Want to feel happier this Christmas? Fostering provides care for pets and support for animal shelters

A carefully considered puppy or kitten can be a perfect gift for Christmas, but not every family is ready for a long-term commitment. The sad reality is that cost-of-living pressures and housing shortage are leading to the surrender of thousands of animals to shelters that are already over capacity.

To help ease increasing pressure on animal shelters, national animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is advocating for the fostering of animals from shelters or rescue groups over the holidays.

CANA comprises six member agencies and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives.

“Shelters all need help over Christmas time as their current foster carers go on holidays and have to return the pets to the shelters while they are away,” said Trish Ennis, CEO of CANA.

“Fostering an animal is a great way to help shelters increase the chance of them being adopted. And it’s emotionally rewarding – doing good makes you feel good.”

Volunteer foster carers take on the temporary responsibility for general care and socialisation of dogs and cats in their own homes until they are ready to be adopted.

“Fostering not only provides invaluable care and support for most-in-need animals, but also supports shelters and rescue groups in giving orphaned animals the best possible chance at finding a loving, permanent home,” said Ms Ennis.

CANA’s members have foster care programs that offer food, bedding, litter trays, bowls and toys as well unlimited advice and support and all veterinary care.

Melissa Penn, President of CANA and Managing Director of the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in NSW, said the shelter needs foster carers for cats and dogs, particularly large dogs.

“We remove as many obstacles as we can to help people become foster carers. It’s about finding the right animal to go with the right family and home,” she said.

In Victoria, Lort Smith Animal Hospital also needs foster carers for larger breed dogs as well as animals needing care post-surgery.

“Christmas is always a busy time with the shelter hitting peak kitten season. Our animals needing foster carers can more than triple during this period,” said Amanda Doolan, the shelter’s Adoption Centre Manager.

“We have so many wonderful stories about our foster carers, from those adopting whole litters of kittens to animals making miraculous recoveries whether behavioural or medical. The healing effects of being in a home with a foster carer as opposed to a shelter are priceless.”

Dogs' Homes of Tasmania - Photo Credit: Mirror Image Photo Booth

Another CANA member, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, are in dire need of foster carers for dogs, particularly Greyhounds, puppies and those stressed and with medical and behavioural issues.

“Our commitment to the well-being of our dogs extends beyond our shelters, and foster carers play a pivotal role in providing love and respite,” said Mark Wild, CEO of DHoT.

“While we currently have 33 active foster carers, the demand is significant, especially in our northern Homes where only three carers are available. Unfortunately, we lack carers for nursing mums or critical medical/behavioural cases across the state. With just two carers able to take litters state-wide, the need is urgent.

Dogs' Homes of Tasmania adoptable dog - Photo Credit : Mirror Image Photo Booth

“Many dogs, facing challenges in the shelter, require a haven for recovery. It's not only about the unwell; even long-term residents benefit from a break away from the shelter environment. The support of a foster carer can truly make a life-changing difference for these dogs in need.”

If you are considering fostering, contact your local animal shelter now in time to take your foster pet home for Christmas!

Here are the links to all CANA member foster programs:

· Animal Welfare League Queensland

· Lort Smith Animal Hospital (VIC)

· Sydney Dogs and Cats Home

· Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania

· Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE Inc) (WA)

· Animal Welfare League South Australia

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our six member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Animal Welfare League SA, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA).

Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership.

We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programmes that deliver high welfare standards. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs.

To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au

Guide Dog puppies offer comfort to the Victorian highway patrol team

Already doing their bit for the community, 35 of these puppies are looking for homes in Victoria for the next year of their lives.

Following a tough time on Victoria’s roads, members of the Melbourne Highway Patrol team spent the morning with some Guide Dog puppies who offered some much needed comfort.

These puppies are also in need of community support in the form of homes for the first year of their lives.

Guide Dogs Victoria is looking for up to 35 volunteer Puppy Raisers across areas such as Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong to help care for these pups, nurturing their development ahead of their formal Guide Dog training.

Over twelve months, Volunteer Puppy Raisers not only get to experience the joy of watching the pups grow and thrive through their training (all with full support from Guide Dogs Victoria) but know they’re playing a critical role in transforming the young pups into trainee Guide Dogs—who will one day provide essential independence and freedom to people who are blind or have low vision.

