Drought Dogs

ABANDONED drought dogs have been given hope, thanks to a new scheme linking country and city dog lovers.

Instead of being put down, the rural pooches are being matched with dog-loving city dwellers.

The Drought Dog Program was set up in Mildura mid-last year because there were no shelters for the stray canines given up by owners struggling because of the drought.

Co-ordinator Trisha Taylor said dogs and potential owners were screened to ensure the pet had no personality flaws and the owners understood the dog needed to be part of the family.

"Our program aims to take dogs from death row and give them a home for life," she said.

Ms Taylor said the dogs deserved the best chance of happiness.

Jess the rottweiler-cross was three months old when she was abandoned.

But Loretta Gibson found her on the drought dogs website and fell in love.

"She looked just like my dog who died last year and even though that took me back a bit I knew I wanted her," she said.

Ms Gibson went through the rigorous selection process and Jess is now part of her family.

"She's the most affectionate beautiful dog I've come across," Ms Gibson said.

Joanne Reid could not choose between maltese crosses Martha and Rufus, so she took both.

Eleni Hale
Herald Sun

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