RSPCA is urgently seeking Guardian Angels to help provide safety and care for the 17,026 animals spending the festive season in shelters nationally.

“Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for RSPCA shelters, with thousands of dogs, cats, pocket pets, birds, and livestock in our care waiting for a better future,” said Phoebe Brasher, RSPCA NSW Senior Manager of Fundraising.

To be a Guardian Angel is to give the gift of hope and kindness to the thousands of animals in our care who have finding their forever family on the top of their wish list.”

Sign-up to become a Guardian Angel and your compassion will provide love, care, and support to an animal in need.

✔️ $30.00 could help provide a homeless cat with a warm bed, litter tray, and toys this Christmas.

✔️ $58.00 can help rehabilitate an abandoned or abused dog, helping them trust humans again.

✔️ $77.00 could help pay for the transport of animals between shelters to maximise their hopes of adoption.

✔️ $200.00 can provide vaccinations and microchips for animals living in remote and regional areas without access to veterinary care.

Become a Guardian Angel and provide Potato with shelter and round-the-clock care while she waits to meet her perfect forever family.

All Guardian Angels receive a thank you from one of the many animals they are supporting with their gift, like Potato the Rescuoodle, as well as a link to their profile so you can learn more about them.

Potato is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy who is currently awaiting her forever home at the RSPCA NSW Hunter Shelter. Through becoming a Guardian Angel, you can give her the most incredible gift – hope.

Stuck for a gift idea for someone who loves animals as much as you? Donate on their behalf and you can send them an e-card with a shelter animal they’re protecting.

Give the gift of kindness this Christmas and become a Guardian Angel today.

MEDIA RELEASE, 22nd December 2023

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

Urgent appeal to reconsider Qantas’ Extreme Weather Policy, threatening animal lives

Saving Animals from Euthanasia Inc (SAFE), the largest companion animal rescue and rehoming organisation in Western Australia, has issued an urgent appeal to Qantas, requesting the reconsideration of its extreme weather policy, which threatens the lives of animals in need and disrupts their mission to save lives.

A member agency of national animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA), SAFE Inc is a vital pillar of support for regional communities, having rescued and rehomed more than 40,000 companion animals in WA over the past two decades.

But animal lives are now at risk following the recent enforcement of Qantas' extreme weather policy prohibiting animal transportation when temperatures are expected to reach 35°C or above, which is about seven months of the year in these areas.

SAFE’s northern, regional branches – Broome, Newman, Hedland and Karratha – rely on Qantas flights to transport animals to Perth, where they have a better chance of finding an adoptive home, explained SAFE Founder and Chair Sue Hedley OAM.

“Since mid-October, we’ve had to decline 36 enquiries and applications out of hand just because the adopters are in Perth and we cannot easily fly animals there,” she said.

“Over 50 per cent of SAFE’s animals from the four regional branches fly to Perth. But now, we will not be able to fly animals out of these regions due to the normal climate in the area, and this is affecting SAFE's regional branches as well as the animals and communities they serve.”

SAFE is also being contacted by pet flying companies seeking assistance for animals whose Qantas flights have been canceled due to temperature concerns.

CANA CEO Trish Ennis is also concerned Qantas’ policy would have a devastating impact on the lives of thousands of animals that cannot reach their flight destination.

“SAFE are a foster based rescue, and animals will face possible euthanasia,” she said.

Ms Hedley said Qantas’ policy is also consequently putting people’s lives at risk. One couple in their 70s are having to drive 1,500 km from Perth to Karratha to pick up their rescue 14-week-old puppy, Gemma. While in Karratha, they are helping to pick up Chase, an 8-month-old dog, and drive her down to her adopter in Perth.

She explained, “One of our volunteers for SAFE Karratha, Colleen, has fostered 32 cats since February, treated entire litters with ringworm and is now caring for kittens longer term than ever because they are unable to fly to Perth. She has made three trips to Hedland by herself at 4 am, driving six to seven cats at a time to get them on a flight with Virgin.”

