Fetching the newspaper…

Our inclusion in the Sydney Morning Herald's IT section with the article “Puppy Power” generated great interest in the website just after it's launch.

Wil lends his support…

Our first celebrity supporter Wil Anderson kindly offers these words of wisdom:

"As someone who was convinced the internet had been pretty much invented so people could waste time at work, and have access to Paris Hilton's private movies, I'm pleased to see it's finally being used for something that actually helps the world. As the owner of a rescued cat myself (his name is Tip because we found him at the Bowral tip) I take my hat off to the guys at PetRescue."

Coming full circle...

A half page article in Family Circle magazine gave us a chance to really let people know what we're all about.

Our best month yet…

August saw our highest number of visitors to the site EVER!!

Over 160,000 Australians trawled through our pages and adopted over 300 animals for the month!!

It *has* been a very exciting 12 months for us and we're happy to report that we are planning just as many exciting things for year number 2!

The PetRescue Youth Team is a volunteer group that assists animal rescue and shelters all over Australia.

Inspired by PetRescue.com.au this group of keen young people decided that it was time for to take a stand in rescue, because everyone can make a difference no matter what age.

They have grown in numbers and their members have been doing so much to help including poster runs, website updates and educating other young people about responsible pet ownership. Rescue groups often contact them and ask for assistance.

Joining the PRYT is a great way for young get involved with animal rescue and to really make a difference.

If you would like to join the PRYT or would like their assistance please visit the PRYT website: http://www.pryt.4-all.org
or email PRYT's Youth Advisor Kristen Zekic at Kristen_zekic1991@hotmail.com

A big thanks to by Mel from GreyhoundAngels for use of this article...

She was born into a racing family, from some of the best bloodlines in Australia; her owners had the highest of hopes for her future. She spent the early years of her life among her siblings where she was able to run and play and spend a short time as a normal pup should.

When she was around 9 months old she was moved into a kennel where she was suddenly in a space by herself, the only companionship she had were the canines kennelled either side of her. She was very scared and confused.

She soon began her ‘training’ which included frequent exercise and learning to chase a drag lure. She did love however the constant contact with people, and became very use to being handled and touched.

Her life became a constant routine and soon enough it was time for her race training to begin. She was only 12 months old and was already learning to jump from the boxes and chase a mechanical lure around a circle track. By 16 months she was old enough to race, at such a young age where she still hasn’t finished growing.

She went to her first qualifying trial at the racetrack, here if she ran under a certain time; she would be able to compete in actual races. She did the best that she could and passed her trial.

Now qualified for racing, she was prepared for her first race start. After several starts she was unable to win a race, she was not lacking in speed but rather in commitment and at 18 months of age she was removed from the racing kennel, away from the life she had known and her other canine companions.

She was placed inside a dog trailer unbeknown of her fate, anxious and scared. As she lay quietly and patiently she was totally unaware that she was one of the very few lucky ones for her owner was taking her to a rescue where she would be able to live out her life as a love companion.

For thousands of other greyhounds every year, this story is sadly just a dream. If they fail to win races and then in turn fail to make money for their owners, they are simply destroyed.

Please help us make this dream a reality. Greyhounds should not have to run to save their lives.

If you have room in your heart for a greyhound, or would like to sponsor or make a donation contact Greyhound Angels for more information!

GreyhoundAngels
Phone: 0403 899 296
Web: www.greyhoundangels.com
Email: mel@greyhoundangels.com

Mouse Helps Dog...

Jack Russell Terrier Rescue NSW have several of these cute Mickey Mouse dolls for sale. They can be purchased for $5.00 plus postage and can be ordered by emailing rescue@jackrussellterrierclub.com.au

Stamps for Pugs...

Due to the large volume of outgoing mail, Pug Rescue Victoria is in need of 50 cent stamp donations. If you could spare a few stamps, it would be greatly appreciated.

Stamp donations can be sent to: Pug Rescue Victoria
Po Box 898, Sunbury 3429 Victoria

WA - Shenton Park Dog's Home Kennel Sleepover...

The Shenton Park Dog's Home in WA are celebrating their 70th birthday this year and are one of the oldest rescue groups around.

At the end of August, they came up with extraordinarily innovative public awareness campaign... a kennel sleepover!

The staff and bedded down in the concrete-floored kennels for the night with their favourite rescue dog. They wanted to do this to draw attention to the plight of the dogs in their care, who have to get through so many long, lonely, cold nights without human companions.

This dedicated group are presently seeking sponsorship and donations. You can make a credit card dontation over the phone by calling the refuge on 08 9381 8166 or donations can be deposited via:

NAB Bank
Account No: 58-779-3782
BSB No: 086-217.

The following article was written by one of the sleepover attendees...
====================================================

The evening started with a BBQ at 7.00pm. Everyone had brought a plate of food so there was quite a banquet including chips, salads, cakes and wine.

Staff and volunteers mingled and staff dogs had fun begging for leftovers (Stella the poodle had a hairdo made up of sausage streaks for days afterwards)!! Everyone listened to music and told tales of the previous sleepover conducted 4 years ago when the rats were partying in the corridors all night.

