How Queensland’s "Beardie" Lovers are Recycling for Rescue

For the team at Schnauzer Rescue Queensland (SRQ), a ten-cent refund is more than just spare change—it’s a life-changing dental treatment for a senior dog in need.

Since 2024, this volunteer-led not-for-profit has turned recycling into rescue, saving 21,000 items from landfill through the Containers for Change scheme. 

It’s a milestone built on "kind actions" from a passionate network of "beardie" lovers who are now racing toward their next big target: 25,000 items.

The Face of the Funds: Meet Zeus

From Surgery to Smiles: 11-year-old Zeus in his recovery cone (left) versus his "sprightly" toothless grin (right). Your 10-cent donations covered his entire $1,900 vet bill!

To understand the impact of these 10-cent donations, look no further than Zeus, a distinguished 11-year-old gentleman. Zeus entered SRQ’s care after his elderly owner sadly passed away, but his journey to a new home required some expert help first.

Thanks to the community’s recycling contributions, Zeus underwent significant dental and lipoma surgery under the care of the team at Tugun Veterinary Surgery. The bill came to approximately $1,900—meaning the community’s collective effort effectively funded the entire cost of Zeus’s recovery.

"To know that one significant vet bill is completely covered by our community’s container refunds is a huge relief." — Kirk Muddle, SRQ President

“Zeus has recently headed off to his (hopefully) furever home, feeling fit and sprightly,” adds Kirk Muddle. “He’s now rocking his ‘three-teeth-remaining’ look and managing a hefty appetite!”

Comfort and Care: Whether in his frog-themed cone or resting on a plush bed, your recycling efforts ensure senior Schnauzers like Zeus recover in total comfort while awaiting their forever homes.

Translating Cans into Care

While the $2,000 raised so far is a massive relief for the rescue, Kirk says the beauty of the scheme is how it makes daunting vet bills achievable. By breaking it down, supporters can see exactly how their "rubbish" transforms into care:

✔️ 100 cans ($10): Covers one month of heartworm and flea protection.

✔️ 250 cans ($25): Provides a "Rescue Pack" for a new foster family.

✔️ 1,000 cans ($100): Funds an initial vet consultation and vaccinations.

✔️ 21,000+ cans ($2,100+): Covers major surgery for a senior dog like Zeus.

More Than Just a Breed

For Kirk, the mission is deeply personal. His own dog, six-year-old Loki, is his fourth rehome.

“No two Schnauzers are the same,” Kirk explains. “Often they’ve come from challenging backgrounds. It takes patience and love—realistically, it’s three months before a rehomed dog truly settles in. 

Our role is ensuring each dog is matched with the home that best suits their particular needs.”

Trevor Evans, Interim CEO of Container Exchange (the organisation behind Containers for Change), says SRQ’s success is the heart of the scheme. “It is heart-warming to see 10-cent container recycling helping to find forever homes for dogs in need,” Mr. Evans said.

Join the #RecycleForRescue Challenge

Whether you have a Schnauzer of your own or just a soft spot for a bearded face, SRQ is inviting all Queenslanders to help them hit their 25,000-item goal.

"It’s a win-win; keeping rubbish out of landfill while supporting 'beardies' in need. Every 10-cent contribution, whatever the size, truly adds up." — Kirk Muddle, SRQ President

• How to help: If you can’t foster or adopt right now, you can support the "beardies" by donating your refund via the Containers for Change app (available on the App Store or Google Play) using the SRQ member number: C11443553.

About Schnauzer Rescue Queensland (SRQ)

Schnauzer Rescue Queensland is a volunteer-led not-for-profit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of schnauzers across the state. Committed to responsible dog ownership and breed education, SRQ ensures every "beardie" in their care is matched with a home that suits their unique personality and needs.

