How the Cost of Living is Impacting Aussies & The Life-Changing Joy of Rescue Pets Featuring Melanie Bracewell

She’s used to bringing the laughs, but this May, Melanie Bracewell—comedian and co-host of The Cheap Seats—is getting serious about a cause close to her heart. Partnering with the Petstock Foundation, Melanie is shedding light on the life-changing impact of pet adoption and the unprecedented challenges currently facing rescue charities across Australia.

The Economic Pinch on Pet Shelters

Bracewell’s support arrives at a critical turning point. As the cost of living continues to climb, pet shelters are feeling a double-sided squeeze: the rising cost of essentials like food and veterinary care, and a heart-breaking surge in surrenders from owners who can no longer afford to keep their beloved companions.

“The Sad Reality: Research conducted by the Petstock Foundation in March 2026 reveals that 1 in 6 pet owners (16%) have seriously considered rehoming their pet due to financial pressure.”

This trend is devastating for the 69% of Australians who consider their pets to be true members of the family. The data further highlights the extreme lengths people are going to for their animals:

• 31% of owners have sacrificed their own groceries to cover pet costs.
• 10% have been forced to put off routine or preventative care due to expense.

---

A Dog with a Backstory: Melanie’s Rescue Journey

As a proud pet parent to two rescue dogs, Charles and Gigi, Melanie knows first-hand that the bond with a rescue animal is unique.

Melanie at home with her first rescue, Charles.

"I adopted my dog Charles, a Maltese Shi-tzu, four years ago, and my life has changed for the better," Melanie shares. "He’s like the old man from the movie Up—a grumpy guy with a heart of gold. He even smiles with his bottom teeth, just like I did before braces!"

The family grew when Pawsome Friends reached out about Gigi, a dog rescued from a hoarder home with 35 other pups.

"She’s the little kid who has given Charles a new lease on life. Seeing the joy they bring is priceless. I love a dog with a backstory—I get to brag that I gave them a better life!"

Expert Insight: It’s Not a Behavioural Issue

Dog behaviourist and health expert Lara Shannon notes that the current crisis has shifted the "profile" of shelter pets.

"Many pets currently being abandoned haven't been given up due to behavioural issues, but simply because the cost of care became too high," Shannon explains.

“This means there are many well-trained, loving pets in shelters right now who are simply in need of a new home.”

---

How You Can Help: The $170,000 Goal

This May, the Petstock Foundation is on a mission to raise $170,000 across Australia and New Zealand to support over 230 grassroots rescue partners.

Naomi Mancktelow, Community Engagement Lead, says: "Our focus this May gives Australians a chance to support local rescue groups with essential resources, from everyday care to desexing programs that bring us closer to a future with zero preventable animal euthanasia."

✔ Adopt: Visit your local Petstock store during their Adoption Weekends in May.

✔ The 'Buddy' Toy: Purchase a plush ‘Buddy’ toy in-store or online.

✔ Donate: Support the foundation directly. 100% of funds raised go to charitable partners.

Managing the Costs: 

To support new owners, Petstock is adding $20 in Pet Cash to new adopters' rewards accounts and offering Everyday Rewards points to help with future essentials.

Learn more about finding your new best friend at www.petstock.com.au/adopt.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes: Guide Dogs to Take Over Martin Place for International Guide Dog Day

Today might be National Superhero Day, but while the world looks to the skies for caped crusaders, the real life-changers are right here at our heels.

In the heart of Sydney, a different kind of hero is preparing to take centre stage. To celebrate International Guide Dog Day (29 April), Martin Place will be transformed into a hub of wagging tails and inspiring stories as Guide Dogs NSW/ACT launches their powerful new campaign: ‘Not All Heroes Wear Capes… Some Wear Harnesses.’

A Paws-itive Takeover in the Heart of Sydney

On Wednesday, 29 April, Sydneysiders are invited to step into the world of these four-legged legends. Starting from 7:00 am, Martin Place will become the ultimate Guide Dogs experience.

Visitors can expect a morning filled with purpose and "paws," featuring:

• Live Demonstrations: Watch world-class dog training in action.