Guide Dogs Victoria’s Puppy Development Team Leader, Naomi Wallace said:

"The work we do at Guide Dogs Victoria wouldn’t be sustainable without the assistance of our Puppy Raisers.

“Puppy Raisers need to have a fully fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time and have access to a car. Raisers must also be able to attend training days in their local area so the puppy can learn basic skills such as sitting nicely when being groomed, walking calmly on a lead and developing good house manners - all of which sets them up to develop the skills they’ll need to change a life.

Puppy Raiser Angela holding 7-week old
June Lorraine, her 4th puppy 

While Puppy Raisers are responsible for everyday activities such as grooming, house training and exercising their pups, Guide Dogs Victoria provides a strong support network.

“We provide the food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and you will have a dedicated Puppy Development Adviser on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance to our Puppy Raisers” added Naomi. 

Melbourne-based Loretta has been a Puppy Raiser with Guide Dogs Victoria for five years, said:

"The Puppy Raising process is amazing. Not only do I get the joy of looking after a new puppy, but I also get to be part of the incredible community at Guide Dogs. I have met so many dedicated people who are doing a fantastic job at supporting people with low vision or blindness.”

"Through raising puppies, I have realised how crucial this stage of the Guide Dogs training program is and how valuable the work done by all the team is during this journey. 

I thoroughly enjoy the process, the dogs never cease to amaze me with what they are capable of, their ability to understand feelings and offer support from a young age is astonishing. The hard work truly pays off because the end results are so rewarding, seeing the difference they go on to make in someone’s life.

"Volunteering with the Guide Dogs team has also been a delight, they offer support every step of the way, as well as being very generous with their time and the supplies they provide. Puppy Raising has definitely been one of the most fulfilling things I have done.”

It takes over two years and costs more than $50,000 to raise, breed, and train each Guide Dog. 

Like all the organisation’s services, Guide Dogs are provided at no cost to those who need them.

You can find out more, and apply to become a Puppy Raiser by visiting the Guide Dogs website: vic.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/volunteering/become-puppy-raiser/

MEDIA RELEASE, 19th June 2023

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New data shows that Queensland teachers and nurses are the top two professions when it comes to opening their hearts and homes to retired racing Greyhounds.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has just released new data about the people who adopt greyhounds via its Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP).

The data stretches back to 2017 and highlights the multitude of occupations and professions of people who apply to adopt a retired racing greyhound.

QRIC Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner said GAP has received applications from lawyers, doctors, police officers, baristas, hairdressers and even a YouTuber.

“We get applications for retired greyhounds from a huge variety of people, but it was nurses and teachers who took out the top professions,” Ms Conner said.

“However, whilst teachers and nurses were top of the table for those people still working, the biggest cohort of Greyhound adopters is undeniably retirees.

“We know that Greyhounds make the perfect pet for so many different people, but their tendency to lie around like lazy lounge lizards, or take leisurely short strolls, makes them the perfect partner for those who have left the workforce.

“I own a GAP Greyhound so may be a little biased, but they are a beautiful breed of dog. They’re cheeky, playful, sweet and gentle, and spend most of the day sleeping.”

Ms Conner said that there is a selection of adorable greyhounds available for adoption via GAP now, and given the current cost of living pressures, GAP was providing free food to anyone who adopted this month.

Every Greyhound in the GAP program is health checked and behaviourally assessed, de-sexed, wormed and vaccinated.

Homeward Hounds Adoption Events June 2023

We're getting out an about in southeast Queensland e to spread the word about our special free food for three months promotion.

Bring along your Greyhound and/or your dog-loving friends and family to pat our Greyhounds, learn more Greyhound care and behaviour from our experts and register on the spot to adopt or foster with GAP QLD!

Homeward Hounds Brisbane

When: Saturday 17 June 2023, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Where: Albion Park Raceway | Yulestar Street, Albion

Meet GAP greyhounds that are available for adoption! If you find a pup that’s impawsible to walk away from, take your furry friend home right away with same-day adoptions available!

Come along to test your dog’s skills at our agility course and score some GAP QLD merch!

Homeward Hounds Capalaba

When: Sunday 18 June 2023, 11:00am – 2:30pm

Where: 16 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba (beside John Fredricks Park Rugby League Field 1)

Don’t miss your chance to meet some Greyhounds and ask our friendly team about adopting and fostering these furry noodles. If you love what you learn and decide you’re ready for a fur baby, no need to wait around, apply to adopt of foster on the spot!

