When we launched PetRescue way back in September we never dared hope that it might actually get off the ground. Imagine then how pleased we are report that we have just had our 1 millionth visitor to the site!

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank every single contributor, rescuer and visitor for their assistance in making PetRescue such a success. Thankyou for your support!

Have you thought about becoming a foster carer but don't know where to start? Thinking of volunteering and want to know what projects are coming up? Know exactly what you're looking for in a pet, but can't seem to find it?

Join the PetRescue Refuge!

To help us handle the ENORMOUS number of queries we've been receiving about rescue and pets available for adoption, we've created a portal which allows you to speak directly to rescuers from around the country.

Dedicated to rescue, the Refuge is an excellent way to get involved!

Visit the Refuge today!
www.petrescue.com.au/refuge

We were delighted to get a half page article in May's Family Circle Magazine!

We would like to thank the editors of Family Circle for giving us the opportunity to spread the rescue message beyond the realms of cyberspace via such a popular magazine!

National Desexing Month is a national campaign to end the killing of healthy, adoptable animals by promoting the many life-saving benefits of desexing.

Euthanasia is the leading cause of death among healthy companion animals. Every year several hundred thousand cats and dogs are put to sleep in shelters and pounds because there are no homes available.

During the month of August, veterinarians and pounds will be promoting desexing and specials and offers will be available.

How can you help?

• Have your pet desexed. Contact your vet today!
• Help someone else get their pet desexed – contact NDN or your local shelter to find out how you can sponsor a spay!
• Organise an event. See the online presentation to find out how to organise a fabulous event!
• Make a donation to your local shelter or to NDN
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper explaining the need for desexing companion animals.
• Talk to your friends and other people about National Desexing Month, especially people who have undesesxed pets.
• Tell your vets about National Desexing Month and ask them to participate.
• If you are ready to share your life with a pet, please go to your local animal shelter to adopt one.

It is our mission during National Desexing Month to get as many cats and dogs as possible desexed to help put an end to this avoidable tragedy.

Visit the NDN website for more information - www.ndn.org.au

Kaye Hargreaves is a professional dog trainer and behaviour consultant. She runs Wagging School, in Melbourne. She is the author of four entertaining and positive training books (see end of article).

This is a summary of Kaye's booklet:
Guarding of Food and Possessions.

Most people agree that a dog should not be over-possessive about its food, and should not normally growl when its owner approaches the food bowl. The following information will help you to teach your puppy to accept being approached when eating. It is aimed at preventing food guarding in puppies.

Owners of a new puppy or rescue dog are often given advice to handle to the dog's food or pat the dog while she is eating, in order to get her used to it, to prevent food guarding. My concern is that this advice is creating more problems that it solves.

This is only common sense. Why on earth would a dog become more relaxed it you hover around touching the food and taking it away? The method described here is one of gradually teaching your dog to feel relaxed about you approaching its food because you are not a threat.

Do not try to take food away from your dog in order to teach it to accept your right to handle its food - this is more likely to teach the dog to regard you as a threat. If dogs feel threatened, it is normal for them to give warnings such as tense, motionless body posture, followed by a growl, a snap then a bite if the warnings are not heeded.

If your dog or puppy has already started to look tense, give warning growls or show aggression around food, avoid confrontation, as this will make your dog worse and could put you at risk. Avoid punishment, whether verbal or physical, as this will also teach the dog to regard you as a threat and will make the dog worse.

Try to give the pup the idea that you are approaching to give, not to take. If the pup has picked up a bone or something else that you do not want it to have, do not chase the pup, grab it and take the bone by force. This teaches the pup to run away, and become possessive. Instead, squat down with a piece of meat in your hand and offer it to the pup. Wait until the pup approaches. Keep your hands close to your body and do not try to grab suddenly. As the pup opens its mouth to take the food, the bone will drop out. Pick it up and offer it to the pup again. Repeat until the pup is relaxed about the exchange, and you can then take the bone, reward the pup and walk away.

Preventing food guarding in puppies and new rescue dogs...

Don't wait until a guarding problem crops up. You should take the initiative and positively condition your pup to accept being approached when she is eating and having people handle her food.