Animal welfare and safety paramount

While animal welfare and safety during transport are of paramount importance, SAFE believes there are effective ways to mitigate risks.

1. Consultation with IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association), the RPSCA and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) to establish best practices for animal transportation during extreme weather conditions.

2. Evaluation of alternative transportation options for pets during extreme weather, such as air-conditioned transfer trollies and designated areas at each port.

3. Exploration of the possibility for organisations and pet owners to sign waivers that absolve Qantas from liability in cases related to heat, with the understanding that safety remains a top priority.

4. A review of the current policy's impact on animal welfare, mental health, and family dynamics, as pets are cherished members of many households.

“As an interim measure, SAFE proposes a policy that delegates authority to the Officer in Charge at the ports to allow an animal to fly when it is reasonably ascertainable that the temperature during the entire journey will not exceed 35°C at each point,” said Ms Hedley.

SAFE commits to continue its practice of booking animals on the earliest (and coolest) flights out of the respective airport during times of extreme weather.

“Denying animals from regional areas the opportunity to find homes in Perth solely due to their birthplace and the weather conditions they are accustomed to seems unjust and will cause unnecessary loss of life,” she said.

SAFE has an exemplary record of commitment to animal welfare and safety during transport.

“We value our collaborative relationship with Qantas and the positive impact we have collectively achieved, as depicted in the documentary mini-series "Take Me Home" and the upcoming "Take Me Home 2”,” said Ms Hedley.

“We implore Qantas to reconsider its blanket policy in the spirit of collaboration, compassion, and a commitment to the welfare of all beings, as it poses a severe threat to animal welfare and disrupts the positive impact they have collectively achieved.

“We are confident that working together and seeking alternative solutions can continue to save lives and ensure that animals find loving homes regardless of the temperature.”

SAFE is asking for public support to sign the petition asking Qantas to review their Extreme Weather Policy and find a way to accommodate and understand the needs of SAFE and the animals they save.

Please sign here: www.safewa.org.au/qantas-petition

Photography Credit (all): SAFE Inc. 

For more about Companion Animal Network Australia, visit australiacan.org.au

Charity's Giving Day promises to triple donations to help keep vulnerable people and their pets together

Melbourne-based charitable organisation, Pets of the Homeless (POTH), will be holding their annual Giving Day on November 15th, 2023.

The volunteer-led support service provides pet food, veterinary care, safe shelter and material aid to pet owners who are facing homelessness or severe financial hardship. 

POTH also runs the very first Pet Food Bank in Victoria, and has distributed over 1,500,000 much needed meals for Victorian pets in crisis since 2015.

POTH’s annual Giving Day appeal, Never Tear Them Apart, will see all donations made to the organisation on Wednesday 15th November tripled by generous matching partners, including Petstock Foundation, Scratch, and Sunraysia.

Last year, POTH raised over $300,000 in 24 hours. For 2023, their ambitious goal is to reach $300,000 again. If the goal is achieved, the Never Tear Them Apart Appeal will allow the charity to focus their efforts on helping people and pets for an entire year as well as expand their services to more areas of regional Victoria.

“We have seen the need for our services grow exponentially with the constant rise in cost of living.” 

“So many people and pets have been severely impacted by the ongoing events of the past few years and with no relief in sight, Pets Of The Homeless is ready to step in to help.” said Yvonne Hong, Founder and CEO, POTH.

Donations for the 2023 Never Tear Them Apart Appeal can be made online from Thursday, 9th November until Thursday 16th November 2023 at: www.nevertearthemapart.org.au.

About Pets of the Homeless (POTH)

Pets of the Homeless (POTH) was founded in 2015, when Yvonne noticed there were no services in Victoria that looked after the pets of people experiencing homelessness. She began carrying pet supplies and food through the streets of Melbourne in a suitcase to hand out to rough sleepers. POTH has since connected with over 55 community support service partners to help distribute pet food across Victoria.

Australian Firefighters Calendar 2024 turns up the heat and promises a year to remember!

