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Last Updated 19 January 2012

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WELCOME NEW SPONSOR CAESAR'S DOGGY PALACE!
19 JANUARY 2012


PAWS would like to welcome a new corporate sponsor Caesar's Doggy Palace and thank Marie Stack for assisting our rescued dogs with behavioural advice and training. Please click on card for more information on other services available or if you would like to contact Marie.

 

 

FIREWORK ALERT - KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE!
29 DECEMBER 2011

Keep your pets safe this New Year's Eve and Australia Day! Please click on the fireworks to read the Animal Welfare League 10 Point Plan on safeguarding your pets before and during the firework display. Please mute your PC if browsing at work because we have a sample of what your pets will hear on the night!

 


 

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM ALL AT PAWS
14 DECEMBER 2011

PAWS would like to wish our supporters a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and thank everyone who has helped us during the year. Special thanks must go to the staff of the vet hospitals who assist us with our rescue dogs, Kevin the volunteer driver who delivers dogs to them from the Pounds and of course our wonderful foster carers. Thanks also to everyone who has made a donation during the year as your support is very much appreciated.

 

 SHORT TERM FOSTER CARERS NEEDED FOR HOLIDAY COVER
5 DECEMBER 2011

PAWS urgently need short term foster carers to look after dogs temporarily while their own foster carers go away during the school holiday period. This may suit people who don't want to commit to long term foster care until a dog finds a new home or who are going to be staying home over the Christmas/New Year period and would like a doggy companion! Please email denise@paws.com.au for more information if you think you might be able to help us out.

 

GET A PET PORTRAIT PAINTED AND HELP PAWS !!!
 29 NOVEMBER 2011
 

A big thank you to Harry Hughes who has offered to donate $50 from every pet portrait commissioned that mentions the PAWS website. Please click HERE for Harry's contact details and to see some examples of pet portraits that have been painted previously from photos.

 

FAREWELL LITTLE DOTTIE
 9 NOVEMBER 2011

Dottie's mum Vanessa sent us this sad farewell to her ex- PAWS rescued dog adopted early October and who passed away this week after a short illness.

"My dear little Dottie, I'm struggling to understand they way things worked out. You were such a sweet little dog yet life handed you some tough blows. Despite this, you were always so gentle and loving, your eyes were these little pools of trust and tranquillity. I'm so going to miss taking you for walks and smiling constantly at your cute little ways, like the way you used to half squat and raise your paw when you peed... just too cute. Waking up early to take you for walks before work was the most amazing incentive to get up; I couldn't wait to see your happy little face in the morning, all sleepy and with your fluffy little face looking up at me making me feel like I was the luckiest person in the world. In the little time that I knew you, you well and truly stole my heart and that same heart now is broken knowing I'll never get to cuddle up with you again. I only hope that your last months in life were as happy for you as they were for us, your loving adoptive family who will miss you more than you will ever know.
 
Rest in peace my little friend. I can't imagine anywhere else you would be except up in heaven as the little angel you have always been. We love you Dottie."
 

Many tears will be shed on reading this story and our hearts go out to Vanessa on her sad loss ...


 

CORRILEE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
(PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION)
4 NOVEMBER 2011

The Corrilee Foundation is hosting a photographic exhibition by Laura Robins with proceeds donated to the non profit group of PAWS rescuer Denise. This will be held on Thursday 17 November and there will be a raffle, live auctions, drinks and Colombian music! Please click here to read more about this exciting event and a great big thanks to Tanya from the Corrilee Foundation for organising this event for us.

 

 WELCOME TO OUR NEW MAJOR SPONSOR !!
3 OCTOBER 2011

PAWS would like to welcome a new major sponsor Majezzi Pty. Ltd. and thank managing director Dean Marjanovic for his very kind ongoing donations of food and veterinary products to our rescuer Denise.

 

THANK YOU FOR DONATION OF SNAKE REPELLERS !!
8 SEPTEMBER 2011

Our rescuer Ronda would like to thank Rosie and Derek of Sydney for their kind donation of electronic snake repellers to protect the PAWS dogs she is fostering in the Hunter Valley. Your generosity is very much appreciated!


 

INTERNATIONAL PUPPY FARM AWARENESS DAY
 2 SEPTEMBER 2011


PAWS encourages everyone to attend a rally for International Puppy Farm Awareness Day Rally protesting against puppy farm cruelty. The rally is being organised by Animal Liberation and will be held at 12pm on Sunday 18 September at Belmore Park (opposite Central Station). Please click on the flyer for more information.