About Containers for Change

Containers for Change is the container refund scheme operating in Queensland and Western Australia. In Queensland, the scheme is managed by the not-for-profit Container Exchange (COEX). By offering a 10-cent refund for every eligible drink container returned, the scheme helps community groups like SRQ raise vital funds while keeping millions of containers out of landfill.
To learn more, please visit containerexchange.com.au

Related Stories

Recyclers Fund Three New Guide Dogs 

Discover how dog lovers in New South Wales used the Return and Earn scheme to raise a staggering $175,000, fully funding the breeding and training of three new life-changing Guide Dogs. It’s further proof that every 10c contribution adds up to incredible outcomes for our four-legged heroes.

Our Dog Lovers Book Club selection this month explores the profound, often life-changing bond between humans and their dogs. We dive into the "kinship" that defines our daily lives, offering soulful memoirs on how puppies can heal a broken heart, alongside compassionate, fear-free guides to help owners navigate the challenges of reactivity and the unique world of assistance dog partnerships.

Our Kids Corner is headlined by some of Australia’s most beloved storytellers. We feature the true, heart-stopping story of Valerie, the Kangaroo Island Dachshund who captured headlines worldwide after her 500-day wilderness adventure, as well as a new junior fiction series from iconic Aussie author Andrew Daddo. Alongside Valentine’s Day favourites like Bluey, these stories celebrate resilience, empathy, and the joy of finding where you belong.

THE YEAR OF THE DOG
How One Tiny Terrier Ruined My Sofa but Saved My Life
by Sophia Money-Coutts (Author)

A hilarious and heartfelt year following one woman and her puppy – from chaos and tears to healing and new beginnings. It’s a love story, but not as you know it.

Raising a puppy is simple: feed them, walk them, love them. Right? Wrong.

Armed with Pinterest-perfect plans and firm ideas about training, Sophia brings Dennis – a scruffy and defiant Parson terrier – into her life. But just as the puppy pads hit the floor, the rest of her world falls apart.

Suddenly single and quietly unravelling, Sophia finds herself solo parenting a tiny, gleeful agent of chaos who devours foam earplugs, destroys her shoes, and has an alarming taste for spiders. He’s also the only thing keeping her afloat.

As the months roll by in a haze of dodgy first dates, sleepless nights and meltdowns in the park, Sophia begins to make sense of it all: the grief of a life that didn’t go to plan, the weirdness of being single in your late thirties, and the surprising ways love shows up when you least expect it.
By the end of their first year together, Dennis hasn’t just wrecked the furniture ― he’s quietly rebuilt her life.

For anyone who’s ever been through shattering heartbreak, this is a story of quiet resilience, unpredictable joy, and the quiet wonder of a small body curled beside you when it matters most.

Publisher: Harper Collins Australia, Imprint HQ Non Fiction GB, ‎11 February 2026
Paperback, ‎ 224 pages

Price: $27.75 from www.amazon.com.au

IN KINSHIP WITH DOGS
by Silvia Jay (Author)

Silvia Jay has been dedicated to understanding and working with dogs since ‎‎1995. 

In her captivating book, "In Kinship with Dogs", she beautifully ‎explains how our inter-species paradise has been troubled and this book's ‎purpose is to change that. 

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of our ‎relationship with dogs, examining how it is, how it should be, and the parallels ‎and divergences between our species. 

The book is divided into four parts, each ‎rich with sub-chapters filled with engaging stories, real-life cases, analogies, ‎and metaphors. The content is designed to be accessible, practical, and ‎relatable, written in a way that speaks directly to the reader.‎

This book is for anyone who loves dogs and seeks to deepen their ‎understanding of our four-legged friends. Silvia Jay believes it is time for us to ‎truly become a dog's best friend, so they can be ours. If you share this ‎sentiment, "In Kinship with Dogs" will guide you toward that goal.‎

Paperback, 446 pages
Publisher: ‎Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers, Imprint: Vanguard Press, 29 January 2026

Price: $38.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

ASSISTANCE DOGS BEYOND TASKS
by Yevette Ho (Author)

Assistance Dogs Beyond Tasks is a compassionate and grounded exploration of what it truly means to live alongside an assistance dog, not just to train one.

Written from lived experience, this book looks beyond task lists, assessments, and certification checkboxes to focus on the human-dog partnership at the centre of assistance dog life. It is written for people who are owner training an assistance dog, considering whether an assistance dog may be right for them, or navigating disability with a dog outside traditional organisational pathways.

