Published on: 9 Mar, 2021
A few sad eyes, but big happy thank-you boops all round, as we farewell our Co-Founder, JB.
Today, we have cake and cause to celebrate the achievements of one of our original founders, JB (John Bishop) as he leaves the PetRescue team after 17 amazing years of service - that’s more than 100 dog years!
Over that time, we’ve seen significant changes in the animal welfare industry right across Australia.
“When we first conceived PetRescue in 2004, I spent most evenings and weekends over the course of a year creating the first version of the website. At the time, I didn’t really know if the work I was doing would have an impact or not,” says JB. “But I remember thinking if just one pet found a new home as a result, then it would be all worth it.
“From those small beginnings, we’ve grown, evolved, adapted and helped over 680,000 pets find new homes, which is such an amazing result.”
Today, hundreds of rescue organisations across the nation are proud PetRescue members, utilising our free adoption services and participating in our programs to find homes for the pets in their care and get further support for the valuable work they do.
Take our Food Donation program for example – leveraging partnerships with the likes of Mars Petcare and PETstock to donate and distribute over $10 million worth of food and pet care products to our member rescue organisations across Australia.
From the noughties to now, JB has dedicated a huge chunk of his time to overseeing PetRescue’s technical evolution, as well as playing a big part in managing our team and campaigns, developing content, fundraising and forming the key partnerships that got us – as well as over half a million adopted rescue pets – where we are today.
“To be involved in starting a boot-strapped charity with no external funding or support and evolve it to be the sustainable, forward-thinking organisation that it is today has been a simply amazing journey,” says JB.
“While it has been a hard decision to move on from PetRescue, especially with some seriously incredible new initiatives underway, it’s the right time.
“The PetRescue team is the most passionate, dedicated and talented group I’ve ever had the honour of working alongside. I’m confident that under the leadership of my fellow Co-Founder, Vix, and recently appointed and fellow pet-loving Managing Director, Patima, they will continue to disrupt and innovate in the animal welfare sector.”
We wish JB all the very best in his future prospects as he pursues other projects and his passion for teaching yoga at the studio he runs with his wife in the Perth hills. If you’re out that way, drop in for some yin, JB-style. And, maybe, vin!
We thank JB for his massive contribution to the evolution of our organisation and the wider rescue industry. And above all, we give him a big thank-you boop for creating happiness and saving lives.