• Meet the Heroes: Chat with Guide Dog Handlers and meet the dogs behind the harnesses.

• Interactive Giving: Explore the interactive donation wall and browse "lab-radorable" merchandise.

• A Giant Guest: Meet Gulliver, the iconic 6-metre tall mascot, perfect for a photo op and keeping the kids entertained.

The Power of the Partnership: Brian and Quanti

Pictured: A Guide Dog like Dasher provides safety, confidence, and companionship.

 

Behind every harness is a life-changing partnership built on unwavering trust. For Guide Dogs NSW/ACT client Brian, his match with his Guide Dog, Quanti, has been a total game-changer for his independence.

“Before, I could become disorientated in public spaces, including while crossing the road,” Brian shares. “Now, I can get the bus to work independently. Quanti is very popular around the building. He keeps me safe, helps me navigate the world, and is my constant companion.”

For Brian, the impact is as much emotional as it is physical. “I put so much trust in him. Thanks to the work that has gone into training Quanti, I can go where I need to go and know that with him, I’ll always find a way.”

The Journey from Puppy to Professional

While these dogs may seem like natural-born superheroes, their "origin story" requires years of specialist training.

Marissa Pace, Chief Marketing and Philanthropy Officer at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, highlights the scale of this mission: "Every Guide Dog partnership represents years of dedication from volunteers and over $50,000 of community-funded investment before a dog is matched with a client."

Because 80% of their funding comes directly from the public, these life-changing partnerships are only possible thanks to the generosity of everyday Australians.

How You Can Support a Future Hero

Teamwork makes the dream work: (L-R) Susie, Doris, Anita, and Spot are all part of the extraordinary generation of dogs changing lives across Australia.

This International Guide Dog Day, you can help train the next generation of heroes. Every contribution ensures that more Australians living with low vision or blindness can navigate the world with freedom and confidence.

Ready to make a difference? You can meet the experts at Martin Place this Wednesday to learn about volunteering or help train a hero by donating HERE.

Because at the end of the day, some of the world’s greatest heroes don't need to fly—they just need a harness and a helping hand (or paw).

Related Stories:

Guide Dogs Australia’s Ultimate Guide to Dog Care & Training Can’t make it to Sydney? You can still learn from the best. Discover the expert training secrets and care tips used by Guide Dogs Australia to keep every dog happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

“They’re Not Being Naughty”: Why Teenage Dogs Stop Listening

Many dog owners are blindsided when their once-perfect puppy seems to change overnight. Suddenly, recall becomes unreliable, loose-lead walking falls apart, and "forgotten" habits like jumping, barking, or grabbing items resurface with a vengeance.

If you brought home a puppy over the holidays, you might find yourself right in the thick of this transition. According to accredited canine behaviourist, expert force-free trainer, and bestselling author Sarah Rutten, this isn’t a rebellion—it’s biology.

A Normal Part of Development

“Adolescence can begin from around 4 months and continue through to 2 years, depending on the dog,” Sarah explains. “Teenage dogs have a reputation for pushing boundaries, but what we’re usually seeing is a young dog going through a major developmental stage.”

During this period, dogs often become more impulsive and inconsistent. You might notice your dog becoming:

• More adventurous and bold (ignoring you to explore).
• Easily overwhelmed or sensitive to things they used to ignore.
• Distracted by the environment over their handler.

“It’s very common for guardians to feel like their dog has forgotten everything,” says Sarah. 

“Dogs at this age are still developing their frontal lobe, much like human teenagers. Impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation are still maturing.”

---

Debunking the "Dominance" Myth

When a dog stops listening, it’s easy to feel like they are "testing" you. However, Sarah notes that interpreting this as a power struggle can damage the bond between dog and owner.

“Dogs don’t misbehave to challenge us or take control. Behaviour is influenced by what the dog is experiencing at that moment, not a desire to be naughty.”

She adds that outdated ideas around dominance can make this stage more difficult for both dogs and their guardians. “When people believe their dog is deliberately pushing boundaries, they’re more likely to respond with frustration or punishment,” Sarah says. “But what dogs need during this stage is support, guidance and consistency.”

