Santa Paws is Coming to Town: Meet the Australian Dogs Making Life-Changing Christmas Miracles

Aussies, grab your favourite four-legged friend and pour a cup of cheer, because this is the time of year when we celebrate the most important kind of gift: the one that brings freedom, confidence, and a whole lotta love.

This festive season, Guide Dogs Victoria has launched its annual Christmas Appeal, aiming to raise $300,000. But this year, the message is bigger than ever, because the impact of these incredible dogs has expanded far beyond the harness.

From Little Helpers to Life-Changers

Every single working dog—whether a Guide Dog, Therapy Dog, or Court Dog—begins as a precious bundle of fluff, a 'Little Helper' full of enormous promise. But turning that tiny paw into a powerful partner takes two years and over $50,000 of dedication, care, and expert training.

That’s where the dog-loving community comes in. Your donation this Christmas helps fund the critical early stages: the breeding, the vet checks, the puppy raisers, and the specific training that decides which path they’ll take.

The Dog Who Found Her Voice: Lottie & Kineta

If you want to know what a Guide Dog can do, just ask Lottie.

Lottie is an aspiring country music singer and music teacher in Victoria. She could read Braille music by the time she was 10, but navigating the world—especially crowds, noise, and the sheer logistics of getting to rehearsals—was a massive source of anxiety.

Enter Kineta, her beautiful Guide Dog and best friend.

“I used to get very anxious about crowds and noise,” Lottie says. “Now, with Kineta by my side, I teach music, perform live, sing and have even landed a lead role in a musical theatre production.”

Kineta didn't just give Lottie a safe route to the stage; she gave her the confidence to step onto it. She is the furry, four-legged reason Lottie is no longer just dreaming of a career in music—she’s living it.

Beyond the Harness: The New Heroes of the Australian Community

We all know the incredible, vital work of a Guide Dog. But Guide Dogs Victoria has quietly expanded its mission to support more people in more places than ever before. This is the new frontier of canine compassion!

The Three Heroic Roles of Guide Dogs Victoria:

1. Therapy Dogs: These dogs provide emotional, mental, and physical well-being support through gentle interaction and companionship. They work in environments like schools, retirement homes, and various healthcare settings.

2. Court Dogs: They bring quiet calm and confidence to people experiencing trauma, particularly children. Their role is critical in supporting vulnerable individuals by sitting with them during legal proceedings or while they give testimony.

3. Guide Dogs: They empower people who are blind or have low vision to navigate the world safely and with confidence.
They are seen assisting handlers on public transport, navigating busy city streets, and throughout local neighbourhoods.

Last year alone, thanks to generous Aussies, Guide Dogs Victoria welcomed 137 new puppies and matched 83 dogs with new handlers across all three career paths. It’s a powerful reminder that not every puppy is destined for a harness, but every dog has a life-changing purpose.

This Christmas, Give a Gift That Transforms

As CEO Nicky Long says, "By coming together, we can empower more people... to live independent, fulfilling lives."

While we’re spoiling our own beloved dogs this December, consider giving a gift that helps a 'Little Helper' grow into a hero like Kineta, or a calming Court Dog.

Your support helps cover everything from vet checks for the new litters to the final, specialised training that enables a person like Lottie to finally step into the spotlight.

Ready to make a pawsitive change this Christmas?

Find out how your donation helps Little Helpers grow into life-changing partners and support the $300,000 Christmas Appeal today: vic.guidedogs.com.au/little-helpers

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Vetwest Partnership Secures Lifeline for Ronald McDonald House WA's Director of Hugs and Pats

PERTH, WA – For families facing the hardest times of their lives at Perth Children’s Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital, a warm welcome from an 11-year-old black Labrador named Gus is a necessary prescription.

Gus, officially known as the Director of Hugs and Pats at Ronald McDonald House Western Australia (RMH WA), has been bringing light and connection to thousands of families since 2016, following an early career with Guide Dogs WA. 

Now, thanks to a new partnership with Vetwest Animal Hospitals, this four-legged hero has secured the ongoing care needed to continue his vital work.

A Star with a Crucial Job

Gus is far more than just a pet; he is an essential part of the emotional support network.

• Role: He welcomes families upon arrival, visits children in communal spaces, poses for photos, and brings "warmth and calm" during incredibly stressful moments.