The wait is over…..the most popular calendar in the world is back! The highly anticipated 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar has just been launched and is now in its 31st year of production. The annual photoshoot brings Australia’s favourite heroes and animals together to produce the worlds most iconic calendars.

Since its launch in 1993, the calendar has donated over 3.4 million dollars to charities across Australia. The calendar’s proud history of supporting animal refuges and Australian Wildlife in the past, will continue into the future. Australia’s Rural Firefighters and children suffering from cancer will also once again benefit from donations.

The Australian Firefighters Calendar is found on the walls of supporters in over 90 countries around the world. The firefighters from the calendar are in hot demand to appear on some of the most popular TV shows and magazines around the world. From Germany to Taiwan, to the US and Japan, the firefighters from the calendar use their popularity to continue the message of conservation for Australian Wildlife.

Editions

Over 25 Australian firefighters have come together for the month-long photoshoot to make this year's six editions. Firefighters from aviation, military and urban fire services have once again produced the most talked about calendar photos for the 2024 editions of the Australian Firefighter Calendar.

Each month of the 6 different calendar editions reveals a different firefighter and their heart-warming bond with some of Australia's most adorable animals. From cuddly koalas to playful kittens, these visuals capture the compassion that these firefighters stand for both in and out of uniform.

Due to the popular demand of the past editions, the Dog, Cat, Horse, Mixed Animal and Classic Calendars will be back. A new addition to the calendar collection for 2024 will be the ‘Hero’ Calendar. This edition depicts action shots of our handsome firefighters doing what they do best.

The 2024 Australian Firefighters Calendar will also be supporting the following organisations:

• The Queensland Koala Society

Donations from this years calendars will help support this organisation that solely rely only on public donations. The donation will be used to help sick and injured Koalas and get them back into their natural habitat as quickly and safely as possible.

• Kids with Cancer Foundation

Kids with Cancer Foundation provides financial assistance to families from funds held in trust that have been donated by the public through direct donations, fundraisers and their lotteries. Families that find themselves in financial stress resulting from their child’s cancer diagnosis can apply to access their funds to help with bill payments. 

• Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital (BBWH)

Conceived and launched by vets Dr Stephen Van Mil and Dr Evan Kosack, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is a registered charity and not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. BBWH provides dedicated, expert veterinarian services to wildlife, free of charge. Their mission is to conserve, protect and ensure positive welfare outcomes for Australian wildlife through treatment, rehabilitation, research and education.

The licensed mobile veterinary hospital, affectionately named Matilda, operates from a custom-built semi-trailer, making it Australia’s largest Mobile Wildlife Hospital, and the only one of its kind in the world. Operating from its base near Byron Bay Australia, BBWH’s mobility enables it to be immediately deployed to a natural disaster to assist in the triage, assessment and treatment of injured, traumatised and displaced wildlife, anywhere in Australia. 

• Safe Haven Animal Rescue

Safe Haven Animal Rescue Inc (SHARI) is a not-for-profit, registered charity that operates in the South East Queensland region in Australia. They are a small group of volunteers working together to save, rehabilitate and rehome for both dogs and cats. As well as:

• Wildcare Inc
• Fauna Rescue of SA
• Native Animal Rescue
• CAVFA
• Best Friends Felines
• All Breed Canine Rescue Inc
• Healing Hooves

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP: $23.00. Grab your favourite at www.australianfirefighterscalendar.com before they all disappear! 

You can follow them on Facebook: @AustralianFirefightersCalendar (552k) and on
Instagram (132k) @australianfirefighterscalendar

Photo credits: Australian Firefighters Calendar

MEDIA RELEASE, 24th October 2023

Greyhound Rescue are thrilled to invite all the dog lovers and culinary enthusiasts in our community to an event that's set to make your tails wag and your taste buds dance - the Noodle Festival! Held at the Addi Rd Community Centre in Marrickville and happening on October 21st, this event promises a fusion of flavours, furry companionship, and fundraising fervour.

What’s Cooking?

Prepare your taste buds for a noodle extravaganza! From spicy Asian noodles to classic Italian pasta, our Noodle Festival is a culinary adventure you won't want to miss. 