You can specifically condition your pup to think that being approached while eating is good news by these means:

• put some pieces of bland food (such as dried food) in the bowl;

• approach the bowl, squat a metre or so away, and offer the pup a really tasty treat (e.g. raw meat, a piece of sardine or liver) from your hand;

• have another piece ready to throw into the bowl;

• then put the next piece right into the bowl;

• if the pup accepts this, pick up the bowl and add another tasty piece, and replace the bowl;

If the pup does not accept you picking up the bowl, continue to offer pieces from a little further away for a week.

If you have children, they can participate under your supervision in giving the pup pieces of food. The child should be old enough to understand the idea of giving the pup food, not taking it away or teasing. If your child is not old enough to understand this, it is best that he or she does not join in or watch, especially if the pup has shown signs of possessiveness. If your children are in the toddler age group, they may tend to imitate you without understanding what you are really doing. A pup may regard the child as being of lower rank and therefore fair game.

One way to convince a dog that kids are good news is to let it lie down under the high chair, and “vacuum” whatever is dropped or spilt.

Where serious food guarding aggression has developed, you should be extremely careful, and avoid confronting the dog - it is both dangerous and counterproductive.

Kaye Hargreaves' Books...

Training With a Friendly Face

Your Positive Puppy Training Starter Pack

Sit Happens - Civilising Your Dog, and

Dogs and Children, a behavioural training guide

As well as a set of eighteen booklets on behaviour problems: Positive Solutions to Behaviour Problems, available as a set or as booklets on individual topics including: aggression towards other dogs, aggression towards people, chasing or nipping, destructive chewing, digging (+ many more).

Available from www.naturescreatures.com.au or by contacting Kaye by email, kh@netspace.net.au

Kaye will also be giving a series of seminars this year:

#Dogs and children
Most dog bite injuries to children are caused by mismanagement of the family pet, rather than 'dangerous dogs' as such. This seminar presents practical training strategies to promote greater safety.
Monday August 8, 2005 at 7-30 pm

#Nuisance barking
There are many humane, practical and sensible solutions to a common problem.
Monday October 3, 2005 at 7-30 pm

#Leading the way...
Why is it that instructors spend most of their time teaching dogs to walk on lead, and it remains the most difficult and persistent problem?
Learn Aunty Kaye's Top Ten ways of teaching loose lead walking.
Monday Dec 5, 2005 at 7-30 pm

Seminars will be held at Natures Creatures Bookshop Shop 15A, 163 Boronia Rd Boronia unless otherwise advised.

The RSPCA and pet welfare organisations recommend that we raise indoor cats.

Cats are territorial creatures who love to establish & defend their domains putting them in harms way. And that’s not to mention cars, air rifles, boots & other man-made hazards.

If you live in the suburbs you share your environment with the local wildlife - birds, possums, rabbits and other native animals. When your cat follows its instincts & captures & eats its prey it is exposed to a number of pathogens such as ringworm, the toxoplasmosis parasite, E. Coli, salmonella, insect bites and others. It’s a dangerous world for Tiddles!

Wouldn’t it be kinder & more sensitive to the environment to keep them indoors?

An indoor cat needs an indoor toilet. Most cat owners have kept their cat indoors at some point in time – so you’ll know how disgusting the litter tray can be.

The Litter Kwitter TM Cat Toilet Training System helps you train your cat to use the toilet instead of the litter tray. It does this in small steps that allow your cat to adjust its behaviour at its own pace.

The device and the training have been developed with the assistance of vets, cat behaviour specialists and published information on training cats. It uses simple behaviour modification techniques based on the fundamental understanding of why your cat buries its waste.

At its most simplistic the Litter Kwitter TM Cat Toilet Training System will use your cat’s current behaviour and change it in small steps so that after a few weeks he will regard the toilet as his natural place to go. The Litter KwitterTM Cat Toilet Training System comes with complete instructions and video.

More information on use and purchase of the Litter Kwitter TM is available at http://www.litterkwitter.com.au

ACT - ARF Dogs' Birthday Party

ACT Rescue & Foster (ARF) is planning a party... for the dogs!

We figure horses can celebrate a birthday; why not dogs? Especially those many rescue dogs whose true birthdays are unknown.

On Saturday 27 August Canberrans and their friendly on-lead, vaccinated dogs are invited to the Dogs' Birthday Party.

