In this issue...
Hey team, How excited are we? PetRescue has just rehomed our 20,000th rescue pet - a feat never achieved by a website in Australia before - and as you can imagine we're ecstatic! During March the number of animals listed on the site swelled to over 2,000 as more and more rescue groups started listing on PetRescue. We're acutely aware that we must provide results for our rescuers, so when we hear that more pets than ever before are finding homes and in record time, we're just so proud. And it's your support that has made this happen. We're just a team of three, so without you spreading the word, listing pets for your local shelter and contributing to our upkeep, we'd not exist. Thank you - and a special thank you from Farley, our 20,000th pet rehomed! Cheers, | |
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 Charlie and Farley As one of 43 Chihuahuas rescued from the same house, Farley is not used to standing out in a crowd, but as the 20,000th pet rehomed through PetRescue Farley is now getting all the attention he can handle. When Farley's new 'forever family' visited his foster home, they had actually come to meet his brother Charlie, but soon feel in love with this tiny pocket-sized dog. And although number 20,000 for PetRescue, Farley is now number one with his new family! |
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The consensus amongst the staff was definitely "it's harder to find homes for the black dogs". In rescue circles this phenomenon is so common it actually has a name; 'Black Dog Syndrome'. So why the doggy discrimination? Well firstly, there's the 'bad dog' rap black dogs get, with the dangerous dog in the movies often being black. These negative stereotypes cause people to hold the misconception that black dogs are more aggressive; but any black dog owner will tell you it's what's inside that counts! Secondly, since there is generally a large number of black dogs in the shelter population, when looking through pens it's very easy to group all the dogs who are black, together in your mind, thinking "maybe there's something wrong with that bunch". In contrast, white or patchy dogs stand out as individuals. A lack of colour contrast means often adoring eyes and friendly expressions are hidden. It's hard to get a good photograph of a black dog and they vanish into the back of poorly lit kennels, making themselves invisible exhibits and missing out on connecting with a new home. So how can you help a black dog in need? Give them a chance to shine. Take the time to get to know the black dogs when you visit the shelter looking to adopt. Black dogs have white smiles and sleek shiny coats. They benefit hugely from being out of the kennels and in the sunlight where they really gleam. A great shelter tip - a red or pink collar will make your black dog look especially sophisticated! Black dog owners unite! There is a Black Dog Syndrome crisis in our shelters and only we can save these basic-black companions. Spread the word about what great pets they are and how stylish it is to own one. Because as they say - black is the new black. |
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1. Handle your cat as much as possible - start slowly, with gentle pats and rubs, increasing the amount of handling over a few weeks. Work your way up to gently touching her paws and stomach. Go at your cats pace and have plenty of treats to reward her with. Touching and stroking are the best way to bond with your cat. 2. Play with your cat often - dangle toys for your cat to play with, or have your cat teach you to play fetch. Chase your cat around the house whenever you can. Get your cat exercising every day and you'll help lower risks of diabetes and other diseases. 3. Keep your cat indoors between dusk and dawn - nighttime is the most dangerous time for your cat, as fighting, cars and hunting all happen between dusk and dawn. Make sure your cat is safe and sound at home during this time. 4. Provide a bed by a window - house cats love warmth, so much so that they've been known to singe their tail hair on hot stoves! So set up a nice comfortable bed for your cat by a window so she can sunbathe. 5. Provide 'enrichment' for your cat - especially if she is an indoor only cat. Scatter dry food around the house when you leave for work. Bring out the hunting instinct in your kitty, try throwing dry food bits and watch her chase them down. Buy a mini treat ball from the pet shop, fill with dry food and as your cat bats it around pieces will pop out for her to eat. 6. Get your cat a feline friend - every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can't pay attention to your cat, a playmate in the house will. A second cat around the house will help to stave off boredom, encourage exercise, and offer comfort. Bored kitties are prime candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief. 7. Keep her litter box clean and fresh and in a spot she likes - don't set up her litter tray by a noisy washing machine or busy thoroughfare. Just like us your cat will prefer quiet seclusion when going to the toilet! |
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"It has to be a community effort. Initially getting people on board was really the key to the success, having plenty of animals on there that people could see." The site, which started with Perth shelters, has gone national and now gets more than two million visitors a year - which means a lot of work for the underfunded and unpaid volunteer staff, a team of three including Michelle. "It's like having a second job," she says. "It's just become so much a part of our lives that we wouldn't be without it and we love what we do. "I think people can see that we're really trying to make a difference and they get involved as well. We've had so much support, it's fabulous." |
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PetRescue is working to put rescue pets into the hearts and minds of people in such a powerful way that killing healthy, adoptable animals becomes completely unacceptable. PetRescue is a registered non-profit organisation that operates to support and bring resources to rescue groups around Australia. For more information please visit our website, www.PetRescue.com.au. We thank you for your support. © PetRescue Ltd 2007 |
On a recent visit to my local rescue, 12 dogs were looking for a new home - 9 of those were black or mostly black.
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Want to get to know the PetRescue team?