'IN AUSTRALIA, ONE DOG DIES EVERY FOUR MINUTES'



 

PAWS DOGS FEATURED IN URBAN ANIMAL MAGAZINE !!
2 SEPTEMBER 2011

 

Two of our recently rescued PAWS dogs, Ollie and Gigi, are featured in the current issue (No. 28) of Urban Animal magazine out now. The entire magazine can be viewed online here or click on this photo at left to view the SPRING FLING article which features both Ollie and Gigi, as well as some dogs saved by other rescue groups.

 

 


 

'DENISE AT PAWS' NOW A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE NON-PROFIT GROUP
5 JULY 2011

DENISE AT PAWS
CFN/21484

DONATIONS OVER
 $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

 ABN: 67 699 816 944
The registered charity of PAWS rescuer Denise has now obtained tax-deductibility for donations $2 or over. The non-profit group is called DENISE AT PAWS and is able to accept online monetary donations to assist with Denise's voluntary rescue work. Click on the logo at the left to visit the secure GIVE NOW website however, if you are unable to donate online, please email for more information on bank deposit, cheque or money order donations.

If you would like your donation to help one of Denise's 'special needs' dogs (scroll down the list of dogs to see those needing sponsorship) then you can let her know which one in the Special Message (Other) section of GIVE NOW.
All donations will be acknowledged by email early the following month as this is when GIVE NOW notify Denise of donations received the month before. If you would also like to be acknowledged on the profile of your chosen sponsored dog then please select the option to advise denise@paws.com.au of your donation by email and we will be notified immediately rather than the following month.


UPDATE 7 JULY: We are pleased to advise that if you have made a donation to DENISE AT PAWS in the last financial year we have been notified that tax deductibility has been back dated to 30 June 2010.

 

 

THANK YOU PET STOCK BELLA VISTA !!
24 JUNE 2011

PAWS would like to thank Barbara Monument and Pet Stock Bella Vista for their ongoing donations of dog food and other supplies for our rescue dogs. Your kindness is very much appreciated! Please click on the logo for contact details and more information on the Pet Stock store at Bella Vista.

 

 

THANK YOU DEAN AND JACQUIE !!
17 MAY 2011

PAWS would like to thank Dean Marjanovic, Managing Director of Majezzi Pty. Ltd. for his wonderful donation of a large quantity of dog food and boxes of worm, flea and heartworm preventative medication.  Thanks also to Jacquie who has been knitting warm coats for our rescue dogs to keep them warm in winter for the last eight years. The support of both these wonderful people is very much appreciated!

UPDATE 14 JUNE: Thanks again to Dean for another wonderful donation this month!

 

FIREWORK ALERT - KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE!
22 DECEMBER 2010

Keep your pets safe this New Year's Eve and Australia Day! Please click on the fireworks to read the Animal Welfare League 10 Point Plan on safeguarding your pets before and during the firework display. Please mute your PC if browsing at work because we have a sample of what your pets will hear on the night!

 


PLEASE HELP D.R.A.V. CHANGE VIC. LEGISLATION
24 NOVEMBER 2010

The Dog Rescue Association of Victoria (D.R.A.V) is asking for assistance in their campaign to get the law in Victoria changed to allow rescue groups to take unclaimed dogs from Victorian Pounds for rehoming. Please click HERE to go to their website and find out more about the current legislation and how you can help D.R.A.V.

 

THANK YOU CHERYL AND JENNY!
6 NOVEMBER 2010

PAWS would like to thank Jenny from Broken Hill for her commitment to fundraising and also Cheryl from Balanced Essentials for donating aromatherapy oils to an auction Jenny organised for us. Your support is very much appreciated!


 

FAREWELL USTINOV
 19 OCTOBER 2010

Ustinov's mum Norma sent us this lovely tribute to an ex-Burwood Pound dog ....

"In 2003, after losing our previous dog to illness and old age, life felt empty but in the weekend newspapers a smiling face kept appearing in the classifieds week after week begging for a home. That face belonged to Ustinov the Jack Russell Terrier.
 

On hearing of his plight and rehoming problems we knew we were the family to give him a chance. We took to him immediately and so Usti found a home. He settled in well and previous anxiety issues disappeared. Usti became a much loved family member and a wonderful little dog who loved to be in your company. Whether it was a trip in the car, a walk or playtime in the yard his loyalty never wavered - he was our little man who made a big impression on all and everyone who met him always left with a smile on their face.
 