How to Survive (and Thrive) During Adolescence

The original Australian Dog Lover mascots, Porthos and Aramis, pictured in 2016. 

Even for our high-energy Malinois, mental enrichment like a snuffle mat was a game-changer for channelling adolescent energy into calm, focused behaviour.

The key to navigating the teenage months isn't about working harder; it’s about working smarter and adjusting your expectations.

“Adolescence isn’t a sign that your training has failed,” Sarah reassures. “It’s a sign your dog is growing up.”

To help your dog through this phase, Sarah recommends these six focus areas:

• ✔ Go Back to Basics: Revisit foundation skills like recall and lead walking in low-distraction environments (like your living room or backyard) before expecting them to work at the park.
• ✔ Lower the Difficulty: If your dog isn't listening, the environment is likely too "loud" for them. Move to a quieter space to set them up for success.
• ✔ Reinforce the Good: Consistently reward the behaviours you like. Dogs repeat what works for them!
• 
  
  
  
• ✔ Manage the Environment: Use leads, baby gates, or long lines to prevent them from practicing "bad" habits like jumping or bolting while they are still learning.
• ✔ Meet Their Needs: Ensure they have plenty of mental stimulation and "sniffaris" (scent-based walks) to burn off adolescent energy safely.
• ✔ Stay Consistent: Clear, predictable boundaries create a sense of security. “It’s not about being stricter,” Sarah says, “it’s about being clear.”

Looking Ahead

While it can feel like your training has gone out the window, Sarah reminds owners that this phase is temporary. "With the right support, dogs come through it and continue to develop into well-adjusted adults."

The complexities of the adolescent brain are a major focus of Sarah’s upcoming book, which follows her previous success, The Canine Perspective. While the new title is still under wraps, it promises to help guardians bridge the communication gap during these confusing developmental years.

“It continues the conversation from my first book, helping guardians understand why dogs behave the way they do, especially during stages like adolescence where things can feel confusing,” she says. “When we understand what’s happening, everything becomes much easier to navigate.”

More Information

For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, visit Sarah’s website.

Her bestselling book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential, is an essential guide for any puppy guardian and is available now from Booktopia and Amazon Australia.

🐾 Related Stories

Now that you understand why your teenager is acting out, how do you ensure they grow into a confident, resilient adult?

• Regretting Your New Puppy? You’re Not Alone – Sarah Rutten explores "puppy remorse" and how to bridge the gap between expectation and reality.
• How to Help Your Teenage Dog and Keep Your Sanity! – Practical exercises and training tips to help you navigate the adolescent phase.
• The First 14 Days with Your Puppy: The Do’s and Don’ts – Expert advice from Sarah Rutten on surviving the first fortnight.
• Is My Dog Normal (or Just Plain Weird)? – Sarah Rutten explores common (and quirky) canine behaviours.
• Puppy Biting: A Survival Guide – How to navigate the "land shark" phase safely before they reach their teens.

Adelaide’s Cutest “Race Day” Returns: Fashion, Fun, and a Purpose Beyond the Finish Line

A much-loved highlight on the Adelaide social calendar is back this May, bringing together high fashion, four-legged flair, and a powerful mission to support South Australians and their pets in crisis.

The Canine Cup returns on Sunday, 17 May 2026, at boutique event space Jackson Square, Hindmarsh. Offering a fresh, animal-friendly take on the traditional race day luncheon, this annual fundraiser replaces live racing with heart-warming "doggy fun runs."

Fashion, Fun, and "Pocket Rockets"

Guests will enjoy a stylish sit-down luncheon where the excitement of the track comes to life on the big screen. 

The "races" feature local pups in pre-filmed runs that celebrate personality over performance.

Some of the 2025 participants: (L-R) Bosco, in the Big Dawgs & Rescue Run category; Henrietta, in the high-energy Pocket Rockets category; and Leaf, in the Golden Oldies category. Photography by Sarah D.

As you can see, canine racing champions come in all shapes and sizes! From the "Rescue Run" (represented here by a deeply happy Akita and its owner) to the high-energy "Pocket Rockets" and dignified "Golden Oldies" categories.

