Letter from the Editor
Welcome to the first edition of the PetRescue Newsletter for 2005!

It's been an exciting few months for us here at PetRescue. We're pleased to report our number of animals rehomed has now exceeded 600 and that we've not only been able to co-ordinate a huge food donation for the shelters in NSW, but have also featured in Woman's Day!

We've been working hard to promote responsible animal ownership and adoption leading up to what is the busiest time of the year for rescuers - the after christmas dump. Sadly many pets are still promoted and bought as christmas items and are later discarded when their new owner realises they weren't actually ready for the commitment of a real live animal.

If you are considering adopting a new pet, now is an excellent time to visit your local shelter. Many are also desperate for fosterers at this time of year, as the number of needy pets well exceeds the number of foster homes available. Or, making a little time each week to volunteer to clean kennels, walk and play with the animals, offering to take photos for PetRescue or to help with office duties are also excellent ways to help out your local shelter. They really need our help with the wonderful work they are doing!

Thanks for your support!

Cheers,
Michelle Williamson
In this issue...
Letter from the Editor
Woman's Day Article
Mascot Competition Results!
Dynamic Website - Want one?
NetGuide Article
Like What We're Doing?
Food Donation from IAMS
Funny Pics Raise Awareness
Grant for New Database
Seeking Sponsors
Letter of Support from ARRG
Say No Gets Angry in 2005!
Banner Ad Competition
A Very Wishbone Christmas!
VetShopAustralia Voucher
Special Rescue Feature
PetRescue Site Stats
Staff Profile
Woman's Day Article

Earlier this month, PetRescue began featuring on the Woman's Day website in their pet section. We were ecstatic with both the quality of the article and that we were able to get our pro-rescue message out to the general public who might be looking for a new pet.

From the article:

Besides giving a deserving animal another chance, there are other benefits of adopting a homeless animal. "Most shelter workers are passionate and knowledgeable professionals who feel responsible for the future happiness of both the animal and the new owner," says Michelle. "Most dogs are health and temperament tested and often come with a full history from the previous owner. Rescue groups screen adopters vigorously to ensure they are committed and that the animal goes to the best home possible. Many offer extra help and advice, including information packs and training classes. With all this additional support, you and your new pet are destined to have a fantastic new life together!"

Click here to view the rest of the Woman's Day Article online

It really is a great promotion for shelters and the work they do - please forward this link (http://womansday.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=23954) to your friends, you just never know who might be looking to add a new member to their families.

Name the Mascot Competition Results

We're very excited to announce the winner of our Name the Mascot Competition! The mascot name that took the fancy of all the staff here at PetRescue was:

Chance!

The winner was Dianna Scott, who nominated Staffy Rescue in NSW. Staffy Rescue will receive a very generous $250 voucher from PetRescue for VetShopOnline, and Dianna will be receiving a certificate and bottle of Redgate wine for nominating such a deserving shelter.

Thank you to everyone that entered - read on for our next competition!
Dynamic Website - Want one?
One of the biggest challenges faced by shelters maintaining their own websites is keeping the content up-to-date. In today's internet-orientated society, having a current website is a necessity for effectively promoting the rescue animals you have in your care.

PetRescue have designed an easy solution to the 'updating animal' problem - the PetRescue Feed. For an excellent example of how the PetRescue Feed works, visit www.hunteranimalrescue.com and click on 'Dogs' or 'Cats' on the navigation menu.

Update all your listings in the one place using PetRescue's state of the art systems, and your website is automatically updated - eliminating any double-entry and reliance on your web-savvy volunteer.

Similar to the PetRescue web site, but customised for your shelter, this gives you access to PetRescue's features, including automatic image resizing and thumbnail creation, printable posters, email-to-a-friend functionality, and access to over 90,000 visitors per month.

For more information about incorporating the PetRescue Feed into your existing website, please click here.

In addition, PetRescue has teamed up with alternative it (the web hosting and development company that built the PetRescue site) to bring a special web hosting offer to Australian animal rescue organisations.

Click here for more information about this special offer.
NetGuide Article

We took on the geeks and put our website up to the test - would they be impressed by a website about fluffy animals? The answer was YES! NetGuide Magazine rated us the second best Australian site for December. I guess all the geeky animals might find homes now....