• Impact: RMH WA’s 2024 Impact Evaluation Report shows that families experience a 25% increase in emotional wellbeing while staying at one of their Houses. Gus is a key contributor to this safe, supportive environment.

Danielle Norrish, RMH WA Executive Manager of Development and Brand Engagement, perfectly sums up his importance:

“Gus provides creature comforts many families miss when they find themselves far home and loved ones. We’re excited to partner with Vetwest, whose care for our Director of Hugs and Pats will help bring a sense of comfort and companionship to brighten the days of the families we serve.”

A Lifeline of Care for a Senior Dog

As Gus is a senior dog at 11, comprehensive and regular preventative care is paramount to maintaining his active lifestyle. Through this new partnership, Vetwest’s Perth clinics will become the exclusive veterinary care provider for Gus.

This commitment includes:

✔️ Ongoing preventive care and health checks

✔️ Vaccinations and nutritional support

✔️ Any additional veterinary treatment he may need

Dr Russell Harrison, Chief Veterinary Officer at VetPartners, which owns the Vetwest group, expressed the team's honour in caring for such a crucial team member:

“Our Vetwest team is honoured to play a role in caring for such an important member of the Ronald McDonald House WA family. Keeping Gus healthy means he can keep doing what he does best: offering unconditional love, a reassuring presence, and a reason to smile.”

The partnership ensures Gus can continue his mission for as long as possible, reminding families that even during the hardest times, moments of comfort and connection are still possible.

Head Tilts, Tail Wags, and Red Flags: Your Guide to Canine Communication

Social media is flooded with adorable videos of our canine companions doing the strangest things—from head tilts to pre-poop circles. But what does all that viral behaviour actually mean?

To help Australian pet parents separate a harmless quirk from a potential red flag, Hill's Pet Nutrition Australia has consulted the science and psychology behind the internet’s most popular canine trends. The goal is to empower you to understand your dog’s actions and know when to simply enjoy the moment and when to call your vet.

Top Viral Dog Behaviour Themes and Their Meanings

• The Head Tilt
  

It’s not just cute; research suggests the head tilt may help dogs better localise sounds by adjusting the position of their ear canals. 

For dogs with longer muzzles, the tilt might be a clever tactic to see around their snouts and get a better view of our crucial facial expressions. 

In most cases, it is perfectly normal and simply demonstrates your dog's attempt to understand you better.

• Puppy Eyes & Tail Wags

This is an evolutionary advantage at work. Dogs have developed specific facial muscles, giving them the ability to raise their inner eyebrows—creating those irresistible "puppy dog eyes" that wolves physically cannot replicate.

Tail wagging is another sophisticated communication tool often misunderstood. Veterinary behavioural studies show that direction, speed, and height of a wag all convey different messages:

✔️ A broad, sweeping wag generally indicates happiness.

❌ A high, stiff wag might signal arousal or potential aggression.

• The Door Vigil

For most dogs, this is a touching expression of your dog's bond with you, driven by a surprisingly accurate internal clock that anticipates your return to the ‘pack.’

More than just sniffing and circling, dogs are gathering information about who else has been in the area before they settle, establishing or reinforcing territory through their remarkably sensitive noses.

Intriguingly, research also suggests that dogs often align themselves with the Earth's north-south magnetic axis. While scientists are still investigating why this matters to dogs, it suggests they can detect Earth's magnetic field—a sense called magnetoreception.

• Rescuers at Heart (The Hero Instinct)

This behaviour reveals a profound canine empathy. Studies suggest dogs can 'catch' emotions from others (a trait known as emotional contagion). When they perceive distress, many dogs instinctively respond with helping behaviours. What’s particularly interesting is that this behaviour appears across breeds and isn't limited to traditional "working" or "service" dogs.

• Licking Everything

Dogs are naturally grooming creatures. The difference between what's normal grooming and a problem depends on frequency, intensity, and what your dog is licking.

✔️ Normal: Licking paws after walks, occasional face and body grooming, brief attention to minor scrapes or cuts, and mutual grooming with other dogs in the household.

❌ Potentially Problematic: Excessive paw licking, private area licking, and ear grooming may be a potential red flag for underlying issues like allergies, anxiety, or pain.

• Tail Chasing & Tail Chewing

✔️ Tail Chasing: In young puppies, this is often simple play and is a perfectly normal developmental behaviour. 