This year, old age really started to take its toll but, despite health problems, Usti was still happy and contented. Mercifully the end came quickly and multiple organ failure claimed our boy. Our wonderful vet who loved Usti ensured he went peacefully on 1 October surrounded by those who loved him. Knowing there were many people at PAWS and Burwood Pound  who knew Usti and were concerned for his future, I wanted to share this with you all to let you know he was much loved and gave us 7 wonderful years filled with many happy memories.

Rest in peace little man - you will live in our hearts forever."

Ustinov was certainly a lucky boy to have been adopted by a family who loved him so much ...


 

'DENISE AT PAWS' NOW A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT GROUP
31 JULY 2010












DENISE AT PAWS CFN/21484
DONATIONS OVER
 $2 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
 ABN: 67 699 816 944

PAWS rescuer Denise has now registered as a non-profit group called DENISE AT PAWS and is able to accept online monetary donations to assist with her voluntary rescue work. Click on the logo at the left to visit the secure GIVE NOW website however, if you are unable to donate online, please email for more information on bank deposit, cheque or money order donations.

If you would like your donation to help one of Denise's 'special needs' dogs (scroll down the list of dogs to see those needing sponsorship) then you can let her know which one in the Special Message (Other) section of GIVE NOW.
All donations will be acknowledged by email early the following month as this is when GIVE NOW notify Denise of donations received the month before. If you would also like to be acknowledged on the profile of your chosen sponsored dog then please select the option to advise denise@paws.com.au of your donation by email and we will be notified immediately rather than the following month.


 


 

PAWS FEATURED IN AUGUST ISSUE OF CLEO !!
 26 JULY 2010

Please check out the August issue of Cleo magazine for an article on rescue groups which features PAWS. Just click on the article to enlarge it for reading.

 


 

 OUR DESERT DOGS IN THAT'S LIFE MAGAZINE!
 27 MAY 2010

 

An article on our rescuer Sandra's Desert Dogs is featured in the latest issue of 'That's Life' magazine dated 26 May. Just click on the article to enlarge it for reading and please click HERE to see our latest Desert Dogs and Puppies looking for homes.

 

 

OSCAR'S LAW - CAMPAIGN TO END PUPPY FACTORIES
23 MAY 2010

Please click HERE to visit the Oscars Law website and see how you can help dogs like little Oscar who was rescued from a miserable life in a puppy factory and then returned to his captor by the authorities.

 

 

PAWS  RESCUER DENISE IN HORNSBY ADVOCATE !!
 17 DECEMBER 2009


One of our wonderful rescuers Denise is on the front page of the Hornsby Advocate this week and was photographed with with two of her dogs Annabelle and Alice. Denise was interviewed for an article asking people interested in becoming foster carers to contact PAWS and help her save the lives of more Pound dogs on Death Row. To read the story about our 'fairy dog-mother' online please click on the photo or to view a digital version of the newspaper please click here.


 

 

PETITION TO BAN SALE OF PETS IN PET SHOPS
22 OCTOBER 2009

The proposed Bill will be read and debated in NSW Parliament today and this expected to occur today Thursday 22 October at 4.30 pm at Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney. Actions you can take:

1. Please be there if you can! It goes without saying that this is a critical step in the process. If you can attend the session to lend support to Independent Minister Clover Moore, please do so. Your presence in the gallery is not likely to change how MPs will vote but it would give Clover support and send a strong message that people want the current situation to change and will continue to campaign for this issue until there is reform.
Also to get Government support for the Bill (and an inquiry into companion animal welfare which it's understood the opposition will propose) please:
 
2. Call the Premier's office (02 92285239) and leave a message for Premier Rees that you would like his party to support the Bill and a Parliamentary Inquiry into the NSW Pet Industry. A simple message is all that is needed.

3. Send an email to Minister Ian MacDonald to register your support for the Bill and a Parliamentary Inquiry into the NSW Pet Industry. His email is - macdonald.office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au
 
4. Call your own local Minister and say you expect them to vote for the Bill. A last minute quick message will help.
 
This has been a long and hard campaign involving many people who care about our companion animals. Let’s give this a good last minute push.

Above reprinted from www.deathrowpets.net.au with thanks!

 

PAWS RESCUE DOG WINS PHOTO COMPETITION!
25 SEPTEMBER 2009


A few days ago one of our recently adopted rescue dogs Fluff won 'Cutest Dog' in a photo competition run by Woollahra Council for their Puppies in the Park day! His new name is Mali and he beat two purebred dogs for the title. Please click here to see the online article. Fluff was just a grubby, skinny pup when rescued and has really 'fallen on his paws' with a home in one of the best suburbs in Sydney!
 