NetGuide Article Image
Like What We're Doing? You Can Help!
As you all know, PetRescue is about generating publicity and interest for the shelters around Australia. We're working double time with the limited resources we have, but as we're only a wee pup out there in cyberspace, we would love to have everyone who believes in us and our message, lend a hand.

Things YOU can do that will make a HUGE difference to PetRescue!
Dog Food Donation from IAMS
In early November IAMS donated more than a tonne of dog food to PetRescue. We were able to distribute this food to over a dozen of our NSW members, with the help of Cordelia's Canine Rescue.

We would like to thank IAMS for their generosity and to let them know that they benefited many shelters during the xmas rush. Thanks guys!

We would also like to send a huge thankyou to Jack from Cordelia's Canine Rescue for helping us with the distribution.
Funny Pics Raise Awareness
PetRescue has gathered some of the funniest pet photos from around Australia to raise awareness of the homeless pet problem.

Please feel free to view and distribute the link below... the more people who see it, the more people might consider a rescue for their next pet!

www.petrescue.com.au/fun
Grant for New Database
PetRescue is always looking for new ways to improve communication amongst rescue groups and to make things as quick and easy as possible for rescuers. We know you guys don't have time to waste!

That's why we're keen to build Australia's first database of rescue information. A single website totally devoted to resources that rescue groups use every day and a place to share that information with other groups for the benefit of rescue throughout Australia.

The exciting thing is that the incredibly well respected group The Winsome Constance Kindness Trust who have helped animal welfare groups across the world, shares our vision.

They have generously donated $1,000 to PetRescue for the completion of this "Information Portal".

PetRescue will use these funds to add:

A Pound Animals Area. Working in a similar fashion to PetRescue, this will allow pounds to post the animals they have in their care for immediate attention by the public and rescue groups. This will allow the maximum number of animals to be collected before being euthanased.

An Information Intranet, able to be contributed to by rescue members, allowing them to share information and experiences to other groups across the country. We will gather grant information, tips on how to deal with the media, fund raising ideas and other relevant information from around the world and bring it to the one place.

A Travel, Donation and Help Request Area, allowing groups to receive real-time answers from other groups about their issues.

An "Ask the Experts" Section, where experts in animal behaviour, PR and marketing, rescue and shelter management and other relevant topics, are able to answer questions (we already have several experts keen to participate!)

It's a big project, but we're up to the challenge and will work hard to build a useful information point for all Australia rescue.

For further information, please feel free to contact us.
Seeking Sponsors

PetRescue is seeking support from sponsors to allow us to continue to spread the pro-rescue message. We are able to offer a large space for advertising on the PetRescue site which will feature on every page. We will also feature your logo on PetRescue marketing, and promote your product in our online newsletter. We're a not for profit, so the funds will be used for advertising promotions, shelter resources and involvement in pet events, that will not only benefit shelters all over the country, but promote your company to thousands of animal lovers.

If you are interested in supporting PetRescue, please contact Michelle on
0417 096 452 or email info@petrescue.com.au.

Letter of Support from ARRG
If you're a business looking for a central donation point, consider us!

ARRG would like to sincerely thank PetRescue for focussing on a very important part of charity work by speaking to support companies on the behalf our animal rescue groups.

The recent donation of Advantage products from PetRescue is so appreciated by our group as we constantly struggle with the food and vet bills for the high number of rescue animals in care.

Click here to view the full letter of support from the Animal Rights and Rescue Group.
Say No Gets Angry in 2005!
"In 2005 we here at SAY NO TO ANIMALS IN PET SHOPS are looking forward to a year when we really let the public know just where those animals in pet shops come from; why they should consider adopting a companion animal from a pound or shelter and that we're angry and not going to sit back quietly while hundreds of thousands of animals are put to death annually.

The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, officiated at a SAY NO leaflet handout in Sydney a year ago and she too is horrified and angry at the outrageous waste of innocent animal lives each and every year. When nigh on 200,000 abandoned cats and dogs are put to sleep every year in Australia - it really is a crying shame. Most animal agencies such as the RSPCA stand with us in our campaign."

Click here to view the full Say No! article...
Banner Ad Competition
PetRescue's next competition is one for all you creative crew. We're looking for the best banner advertisement, promoting a rescue topic. We presently have two banners running on the PetRescue site: "If you don't rescue, don't breed" and "taking a trip? Why not register as a pet transporter", and we want you to come up with something even better!