The book explores the day-to-day realities of life with an assistance dog, including relationship building, regulation, trust, communication, public access, and long-term sustainability. It acknowledges that disability is not static, training is not linear, and progress does not look the same for every handler and dog team.

Assistance Dogs Beyond Tasks speaks honestly about the emotional labour of handling, the impact of fluctuating capacity on training, and the responsibility of balancing independence with welfare. It recognises that ethical assistance dog partnerships depend on care, consent, rest, and mutual understanding for both human and dog.

Rather than presenting an idealised journey, the book reflects real-world experiences, including setbacks, pauses, reassessment, and growth. Practical insights are woven through personal reflection to support informed and compassionate decision-making around training, public access, expectations, and support.

This is not a step-by-step training manual. It is a realistic and reassuring companion for people seeking clarity, validation, and guidance while living with an assistance dog. It is equally relevant for supporters, family members, allied professionals, and community members seeking a deeper understanding of assistance dog partnerships.

This book invites readers to rethink success, independence, and support, offering a humane perspective on assistance dog partnerships and the lived experience of disability.

Paperback, ‎ 202 pages
Publisher:  Vetz Media Publishing, ‎23 January 2026

Price: $28.59 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE COMPLETE POSITIVE DOG TRAINING BLUEPRINT

by Charles Shepherd

If every walk feels like a battle of barking and lunging, you aren’t alone. Reactivity is exhausting, but it doesn't have to be your permanent reality. This blueprint offers a practical framework to help calm an anxious dog and rebuild trust through positive, fear-free methods.

Designed for busy owners, the guide focuses on manageable, 10-minute daily exercises to transform your dog's behaviour without frustration or punishment.

What’s covered:

• Identifying Triggers: Understand the root cause of your dog’s reactivity.

• Decoding Body Language: Learn to spot subtle stress cues before a meltdown occurs.

• Stress-Free Walks: Practical techniques to end pulling and barking on the lead.

• Emergency Management: Clear steps for when things go wrong in public.

• Holistic Wellbeing: Exploring how diet, exercise, and a calm home environment impact behaviour.

• Building Confidence: Simple exercises to help your dog feel secure and self-assured.

Includes five digital bonuses covering puppy preparation, potty training, and adoption essentials to support every stage of your journey.

Paperback, 125 pages
Publisher: ‎ Charles Shepherd, 8 November 2025

Price: $39.42 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

VALERIE
Australia's Bravest Sausage Dog
by Lucinda Gifford (Author)

Inspired by the amazing true story of the tiny dog who captured the heart of a nation. 

Join Valerie on her unforgettable journey and discover just how far a brave little dog can go!

Living the beach life and riding the swells.
Practising backstroke and digging up shells.
Dining on oysters and fancy ice cream...
Valerie knew she was living the dream.

Suddenly, Valerie heard urgent cries.
Hastily, Valerie grabbed a disguise.
'What missing doggie? I don't think that's me...
I'm on an adventure with lots more to see!'

All over Australia and all around the world, people fell in love with Valerie - the bold-hearted Dachshund who escaped a campground on Kangaroo Island and roamed the wilderness for over 500 days before being reunited with her loving owners.

In this gloriously warm-hearted romp of a picture book, bestselling author and illustrator Lucinda Gifford has imagined Valerie's adventures and brought them to vivid and hilarious life, as she befriends dolphins, eats her fill, and explores the wilds... before finding her way safely home again.

Hardcover, 32 pages, 
Publisher: A&U Children's, Imprint: Albert Street Books, 10th February 2026
For Ages: 3 - 8 years old

Price: $10.00 from www.amazon.com.au

BITZA (Book 1)
by Andrew Daddo, Stephen Michael King (Illustrator)

A heart-warming and fabulously funny junior fiction series for girls and boys, told from the point of view of a dog looking for a new family. 

From irreverent funny man and unashamed mutt dog lover, Andrew Daddo, bestselling author of more than 50 books for younger readers, and illustrated by proven mutt dog expert, Stephen Michael King!

