HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
A photo story by Katya Minns
Located on Lemnos Street in Shenton Park, the Dogs’ Refuge Home is one of Australia’s oldest animal welfare organisations in Australia. The shelter can hold up to 150 dogs at one time, with 25 staff members and over 300 volunteers. Alexie (pictured right) has been working at the shelter for over a year now and is the communications coordinator in charge of promoting dogs online needing to be adopted or fostered. Chelsey (pictured left) was previously a volunteering coordinator but has now devoted her time to being a volunteer for the past few months. It’s active citizens like these wonderful women who help the Dogs' Refuge Home stay afloat.
MEET ARNIE
Arnie, a 2-year-old Staffy, is one of the many dogs within the refuge who has been surrendered by a pound. Due to Arnie’s anxious nature around other dogs in the kennel, Alexie keeps him in her office during the day and hand-feeds him his meals. This kind of behaviour is very common amongst the shelter, with dogs often needing that extra love and attention by volunteers and staff.
LOVE AND DETERMINATION
Growing up as a vegetarian, Alexie’s love for animals and desire to work with them has been her passion. After initial rejection of application for a job interview with the refuge, Alexie’s determination and hard work (and a persuasive e-mail for half an hour of their time) paid off. Believing you can’t judge your enthusiasm on a resume, Alexie impressed interviewees with her loyalty towards animals and how she can actively improve the refuge and their beloved dogs. During her short time at the refuge, she has educated and informed the general public on social media of what they can do to help the refuge and how adopting a dog is all worthwhile.
DONATING YOUR TIME
People like Chelsey understand the struggle of balancing workload with favourite past times. Everyone knows how work can get in the way of other pastimes such as voluntarily donating your time to others and the community. Previously being a volunteers coordinator, Chelsey is now a volunteer as it is a more flexible role while studying to become a primary teacher. Knowing the whole process of volunteering at the shelter, Chelsey understands why volunteers aren’t able to come in as often as the refuge needs, so volunteering help is always needed.
WE NEED YOU!
The refuge is desperately seeking out volunteers who can devote their time and love towards dogs in need. Whether it is simply taking the dogs for a walk or hosting fundraisers and publicly speaking about issues within the shelter, no help is too little. People with little to no commitments such as retirees or those who want companionship and exercise would really benefit from volunteering. Those who have a strong love for dogs and are willing to give up their time will too be perfect for the job. The application will take time, as inductions to the dog shelter and how to handle certain dogs is a timely process. However, the end result will be a meaningful contribution to the refuge and an active contribution to the community.
“It’s like therapy coming in and walking a dog that needs you just as much as you need them,” says Chelsey.
A DOG'S LIFE
In Australia, over 150,000 dogs are euthanised every year. At the Dogs’ Refuge Home, around 1500 dogs are surrendered per year alone with only a 1% euthanasia rate. As backyard breeding and puppy farming are increasing the number of dogs surrendered or abandoned, the shelter is finding it difficult to accommodate and rehome each dog. The environment the dogs are in can be stressful, especially if they’re sensitive or anxious around other dogs. Nonetheless, the shelter stands by its values and policies: all dogs are safe until they find a loving home.
ONE DOG'S TRASH IS ANOTHER DOG'S TREASURE
Every year, the refuge is donated thousands of items by active citizens every day. Dog toys, bedding, food and treats are the most valuable items that the refuge needs and are thankfully being received every day. Companies and sponsors also donate produce and products in bulk for the dogs, which the refuge heavily relies on. Unfortunately, due to issues with some companies, they have not received premium dog food in the past four months. Using cheaper quality dog food as a substitute is not the best for the dogs’ health, especially in stressful environments.