Click here to find out more!
A Very Wishbone Christmas!
Around 80 dogs and cats lined up along North Road and had their photos taken on Santa's lap to support The Wishbone Foundation. It will be run every year, as will their puppy party in September to celebrate Wishbone Canine Care's birthday.

Click here to read more about The Wishbone Foundation...
VetShopAustralia Voucher
Special Rescue Feature

Shenton Park Dogs Home - www.dogshome.org.au
Help is needed for some very deserving doggies at Shenton Park in WA.

Jackson
Large male ridgeback cross

Jackson is a ridgeback cross male with lots of energy. He appears to be a bit hotheaded in his kennel, but outside it he's a playful, good-natured chap who loves a game with a dog who can match him in speed and energy.

Click here to view Jackson's full profile on PetRescue

Cajun
Large male rottweiler cross

Cajun is a Rottweiler cross who just loves water. He's about 4 years old, and although he has some hip dysplasia he would suit someone who loves to swim with him - and that would do his hips a world of good. He's a fairly large lad, but gets on well with other dogs, and has a laid-back, calm nature.

Click here to view Cajun's full profile on PetRescue

Clayton
Small male pomeranian cross

Clayton is our little Pomeranian cross, a gorgeous cream-coloured boy who just adores being with people. Clayton has had a hind leg amputated, but that doesn't stop him dashing about in the refuge office, and playing with his toys.

Click here to view Clayton's full profile on PetRescue

Mandy
Large female malamute

Mandy is a very large female Malamute, black and white. She's a beautiful dog and has had some basic training, so she can sit and drop on command. She loves the water and despite her size, manages to fit herself in a wading pool! This is a dog for someone who loves the breed and understands their needs.

Click here to view Mandy's full profile on PetRescue
Dog Wash Available Soon

The refuge will have a hydrobath in place by the 20th of January. Dog owners are welcome to use this service to support the shelter - to book please phone 08 9381 8166. The price of $12 per dog includes a hydrobath and dry-off with optional extras like herbal moisturisers available.

Hunter Animal Rescue - www.hunteranimalrescue.com
 Hunter Animal Rescue is a small group of individuals who are located in the lower part of the Hunter Region in NSW. We rescue animals from death row from pounds in the Hunter Region, Central Coast & Sydney.

Sunny and Bango

Sunny is a 2yo male Shepherd Cross who was on the brink of death from emancipation. As soon as we received Sunny, he was taken to our vet for a check-up. The vet's diagnosis: Sunny was 10kg when weighed and he needs to at least double that. His best friend Bango (2yo male Cattle x Spitz) was also rescued; luckily for Bango he had a bit more weight on him, he weighed in at 9kg and needs to be at least 15kg. Also luckily for these guys, they have been on a strict diet of 5 meals a day to help nurse them back to health. As these guys are on 5 meals a day, the costs of feeding them have been adding up. We have recently received a donation of dry dog food from SuperCoat via the good people at Pet Barn in West Gosford.

We are still in need of help and are seeking donations of food for this gentle and loving pair. If you think you could help, please contact their carer Jenny Pryor on (02) 4964 4696 or e-mail us.

KC

KC is a 6 week old Terrier pup who was born with a painfully deformed front leg (it looks like a chicken wing). Luckily for KC it can be amputated and he can live his life without pain as a happy and normal dog. Unfortunately this operation is expensive and recovery can take a while. We are seeking your generosity in helping us raise the money needed to pay for this delicate surgery. If you think you can help us out with the cost of the operation, please contact our Veterinary Surgeon, Warren Collins on (02) 4951 1603. Warren is situated at 320 Sandgate Road Shortland. If you would like updates on how KC is going, please email his carer.

Kittens

We currently have 25 kittens with our kitten carer. These poor little guys came into our care from varying sources, but most of them have been rescued from death row at various pounds. With having so many kittens in care, the costs are mounting up quickly. We are in need of donations of cat/kitten food and kitty litter. All Hunter Animal Rescue cats and kittens, whilst in care, are indoor animals. We try and encourage all new owners to do the same thing. If you think you can help, or are able to steer our carer in the right direction please contact Jenny-Marie.
Retirement Homes for Senior Animals

Hunter Animal Rescue has recently started up a "Retirement Home" program for older rescued & surrendered animals. The Hunter Region has become a mecca for senior Australians and as we all know, pets make great companions and it has been proven that people who have pets lead happier & healthier lives. Most older animals who come into our care have already had all their vet work done and just need to be lifetime registered with council. With our retirement home program, we are able to place these older animals with seniors who cannot afford to adopt a younger animal.