If you’re still thinking about adopting or fostering, ask our knowledgeable staff about greyhound care and behaviour, adopting, fostering and how we work to match you with the right dog for your lifestyle.

Note: No community dogs are permitted at this event.

For a limited time (before June 30), anyone who adopts a GAP Greyhound will receive three months of special vet-approved Greyhound food for free, so there’s no better time for people who have been dreaming about adopting a dog to take home a furever friend!

For more information about how to adopt or foster a Greyhound, visit gapqld.com.au.

MEDIA RELEASE, 9th June 2023

June is National Foster A Pet Month, a time to celebrate and promote the fostering of pets in need. 

It’s also a month to highlight the dedicated efforts of community rescue volunteers who go above and beyond to provide care and support to all kinds of animals, including Greyhounds. 

Given this, the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds would like to recognise all foster carers and especially ‘houndie’ carers. People like 'Mortorcycle Mama' Annie Hendley (lead image - credit Andrew Swinfield) who is a Houndie foster carer, CPG's Qld volunteer spokesperson and is also organising a big bike ride on Queensland's Gold Coast on Sunday, 10 September, 2023 to raise money for Greyhound rescue.

In many states, the community rehomes more Greyhounds than the cashed-up racing industry rehoming arm GAP (Greyhounds as Pets). Contrary to common misconceptions, community-run rescues rarely have kennels where dogs are fostered and prepared for rehoming. In fact, fostering is done by members of the public who take dogs, including ex-racing Greyhounds, into their own homes.

This is particularly necessary in Australia because it has a large population of retired racing Greyhounds that need homes due to over breeding. Fortunately, there are many organisations across Australia involved in rehoming these wonderful dogs – some specialise in Greyhounds, others rehome many kinds of animals.

One of the latter is the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), where Ann Jeffery has been volunteering for almost 11 years. Ann began fostering Greyhounds with AWLQ because she couldn't bear to see them reach the end of their lives without knowing the comfort of a home.

“I wanted to show them that there’s love and kindness instead of exploitation and being treated like a commodity,” she said.

Ann's first rescue Greyhound, Tess

Ann was drawn to Greyhounds because of her love for sight hounds, having previously owned Afghans and Irish Setters. 

Her first foster Greyhound was Tess, who became a ‘foster fail’ and was adopted by Ann, bringing them both 10 years of love and joy.

“Over time, I’ve fostered many Greyhounds. I haven’t counted the numbers, but many names come to mind, Mimi, Bandicute, Dee Dee, Winston, Charlie and my beloved Bouncer whom I adopted six years ago," she said.

Currently, Ann is fostering a Greyhound named Chelsea, whom she is finding it hard to part with.

AWLQ Foster Carer Ann Jeffery with
Greyhounds Bouncer & Chelsea (L to R)

“I would encourage others to foster because we can’t adopt them all, but we can help them move on to their furever homes,” she said.

“While a piece of my heart goes with them and I shed tears, there is the consolation that another household has found what a great and loving family member a Greyhound can become.”

Ann is part of AWLQ's 'Going Grey' program. This initiative helps retired racing greyhounds find caring homes through fostering, rehabilitation and adoption efforts. 

AWLQ has produced a terrific guide is useful for both volunteers and would-be adopters.

“The ‘Going Grey’ program aims to raise awareness, provide medical care, training and promote responsible Greyhound ownership. It highlights responsible Greyhound ownership and the best ways to help rescued Greyhounds adapt to life as a family pet,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Krahe is a foster carer who volunteers for Scruffer Lovers which is a small registered charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of dogs in South Australia. The group is an entirely volunteer-based dog rescue.

Jasmine with her Greyhound named King

Jasmine’s journey into fostering Greyhounds started with her adopted Greyhound named King.

“I adopted him on a whim, not knowing much about Greyhounds but wanting to rescue a dog that might be overlooked by others,” she said.

“After following and connecting with Greyhound pages on Instagram, I became aware of the dark side of Greyhound racing, including dogs being discarded and euthanised for no longer being profitable, as well as the extensive re-homing wait list managed by all rehoming groups.”

