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It’s Raining Cans and Dogs!

Written by Australian Dog Lover - 0 Comments
Schnauzer Rescue Queensland President Kirk Muddle smiles alongside his two schnauzers, Winnie and Loki, who are wearing striped bandanas. Kirk is holding a large white Containers for Change recycling bag on a sunny lawn.

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

A side-by-side composite image of Zeus, an 11-year-old schnauzer from Schnauzer Rescue Queensland. The left side shows Zeus in a blue recovery cone resting on a bed after surgery. The right side shows a happy, grinning Zeus with his tongue out, illustrating his successful recovery funded by container recycling donations.
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!”

A side-by-side composite image of senior dog Zeus. On the left, Zeus rests in a green frog-themed soft recovery cone. On the right, he is shown relaxed on a plush grey dog bed with a stuffed toy, wearing a collar with a "Zeus" name tag.
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

Three schnauzers—Hugo, rehome Freya, and senior dog Zeus—sit together in the back of a car. This image illustrates the work of Schnauzer Rescue Queensland’s foster network, where multiple dogs are often cared for together during their rehabilitation and rehoming journey.
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

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