The event delivers a light-hearted experience that resonates far beyond the room.

The day isn't just about what's on screen; attendees can expect a curated lunch, "Fashions on the Field," raffles, and live auctions, all while surrounded by fellow dog lovers.

The competition is fierce but friendly. Whether you favour a classic, flowing look or want to make a modern statement, the Canine Cup is the perfect excuse to dress to impress for a good cause. 

Racing for a Critical Cause

While the atmosphere is celebratory, the purpose is vital. The event is proudly presented by Paws For Change in collaboration with Safe Pets Safe Families, with all proceeds supporting SafePaws Haven.

SafePaws Haven is a ground-breaking joint initiative designed to establish South Australia’s first 24/7 emergency pet boarding facility. Managed under the Safe Pets Safe Families service model, the facility provides a lifeline for people facing crisis—including domestic violence, homelessness, and medical emergencies.

Breaking the Barrier to Safety

The statistics in South Australia remain sobering: with more than 100 domestic violence incidents reported daily and approximately 70% of households owning a pet, the lack of safe options for animals is a critical barrier to seeking help.

Research shows that many victims will delay leaving an abusive situation because they cannot bear to leave a beloved pet behind. Safe Pets Safe Families has been working to change this for years, providing emergency foster care so that no one in our community has to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pet.

“Events like the Canine Cup show how powerful community support can be when it comes to creating real change,” says Annie Leo, Founder of Paws For Change.

“Access to emergency care for pets isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical part of keeping people safe. SafePaws Haven is about removing that barrier so people can move toward safety with peace of mind,” adds Jennifer Howard, Founder of Safe Pets Safe Families.

Beyond the upcoming SafePaws Haven, the charity continues its vital work through programs like Paws & Pals, which provides outreach and pop-up vet clinics for those experiencing homelessness or extreme disadvantage.

With strong community backing and growing interest each year, the Canine Cup continues to shine a spotlight on innovative, compassionate solutions that keep people and pets together when they need each other most.

---

Event Details

• Where: Jackson Square, Hindmarsh, Adelaide

• When: Sunday, May 17, 2026

• Tickets: www.caninecup.org

• Stay Updated:

• Follow on Facebook: The Canine Cup

• Follow on Instagram: @caninecup

They Save Our Pets — But At What Cost? A Call for Kindness This World Veterinary Day

From compassion fatigue to a rise in client abuse, Australia’s veterinary professionals are at a breaking point. This World Veterinary Day, we explore the 'Little Things' that can save the people who save our pets.

As the world prepares to recognise World Veterinary Day this Saturday, April 25, 2026, the spotlight is shifting away from the clinical and toward the human. While this year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” highlights their critical role in our global systems, a more urgent conversation is happening behind the consult room doors: the mental and emotional well-being of those who care for our pets.

Behind the steady hands and calm voices, many Australian veterinary professionals are struggling under a weight that is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Speaking this week on 3AW Breakfast, Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian Dr Jessica Wilde warned that the public perception of the profession is often a myth.

“It’s not just hugging puppies. People see the fluff, but they don't see the dark side of the industry.” — Dr. Jessica Wilde, Lort Smith Chief Vet.

The Internal Burden: Compassion Fatigue

For those in the industry, the work doesn't stay at the clinic. Melbourne-based veterinary nurse and photographer Bree Colenso has seen this first-hand after more than a decade in the field, including oncology.

“People often only see the clinical side of what we do,” Bree says. “But so much of it is emotional. You’re sitting with families through diagnosis, treatment, hope, and sometimes loss.”

“You don’t just walk away from those moments. You carry them.”

From emergency trauma to long-term illness journeys, veterinary teams absorb the fear and heartbreak of the people in front of them. “And then you go onto the next patient, and the next. There’s not always space to process it,” Bree explains.

Dr Wilde echoed this sentiment, pointing out that veterinarians are frequently required to treat critically ill animals while simultaneously “counselling” their owners through acute trauma.

