Have you ever thought about all those poor, unloved doggies in the pound and wished you could scoop them up in your arms and take them home so they won't be put down?
Well, amazingly, someone has actually done it! Doggie Rescue is an Australian charity that saves more than 1000 dogs from death row in animal shelters every year. Each week, founder Monika Biernacki and her team of volunteers collect as many little guys from the pounds as they can fit into their van, and care for them in their Sydney shelter until they are adopted by a loving owner.
Thank golly gosh for Doggie Rescue, right? Without it, more than 1000 dogs would meet an unnecessary death every year because there's no-one to care for them.
Well, guess what? Because Doggie Rescue rely 100 percent on donations from the public and money from their own pockets — they don't receive any government funding — they are struggling to keep afloat in these tough economic times. Donations are drying up, and more and more dogs are being dumped at pounds every week.
Imagine what would happen to all those pooches without Doggie Rescue? Actually, don't! It's far too awful.
Worried? So were we, until we found out there were ways we could help Doggie Rescue to keep going.
How you can come to the rescue of Doggie Rescue:
- Adopt a dog
Is your family thinking of getting a canine family member? Before you head off to a pet store or breeder, log onto the Doggie Rescue website to check out the furry friends available for adoption. Doggie Rescue has adoption centres at Alexandria and Ingleside in Sydney, where you can play with all the hounds until you find your next best friend. And remember, while puppies are cute, older dogs have just as much love to give as the little guys, and they're less likely to find a home. Unfortunately some people buy a puppy but get 'over' it when it grows up and ditch it! Be sure not to overlook those little guys, too. Find out more.
- Sponsor a dog
If you wish you could adopt a dog but can't take your four-legged friend home with you, you can sponsor one. Sign up to be a Doggie Rescue Life Saver by agreeing to donate $29 a month, and your dollars will cover the cost of food and shelter for one dog. There are bigger donation packages available which include veterinary and program expansion costs. Maybe your whole family or you and a few friends could pitch in. Find out more.
- Volunteer
If you're low on cash but have some spare time, Doggie Rescue is always in need of volunteers to keep the centre running. You can help out by walking and cuddling the dogs, or Doggie Rescue can send you posters in the mail to put up around your local area. It's that easy! There are heaps of other ways, too. Find out more.
- Foster a dog
Doggie Rescue is often unable to take on some dogs because there's simply no room at the shelters. By fostering a dog at your place, you're literally saving a dog's life. You'll need to commit to giving a pet a safe and loving environment until a permanent home is found. Find out more.
- Raise money
You could organise a fundraiser to raise money for Doggie Rescue by holding a sausage sizzle or cake stall at school. Ask a teacher for advice on how to get started.
- Spread the word
After feeding and vaccinating so many pooches, do you think Doggie Rescue has any cash left over for advertising? Nuh-uh! One of the most important things you can do to help Doggie Rescue is spread the word. Mention it to friends so they can visit Doggie Rescue instead of heading to a pet store when they're looking for a new pet.
Are you going to help Doggie Rescue after reading this story? Tell us about it by leaving a comment!
Visit www.doggierescue.com.au for more information.
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