I’m Bitza the dog!

A bit Labrador and a bit Poodle. A bit Kelpy and Staffy and maybe even Hound. Lots of different dog bits make up the lot of me.

I’m also a bit lost.

A good dog always looks after its ball, which is why I followed Jasper and the ball thief home from the park. She was looking for a dog, I was looking for a home.

It’s perfect … unless Dad gets his way.

Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 17th February 2026

Price: $11.72 at www.amazon.com.au

ROCKIT THE KELPIE
The Story of A little Aussie Puppy's Big Dream

by Zoe Alipour

Meet Rockit, the cheeky little Australian Kelpie with a heart full of courage and curiosity.

From the moment he opens his bright puppy eyes, Rockit dreams big. While his siblings cling close to comfort, Rockit wants adventure. And one sunny day in Sydney, his whole life changes.

A man and woman walk through the farm gate with warm smiles and open hearts. Rockit hopes they’ll notice him. When they don’t, he makes a bold move that sparks laughter, love and the start of a forever bond.

Told from Rockit’s point of view, this sweet and charming story captures the magic of choosing a family and being chosen right back. Children will love Rockit’s playful personality, his brave little leaps, and his joy at finding a place where he truly belongs.

Rockit the Kelpie is perfect for:

✔️ Kids who love dogs and animals
✔️ Parents looking for a heart-warming bedtime story
✔️ Families adopting a pet or teaching children about bonding
✔️ Fans of Australian animals and Aussie farm life

This book is the first in the Rockit Adventures series, where each story follows Rockit's journey as he grows, learns and explores the world with his loving family.

Paperback, ‎ 29 pages
Publisher:  The Story Cure Press, 19 November 2025
For Ages: 4-7 years old

Price: $14.12 at www.amazon.com.au

BLUEY: SMOOCHY KISS
by Bluey

Bluey is an award-winning preschool series airing on ABC KIDS about a Blue Heeler pup and her family.

Bluey and Bingo want Dad all to themselves. But they need to keep an eye out for Mum, who will do anything for a smoochy kiss! 

Join in this celebration of what it can mean when you truly love someone. 

✔️ A gorgeous board book for kids of all ages.

✔️ This sweet yet hilarious story makes fun gift for Valentine's Day.

Board Book, 24 pages
Publisher: Penguin Kids, Imprint: Puffin, 28 January 2026

Price: $9.99 at www.amazon.com.au

SMELLY ELLIE VALENTINE’S DAY
by Nicolene Dixon, Scott Dixon (Authors)

Valentine’s Day is here and the adorable and smart Springer Spaniel puppy, Ellie, helps her dad search for the perfect, heartfelt Valentine's Day gift for her mum.

The story follows their shopping adventure, featuring humorous moments where Dad considers odd, funny items before Ellie steers him toward a better choice: the perfect gift to make mum smile.

Paperback,‎ 44 pages
Publisher‏: ‎Independently published, 11 January 2025

Price: $18.46 at www.amazon.com.au

THE PUPPY WHO LOVED EVERYONE
by Little Scholars

Celebrate the season of love with a story that wags its way right into your heart. The Puppy Who Loved Everyone follows a joyful little pup on Valentine’s Day as he embarks on a mission to share kisses and cuddles with everyone he meets—big or small.

This isn't just a story about a cute pet; it’s a lesson in empathy. Whether someone is feeling happy or sad, the puppy stays close, asking for nothing in return but a smile. It is a sweet reminder that unconditional love truly makes the world a kinder place.

Format: A short-form picture book (10 pages) designed for quick bedtime stories or classroom "circle time".

Best For: Toddlers and early primary school readers (perfect for reading aloud).

Want to read along with your little ones? You can download a free copy of The Puppy Who Loved Everyone courtesy of Little Scholars Playground here

STOP THE BALL
by Susanne Strasser

This boisterous board book starts with a wayward shot on goal then one animal after another chases the runaway ball until it lands in the pool with a big splash and a twist ending.