The External Pressure: A Rise in Abuse

While the internal emotional toll is heavy, a new and darker pressure is emerging from the other side of the counter. At North Melbourne’s Lort Smith Animal Hospital, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit veterinary hospitals, staff are reporting a concerning escalation in aggressive behaviour from clients.

Driven by rising financial stress and cost-of-living pressures, recent incidents have included physical violence, threats to personal safety, and repeated verbal abuse.

Lort Smith Chief Veterinarian, Dr Jessica Wilde, notes that the deep emotional connection people have with their pets can create a "perfect storm" when paired with financial strain.

 “Melbourne families love their pets—they’re part of the family—so when something goes wrong, emotions run high,” Dr Wilde says. 

“We understand that people are under financial pressure right now. But abuse towards veterinary staff is never acceptable.”

A Profession at the Breaking Point

The statistics are sobering. Veterinarians are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population—equating to one Australian vet taking their own life approximately every 12 weeks.

“We’re seeing fewer people entering and staying in the profession due to the pressures; from compassion fatigue through to unrealistic expectations and workplace stress,” Dr Wilde says. “This is not sustainable.”

She told 3AW that the industry is reaching a “breaking point,” with the emotional struggles now acting as a significant barrier for new people wanting to enter the field.

Turning Awareness Into Action: The Power of "Little Things"

In recognition of World Veterinary Day, the industry is fighting back with kindness, and it often starts with a small gesture. Sophie’s Legacy, an organisation born from the memory of Sophie, a vet who left us at just 33, has launched the “Little Things” Campaign.

The campaign illustrates a simple truth: a vet sitting in her car after a gruelling 12-hour shift, mulling over the day's hard decisions, finds a small paper bag on her windscreen. Inside is a chocolate bar and a note: “For all you do that we don’t see. For every gentle touch and every hopeful moment. Thank you.”

That small smile makes the weight of the day a little easier to carry. This World Veterinary Day, Sophie’s Legacy is asking the community to turn these small gestures into something lasting—a gift of $33 to help save the people who save our animals.

How You Can Help

As we head into the ANZAC long weekend—a time for reflection and gratitude—, Pet Insurance Australia, Lort Smith, and Sophie’s Legacy are calling on the community to play a role in creating safer, more compassionate clinic environments.

• Donate: Support the "Little Things" campaign with a $33 donation to Sophie’s Legacy to fund mental health resources for the industry.

• Support: Bree Colenso’s initiative through Bree Ruby Photography is offering discounted sessions for vet professionals throughout April, with proceeds going to Not One More Vet (NOMV).

• Practice Kindness: As Dr. Wilde reminds us, a moment of patience during a long wait can be the difference between a staff member going home feeling valued, or going home feeling defeated.

“Behind every consultation is a person who genuinely cares,” adds PIA spokesperson Nadia Crighton. 

“World Veterinary Day is a reminder that supporting our vets isn’t just about recognising their skills, it’s about recognising their wellbeing, too.”

“A small moment of patience or kindness can be the difference between a staff member going home feeling valued, or going home feeling defeated.” — Dr. Jessica Wilde

A Field Report by Roxy the Cattle Dog

Sometimes my human drives past fields full of cows.

I do not spend every day thinking about cattle. That would be ridiculous.

I have a human to supervise, a house to run with an iron paw, squirrels to monitor, and an entire Toronto neighbourhood that depends on my vigilance. My schedule is already crowded.

Still, every now and then, when my human drives somewhere acceptable and not toward the vet, I look out the window and there they are.

Cows.

Standing around like a meeting has begun without anyone willing to lead it.

Something in me goes very quiet.

Not emotional. Instinctive.

Because it is hard not to feel they are waiting for someone to step in, restore order, and get things moving properly.

Beneath the snack negotiations, the couch disputes, and the daily burden of managing a clearly underqualified primate, I am still a cattle dog.

I did not begin life in Toronto, land of polite apologies and surprisingly expensive pet supplies.

I began in Texas.

More heat. More dirt. More humans making questionable decisions for dogs.

I do not remember every detail. Dogs are not historians. We remember what matters.

I remember uncertainty.

I remember crates. Strange voices. New smells. The feeling that my life had been handed from one set of humans to another, each with a clipboard and a different level of competence.

