Audrey and Matilda Griffiths play with Rocket, the dog they rescued from Shenton Park Dogs’ Refuge Home after seeing him with his foster carers.
Camera IconAudrey and Matilda Griffiths play with Rocket, the dog they rescued from Shenton Park Dogs’ Refuge Home after seeing him with his foster carers. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Blast of puppy love at Shenton Park Dogs’ Refuge Home’s 80th anniversary

Lucy JarvisJoondalup Times

The Griffiths family adopted Rocket after seeing him walk down their street on a stroll with his foster carers.

“Rocket had by some chance ended up in a pound in Perth’s eastern suburbs,” mother Jo said.

“The Dogs’ Refuge Home had rescued him.

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“He was only 18 months old and he was frightened and cold.”

Mrs Griffiths said her daughters Audrey and Matilda and her husband Todd were out the front of their home when the dog and his carers walked past.

They raced indoors afterwards to tell her about the “adorable, scrappy, dappy little dog”.

“We had talked about bringing a dog into the family when the girls were a little older, but now we had met someone who needed a home,” she said.

Refuge’s tale a history of care

THE Dogs’ Refuge Home will celebrate its 80th anniversary this month with the launch of a commemorative book – Tales from our Home.

The book charts eight decades of caring for man’s best friend and records the history of the not-for-profit group from the time it opened its doors in 1935.

Tales from our Home contains stories of rescued dogs that have been given a second chance at a new life.

Over its 80-year history, the Dogs’ Refuge Home has rescued and re-homed 50,000 dogs and puppies.

Refuge President Karen Rhodes said the project had been the catalyst for the organisation to document its history and involvement in the Perth community.

“I think everyone who worked on this book was fascinated to discover how our Home was established, and at the same time was proud to learn that we’re continuing the invaluable rescue work,” Ms Rhodes said.

“I encourage all dog lovers to read it, not only is the history fascinating, the success stories featured are incredibly heart-warming and the best part of all is that by purchasing a copy of the book, animal lovers everywhere can support us to continue rescuing and re-homing unwanted dogs that absolutely deserve a second chance.”

Tales from our Home is available from Refuge in Shenton Park or at www.dogshome.org.au.