Jasmine decided to help Greyhounds by fostering them to get them off the wait list. Over the past two years, she has fostered three Greyhounds named Harry, Sock, and Sampson, each with different emotional and physical needs. The length of time she has fostered each dog has varied from one to four months, with Sock being the longest.

“Fostering Greyhounds has been a challenging but highly rewarding experience for me. The challenges come from managing and accommodating the dogs' needs as they adjust to life in a home environment,” she said.

“I also address any medical issues they may have and help them overcome emotional scars from their racing days. 

Romy had become terrified of men during her time in the industry and needed to be re-socialised
to learn there are good humans too - Credit: @bronwynchowphotography

Volunteers like myself also provide much-needed emotional support to Greyhounds due to their sometimes inadequate socialisation skills,” she said.

Socialisation skills are typically developed between 3 to 17 weeks of age in dogs, but the racing industry ignores its own rules about the importance of Greyhound socialisation. According to the RSPCA, many racing Greyhound puppies and adult dogs are not adequately socialised with other dogs, humans, or with the sights, sounds, and experiences that companion dogs are likely to encounter in their lives.

Jasmine works diligently with each foster dog, providing them with a safe space to decompress, teaching them basic manners and helping them build trust and confidence.

“Some of these challenges are noise or sensory based, such as traffic, washing machines, vacuums, plus slippery tiles and floor boards. Watch this great video of how four-year old adopted Greyhound Scout was taught how to climb stairs.

Credit: Magnus Greyhound - YouTube

Also some dogs can have reactivity and resource guarding from never being socialised with other dog breeds, or ever having to share space,” she said.

Jasmine says separation anxiety can also another big issue, as Greyhounds have always lived with other dogs. “These means that sometimes being alone is a new experience for them and can be very overwhelming,” she said.

Jasmine’s commitment to fostering Greyhounds has also inspired others in her community to get involved in greyhound rescue and adoption, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

“Despite the challenges, I find immense joy in witnessing the transformation of each foster dog.”

“I see their personalities bloom, their physical health improve and their spirits lift as they learn to trust again,” she said.

Adoptable Danny 'Long Legs' (SA)

“I would encourage anyone that can to foster as it truly saves lives and the foster dogs will repay you with unwavering love. Fostering is truly a mental, physical and emotional journey. However, it's one of the most rewarding things I have ever done."

Jasmine is not alone in her efforts to make a difference in the lives of Greyhounds. 

Across Australia, there are countless other individuals who selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and resources to fostering greyhounds and helping them find forever homes.

Andrea Pollard, President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (below) said in addition to fostering, volunteers also play a vital role in raising awareness about Greyhound adoption and advocating for the welfare of Greyhounds.

Andrea Pollard, President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

“They educate their communities about the realities of Greyhound racing and the need for adoption, dispelling myths and misconceptions about Greyhounds as pets. They participate in adoption events, fundraisers and outreach programs to promote Greyhound adoption,” she said.

“They also raise funds for veterinary care, food and other expenses and provide ongoing support to adopters. They offer guidance and advice on how to care for their new furry family members, stay in touch with adopters, provide follow-up visits and offering assistance in case of any issues that may arise.”

Andrea said this ongoing support ensures that the Greyhounds find happy and long term homes.“Some of these foster carers also work closely with other animal welfare organisations, vets and professionals in the field to advocate for improved animal welfare laws and regulations. They raise their voices for Greyhounds, “she said.


“They advocate for better treatment and protection of these gentle dogs who have suffered in the racing industry. A good example of this is the work done to stop companies placing their ads during TV programs about Greyhound racing,” Andrea said.

CPG volunteers – many of whom like Jasmine fostered Greyhounds and then learned about the cruelty of the dog racing industry – have successfully lobbied over 40 major Australian businesses to ensure their ads never again appear on such shows.

Some of these brands are: AAMI, ANZ, Arnott’s, Aussie Broadband, Bendigo Bank, Best & Less, BMW, Carpet Court, Citibank Australia, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Coles, Colorbond, Dettol, Farmers Union, Flight Centre, Godfreys, Goodman Fielder, Honda, Isuzu, Kathmandu, Kia, Lego, Macquarie Bank, Mars Wrigley, Mazda, Officeworks, Pandora, RAMS, Rebel, Samsung and Suzuki.

“The vast majority of these and other companies were unaware that their ads were running during a dog racing TV program. It wasn’t part of their planned media schedule. Instead, it was a bonus placement by the TV network,” said Andrea.

