About The Dogs' Refuge Home

The Dogs' Refuge Home is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue, care and re-homing of dogs.

Established in 1935, it is one of the oldest animal welfare agencies in Australia. Our activities are motivated by the fundamental understanding that dogs are entitled to the same love and respect that they unconditionally give to us.

Based at 30 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park, our kennels are capable of housing up to 150 dogs. We have a no-kill policy, which ensures that no dog will be euthanised on economic grounds.

Every year we take in many hundreds of dogs that have been abused, neglected or simply no longer wanted.

Without your donations we are unable to provide vital care to these beautiful dogs. Please support us by making a donation.

Meet the Committee

Karen Rhodes, President, Responsible for fund-raising and PR

Karen became involved with the Home in August 2006 when she adopted one of the home’s long termers, Homer. Karen’s background is marketing and advertising and she leads the fund raising and PR committee to ensure all fund raising opportunities and activities are maximised. Karen is also a regular weekend walker and has many favourite dogs.

 

Ian Coombes, Vice President, Responsible for repairs and maintenance

Ian has been a volunteer at the Refuge since 2005. He has a Blue Badge and enjoys interacting with the Refuge dogs. As a committee member, Ian is involved with the repairs and maintenance of the Refuge. Ian is now retired but spent much of his working life with the Army and the Commonwealth Public Service. Ian's dog Augie was once a Refuge resident.

 

Stains, Hon. Chairman, Responsible for discipline

I began my career at the Refuge in 2004 and quickly worked my way through the pack. I am an assertive dog and put my point of view in a strong, forthright manner, despite attempts to restrain or muzzle me. I currently share my office with the General Manager so that I am always on hand to offer advice. My exceptional people skills have made me a favourite with the volunteers. I would like to be your favourite too. Although my work at the Refuge is very important I long for a home of my own.

 

Chris Osborn, Responsible for constitution

Chris is a lawyer in Perth specialising in commercial law. There are two dogs in his family, one from the Hong Kong SPCA and the other from our Home. Chris worked on the Home's successful application for Designated Gift Recipient Status (by which donors obtain a tax deduction). He has worked in Australia and Hong Kong and was previously Secretary of the Hong Kong SPCA.

 

Joan Reimers

Joan is the one of the longest serving volunteers the Refuge has had, dedicating her services since 1993. Joan's passion are the dogs and she oversees Dog Welfare as her role on the committee. She is still a very active volunteer and can be seen every weekend out and about with some of our more challenging canine residents. In her other life she juggles her time as a high school teacher and dedicated grandmother. Joan also shares her home with Zeuse, a deaf bull terrier whom she has adopted from the Refuge and a cat from the Cat Haven named Maybe. Her motto is "the more I see of man the more I love my dog."

 

Sarah Murphy, Secretary, Responsible for grant writing

Sarah began volunteering after her two beloved dogs died within months of each other. She is not only our secretary but she is our grant writer. Sarah has applied her skills in the museum and heritage sphere to the Home and because of her work we received our first-ever Lotterywest grant to design a masterplan for a new facility. Her goal is to stop the band-aid approach to the old buildings at the Home and work toward building new facilities to make the dog’s lives more comfortable. 

 

Lynda Hancy

Lynda's love of helping homeless dogs started when she adopted her first dog Chipper from the refuge and knew immediately she wanted to  become a volunteer. After giving up her full time job as a legal secretary she started volunteering with us over  5 years ago  and  adopted another dog Roxy. With the help of her husband they donated a computer and designed a database to upgrade our manual sign on system  for all volunteers. Lynda  walks dogs 1 full day a week,  has also helped on various sub-committees and is now the volunteer coordinator. You will also find Lynda helping out in our laundry and over winter she is  hard at the sewing machine mending dog jackets.

 

Adelene Wee

Adelene has been volunteering at our Home for over 3 years. She has an architectural background and likes all things creative. Adelene is always extremely popular at morning tea time as she is a great cook and shamelessly bribes the volunteers to walk a few extra dogs with her amazing truffles. Despite her petite frame she is a blue badge and loves walking our biggest dogs. Adelene is currently working on plans for our new kennels.

 

Ed Hollinshead, Responsible for new business income

Ed has been a volunteer at the Home since early 2006. The majority of his Saturday mornings are spent at the home walking some of the particularly large and stronger breeds. He also helps with the training of new volunteers. After moving into a more dog friendly house, Ed adopted Lockie who is now a much loved and very loyal companion. Ed is the newest member of the committee and brings a firm knowledge of the operations of a small business and a sincere interest in seeing the best possible outcome for all the dogs at the Home. 

 

Sam Moore, Treasurer, Responsible for finance

Sam has been a Certified Practising Accountant for 40 years. He currently does the accounting for three not for profit organisations including ours. Sam is an objective person who provides solid financial advice in the operation of the Home. Sam's passion is wildlife conservation.