Local food trucks and vendors are lining up to serve you a variety of mouth-watering dishes that’ll tantalise your senses and leave you craving for more. 

There’s even plenty for the four-legged foodie to enjoy as well!

For the Love of Dogs

More than just a delightful culinary affair, the Noodle Festival is a significant fundraiser for Greyhound Rescue, an organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for greyhounds in need. By attending, you're not just enjoying an incredible day out; you're supporting a cause that's close to our hearts.

The event, sponsored by Macquarie Veterinary Hospital and Simparica Trio, will become an annual affair if this inaugural day is a success. Nat, the President of Greyhound Rescue, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We hope the Noodle Festival becomes an annual tradition. Our community’s support is invaluable in making a difference for greyhounds. We're eager to see it become a recurring celebration of our shared love for hounds and great food."

Beyond Noodles: A Day of Fun

Beyond the food, there's a world of entertainment awaiting you. We have exciting dog-friendly activities, contests, and even a Greyhound parade! 

It’s an event designed for families, friends, and, of course, our beloved four-legged companions. In addition, there will be informative workshops and presentations from professionals on dog health and behaviour, and face painting for the kiddies.

Join Us!

If you’re a dog lover, a foodie, or someone looking for a day of community bonding, mark your calendars for October 21st. The Noodle Festival isn’t just about noodles; it’s about creating memories, supporting a vital cause, and celebrating the things that make our community special.

When: Saturday 21st October 2023, from 12:00-5:00pm

Where: Addison Road Community Organisation, 1/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, NSW, 2204

For more details, visit this Event's Facebook page

For more information on Greyhound Rescue, visit greyhoundrescue.com.au

Double your Donation for One Day Only with RSPCA’s ‘Give to Get Them Home’

For one day only, animal lovers will be given the power to double their impact when they donate to RSPCA NSW on Thursday 5th of October 2023, with ‘Give to Get Them Home’.

A group of generous donors and corporate partners will be matching donations to RSPCA NSW during Give to Get Them Home in the hopes of raising $500,000 for the animals in our care.

RSPCA NSW Senior Fundraising Manager, Phoebe Brasher, said the one-day appeal is a rare opportunity for supporters to boost their contribution towards helping the 13,000 animals that turn to RSPCA NSW for help each year.

“This special day is all about multiplying the impact of your generosity. When you donate on Give to Get Them Home, every dollar you contribute will be matched, effectively doubling your support for our animals in need,” said Ms Brasher.

“These animals deserve to find their forever home and your gift will go towards vet checks, de-sexing, microchipping and vaccinating animals in our care, helping to prepare them for adoption.”

Donations made during Give to Get Them Home will help dogs like Zarli the 8-year-old Bullmastiff who has been waiting 465 days to be adopted from the RSPCA NSW Hunter Shelter.

RSPCA NSW is seeing animals stay in our shelter longer than ever, with adult dogs waiting to find their forever home five times longer than they were two years ago.

On average, it costs RSPCA NSW $1,000 to rescue, care for and find an animal a home. These animals have been neglected, abandoned or mistreated through no fault of their own and deserve a second chance at life

✔️ $54 can help cover the costs of preparing an animal for adoption.  

✔️ $83 can provide a veterinarian assessment when an animal arrives at the shelter. 

✔️ $200 can provide life-saving antibiotics for a rescued horse. 

Give to Get Them Home would not be possible without RSPCA NSW’s kind-hearted supporters and corporate sponsors.

“We thank Peter Alexander, Elanco, Royal Canin, Thinktank, Mitsubishi Electric, and the RSPCA NSW Circle of Friends for their dedication and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals who need it most,” continues Ms. Brasher.

All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible and each dollar donated will have a direct and positive impact on improving animal welfare in NSW.

To have your donation doubled on 5 October visit the Give to Get Them Home website and select your State. 

If you would prefer to make a donation over the phone, please call the RSPCA NSW’s Supporter Care Team on (02) 9782 4400.