❌ However, compulsive tail chasing in older dogs (where they become fixated and spin repeatedly until exhausted or cannot be easily redirected) may indicate OCD or anxiety.

❌ Tail Chewing: This is almost always problematic and warrants investigation. Dogs may chew their tails due to allergies, fleas or parasites, anxiety or stress, or tail injuries.

• Big Dogs, Small Fears

The surprising psychology here reveals why size and confidence aren't correlated in the dog world. This often stems from early socialisation experiences. 

Dogs who weren't properly socialised during their critical developmental period (roughly 3-14 weeks of age) may find unfamiliar presentations intimidating. A dog who grew up only around similar-sized breeds might genuinely be confused or concerned by a tiny dog behaving assertively.

 The Veterinarian's Perspective

Dr. Ilze Nel, Professional and Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition Australia, says:

“Social media is filled with viral videos of our dogs’ quirky behaviours. These moments give us a glimpse into their unique world and connect us as a community of pet parents, who are often equally baffled, intrigued, and entertained by it all.”

🚦 Red Flags vs. Green Lights: When to Watch and When to Act

Understanding the difference between a normal behaviour and a concerning one is vital for your dog's health.

🟢 Normal & Healthy (Green Light) Head tilting when listening to you, occasional tail chasing in puppies during play, waiting by the door around your usual arrival time, sniffing and circling before toileting, brief grooming sessions, using 'puppy eyes' to request treats or attention.

🟠 Watch & Monitor (Amber Light) Changes in typical behaviour patterns, increased frequency of previously occasional behaviours, mild licking that's becoming more frequent, door waiting that extends longer before and after your arrival.

🔴 Time to Call the Vet (Red Light) Head tilting accompanied by loss of balance or unusual eye movements, compulsive tail chasing that’s difficult to interrupt, tail chewing creating wounds or hair loss, constant paw licking causing staining or sores, excessive licking of private areas or scooting, straining or changes in toileting habits, sudden fear or aggression that’s out of character.

Dr. Nel adds:

“Seeing these behaviours is more than just entertainment; they are a direct line to our dogs’ instincts and a vital indicator of their overall health and wellbeing. When we learn to see these actions as a rich form of communication, we deepen our bond and our understanding of what our dog needs.’’

💡 When Professional Guidance is Needed

If you notice your dog frequently exhibiting "Amber Light" behaviours, or any "Red Light" signs after a vet visit rules out medical causes, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist. 

They can provide tailored advice and positive reinforcement strategies to address complex issues like anxiety, compulsive disorders, or sudden aggression, ensuring a safer and happier home environment for everyone.

To find certified, ethical professionals in your area, consult the registers of organisations dedicated to positive reinforcement and fear-free training:

• Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA)

• Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT)

About Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is premium pet food backed by science. Our mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. We believe all animals, from your pet to the companion animals we care for, should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes.

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The Festive Season SOS: Why Australian Dog Lovers Must Choose Rescue This Season

As the Aussie sun beats down and the festive season approaches, a perfect storm is brewing in animal shelters across the country. 

It’s a time when many Australians consider welcoming a new furry family member, but industry experts, led by PetSure, are sounding an urgent alarm: Australians are being called upon to adopt or foster a pet during the festive and New Year period to give much-needed relief to animal shelter organisations.

The Perfect Storm: Full Shelters and Falling Adoptions

The need is critical. RSPCA NSW 2024 data indicates shelters are at or near capacity in the lead up to Christmas, with waitlists often up to 12 months for people wishing to surrender an animal. This December and holiday period, we see the 'perfect storm': increased or steady pet surrenders meeting fewer adoptions, stretching the capacity for intake.

The latest figures paint a worrying picture of this pressure cooker environment. The Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) July 2024 – June 2025 Impact Report reveals that while fewer animals entered shelters and foster care, adoptions fell, leaving animal rescue services under pressure. The data reflects the current cost-of-living squeeze, finding that surrenders fell by 6%, but adoptions also dropped by a significant 17% during the year.

While the need for rescue is great, many Australians still look elsewhere for their companions. The 2025 Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) “Pets in Australia” report highlights that breeders are still the most popular channel for acquiring a dog, with just 14% of respondents saying they got their dog from an animal shelter.

The New Year Welcome: Planning is Key

Despite the strain on shelters, welcoming a new pet remains a popular start to the year. PetSure data shows the festive and New Year period is a popular time to welcome a new pet. In 2024, January recorded the highest number of new policies taken out compared to any other month.