 

THANK YOU TO FAYE AND WELCOME VERONICA!
23 SEPTEMBER 2009

PAWS would like to thank our wonderful volunteer Faye from Gymea for her hard work over the past 10 years listing our rescued dogs on both Dogmatch and Pet Rescue. Faye was most generous with her time and did her work cheerfully and conscientiously and we are very grateful for all her help and support. Faye is now handing over her duties to Veronica of Veronica B Creations who also runs our Facebook page (see News item below) and we thank Veronica for again donating her time to help us in our rescue work.

 

AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE
30 JULY 2009

PAWS was hoping to put a new listing on the website in a few days for Goodie the Shih Tzu but sadly it was not to be. Please click on Goodie's photo to read his story.

 

 

 

GROOMER IN LOWER HUNTER VALLEY AREA NEEDED
 18 FEBRUARY 2009

PAWS rescuer Ronda is hoping to find a groomer in the Lower Hunter Valley area who can help her as she urgently needs three dogs groomed before they can be listed for adoption. If you think you can help please phone Ronda on 0418 123852 or email ronda@paws.com.au for more information.

UPDATE 4 MARCH: Thank you to the Lochinvar Pet Motel in the Hunter Valley for offering to help Ronda with the grooming!

 

NSW SENATE INQUIRY INTO PET INDUSTRY REQUESTED
18 JANUARY 2009

Today a call for a Public Parliamentary Inquiry into the Pet Industry was put forward by Greens Senator Ian Cohen after a massive public outcry in response to this article in the Sydney Morning Herald, the nation's top newspaper recently. Please click here to read the latest article requesting the Inquiry.

The following is reprinted from the Cat Rescue newsletter with thanks:

Action - Please show your support by clicking here and sending a letter to your MP.

So why a public parliamentary inquiry? The public want the facts. NSW deserves a full solution that encompasses all aspects of the supply chain and makes recommendations towards a total solution, not just window dressing. The Pet Industry has naturally knocked back the inquiry, stating that a specialist review would be enough. Given that the majority of specialists either work for/are members of the Pet Industry, an inquiry under oath in a formal parliamentary setting is more appropriate. Then we can be sure of a transparent and formal process with the full accountability and recognition of all the agencies and organisations involved.

There is too much money and self interest involved in this problem to allow a secret review ... the estimated $60 million dollars that charities, the NSW government and the taxpayer pays every year on this issue far outweighs the cost of an inquiry (which, by the way, is largely free . . . committee's are already formed and paid for . . that's all they do)

Update: Cat Rescue advise that due to overwhelming interest the website www.fixnswanimalpolicy.com.au has temporarily crashed but this will be rectified shortly!
 

 

  SYDNEY DOGS AND CATS HOME IN DAILY TELEGRAPH
 15 JANUARY 2009


The Daily Telegraph in Sydney recently published an article which appears to highlight a 40% increase in euthanasia rates at Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in just one year. The Home was taken over by a new Management Committee in December 2007 and they seem to have cut back on expenditure and concentrated more on fund raising this year. Details regarding this takeover can be read here. The article also quotes Sydney Lord Mayor as saying that they declined to renew the impound contract for the home to provide services to the City of Sydney because it was her understanding that 'the regime changed and they no longer met our expectations'.

Mention is also made of investigations by the Dept. of Gaming and Racing Charities Division who were unable to act on complaints from the public because the matters raised were outside of their jurisdiction.

Please click on the photo to read a transcript of the article.

 

 

SMH ARTICLE ON CHRISTMAS 'PET DUMPING'
9 JANUARY 2009


The Sydney Morning Herald has an online article regarding the regular practice of dumping pets at Christmas time and has commented on the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops contributing to the problem. Please click on the photo to read the article and add your comments to the blog in support of Clover Moore's bill.

 

 

PAWS FOSTER CARER FEATURED IN LEADER ARTICLE!!
1 JANUARY 2009

PAWS carer Jenny had the front page story in the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader newspaper published 30 December. Jenny is shown with two of her current PAWS foster dogs Arnold and Panda and the article was to highlight the abhorrent practice of puppy farming and backyard breeding to supply the pet shop industry. Not surprisingly, a spokesperson from the Pet Industry Association (PIA) denied this occurred and accused groups such as ours of being animal activists who don't want people buying pets! We do not consider ourselves and other similar rescue groups to be 'activists' at all, rather we are committed people trying to clean up the mess caused by people dumping the cute kittens and puppies they buy in pet shops on a whim after the novelty of having them wears off and they realise the commitment having a pet involves. Pet shops don't really want people to know the dreadful conditions in which the parents of those cute puppies and kittens in the window are usually kept! Many of the dogs we rescue are from backyard breeders who dump them after they are too old to continue breeding with. Please click on the photo to read the article ....