Duck kicks the ball but it flies over the net—where’s it gone? BOOM into the tree, SPLAT in the puddle, DOOGA DOOGA under the bench. 

Duck runs, Owl runs, Spider runs, Dog runs—they all run after the ball. Until KERSPLASH it lands in the pool. Uh-oh, there’s a crocodile in the water. It’s too late to stop the ball! Or is it? 

Susanne Strasser’s snowballing animal stories that children love are bestsellers in multiple languages. This funny, energetic game takes an unexpected turn after the ball lands in the pool—and ends with a goal, of course.

Board Book, 24 pages
Publisher: Gecko Press, 27th January 2026
For Ages: 1 - 4 years old

Price: $16.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

Why "The Buddy Mission" is a Lifeline for Australia’s Heroes

On a Tuesday night in November 2023, the Perth paramedic community was shattered. They had lost one of their own—Tinesh—killed in a high-speed accident while responding to a Priority 1 call. It was the first time a paramedic had been lost on active duty in the region, and the outpouring of grief was immediate and devastating.

As the frontline teams struggled to process the tragedy, a different kind of support arrived at the Fiona Stanley Hospital emergency bay: a dog named Angus.

When Words Aren’t Enough

Angus, part of the Dogs for First Responders (D41R) pilot program, was called in after St John Ambulance WA senior management reached out to check the team's availability. They knew that their staff were "digging deep" to finish their shifts and serve the community despite their grief, and they recognised that seeing Angus could provide a vital emotional release.

As ambulances transferred patients and weary crews finished their shifts, Angus and his handler, Karen, stood in the bay—the covered area where crews hand over patients to the Emergency Department. It is a place usually defined by high-stakes adrenaline and clinical efficiency.

That night, it became a place of healing. Karen explains that Angus has a ‘sixth sense’; he is very intuitive of people's emotions and as well as sharing the delight when there are waves of positive energy, he also detects when times of calm and quiet are needed. He generally positions himself within arms reach in a sitting position for people to pat him as they chat, and he sits calmly when people feel the need to embrace him.

The sight of hundreds of paramedics finding comfort in a dog's presence had a lasting effect on the entire St John community. 

“Angus’s presence softens the body language of the bay,” Karen says. 

“He is generally greeted with a smile and outstretched arms as an invitation for engagement. It is lovely to see the first responders drop their guard and experience a moment of positivity within their shift, and have a moment of calm amongst the chaos.”

"In the chaos of emergency service work, connection and presence matter," says Karen Hollings, D41R Founder and an experienced paramedic. 

"Dogs help create space for healing that words alone sometimes can’t." 

"Programs like ours play a role in prevention and ongoing wellbeing, complementing clinical services rather than replacing them."

Why the Connection Matters: The D41R Difference

A golden touch for the frontline: D41R Founder Karen ‘Hoppa’ Hollings (centre) with Angus and St John WA Communications Officers Ethan Moreton & Meg.

The program uses the unique bond between dogs and humans to break down barriers and open lines of communication for those who have spent their lives protecting others. 

The most important lesson integrated into the D41R model is the fact that it's ‘okay not to be okay.’

What makes the D41R program unique isn’t just the dogs—it’s the people at the other end of the leash. D41R operates on a "peer-to-peer" model, ensuring that the humans providing support truly understand the environment they are walking into.

To become a handler for the program, a person must have 15+ years of frontline, first responder experience in a paid role. This requirement ensures that when a paramedic or police officer looks up from petting a dog like Angus, they are looking at someone who has "walked the path." These handlers know the sounds, the smells, and the specific pressures of the job.

As the D41R initiative evolves, the ‘growing pack’ allows for greater diversity within the charity. Karen notes that although all dogs must have a good temperament, like people they will all have their strengths and weaknesses. 

“It is important that we place them in environments which will allow them to perform their therapy role with safety and comfort,” she explains. 

This progression is done with assistance through training with Perth Animal Training Specialists (PATS) and guided by the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct outlined by Animal Therapies Limited (ATL), whom the charity holds a professional membership with.