MEDIA RELEASE, 3rd October 2023

Pound Paws is wagging its tail with excitement to announce its return to the North Gong Hotel, where we will once again be raising awareness about pet adoption within the local Illawarra community. 

Residents and dog enthusiasts alike can look forward to a fantastic line-up of activities while celebrating the cherished companionship we share with our furry friends.

The North Gong Dog Day represents a collaborative effort between Pound Paws and The North Gong Hotel. This exciting event will transform the North Gong Hotel into a haven for all things canine, as attendees take over the entire venue and carpark for a paw-some puppy fiesta!

The event is part of the Pound Paws Dog Day series, with a mission to raise awareness about pet adoption to the local community. We will be joined by various dog rescue groups from across New South Wales. These Dog Day gatherings provide rescue organisations with a valuable platform to connect with potential adopters, find loving homes for their rescue dogs, and raise much-needed funds.

Dog enthusiasts and pet owners can explore a wide range of pet market stalls, offering everything from doggy fashion and organic treats to doggy training sessions and pet art activities. To cap off this incredible day, there will be live music, featuring performances by a variety of local artists.

Additionally, there will be a Rescue Dog Adoption Parade, informative "paws for thought" discussions on responsible pet ownership, a doggy ball pit, and even a Puppy Paw-casso Art Station, where your four-legged companion can unleash their inner artist!

Our furry friends will indulge in the ultimate pub feast, courtesy of Amanda’s Homemade Dog Treats, which will provide them with their own doggy beer, snacks, and even some paw-secco for the more sophisticated pets. This allows their owners to enjoy a drink or two without worry.

If you don't have a dog, fret not! There will be dogs available for adoption from a variety of dog rescue groups across NSW, including Rescue Hub, Animal Trust Society, Pudgy's House Shar Pei Rescue, and Country Companion Animal Rescue. You'll have ample opportunities to find a fur-ever friend.

Dogs also have the chance to shine on the stage, showcasing their best costumes or tricks for a chance to not only make their fur-parents proud but also win some fantastic prizes. 

A VIP Judging Panel will be on hand to hold up scorecards for the pooches, featuring prominent figures such as Jack Miller (as seen on Married At First Sight 2022), AJ Ogilvy (Former Illawarra Hawks Basketball Player), Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbury from Illawarra Council, and Sheree Clark from The Fold Illawarra.

Make sure to arrive early, starting at 12pm, as our canine guests will receive a KONG Gift Bag filled with toys and treats as a special gift!

Join us at the North Gong Hotel on Saturday 23rd September and raise a toast to an unforgettable, barkin' good time!

Entry is free, register your attendance here

“Pound Paws is incredibly thankful to both the North Gong Hotel and the local Illawarra community for their support, which has played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success over the past five years. Each year, we join forces with a variety of dog rescue groups from the NSW region, further enhancing the opportunities for pets to find their forever loving homes” - Brittany Bloomer (Founder of Pound Paws).

“The North Gong Hotel takes great pride in its ongoing support of pet adoption through its partnership with Pound Paws over the past five years. Each year, this event has not only flourished but has also become a testament to the amazing and supportive community we are fortunate to be a part of. We couldn't be more thrilled with its continued success!”

- Thomas S (North Gong Hotel Manager).

When: Saturday 23rd September, 2023 from 12pm to 4pm

Where: North Wollongong Hotel, 1/3 Flinders St North, Wollongong, NSW, 2500

Register via EventBrite here and for updates, visit the Facebook Event's Page 

About Pound Paws

Pound Paws is an Australian based charity which provides a modern online approach to the re-homing of pets in Australian pounds and rescue centres. They operate via an online search engine which allows users to search for their dream pet in pounds and rescue centres across Australia. They also actively assist rescue centres and pounds by hosting dog adoption events around Australia.

About the North Gong Hotel

The North Gong Hotel is an iconic hotel in the Illawarra region, situated in the heart of North Wollongong. Equally renowned for everyday hospitality and paw-some events! They pride themselves on being a dog-friendly pub, home to great food & live music.