 

SUPPORT THE NSW ANIMALS (REGULATION OF SALE) BILL 2008
3 DECEMBER 2008  

Lord Mayor of Sydney and Independent MP Ms Clover Moore has spent the last couple of months revising the Animals Bill 2007 following all the positive feedback from the public and additional advice received from a range of pet loving experts. A NEW Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill 2008 has just been submitted to the NSW Parliament 14th November 2008. Read Clover's excellent speech introducing the Bill. Click here to find out what action you can take to support this Bill.

Please note that whilst this initiative relates to NSW, it's success will have enormous and exciting implications for all other States. We ask everyone, no matter where you live, to support this so that we all work towards reducing the reasons why around 250,000 cats and dogs a year across Australia are killed.

This NSW Bill has already raised significant awareness of the sad plight of our companion animals, created pressure for change and helped to advertise the better choices the public have in how they acquire their pets.

DEATHROWPETS has prepared a petition that they intend to send to NSW Premier Nathan Rees requesting him to initiate and support this enquiry.
 
Please click on the following link and sign their petition Call for formal Enquiry into the NSW pet industry and ask all your friends and family to sign it too!

 

 

REST IN PEACE PETE ... NOW AT RAINBOW BRIDGE
7 JUNE 2008

Pete was a Shih Tzu around 2 years of age who was one of seven dogs seized from a backyard breeder who had 23 of them. Two had to be euthanased due to their bad condition but the other five were taken by rescue to be rehomed. Sadly Pete met with an accident in foster care before we even got to advertise him on the website but we wanted to acknowledge his life and death here. Poor little Pete never got the chance to have the new happy life we hoped to give him but hopefully the other dogs rescued with him will do so. Run free at Rainbow Bridge Pete .... you won't be forgotten.


 

 PETITION TO BAN SALE OF PETS IN PET SHOPS
30 OCTOBER 2007         Updated 21 MARCH 2008


21 MARCH 2008
Within the next few months NSW politicians will be asked to vote on the Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill.  If introduced, this legislation will help protect companion animals from exploitation, cruelty, neglect, suffering and unnecessary euthanasia. We need your help to get this life saving bill passed.

Act NOW without leaving your desk
Please click on the links below to visit the Paws for Action website ....

Click Here to send an instant email to your MP asking them to support the bill. It will take you less than a minute and will save lives. We have an initial target of 5000 emails but the more sent the more your MP will sit up and take notice.

Visit Paws for Action for fast and effective ‘5 minute’ activities designed to encourage your local MP to vote YES.

The simple fact that 60,000+ cats and dogs are euthanased in NSW council pounds each year is indicative of a failed system. The Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill aims to remedy this tragic situation.

For more information on the bill Click Here

30 OCTOBER 2007 
NSW Independent MP and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is introducing a bill that would effectively see the sale of all mammals banned from pet shops. PAWS wholeheartedly supports this bill as we know first hand how much 'impulse buying' occurs when people see the cute puppies and kittens in pet shop windows. We get numerous emails and phone calls from people who want us to take their dog once it has outgrown the puppy stage and needs training and regular grooming and exercise. One lady was still paying the pet shop instalments when she asked us to rehome her dog! Another went to a shopping mall to purchase a new washing machine and came back with a puppy! The main supplier to pet shops is usually backyard breeders who are in it for the money and care little for the welfare of the dogs or cats. The parents of these dogs are often disposed of when they become unsuitable for breeding and they usually live in misery with little thought for their health or well being.

Our rescuer Denise was interviewed by Brian Pickering on Pet Talk Radio.com last week about this subject. Please click here to listen to Denise ...

Under Clover Moore's Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill, people will be able to buy animals from registered breeders, animal pounds and shelters or their local vet, where they will be matched with an animal and provided with detailed written information about its specific needs and requirements. Pet shops will still sell food and accessories and other animals such as birds and fish, and also act as an agent for animal shelters. This will reduce cruel and intense breeding practices to meet demand created by impulse buying.

 

The text of the Bill is available at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/0/F558C7306802FB93CA257307001EFDE9

 

Clover's introductory speech is at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LA20071018005

 

You might like to contact your local Member of Parliament and  talk to your colleagues, family and friends and encourage them to do the same. Clover has one vote out of 93 in the Legislative Assembly, so it will need other MPs to support the Bill. Write to local newspapers and call in to radio talk shows where the Bill is being discussed.