This popularity, however, comes with a stark warning. Introducing a pet into the family—or considering gifting one for Christmas—without proper preparation risks negative outcomes for the animal, the new guardian, and the already-stressed shelter organisations. For those surrendering, the reasons are heartbreakingly familiar: a third of surrenders are due to financial stress, while one in five are due to rental housing issues.

PetSure Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Dr Simone Maher underscores the importance of due diligence:

"Pets can be a treasured part of any family. But it is a long-term emotional and financial commitment – it might be 15 years or more. Research and planning is important not just to find the right match, but to set the foundation for a long and happy future together.”

Vet-Approved Steps for a Happy Adoption

For those ready to step up and open their homes, Dr Maher and her team offer essential, vet-approved tips:

1. Consider your lifestyle: Pets need daily care, exercise, and attention. Consider animals with energy levels and space requirements that match what you can offer. A puppy may feel constrained in an apartment, while a vast backyard and young kids may be wasted on a wise old cat.

2. Understand the financial commitment: Pets are often surrendered due to financial pressures. Beyond the initial outlay, ongoing costs are significant: food, routine vet care, pet insurance, and more. The AMA report shows food is the highest cost for pet carers at $9.8 billion followed by veterinary services at $1.9 billion. Make sure you carefully consider the long-term financial commitment before you adopt a pet.

3. Choose the right pet for you: Focus on temperament, lifespan, exercise needs, and potential health issues. Consider adopting from shelters to help reduce overpopulation and support animals in need, especially during this time of year.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Power of Fostering

While the adoption statistics reveal the scale of the challenge, individual stories prove the immense joy and relief that Australians can provide. 

The current crisis calls for Australians to adopt or foster, and the experience of Cally and her family with SAFE Inc.—a rescue success story—perfectly captures the impact a foster home can have.

Cally and her family opened their home to Bo, a dog in need of a soft landing, proving that fostering is truly a family affair.

“Being our first time fostering, we were not entirely sure what to expect, but my gosh this has been an incredible experience,” Cally wrote to the SAFE team. 

“Bo has been the sweetest, loving, well-behaved boy and has brought so much joy and love to our lives in the short time we had him.”

Bo, initially quiet and timid, quickly flourished under the family's care. Cally’s kids, Nate (14) and Skye (11), took on the role of dedicated carers, teaching Bo how to play.

“He learned how to play fetch and spend time off the lead running through the water at the beach, zoomies with my son up and down the hall. This made our hearts very happy,” she shared.

“We love that we were able to give this beautiful boy a soft place to land while he found a forever home that he truly deserves. We seriously got more from this than we gave.”

Despite the tears when Bo was dropped off to his new forever family for the drive to Exmouth ("A few tears from my boy on the way home and he is asking already when can we get another foster!"), the experience was truly enriching.

“Thank you SAFE for all the amazing work you do and allowing us the opportunity to foster. It truly has been a highlight of our year, and we can't wait to do it again.”

This beautiful tale underscores that even a temporary commitment can change a dog's life and significantly ease the strain on Australian animal rescue organisations battling stretched capacity.

Addressing the Unknown: Rescue Pet Insurance

Don't let a rescue pet's mysterious past deter you from being prepared. Some pet insurers offer cover for rescue pets, even when the pet’s breed or medical history is unknown.

Not knowing an animal’s exact age or medical history shouldn’t deter people from considering pet insurance as vets can provide good estimates to help guide cover and care decisions,” advises PetSure.

When selecting a dog, remember they are individuals. Dr Maher reminds us:

“While some behaviours or characteristics are more evident in some breeds than others there’s a lot of variation between dogs of the same breed... If adopting an adult, take time to talk to the shelter staff to understand what they’ve come to know about the dog... If adopting a puppy and it’s possible, meeting one or both of the parents can help you understand what personality your pup may inherit.”

PetSure’s direct brand, petinsurance.com.au, even has a special offer for new customers bringing home a rescue pet. 

The call has been made: this holiday season, consider giving the ultimate gift—a second chance at a loving home—to a deserving Australian pet.

Ready to Help? Find a Shelter Near You

The festive season needs heroes, and by choosing to adopt or foster, you can be one of them. Whether you are ready for a long-term commitment like Cally's family, or can only offer a short-term foster home to relieve shelter capacity, your local CANA member organisation needs you.