“The companies all instructed their ad agencies to ensure that their ads never appear in any future episodes of such TV shows. It was hugely satisfying for all our volunteers, but especially those who have fostered or adopted greyhounds and seen first-hand how they’ve suffered due to dog racing.”

Not surprisingly, RSPCA Australia says that the Greyhound racing industry continues to face significant animal welfare issues. Until these are adequately addressed the RSPCA does not support greyhound racing.

If you would like to be involved in the rescuing, helping, and/or re-homing the Greys, here are some useful links to Greyhound rescue groups.

If you are interested in volunteering with:

• Scruffer Lovers (SA), see here,
• Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), see here,
• Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, see here.

written by Sarah Davis, CPG volunteer, for Australian Dog Lover, May 2023 (all rights reserved)

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Give the ultimate gift this Christmas and volunteer to become a Guide Dogs Puppy Raiser!

This festive season, Guide Dogs are calling on Victorians to give the ultimate Christmas gift to those living with low vision and blindness by signing up to become a Volunteer Puppy Raiser. 

Currently, Guide Dogs are looking for up to 20 volunteers across areas such as Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong to help care for the labra-dorable pups, nurturing their development ahead of their formal Guide Dog training.

Over twelve months, Volunteer Puppy Raisers not only get to experience the joy of watching the pups grow and thrive through their training (all with full support from Guide Dogs Victoria) but know they’re playing a critical role in transforming the young pups into trainee Guide Dogs — who will one day provide essential independence and freedom to people who are blind or have low vision.

Guide Dogs Victoria’s Puppy Development Team Leader, Naomi Wallace:

"The work we do at Guide Dogs Victoria wouldn’t be sustainable without the assistance of our Puppy Raisers. By volunteering as a Puppy Raiser, members of the community can help us to train and raise our beautiful dogs who go on to ensure Australians who are blind or have low vision lead a life without limits.”

“Puppy Raisers need to have a fully fenced yard, be away from home no more than four hours at a time and have access to a car.

“Raisers must also be able to attend training days in their local area so the puppy can learn basic skills such as sitting nicely when being groomed, walking calmly on a lead and developing good house manners - all of which sets them up to develop the skills they’ll need to change a life.

“We are looking for people that are home most of the time, who are interested in putting effort into training and socialising the dog. What you will get in return is a fantastic experience.”

Melbourne-based Loretta has been a Puppy Raiser with Guide Dogs Victoria for five years. Loretta is currently raising Nash, who is 9 months old and is currently undertaking his training to eventually become a Guide Dog. 

"The Puppy Raising process is amazing. Not only do I get the joy of looking after a new puppy, but I also get to be part of the incredible community at Guide Dogs. I have met so many dedicated people who are doing a fantastic job at supporting people with low vision or blindness.”
 

"Through raising puppies, I have realised how crucial this stage of the Guide Dogs training program is and how valuable the work done by all the team is during this journey. 

I thoroughly enjoy the process, the dogs never cease to amaze me with what they are capable of, their ability to understand feelings and offer support from a young age is astonishing. The hard work truly pays off because the end results are so rewarding, seeing the difference they go on to make in someone’s life.
 
"Volunteering with the Guide Dogs team has also been a delight, they offer support every step of the way, as well as being very generous with their time and the supplies they provide. Puppy Raising has definitely been one of the most fulfilling things I have done.”

While Puppy Raisers are responsible for everyday activities such as grooming, house training and exercising their pups, Guide Dogs Victoria provides a strong support network.

Naomi Wallace: “We provide the food, veterinary care, flea and tick prevention and you will have a dedicated Puppy Development Adviser on hand to answer any questions and provide guidance to our Puppy Raisers.”

“We want our volunteers to know that we’re here to support them on what is truly such a rewarding journey. We want our pups to have the absolute best start in life so they can go on to provide life changing assistance and independence to those living with low vision or blindness.”

It takes over two years and costs $50,000 to raise breed, raise and train each Guide Dog. Like all the organisation’s services, Guide Dogs are provided at no cost to those who need them.

You can find out more, and apply to become a Puppy Raiser by visiting the website: vic.guidedogs.com.au/get-involved/volunteering/become-puppy-raiser/

MEDIA RELEASE, 30th November 2022