 

Both the Government and the Opposition are more likely to support Clover’s Bill if they know how passionate so many people feel about this issue.

 

You may also like to gather signatures on Clover’s petition calling for a ban on the sale of animals in pet shops. She will table these in the Parliament to show community support for this reform. The petition is available online at www.clovermoore.com/main/page/489.pdf

Please do what you can to support this cause and help put PAWS out of business!

 

s the crisis at Sydney Dogs and Cats Home being ca
used by the adjoining

SAD NEWS -  END OF AN ERA AT SDCH
23 DECEMBER 2007

Yesterday marked the end of an era at Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in Carlton with the resignation of Pound Manager Pat Hood and (almost) full time volunteer Tracey Etchells after  8 years of dedication to curbing one of the highest euthanasia rates in Sydney and turning these figures into the highest rehoming rates of any animal welfare facility. In total 7 staff have resigned in the last week in protest at the new administration and their declared goal of running the charity as a 'business'. In addition to the two very experienced and long serving volunteers mentioned below, that is a lot of experience and knowledge now lost to the Shelter. In addition, the  two volunteers will have to replaced by paid staff otherwise we believe the care of the animals will be compromised. Pat, Tracey and the banned volunteers gave up hours and hours of their own time attending fair days with Shelter animals, taking them to the airport to enable interstate adoptions, in fact doing anything they could to get one more animal get a home of it's own. You may have seen the Featured Pet on our homepage in November/December. We understand that Pat the Pound Manager was forbidden from posting this photo of Jack and Chicken's wedding on the Shelter website as it was unprofessional so we were asked if they could go on the  PAWS website. I am pleased to say that on the day before Pat resigned, Jack and Chicken flew to their new home in Victoria with someone who had seen their wedding photo and story! They were most probably the Shelter's last interstate adoption ....

We understand the first task of the new Committee is to pay off a debt to the adjoining veterinary practice St George Animal Hospital. This debt was apparently allowed to accrue over a number of years by the people who are now seeking repayment when they were running the Shelter. PAWS would never seek to discourage anyone from either making a donation or becoming a volunteer dog walker at the Shelter. However we do suggest that your donation be in the form of food or treats (see below) which you know will go directly to benefit the animals. We believe corners will have to be cut in order to pay the debt and also to replace the volunteer labour force (spouses of the two banned volunteers were a qualified plumber and electrician who donated their services to the Shelter and other volunteers did the work of painters and decorators to save costs!) Tracey also had years of experience in emergency nursing at major hospitals and helped save the lives of many pets brought to the Shelter. She was able to administer professional care and save the Shelter from paying the vet hospital to provide the same service.  

Where SDCH differed from other animal welfare groups was that they gave the old dogs, the sick dogs, the difficult dogs and the traumatised dogs a chance and these may be the first casualties of the new 'businesslike' approach. They probably won't be put on the website so they won't be missed and will just disappear as soon as their legal holding period expires and Council payment stops. It seems this disappearing act may already be happening and we think that dogs and cats who do not make it on to the website are more than likely being euthanased. PAWS believes that an animal's death should be acknowledged and memorialised and, when we did the Shelter website, would always mark their passing and give a reason for the euthanasia. This was immediately discontinued in July when the new website was unleashed (excuse pun!) on the public. 

Here are the Shelter's wishlist items that we suggest be given in lieu of monetary donations. If you would like to help by donating any of the items listed below, the Shelter is open between 9am and 1pm 7 days a week to receive them.

OLD TOWELS
DOG LEADS
DOG SHAMPOO
CANS OR SACHETS OF CAT FOOD
LARGE CANS OF TUNA IN OIL
BAGS OF RICE
DOG TREATS (FOR EXAMPLE BISCUITS OR 'SCHMACKOS")
RAWHIDE CHEWS
RAW CHICKEN NECKS AND WINGS
CAN OPENERS
NEW KITTY LITTER TRAYS
BAGS OF KITTY LITTER
WASHABLE CAT TOYS
CAT CARRY BOXES OR BASKETS

UPDATE 24 DECEMBER: The St George Leader has published an article on the dispute which can be read here. Unfortunately they didn't mention the 7 staff resignations or the fact that the two volunteers were BANNED from even entering the premises again! There is a spot for you to email your comments so we hope people will feel the need to perhaps point this out to the Leader ...