To find a dog available for adoption or a foster program in your state, contact one of the leading national animal welfare charities that form the Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA):

• Queensland: Animal Welfare League Queensland

• Victoria: Lort Smith

• New South Wales: Sydney Dogs and Cats Home

• Tasmania: Dogs' Homes of Tasmania

• Western Australia: Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc. (SAFE Inc)

Make this holiday season a fresh start—for you, and for a deserving dog.

Stop! Read This Before Getting a Christmas Puppy!

The Christmas holidays feel like the perfect time to get a puppy—but the endless visitors and unpredictable schedules can quickly turn the dream into a stress-filled nightmare.

According to accredited dog behaviourist, expert force-free trainer, and bestselling author Sarah Rutten, the festive season can be a wonderful period to start life with a new dog, as long as families are truly prepared.

“Puppies are gorgeous, hilarious little chaos machines, but they can also be a lot of work,” Sarah says. “When puppy guardians know what to expect, it can make Christmas and the months after so much easier.”

Sarah shares the essential tips Australian owners need to know, focusing on surviving the summer chaos and setting your dog up for a lifetime of happiness.

“Puppies aren’t just for Christmas, they’re for life,” she says.

“A little preparation now can set you up for a strong, lifelong bond with your dog.”

1. Prioritise Downtime Amidst the Chaos

With most people spending more time at home, Christmas can be a beautiful opportunity to bond with your new pup. But Sarah says it’s equally important to remember that all the excitement—visitors, travel, and unpredictable routines—can be overwhelming.

“Puppies are leaving their mother and littermates for the first time. That alone is huge,” Sarah says. “They need lots of rest, consistency and gentle structure.”

• The Quiet Zone: Make sure you provide them with a lot of downtime and a quiet space to rest, like a crate or playpen, in between all the fun. This is especially important if you have a full house.

• Aussie Summer Alert: Remember that the hot Australian summer can drain a puppy quickly. Ensure fresh, cool water is always available and limit outdoor play to the coolest parts of the day.

2. Pick Gifts That Help, Not Hinder

Many puppy parents understandably want to treat their new furry friends with gifts. Sarah says that some gifts can assist with raising a puppy, and others can do the opposite.

✅ Sarah Says to Try These Gifts:

• Chew toys for teething: Puppies bite because they’re teething, exploring, and developing jaw strength. “You shouldn’t prevent a puppy from biting,” Sarah explains. “You can only teach them what’s appropriate to bite by giving them things they are allowed to chew.”

• Enrichment toys like lick mats, snuffle mats, and doggie puzzles can mentally stimulate your pup and help prevent boredom indoors during hot days.

❌ Some Presents to Avoid:

• Rawhide chews: These can be a choking hazard, cause digestive blockages, and some may contain toxic chemicals.

• Toys with small buttons or embellishments that can easily detach and become a choking hazard.

3. Prepare Your Puppy Now for Life After the Holidays

Image Credit: The Paws Room
See more holiday tips for established dogs

Even if you’re home more during the Christmas break, Sarah says it’s important to gently teach your puppy that alone time is safe and normal. This helps prevent separation anxiety when routines shift, and everyone goes back to work.

“Start with small moments of separation,” Sarah says. “Pop your puppy in their crate or playpen with a chew toy while you step into another room for a minute or two. Slowly build up the time.”

These small, positive experiences teach puppies that being alone isn’t scary — it’s just part of everyday life.

4. Socialisation Should Start Early

“It’s crucial to gradually introduce your puppy to the world and pair this with positive associations like treats and praise,” Sarah explains.

That includes progressively exposing your pup to other friendly, healthy dogs, visitors, kids, and everyday sights and sounds.

• Handling the Festive Chaos: “The number of dogs terrified of Santa is phenomenal, which is honestly understandable considering he’s a stranger in a garish outfit,” she says. If you’re introducing your new puppy to costumes or large groups of family, make these moments positive and short so you don’t end up with an anxious adult dog.

5. If You Bring Home a Puppy, Seek Support Early

“There’s so much advice out there about how to raise a puppy. Guardians deserve advice that makes sense, feels good to use, and actually helps their pup thrive,” she says.

While many excellent local puppy schools take a well-deserved break over the holidays, you don't have to navigate those first few months alone. Sarah’s comprehensive, force-free Puppy Empowerment Program is accessible online 24/7.

