edu.au

BLAST OFF TO THE MOON!
Dr. Wonderful and Her Dog
by Lauren Gunderson, illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti

Dr. Wonderful loves asking big questions…and using science to answer them. 

She and her dog, Newton, want to know why the moon changes shape in the sky every night. But how can they study the moon when it’s so far away? By blasting off into space, of course! 

On their amazing journey, this detective duo gathers clues to solve their lunar mystery using the powers of science, curiosity, and teamwork.

Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: Two Lions/Amazon Children's, 2nd May 2017
For Ages: 5 - 9 years old


RRP: $35.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

MY DOG MOUSE
by Eva Lindström

"Can I take Mouse for a walk?" I ask, and I’m always allowed. We set off, very slowly. Mouse walks at a snail’s pace. He stops at lampposts and fences and sniffs for a long time. 
Sometimes he looks up at me and then I usually say something. I maybe say "old man" in a very nice voice, not my usual one..

My Dog Mouse offers friendship, humour and gentle heartache in one dog walk. This is a book for anyone who knows what it is to love an old slow dog, with ears as thin as pancakes.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Gecko Press (NZ), 1st July 2017
For Ages: 3+ years old


RRP: $26.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

SAM THE SEEING EYE DOG
by Maria Kinnes, illustrated by Lina Xi

Sam the Seeing Eye Dog is a story book aimed at children by Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs.

This beautiful story is about Sam, the seeing eye dog - from the time of being born at the centre, living with the puppy carer and the things Sam has to learn, to coming back to the centre for training and eventually graduating as a Seeing Eye Dog. 

This lovely book can be enjoyed by children of all ages and has gorgeous illustrations. Most importantly, all proceeds from sales go towards breeding and supporting Seeing Eye Dogs. 

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, May 2017

RRP: $10.00 from the Vision Australia online shop


Australian Dog Lover is a participant in the Booktopia affiliate advertising program, designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.booktopia.com.au

Canines of Character - Photography Project

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Canines of Character is a photography book project which celebrates each canine’s unique personality whilst helping to raise money for rescue dogs in need.

Allira Fontana is a Sydney-based pet photographer who spends most of her days photographing canines and creating custom artwork for her clients. Every Thursday however, you will find her volunteering at the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter with fellow Rescue Hub volunteers. 

Allira began volunteering in May 2015, and since then she has barely missed a Thursday! During her time there, she has made some life-long friends and they are just as passionate as her about saving shelter dogs. Together, they formed Rescue Hub in August 2016 and since then they have helped rescue, transport and rehome countless dogs after saving them from death row. 

Each week they photograph and promote stray and surrendered dogs through their Facebook page, all of whom are searching for a new home. 

Sophie is one of the hundreds of dogs Allira Fontana has photographed while volunteering with Rescue Hub

“When I read the statistic that between 3,500 to 4,000 dogs are currently in pound and shelters in New South Wales alone, I was shocked!" says Allira. "I felt that I could make a small difference to help these homeless dogs with my photography. Social media plays such a huge part in our day-to-day lives so we can get these homeless dogs out into the public eye.”

Allira also made a four-legged friend of her very own while volunteering: a Kelpie cross by the name of Archie. Archie was found as a stray and although he was microchipped, he was never collected by his previous owners... In January 2016 Allira rescued Archie  - or more accurately he rescued her! - and he how has his own Instagram account @archiesbucketlist where Allira posts daily photos and videos from his adventures. 

Archie the Kelpie cross was rescued from the Hawkesbury Shelter in January 2016
As those involved know, running a rescue group is not an easy feat with endless vet bills to pay, adoption applications to work through and fundraising events to organise. Without donations, rescue groups simply cannot continue doing their life-saving work, which is why Allira has launched the “Canines of Character” project.

The "Canines of Character" Photography Project

“Having volunteered with Rescue Hub, I know first-hand how vital funds are and just how quickly they can be used up. Vet bills, short-term boarding, road and air transport, food, vaccinations and training are just some of the costs involved in rescue work. This is why I started a project that will raise funds and bring awareness to rescue groups - and the dogs they save - by creating a beautiful coffee-table style book that can be enjoyed by people all over the world.”

Penny, Daisy and Howie posing perfectly during their Canines of Character photo session

If you're part of this photography project, you will see your four-legged friend featured in the book alongside their humorous dialogue. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages are welcome: it really doesn't matter if you have a couch potato or a bundle of endless energy, this project is about celebrating what makes your dog unique.

The participation fee of $99 will include a one-hour photo session for up to 2 dogs from the same household (additional dogs are $50 each) and inclusion in the Canines of Character book. The session fee does not include any digital files or printed products, but these can be purchased separately after the session.

There are only seven sessions available each month until September/October so you will need to be quick! The book is scheduled to go to print in early November, just in time for Christmas 2017. 

A portion of each book sale will be donated directly to Rescue Hub which will allow them to continue their life-saving work. Rescue Hub is a registered charity with all donations of $2 or more tax deductible. You can find out more at www.rescuehub.com.au/donate

For more information and to book your session, please visit www.allirafontana.com

Words MATTER - SHOP! Don't "Adopt!"

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Think it's "cute" to say you "adopted" a "rescue" who is now your "furkid?" Well, it's not really "cute" at all if you give it some thought.The words we use matter.

 Did you know that the state of California passed a law a few years ago that removed the word "pound" or "impound" from all prior animal legislation and replaced it with the word "shelter?" Like it or not, words have definite meanings that affect public opinion and form the cultural zeitgeist. Why do you think they legally changed the word "pound" to "shelter?".....even though they maintain the right to capriciously kill in the so-called "shelter?" Because the name you tag something with forms it's public image. Perception becomes reality.

Animal Rights people co-opting the terminology we use is very dangerous, it's not benign, and it's aimed squarely at legally removing our ownership rights. "Rescue" implies animal abuse. "Adopt" infers a status equal to humans. "Guardian" instead of "owner" means the pet has inherent rights that supercede your right to determine his care and destiny. If pets are "fur kids" the state can step in and mandate how you care for them down to minute details. Kiss your pet ownership rights goodbye.

The "Adopt don't Shop' mantra has been very successful at demonizing breeders. it's time to turn it around! Get a great pet....SHOP! Shopping is a good thing. Most shoppers thoughtfully research before they make a purchase. When it comes to a pet, research prior to purchase is important. Avoid those "adopt-a-thons" where impulse buying is encouraged, and you might just end up with a dog who doesn't suit your lifestyle or home situation. SHOP...and get the dog that is right for you to OWN!!

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