At some point I gathered that everyone felt very sorry for me.

This was kind, but not especially useful.

What I wanted was clear communication, a stable plan, and perhaps a snack.

Instead, I was moved along in stages, watching the world change through windows, holding on to the faint suspicion that I might be headed somewhere better.

Eventually, through a chain of events involving humans who briefly displayed good judgment, I was sent north.

Canadians, I have learned, are extremely sorry about difficult things. It seems to be one of their national skills.

I arrived in foster care, assessed the available humans, and selected the one who would become my long-term assignment.

He believes he adopted me.

That is not exactly how I would describe it.

I observed a leadership vacuum and agreed to fill it.

City life has its advantages.

Regular walks. Predictable routines. Parks. Squirrels with the confidence of animals who have never faced meaningful consequences. And one human who requires near-constant oversight.

So I am not underworked.

But dogs like me were not built to drift pleasantly through life with a soft bed and the occasional enrichment toy.

We were built for purpose.

We like movement that means something. We like knowing where everyone is, where they should be, and what happens next if they fail to cooperate.

So I adapt.

The Perimeter Check

This is scent work, although I do not call it that. That sounds like something humans would put on a motivational poster. I call it clearing the area. A proper park, sidewalk, or yard contains layers of critical information: who has been here and whether squirrel activity has reached unacceptable levels. My job is to inspect and file a silent report unless escalation is required. 

Escalation is rare. But I remain prepared.

The Commute Escort

This is how I move my human through the city without allowing him to drift into foolishness. Streets are full of distractions and other people moving without clear purpose. I keep him focused, properly paced, and heading in the correct direction. He believes we are going for a walk. I believe I am escorting a slow team member through a city that has far too much activity.

The Living Room Round-Up

When cattle are unavailable, one must improvise with available resources. Toys, balls, socks, and various household objects can be moved, guarded, collected, or if standards continue to slip, strategically improved. 

Humans tend to call this “destroying things.” I call it quality control. This is obviously not the same as proper field work. However, it maintains standards and gives me the satisfaction of restoring order to a room that humans have allowed to descend into unacceptable levels of disorder.

The Leadership Protocol

This is the ongoing task of reminding my human to give me responsibilities worthy of my abilities. Sometimes this means making me wait properly, find something, check a room, or hold a position until released. Humans like to call this training. I prefer to think of it as management finally becoming slightly more organised.

This is what humans do not always understand about dogs like me.

Love is wonderful. I accept it. I deserve it.

But love is not the same as purpose.

A dog like me needs work, even improvised work.

A walk with structure. A search game. Something to watch. Something to solve. Some part of the day that feels like more than passing time.

I do not need cattle every afternoon. I am realistic.

But I do need that feeling. The sense that my brain and body have been given something worthy to do.

I was lucky.

I got out.

I found a human with obvious flaws but a trainable spirit.

I learned that, with enough repetition, humans can become almost functional.

So yes, sometimes I look at cows in a field and wonder.

A dog can love the life she has and still feel the old work waiting in her bones.

I may live in Toronto now. I may herd one tall, slow human instead of a proper herd.

But every now and then, when I see those cows, I remember exactly who I am.

And for one glorious second, I sit up a little straighter in the back seat.

Just in case they need me.

---

About the Author

Roxy the Cattle Dog is a Texas rescue and Toronto household supervisor, with a strong work ethic and a firm belief that humans require supervision. She specialises in household security, routine enforcement, and managing slow learners through strategic use of treats. She is the author of the Barking Orders series.

The Barking Orders Collection:
(Both titles available in Kindle and Paperback formats)

• Barking Orders: A Dog’s Diary of Chaos, Loyalty, and Squirrel Surveillance
• Barking Orders: More Funny Adventures of a Very Opinionated Cattle Dog (A Dog’s Diary of Chaos, Squirrels, and Running the Entire Household)

Official Directives & Field Reports:

• Instagram: @roxythecattledog2025

• Facebook: @RoxyTheCattleDog

• Shop the Series: View Roxy’s Amazon Author Page