It’s an online course designed for puppies aged 8 weeks to 6 months, covering everything from toilet training, socialisation, biting, enrichment, and building confidence, all with step-by-step instructional videos.

Want to learn more about setting your puppy up for success? 

Check out Sarah Rutten’s program here:
www.thecanineperspective.com.au/puppy-school-dog-training-online-course

About Sarah Rutten

For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, check out Sarah’s website and her book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential.

The Canine Perspective founder Sarah Rutten is not just another dog trainer – she's a thought leader pushing for real change in how humans and dogs understand. 

With a no-nonsense, science-backed approach, she's on a mission to educate dog owners, challenge outdated training myths, and advocate for ethical, force-free methods that strengthen the human-dog bond.

Follow Sarah Rutten and the Canine Perspective at: 

www.thecanineperspective.com.au

Connect on Facebook: @thecanineperspective or 

on Instagram: @thecanineperspective

Keep Reading: Essential Dog Owner Guides

The 7 Deadly Christmas Dangers Every Pet Owner Must Know

Master the Critical First 2 Weeks with Your New Puppy

Socialisation Secrets: How to Build Your Puppy’s Confidence (Lifetime Guide)

400 Animals Await Their Christmas Miracle: Help GAWS Give Every Dog and Cat a Second Chance

Christmas is a time for family, food, and giving—and for hundreds of vulnerable animals across Victoria, a second chance at life is the greatest gift of all.

The Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) has launched its 2025 Christmas Appeal, “Give Every Animal a Second Chance,” to ensure that the estimated 400 animals expected to spend Christmas Day in their care receive the love, safety, and veterinary support they deserve.

It costs more than $65 a day to care for just one animal, covering everything from nutritious food and warm shelter to essential veterinary treatment. That's where the generous Australian community comes in.

“This Christmas, your support can change lives,” says GAWS CEO Helen Cocks. “Every dollar helps an animal move from rescue to recovering, and ultimately, into their forever home.”

A Christmas Tale of Hope: Cerberus's Transformation

While 400 animals await their forever families, one lucky dog recently received the ultimate Christmas miracle: a loving home. This is the inspiring story of Cerberus.

Cerberus, a four-year-old Rottweiler mix, arrived at GAWS frightened, emaciated, and suffering from neglect.

“When Cerberus arrived, he was in poor condition. At just 24 kilograms, with visible ribs and a severe skin condition, he had endured more than any dog should,” explains GAWS Animal Supervisor – Canine, Danielle Richens.

The dedicated GAWS team immediately provided urgent veterinary care and round-the-clock comfort. Slowly, over many weeks, the care and commitment paid off. Cerberus began to heal, put on weight, and his beautiful, affectionate personality started to emerge.

The Happy Ending: Cerberus’s transformation has been extraordinary! Last week, he got the best Christmas present imaginable: a loving forever home, just in time for the holidays.

In his own words (shared by the GAWS team):

“I don’t need much, just a home that’s kind and gentle. To never worry about my next meal. To know that I’m safe, loved and home. GAWS has already given me a second chance. But they can only keep helping dogs like me because of people like you.”

🎁 How You Can Give a Second Chance This Christmas

Cerberus's story is a beautiful reminder of the incredible work GAWS does every day. This Christmas, you can help them provide more life-saving transformations.

Here are four ways you can open your heart and support the GAWS Christmas Appeal:

1. Make a Donation: A financial gift ensures vulnerable animals receive immediate veterinary care and comfort.

2. Contribute to the GAWS Wishlist: Choose to donate toward specific items that provide comfort and care—from treats and toys to surgical lights and cat caves.

3. Send an eCard: Send a festive GAWS eCard to a loved one while supporting a great cause.

4. Get on the GAWS “Nice Businesses List”: Local businesses can make a meaningful, tax-deductible donation to make a difference.

The Geelong Animal Welfare Society is urging the community to help animals like Cerberus get their second chance at happiness this festive season.

Stay Connected with GAWS

You can follow the amazing work and see more happy ending stories like Cerberus's all year round by connecting with the Geelong Animal Welfare Society on social media!

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/geelonganimalwelfaresocietyofficial

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/geelonganimalwelfaresociety

To donate, contribute to the Wishlist, or read Cerberus's full story, visit gaws.org.au