For more information about North Gong Hotel head to: www.northgong.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 7th September 2023

September is Therapy Dog Awareness Month and while many dog breeds help humans in this way, it’s little known that Greyhounds can make great therapy dogs. In fact, Greyhounds have been used as therapy dogs all over the world due to their calm and gentle nature.

But what exactly is a therapy dog? According to Therapy Dogs Australia, a therapy dog is a dog that has been trained with its handler (usually their owner), to provide therapeutic intervention to another person in the community (e.g. allied health client, school student, nursing home resident).

However, therapy dogs also provide comfort, companionship and emotional support to an individual who might benefit. 

Known as the cheeky pup, Benson the therapy dog isn’t perfect which, according to his handler Ryan Olender, made him a perfect fit as a teacher’s support worker at Lake Illawarra High School. In 2013, when the program with Assistance Dogs Australia started, Benson was NSW’s first therapy dog and for the past decade he has actively helped to change the lives of hundreds of children with special needs.

Greyhounds as Therapy Dogs

But how does an ex-racing Greyhound make the journey from the track to being a therapy dog or companion dog? The first step is fostering.

It is a common misconception that community-run Greyhound rescues have kennels where Greyhounds are fostered and prepared for homing. Instead, the reality is that fostering is done by members of the public in their own homes as volunteers with Greyhound rescue groups that operate as charities.

In fact, one such group has no set base office. IWaG, which stands for I Want A Greyhound, is a not-for-profit rehoming, education and support charity in Queensland. 

Jacky Nesbit with kitten Sunday &
foster Greyhound Jade

Jacky and Keith Nesbit, who foster for IWaG, said their foster dogs begin by learning the basics of pet life.

"This involves house training, basic commands, plus negotiating stairs and loose lead walking. One of my recent fosters, Greyhound Basil, also learned to live happily with other breeds of dogs and even cats," said Jacky.

While fostering, the Nesbitt household also had a cat, three other Greyhounds and a Golden Retriever that Jacky was minding for Assistance Dogs Australia.

"I watched Basil to see how comfortable he was around these other dogs and he proved to be well mannered and tolerant," she said.

Greyhound Basil now lives with Tania Perisic, who adopted him from I Want A Greyhound. Tania is visually impaired and Basil serves as her companion animal. After four months of foster training with the Nesbits, Basil bonded with Tania.

Basil's journey from kennel to companion has been amazing.

Tania out and about with Basil

"Basil then started getting out and about, meeting people for compliments and pats which he loves. He was also exposed to new experiences and places, including shops, as well as Vision Australia where he's a regular visitor with Tania," said Jacky.

"Tania and Basil have built a beautiful bond. It started with short visits of a few hours, followed by sleepovers and then long weekends hanging out together. It didn't take Basil long to squeeze onto the lounge with Tania - all 40kgs of him - and start roaching on her bed. It's now their bed!"

According to Tania, Basil is a sticky beak who often stands at the door to see what's going on.

‘’Also, he often jumps on the bed and touches me with his nose before plopping down beside me. He knows when I’m scared and gets excited when my support workers come,” said Tania. When the social workers come over they help with the cooking, cleaning and help to walk Basil.

'I was interested in a Greyhound because I heard a lot about them and how gentle they were.’’

Therapy Dog Greyhound Basil on the couch with Tania - Photo Credit Kiss Photography

As well as his new mum Tania, Basil has a cockatiel, Paul, for company. And to top it all, Basil is doing assistance dog training.

‘’Greyhounds are a good breed. They are gentle, quiet and as a blind person they make me feel perfectly safe,’’ said Tania.

‘’I find Greyhounds' bigger size easy to handle. I would recommend fully sighted people get one. We must do our best to save them from the racing industry.’’

Meanwhile, volunteer and president of IWaG Kim Nakajima, who is also its adoption and foster coordinator, said Basil’s foster parents, Jacky and Keith Nesbit, have earned a huge 'thank you' and gratitude from IWaG.