Click here to read the rest of this article...

PAWS - www.paws.com.au
 PAWS comprises of a small group of self-funded rescuers, volunteer foster carers and walkers whose primary aim is to help lost or abandoned animals in NSW.
PAWS Looking for Carers

At times like Christmas, dumpings are at their highest, summer storms have hit many areas and the numbers in the pounds are sky high. Sydney pounds are stretched. In the pounds illnesses like parvo virus and kennel cough spread and can be a real problem.

So many beautiful, healthy, well-tempered dogs are at risk every day. Wouldn’t it be your first wish for Christmas to help save a life? PAWS, like many rescue groups all over Australia need more foster carers to make this happen.

The equation is simple.
More foster carers = more dogs rescued = less deaths in the pound.

PAWS is made up of a group of dedicated rescuers who save dogs from the pound and put them with foster carers until permanent homes can be found.

Look at Angel. Denise from PAWS saved her from death after a life of being a ‘puppy factory’. At only 18 months she had ‘produced’ 3 litters, was malnourished, timid and totally unaware of playing and running in the garden and feeling grass between her toes. She missed out on all of this and the love all dogs deserve. Now she has a truly loving home and hopefully has put her horrid past behind her.

If you feel you would like to be a foster carer then PLEASE contact PAWS.

Editors note: Foster carers are always needed all around Australia. For more information about becoming a foster carer in other states, we recommend you visit the excellent Canine Foster Care website.
Rainbow Animal Rescue & Care
 Rainbow Animal Rescue & Care are a non-profit organisation based in Coffs Harbour, NSW providing a community service to rehome animals. They have a no euthanasia policy and a refuge attached for those animals that can't be rehomed for one reason or another.
Digital Camera Required

Rainbow Animal Rescue & Care require a digital camera so that they are able to take photos of the animals they have in their care to give them the best chance of finding new homes. If you are able to help with this please email Raye Cooper or contact us here at PetRescue.
Cordelia's Canine Rescue - www.cordysrescue.com
Cordelia's Canine Rescue rescue, care for and rehome dogs and puppies who would otherwise be put to sleep in pounds or who have been surrendered by their owners. The majority of dogs/pups in their care have been rescued from Blacktown Pound in Sydney's Western Suburbs.

Donations Required

Cordelia's Canine Rescue will be having a working bee soon to repaint the kennels. They also need some help with fencing supplies and labour to fix one of the kennel runs so the dogs in quarantine can be let out for a play throughout the day without risking other dogs.

They are also in need of a large working fridge for dog food and a big washing machine for the dogs bedding.

If you can help with any of these items or want to lend a hand, please contact them by emailing Jaqueline Marchant.

Callum
Large male Border Collie x (?)

Callum is a gorgeous looking boy with a magnificent nature. He is playful, well behaved (for a young chap) and has some basic obedience. He is easy to walk on lead, sits on command, loves playing with rope toys and a tennis ball and will shake hands. His coat, whilst semi-long, is easy to care for requiring only a decent brushing every few days to keep him matt free. Callum would love a family with older children to play with or a person who would like a jogging partner (or Agility dog perhaps?)

Click here to view Callum's full profile on PetRescue

PetRescue Site Stats

The PetRescue site has been very busy since we launched! We'd selected a few choice statistics for you...

Statistic October 2004 January 2005
Visitors to the site: 34,368 300,155
Total hits: 1,207,200 6,059,765
Rescuers: 69 143
Friends of PetRescue members: 178 772
Total animals listed: 260 1074
Total animals rescued: 87 611
Most views of a single animal: 492 1155
Staff Profile

Name: jb

Title: animal geek!

How long have you been with PetRescue? Ever since I was away from home on a work trip and got a phone call from Shel saying, "I've got an idea for a web site..."

What does your role involve?
I get to do all the web stuff. Shel is the ideas person, and I bring it all to life. I love it :)

What do you enjoy most about your job?
When we first got serious about PetRescue, I kept thinking, "If we help even one dog find a new home, all the hours of work in front of the computer will have been worth it."

Well, a few months down the line, we've helped over 600 animals find new homes. I know I'll be spending a lot more time in front of the computer with all the plans we have for PetRescue - and I can't think of a more worthwhile thing to do with my 'spare' time.

Cheers guys! Go team! :)

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