 

THANKS EX-SHELTER VOLUNTEERS CHRISTINE AND KERRI
18 DECEMBER 2007

PAWS would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of two ex-volunteers of Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in Carlton who were yesterday told by the newly appointed CEO that their services were no longer required. Christine has been their dedicated Volunteer Co-ordinator for 6 years and did unpaid office work at the Shelter 5 days a week as well as handling orientations for new volunteers. Kerri was also a volunteer for many years and (like Christine) made weekly donations of food and treats for the Shelter animals. Despite their hard work and dedication they have both been told they are no longer welcome at the Shelter. We understand the Volunteer Co-ordinator will now be paid to do the job and they have also created the new position of a salaried CEO. We also believe the position of webmistress is to be a paid position, despite the website being done by a PAWS volunteer for 10 years (and updated daily, not weekly!)

Given all this additional expenditure it is not surprising that the Shelter is currently fund raising but with so much competition for the generosity of animal lovers, it is important that you know that your money is going to be used to benefit the animals.

 

PETITION TO BAN SALE OF PETS IN PET SHOPS
30 OCTOBER 2007


 NSW Independent MP and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is introducing a bill that would effectively see the sale of all mammals banned from pet shops. PAWS wholeheartedly supports this bill as we know first hand how much 'impulse buying' occurs when people see the cute puppies and kittens in pet shop windows. We get numerous emails and phone calls from people who want us to take their dog once it has outgrown the puppy stage and needs training and regular grooming and exercise. One lady was still paying the pet shop instalments when she asked us to rehome her dog! Another went to a shopping mall to purchase a new washing machine and came back with a puppy! The main supplier to pet shops is usually backyard breeders who are in it for the money and care little for the welfare of the dogs or cats. The parents of these dogs are often disposed of when they become unsuitable for breeding and they usually live in misery with little thought for their health or well being.

Our rescuer Denise was interviewed by Brian Pickering on Pet Talk Radio.com last week about this subject. Please click here to listen to Denise ...

Under Clover Moore's Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill, people will be able to buy animals from registered breeders, animal pounds and shelters or their local vet, where they will be matched with an animal and provided with detailed written information about its specific needs and requirements. Pet shops will still sell food and accessories and other animals such as birds and fish, and also act as an agent for animal shelters. This will reduce cruel and intense breeding practices to meet demand created by impulse buying.

 

The text of the Bill is available at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/0/F558C7306802FB93CA257307001EFDE9

 

Clover's introductory speech is at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LA20071018005

 

You might like to contact your local Member of Parliament and  talk to your colleagues, family and friends and encourage them to do the same. Clover has one vote out of 93 in the Legislative Assembly, so it will need other MPs to support the Bill. Write to local newspapers and call in to radio talk shows where the Bill is being discussed.

 

Both the Government and the Opposition are more likely to support Clover’s Bill if they know how passionate so many people feel about this issue.

 

You may also like to gather signatures on Clover’s petition calling for a ban on the sale of animals in pet shops. She will table these in the Parliament to show community support for this reform. The petition is available online at www.clovermoore.com/main/page/489.pdf

Please do what you can to support this cause and help put PAWS out of business!


 

THE AMAZING STORY OF MOET  THE MALTESE !!
4 JULY 2007

Please click on the photo to read how PAWS rescue dog Moet the Maltese was reunited with his loving owner after being missing for two and a half years! There is a background track so if you are browsing at work you may wish to mute your speakers first ...

 


 SYDNEY STREET CAT RESCUE
 19 MAY 2007

Check out this great website www.kittiesinthehood.com which is a street cat rescue project aimed at getting 11 cats who were living on the streets in Sydney into loving homes. The website includes a webcam so you can keep an eye on the resident kitties!
 


 

LOWER HUNTER VALLEY FOSTER CARERS
 6 AUGUST 2006

PAWS rescuer Ronda is currently seeking foster carers that live in and around the Lower Hunter Valley area. If you think you can help please click here to complete our Foster Carer enquiry form or phone Ronda on 0418 123852 for more information. If emailing, please specify on the form that you reside in the Lower Hunter Valley area.
 

RESCUE DOGS IN HUNTER REGION NSW
29 SEPTEMBER 2005

have set up a page on their website to assist rescue groups rehome any dogs they have in foster care on the Central Coast/Lower Hunter region of NSW. If you would like to add your dog please email their photo and details to admin@hunteranimalrescue.com.au

 



BARK - DEATH OF A NO-KILL POUND?
6 JULY 2005

At the last Council meeting held on Tuesday 28 June, Burwood Councillors apparently voted to "promote"  a No-Kill policy, BUT NOT TO FUND ONE! Promoting a No-Kill Pound is not the same as having one and it is a fact that no large breed dogs have come up for adoption since October last year. We still believe that as unclaimed, large breed dogs are more difficult to rehome than cute little ones, they are being transferred to another Pound where they would most probably be killed.