Everyone had selected their dog earlier in the day and placed their bedding out side their favourite dogs kennel ready for the night. Some staff made little bedrooms in the kennels with curtains and Clarence (a Refuge dog) was given a pair of pyjamas to wear!

After all the fun and games died down and everyone tucked in for bed, the dogs had a great time. Elsie liked to lie on her back with her legs in the air and cuddle and Chubb's had a great night dropping his ball on Scott's head.

Overall it was a very successful event and despite the bitter cold and the hard floors it was fun for all who took part and a great opportunity to give the dogs some serious TLC.

We are all looking forward to the dogs finding the loving homes they deserve.

Other Pet Events

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

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

--- November 2005 -------------

5th November
(VIC) Dog Walking to Support VAAT

12th November
(VIC) VAAT Trivia Night & Silent Auction

Name:
Sherry Cooper-Smith

Organisation:
The Wishbone Foundation
Phone: 03 9578 3933
Email: mail@thewishbonefoundation.org
Web: www.thewishbonefoundation.org

The Wishbone Foundation provides free pet care services to the elderly and disabled members of the community. The Wishbone Foundation contributes to the Australian community by offering care to animals in need, and making a difference in the lives of elderly and disabled owners.

The Foundation provides voluntary services such as dog walking, training, respite care and grooming.

Position/Duties:
Top Dog

What animals do you have presently at the Wishbone Foundation?
Domestic pets including cats and dogs of all sizes.

What’s the best thing about working for the Wishbone Foundation?
We get to see the difference our work makes in the lives of pets as well as their owners.

What things do you think you do really well?
Supporting our clients through very difficult times and making sure they and their pets have everything they need.

What's the funniest thing you've ever had happen to you?
Trying to get an antibiotic tablet down a very cranky and scratchy cat's throat!!

What’s the most touching thing you've ever had happen?
A thank you card and photo we received from a client after we washed and clipped her little yorkie… gorgeous!

When I'm not at the Wishbone Foundation you can find me....
At Wishbone Canine Care - the doggy daycare, grooming, walking and holiday care facility which donates profits back into the Foundation.

What's your best pet care tip?
Love them the best you can.

Why do you think more people should get their pets from rescue?
Because it gives a disadvantaged pet a second chance.

My pets are…
Two moggies - Cedric and Moo (brothers) and three dogs… Cody (Springer Spaniel), Jada (Springer Spaniel) and Kenya (Retriever Spaniel x) .

If you could get a message out to the public - what would it be?
If you know someone who is elderly or very ill who has a pet and may need some help, tell them about us !

A letter sent to PetRescue by Taz's new parents who adopted from RSPCA Mudgee...

Since the loss of our previous pet Terrier about 18 month's ago, my wife and I have been seriously considering acquiring a new pet to fill the void in out lives left by the departure our little friend.

We didn't wish to purchase a puppy when so many adult dogs were being placed in animal shelters and facing an uncertain future. Unfortunately our search of available pets in the Bathurst Pound just didn't seem to fit our requirements then we heard about PetRescue.

Taz has now been with us for a little over thirty days and has settled in very nicely and is scheduled to start Obedience School on the 13th August (not that he really needs it) :-)

Thanks again for your good work in finding suitable homes for these deserving pets which are far too often left to fend for them selves in the direst of conditions.

Kind regards,

Edgar

An email from another happy furparent with their new adoptee from Jack Russell Terrier Rescue...

Every day we look at Tess and wonder why anyone would give up such a delightful little girl.

Tess loves long car trips, exploring in the bush, chicken wings, liver treats, the possum in our roof (we know she'd like to meet him personally, but we don't think that's wise), rolling in anything stinky, chasing her mate Blossom whilst Blossom chases her ball and of course guarding the perimeters of our property.

She is full of fun and has the most wonderful loving nature. She is just as happy socialising at the park with all her new doggie friends, as she is curled up on the lounge squashed up as closely to us as possible. She is an adorable little girl and we are so happy to have her in our family.

This is a great story about the joy of taking in a purebred rescue...

After losing our wonderful rough collie Maggie very suddenly to an illness that could not be cured we were all very lonely and back to a single rough collie again. Phoebe, our remaining collie was missing her canine companion dearly.

Then an urgent call came from the Collie Club of Victoria’s Rescue service about a 9 year old sable male that urgently needed a home… and if a home was not found he was going to be put to sleep! We could not stand by and see that happen.

Initially we agreed to foster him but then after a lengthy discussion we decided that if Phoebe and Bundy were compatible we would give Bundy a Forever Home.

Bundy and Phoebe were instant mates the moment they met so he was here to stay!

Bundy has settled in really well. Phoebe and he play chase, tug of war and often sleep cuddled up together. Bundy sleeps at the foot of my bed each night and when you come home from the shopping etc you are greeted by two very happy Collies.

We felt we had to share the wonderful Bundy Story with other dog, Collie, lovers and to show how rewarding taking on a Rescue Collie can be.

Colleen and Bill

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