It's all happening from 11am to 2pm at the Oaks Brasserie, nestled in Weston Park, Yarralumla, by Lake Burley Griffin. Rescue dogs are especially welcome!

Mr John Hargreaves MLA, Minister for Urban Services, will launch the Dogs' Birthday at 12 noon. There will be free Canine Cuisine for the dogs, plus the essential birthday cake and bad singing. Food and drinks for humans may be purchased from the Brasserie.

We hope to organise a 'dogwalk' for all the foster-dog models to strut their stuff. They've been practicing their hip-swishing Versace walks! There may also be famous faces, doggy dancing and whatever else we dream up. One thing is for certain: there will be a whole lot of happy dogs.

Please RSVP to info@fosterdogs.org if you and your pooch(es) will be coming.

While you're there, be sure to check out the ODAM (One Drawing a Month) illustrators' (http://www.odamillustrators.com) "Dogs' Birthday" exhibition of original artworks in the Yarralumla Gallery. All works are for sale except for one... which is coming to ARF! We will auction or raffle it off at a later date.

The Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm every day, and the exhibition runs from 6 August to 2 September.

ACT Rescue and Foster is an incorporated association of people in Canberra and the surrounding region who rescue dogs from euthanasia and foster them temporarily in their own homes for as long as it takes to find the right 'forever' home.

Other Pet Events

--- September 2005 -----------

3rd September
(VIC) Dog Walking to Support VAAT

8th September
(WA) Dog Aid International Fundraising Gala Dinner

10th September
(NSW) Doggie Rescue Family Portrait Day

11th September
(VIC) VAAT Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Movie Screening

18th September
(NSW) PetFest 2005 - Holroyd Council Supporting Rescue!
(NSW) People and Pets Day - Woollahra Council
(NSW) AWL Dog's Day Out!

--- October 2005 -------------

1st October
(VIC) Dog Walking to Support VAAT

2nd October
(WA) Dog Aid Winery Tour

9th October
(WA) City Of Bunbury Dog Expo and Microchip Day 2005

Before & After You get your Puppy
The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy & Well-Behaved Dog
Ian Dubar
Reviewed by
Perla from Natures Creatures

This book is a must read for every person looking to purchase a puppy.

Ian Dunbar helps show you how to avoid all the usual problems a new puppy brings, such as biting, chewing, marking, digging and barking. He covers such topics as choosing the right breeder and the right breed for you and your family, whether it be a puppy or an adult dog.  

He shows owners how to train their new puppy using positive reinforcement training and covers such topics as socialisation with people & with other dogs so that you get a well-rounded dog who is friendly towards both.  

Ian Dunbar also teaches you how to train your dog bite inhibition so that you'll have a dog that is less likely to bite anyone through any sort of aggression, and if it succeeds in biting, it is a soft bite that causes minimal damage.  

If you read this book and follow the simple techniques you will find that you will have a well behaved dog that your family will take great pleasure in being around. It is also a good read if you already have a dog to help fix some of those unwanted habits in a positive way. No anger, no harsh treatments, all positive so both you and your dog will get pleasure from training.

Before & After You Get Your Puppy is available from: www.naturescreatures.com.au or by contacting nature@bigpond.net.au

Name:
Jacqueline Marchant

Organisation:
Cordelia's Canine Rescue Location: Rouse Hill NSW
Phone:0402 236 773
Email: jack@cordysrescue.com
Web: www.cordysrescue.com

Position/Duties:
Owner/manager/temperament assessor/kennel hand/handywoman

What animals do you have presently at Cordelia's Canine Rescue?
Up to 20 adult dogs in care and numerous puppies. All breeds, All ages from birth to some senior citizens.

What’s the best thing about working for Cordelia's Canine Rescue?
I love getting to know all my dogs and pups individually and I love seeing them happily going to their adoptive families.

What things do you think you do really well?
Matching (as close as possible) to prospective adoptive families through temperament assessments and just watching the dogs interact with each other and people.

What's the funniest thing you've ever had happen to you?
The day I broke my foot by tripping over numerous puppies whilst attempting to navigate a flight of stairs and carrying a washing basket. Fell to the bottom of the stairs and also split my head open on a dog kennel, then had to get 15 dogs and puppies off my chest once they all started to jump on me, thinking a game had started up. Not quite so amusing at the time, but looking back... would have been hysterical to watch!!

