Home tails wagging

NEARLY eight decades ago, a pioneering group of Perth animal lovers came together during the Great Depression and subsequent war years to build a "refuge home for waifs and strays".

Thus, the Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park was born. The good news is refuge will celebrate 80 years of operation during October and it is still going strong - still saving thousands of dogs in need and still an integral part of the wider Perth community.

Indeed, over 50,000 abandoned dogs have been given a second chance at life as a result of the dedication, perseverance and unwavering belief held by everyone involved with the Home that dogs are valued members of our society and deserve to be treated with love, respect and above all compassion.

The sad news is there is still a seemingly never-ending number of dogs in need, waiting in pounds to be saved before their time is up, surrendered by the public because they can no longer look after their "best friend" and dumped because, well, who knows why?

Significantly, the awareness of rescue dogs and how they can make the most loyal, devoted pets is increasing – but it needs to increase much more.

We need more people who care and we need more people to take action.

Across WA things need to improve - fewer dogs need to be bred, more dogs need to be sterilised and every single dog should be given the same unconditional love they give us.

Owning a dog is a privilege not a right.

To every person who has ever adopted or fostered a dog from us and to anyone who has ever made a donation – a heartfelt thank you.

And to anyone who has ever wanted to make a difference to lost and abandoned dogs " adopt, foster or donate " it's the best feeling in the world.

The refuge's 80th anniversary book, Tales from our Home, is on sale at the refuge and all proceeds go directly to saving abandoned and unwanted dogs.

KAREN RHODES, president,

Dogs' Refuge Home, Shenton Park