The Growing Gap in Care

While the presence of Angus that night provided a lasting source of comfort for hundreds of paramedics, the reality for many Australians is a long, lonely wait for support.

Currently, up to 250,000 Australians are living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While psychiatric assistance dogs are proven to be life-changing, many individuals are forced to wait upwards of three years to access them.

To help close this gap, the Petstock Foundation has officially launched The Buddy Mission. Running throughout February, this national fundraising campaign aims to raise more than $122,000 to support assistance dog programs for Veterans, First Responders, and others in need of a healing connection.

A Partnership for Protection

This year, the Petstock Foundation is partnering with two specialist organisations: PTSD Dogs Australia and Dogs for First Responders (D41R).

Angie Weeks, Co-Founder of PTSD Dogs Australia, emphasizes that these animals are more than just pets—they are lifesavers. "Having a trained assistance dog at their side can make a significant difference to someone suffering from PTSD, helping to reduce symptoms and improve mental wellbeing. 

"First Responders and Veterans carry the weight of experiences most of us will never see. Our dogs help carry that load with them."

For the Petstock Foundation, this mission is the heartbeat of their community work. Naomi Mancktelow, the Foundation’s Community Engagement Lead, says the initiative reflects a commitment to empowering a better future for both pets and people.

"Assistance dogs don’t just change lives; they give people back their confidence, independence, and sense of safety," Naomi explains. 

"Through The Buddy Mission, we’re proud to help ensure support reaches those who need it most."

Looking ahead, the ‘dream for the future’ is to increase the number of teams within the Perth Metropolitan area and source and train K9 Teams in regional areas of Western Australia. As well as integrating services to provide regular, routine visits, D41R would like to be in the 'cold zone' of major incidents and disasters to help provide support to first responders and volunteers. If successful in Western Australia, they hope to explore the opportunity of expanding nationally. 

How Your Support Changes Lives

The journey of an assistance dog is as intensive as it is life-changing. Already in 2026, PTSD Dogs Australia has received 10 assistance dog applications in Queensland alone, highlighting the urgent and growing need for these specialised companions.

Every dollar raised during February goes directly toward this rigorous process. To prepare for their role, each dog receives 600 hours of training as part of their onboarding for the program. This high level of commitment ensures the dogs are ready for the complex needs of their handlers, but it also shows how resource-heavy these programs are to get up and running.

The Petstock Foundation operates with a unique promise: 100 per cent of funds donated go directly to charitable partners and projects. All operating costs are covered by the Petstock Group business, ensuring your contribution has the maximum possible impact.

The funds raised through The Buddy Mission directly support:

• Specialised Training: The 600-hour curriculum required for psychiatric assistance.

• Essential Care: Veterinary check-ups, high-quality food, and equipment.

• Onboarding: Specialist programs required to prepare each dog for its role supporting someone living with trauma.

Whether it’s a dog like Angus providing a moment of peace in a hospital ambulance bay, or a psychiatric assistance dog helping a Veteran navigate a crowded space, these animals are our heroes' best friends.

Here is how you can join the mission this February:

• The Buddy Toy: Purchase the limited-edition Foundation Buddy Toy in-store or online at Petstock. All proceeds from the toy during February go to these assistance dog programs.

• Donate at Checkout: Add a donation to your purchase in-store or online.

• Be an Advocate: Share this story. By talking about the impact of dogs like Angus, you help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health for our frontline heroes.

About the Partners

The Petstock Foundation: A registered charity founded in 2007 that has raised over $14 million and found homes for 41,000 rescue pets.

PTSD Dogs Australia: A non-profit focused on rescuing and training displaced dogs to become psychiatric assistance dogs for Veterans and First Responders.

Dogs for First Responders: A mobile service featuring handlers with 15+ years of frontline experience and trained therapy dogs who visit responders on shift to break down barriers to mental health support.

More Ways to Give Back This February

• Petstock Foundation: $15 Valentine's Gifts That Support Aussie Rescues – Learn more about the iconic Buddy Toy and other ways your Valentine's gifting can create a legacy of care for pets in need.