The Council seem to believe that if dogs aren't actually being killed by the Pound themselves then that entitles them to claim that it is operating under a No-Kill Policy. Given that the Mayor of Burwood Cr. David Weiley has previously stated to PAWS that it would be "political suicide" for them to change the No-Kill policy they now seem to be relying on tricky wording to fool the ratepayers into thinking the suburbs unclaimed strays are safe.

If you know anyone who lives in the Burwood Council area, please inform them what decisions are being made by their Council regarding their local Pound and ask them to offer support to Councillor Teresa West who is trying to help the dogs of Burwood.

Please click here   to read the story of  PAWS  campaign to save BARK ....

              BURWOOD COUNCIL HAVE A NO-KILL POLICY

                       WE WANT A NO-KILL REALITY!


 

 PAWS  DOG VICTORIA IN "DOG'S LIFE MAGAZINE"
3 MARCH 2005

In the latest issue of "Dog's Life" magazine there is a lovely story about a little Shih Tzu named Victoria who was rescued from Renbury Farm Shelter by Denise. Little Victoria was in so much pain that she was going to be euthanased within 48 hours of arrival at the Shelter but luckily Denise saw her and decided to give her a chance. Please see the story "How I Came To Rescue Victoria" on page 9 of the magazine.

 

 

BRUNFELSIA - TOXIC PLANT ALERT
20 JULY 2004

One of our ex PAWS rescue dogs Billy the Kid is currently on a drip at the vets after being poisoned by ingesting the berries of the brunfelsia  plant (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and Lady of the Night are the common names). Symptoms of poisoning are fever, vomiting, muscle tremors, staggering and seizures. As many people are not aware of the toxic effect on canines we want to alert you to look out for this plant in your garden and if you have a dog it is important to remove the brown berries every year.

BOTANICAL INFO - This is an evergreen shrub which grows slowly to around 2-4m (6 -12') tall and 2m (6') wide. The foliage is dense and medium green in colour and the young leaves are often purplish in cool weather. The flowers are very sweetly perfumed and appear from September to late November. When they first open they are a violet colour, fading to lavender blue and then white, with the three colours present on the bush at the same time.
UPDATE: Thankfully Billy the Kid is now recovering from his illness!

 

FINDING A NEW HOME FOR YOUR PET
 2 APRIL 2004

Every day PAWS rescuers receive phone calls and emails from people asking us to take their dogs (and occasionally cats) into foster care and find them new homes. On occasions there are more people wanting to surrender their pets to us than adopt one from us!

Some people are genuinely unable to keep their dog or cat due to financial hardship. Others may have ended up with an elderly relative's pet after they died or gone into care. However on many occasions the dog has become a problem due to barking or escaping and their owners just want to be saved the expense, inconvenience or guilt of taking it to the Pound.

Unfortunately we are rarely able to help these people owing to the shortage of foster carers. We do however accept adverts on the Private Adoptions page from our supporters and are able to advertise dogs and cats as "free to a good home".

Please click here for more information or to see some of the animals currently available for adoption.

 

 RSPCA DISCOUNT DESEXING PROGRAM
 22 OCTOBER 2003

PAWS has been contacted by the RSPCA NSW Auxiliary asking if we can help raise awareness of their discount desexing program. The Auxiliary has donated over $15,000 to the RSPCA to fund an allotted number of pet dogs and cats to be desexed, microchipped and vaccinated at a discount rate to people who could not otherwise afford to desex their pets. 

Please click here for more information)

UPDATE 29 MARCH - Please note new web address


         

GOODBYE 'TIGER'   -  DEATH OF AN ICON
 8 APRIL 2003


Tiger, long term resident at BARK recently passed away at 9 years of age due to inoperable cancer. Tiger was the public face of  Burwood Animal Rescue Kennels and is greatly missed by all the staff, volunteers and visitors.

Please click on the rainbow to read the story of how Tiger took up residence at Burwood Pound and see his photo gallery.

                                               

HELP ME FIND A NEW DOGGY PAL!
8 JANUARY 2003

We are proud to announce the launch of
 PAWS   "HELP ME FIND A NEW DOGGY PAL"

If you're not sure what type of dog would best suit your lifestyle, why not let us help you. Just click here to complete our online form and Ronda, our dog profiler, will contact you if she can match you with a appropriate rescue dog.

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