What’s the most touching thing you've ever had happen?
Every time a very shy/frightened dog finally chooses to make the first move for a pat/cuddle.

When I'm not at Cordelia's you can find me....
At the Pound or the vets usually. (or spending time with my son).

What's your best pet care tip?
Socialisation and training. The 2 most important factors in raising a well adjusted and well behaved companion.

Why do you think more people should get their pets from rescue?
Because generally, they are lovely natured animals who simply lost their home/family. They have often been assessed for the type of home they are suited to, making the transition just that bit easier for all concerned. Many are past the destructive puppy stage and integrate beautifully into new a new home.

My pets are…
Cordelia- 7yr old Labrador
Genevieve- 2yr old Great Dane
Shelby- 14yr old Sheltie
Grandma Kate- 8yr old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Piglet- 4yr old Shih Tzu
Mavis- 11yr old Australian Terrier
Shauna- 14mth old cat
Seamus- 14mth old cat .

If you could get a message out to the public - what would it be?
Research breeds before you go and buy a dog or pup. Look at your lifestyle and be honest with yourself about the suitability of some breeds for you. Be a voice for the voiceless. Refuse to buy from a pet shop and PLEASE DESEX YOUR PET!

A letter sent to PetRescue by Laura & Dave - proud new parents to Nilson...

I had never really contemplated adopting a dog. I had always just thought you'd raise one from a puppy. As I surfed the net looking for breeds that would suit our lifestyle I stumbled across the PetRescue website. As I read about animal rescue I realised that adopting an older puppy or adult dog would suit us better than raising a young pup.

As soon as I saw Horatio on the website I knew we had to meet him, which we did that night. No point wasting any time. The foster carer he was staying with was able to give us a run down on his nature and assess whether we were suitable parents for him.

As soon as we met our new little friend we fell in love with his gentle nature and he seemed to like us so a week or so later we were able to take him home with us.

Nilson, as he's now called, settled in straight away. He loves his morning walks and afternoon garden zooms. His favourite past time is getting a good old-fashioned belly rub. He loves cuddles and we're ever obliging to give them to him.

Adopting an older puppy from a rescue organisation has really suited us, as we weren't able to fully commit to the responsibly of bringing up a young pup. Nilson is toilet trained (yippee!!!) and was able to go for walks and play with other dogs straight away.

We feel really lucky to have Nilson as part of our family but we think it's even more fantastic that a dog like Nilson was able to get a second chance. He can now lead a happy and healthy life as part of our family.

Cheers!

Laura

An email from another happy furparent...

In December I adopted a little yorkie through your site from Cordelia's Canine Rescues, after losing my precious little terrier after 18 and a half years. He is an absolute delight and has given us much happiness and loads of laughter!

Regards,

Frances

Seems Lucky and Muffet are happy together in this letter received by Jack Russell Terrier Rescue...

Dear All,

This is Lucky (Jack Russell on the left) and his best mate, Muffet. They are two adorable little dogs that have come into my parents' home and lives.

Lucky was adopted from the Jack Russell Society at the end of November, 2003 and Muffet came from the The NSW Animal League.

Well it's 18 months on and these two are inseparable. They are the best of mates - they play together, relax together and walk together. Often two little heads pop out of the one kennel where they've been snuggling up together.

These two little rescue dogs have given so much joy to all family members around them. Hopefully they'll continue to enjoy each other's company for many years to come.

Rhonda

PetRescue received this email from Ripleys happy new owners...

Hi!  My husband and I are the new proud parents of Ripley, the most beautiful dog!!!

Just thought I would email you to let you know we have now had her for a little over a week and she has settled in extremely well. She goes off to work with my husband every day and greets me with lots of kisses when I return from work. 

She loves having the freedom of 2-1/2 acres to roam around on, and delights in chasing ducks and birds.  She experienced a very social weekend just gone, meeting all the other dogs in the neighbourhood and getting on with all of them.

Our thanks to Genevieve and Daniel who were very caring foster parents, and obviously loved Ripley greatly.  We have kept in contact with Genevieve and Daniel, keeping them up to date with of Ripley's progress. Many thanks for all the hard work your organisation carries out in saving so many beautiful animals.

Pauline

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