Kim Nakajima IWaG President with Greyhounds Ernie and Nezumi

 

"They put an amazing amount of time, patience, dedication and love into helping 'Basil Britches' adjust and shine in his new life," said Kim.

Jacky Nesbit's Greyhounds
William (black) & Bart

Modest Jacky credits her own Greyhounds as being a great help to newly arrived foster Greyhounds like Basil.

‘’My Greyhound Bart is a sensitive, silent boy who loves to be close. He likes to please and is a gentle guide to any other guest dogs we have in our home. He also loves to roach and is now 11 years old," she said.

“My Kimmy, who is now ten years old , has a strong independent personality and decides when she wants your attention and when she prefers her own company. She is the ‘spokes-dog' and will announce when she wants to go outside or come inside, or that it's dinner time.”

Jacky also has a third Greyhound - a black one called William.

“He is Kimmy's shadow, but if she goes outside, Bart won't move from his comfy spot. While he enjoys everyone's company, if he is not around, he will have taken himself to our bedroom to get comfy on our bed,” she said.

Jacky decided to foster and adopt Greyhounds after working in the veterinary industry where she got some experience in rehoming Greyhounds.

‘’Some years down the track, when we were looking to adopt another dog, I convinced my husband to go with a Greyhound,’’ she said.

Over the years, the Nesbits have fostered seven Greyhounds and adopted three of them.

"Prior to that I was involved with Vision Australia's Seeing Eye Dogs effort. I see fostering as an extension of that,’’ said Jacky.

"We fostered Basil to prepare him to match with Tania. I've known her for many years, having first met her through Vision Australia. Basil is always happy to see us when we all get together. It is lovely to see the bond between him and Tania.‘’

Jacky said the main challenge with fostering is being patient because Greyhounds have not been exposed to the world.

‘’New experiences can be overwhelming for Greyhounds. For instance, some will learn quicker than others while others will never use the stairs,” said Jacky.

‘’However, the rewards are that you get to see this dog blossom and blend into the family. I believe that there are more rewards than challenges.‘’

Jacky encourages other people to consider fostering Greyhounds.

‘’Greyhounds are a misunderstood breed. Most people associate them with racing, but that’s not what they're all about," said Jacky. ‘’Greyhounds deserve all the opportunities that come with fostering and adoption.’’

Andrea Pollard, president of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG), considers fostering to be essential.

"As the RSPCA says in its policy, the Greyhound racing industry has many welfare issues that impact the health and well being of greyhounds. For example, results from CPG's national survey of greyhound rescue groups around Australia shows that many racing dogs miss out on being socialised," she said.

The RSPCA states the recognised socialisation period is when a pup starts to learn about their world is 3-18 weeks of age. This is the time when pups should be safely exploring new sounds, sights and smells to help them develop confidence for their life ahead.

Because there is virtually no socialisation for the majority of Greyhound pups, they are more likely to develop fear, anxiety, phobias and aggression. Andrea Pollard said CPG's survey revealed many rescue groups reported that the majority of Greyhounds arriving on their doorstep display signs of stress and are fearful of humans.

CPG's national survey of community-run greyhound rescue groups

"Many of these dogs aren't able to negotiate stairs or walk easily on surfaces that are not concrete because the racing industry failed to teach them how," she said.

"However on a positive note, due to fostering done by community volunteers, there are many Greyhounds that do learn these things and end up enjoying the same kind of life as any other pet dog."

Andrea has pet Greyhounds herself, including Hope, who was rescued from the infamous Macau Canidrome.

Andrea Pollard CPG President with her Greyhound Hope

“Even Greyhounds like Hope can learn to live a happy life and it’s up to us to have the patience and love to ensure they get this chance. Watching an ex-racing Greyhound relax and realise it is a safe and loved pet is one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever have,” she said.

If you think you could help a Greyhound transition to pet life by being a foster carer, see here or email IWaG at hello@iwag.com.au

If you would like to get involved in greyhound welfare advocacy, see here for how to volunteer with CPG.

written by Abbey Billot and Fiona Chisholm, August 2023 for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved). 

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