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 fundraising and PR committee to ensure all fund raising opportunities and activities are maximised. Karen adopted her second dog Bronson from the Home in 2009 and now boasts she has the two best looking men in Perth. She 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.
Natalie Spooner, Responsible for dog welfare
Nat started volunteering at the refuge in April 2010 after her beagle Casey died (Casey’s brother Dudley had died 2 years earlier). She needed a regular doggie fix since she wasn’t going to have another dog and figured the refuge would provide that. She soon became a regular around the refuge helping with dog bathing, induction training, the royal show tent and other events, as well as cooking dog food. In December 2010, Nat started taking the occasional dog home, particularly those that needed a break from the refuge or had recently been in the clinic, and in June/July 2011 she took Rusty (red cloud kelpie) home so many times that she and her partner Steve decided they didn’t want to return him and they adopted him. She is responsible for Dog Welfare and is glad to be the voice for the underdog!
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.
Maree Daniels
Maree has been volunteering for the Dogs’ Refuge Home on the Fundraising Committee since 2006. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Maree brings to the committee many years experience in the not-for-profit sector along with skills in financial systems, project management and marketing and communications. Maree lost her dearest friend Red, a red cloud kelpie, in 2012 however still shares her love with Minnie who she adopted from a shelter 11 years ago. Maree is also a mad bird lover and she and Minnie share their lives with many feathered friends.
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.
Lee-Anne Ashley
Lee-Anne has been volunteering at our Home since 2009, commencing her volunteer career by folding and sorting hundreds of blankets and towels in the big winter appeal! Since then she has volunteered in the office and worked on fundraising activities including the 2010 and 2011 Quiz Nights. Lee-Anne lives with two older gents - Max and DJ. While they’re not from our Home, both were ‘rescued’ from less than idyllic conditions. Lee-Anne thinks poodles are the best people!