The Dogs' Refuge Home

Movies, Music & Fashion to support the dogs

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:36:00 +1000

They may not be supermodels or hollywood movie stars, but the dogs at the Refuge often become the shining light in their new family's lives once they are rehomed.

Harmony Films are showing their support for the Refuge by hosting a Movies, Music & Fashion fundraising event to help raise awareness and money for the Refuge, as well as the Free the Bears Fund. The night is feature packed with fashion parades, short films and live music, as well as plenty of drinks and canapes, all for the bargain price of $50.

The event is being held at 7.00pm on Friday, 13 August 2010 at the Claremont Hotel (upstairs) on Bayview Terrace in Claremont.

Fashion parades will be featured by Bubululu and Three Bears Coastal Urban and a feature screening of the short film "What If". In addition, Michele Roget and Lee Bradshaw will play music from their EP "Little Wonder", as well as other performances throughout the night.

Tickets are available from the Refuge office or via the Harmony Films website.

So, dust off your best cocktail dress or suit and your dancing shoes (like young Goofy has here) and get ready for fun night out in support of our pooches.

Can you give Minnie the loving home she deserves?

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:28:00 +1000

Who could say no to a face like this?

Minnie is a six month old Jack Russell staffy cross who has had a very bad start in life. When she was a few months old Minnie suffered some kind of trauma (the vet possibly thinks it was a car accident). As a result she has a damaged front paw which causes her to limp.

Fortunately, her injury has not affected her zest for life and Minnie is a happy and totally adorable little dog who will need moderate rather than excessive exercise throughout her life. She loves people, children and other dogs and is very well behaved generally. Minnie is currently in foster care, but we are looking for a new special family for her who is prepared to give her a new home.

Her foster carer says this about her: “Minnie is an incredibly affectionate, loving and playful puppy who totally deserves a second chance at a happy life. She would be best placed in a family where her owners are at home most of the day as she totally loves to be with people. She may also need some ongoing pain relief for her injury but the vet has said she should manage very well given her age and size. Minnie has such a beautiful nature, she is totally gorgeous and she will bring a huge amount of love and laughter to her new owners.”

Is there a wonderful new family out there for our special dog Minnie?

If you are interested in offering Minnie a second chance at a happy life, please contact the Refuge on 9381 8166.

Cerveza's life by the beach

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:19:00 +1000

I adopted a little blue cattle dog whose name was Whisper, but is now named Cerveza, in mid-March. Unsurprisingly, she is super energetic and loves going down to the beach at Freo twice a day…everyday - rain, hail or shine.

The everlasting treats that are meant to entertain dogs for hours only last about half an hour before she gets them out, but she has plenty of toys and attention to keep her occupied.

It was only a matter of days until she came every time I called her or she would start looking for me if I walked away from her at the beach... so much so that if I don't walk along the beach she will just sit at my feet and ignore everything else, including other dogs that want to play, but slowly she is playing more with them however briefly.

She is much better trained than I initially expected and it was only a matter of 2 weeks before I could walk her without her lead on.

I am really happy with her and I will be coming back to see you guys when I get another dog.

Matt

Moe's making new friends

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:23:00 +1000

Hi everyone at the Refuge. Alamoe (Moe) has been excellent! We've bought him a clam with water in it and put it in the backyard, because we know that he loves water and he keeps cool in it on hot days.

We would like to thank you all for training and keeping our little Moe healthy whilst at the Refuge.

We have taken him off the lead at the dog parks and he is responding well. We are planning to take him to the doggy beach once he has adjusted to his name.

We love him so much and have spoilt him a lot! He has met a few dogs and made new friends around the area. We have been complimented on his good behaviour around other dogs and people.

Thank you

Kay, Karl, Jorden and Tori

Leo takes over as leader of the pack

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:02:00 +1000

Hello. I'm Leo and I have been with my new pack since Feburary 2007, after spending about 2.5 months at the Shenton Park Refuge.

Although my new pack leaders like me straight away, I had to wait for a week before they picked me up because they wanted to see if I was cat-compatible. So, I had to meet their two cats first. I was pleased because I like meeting new friends to play with. The smaller cat was ok but the big bushy one was pretty scary - she was probably worried that I'd eat her food if I was allowed in the den. I now know that she is a very greedy cat. My new alpha male and alpha female then decided I was not going to be a threat to the cats (what a stupid fear that was - if anything is threatening it's Fatso and her hissy fits!), and that they wanted to take me home. I was so pleased and gave them lots of licks, particularly the female as she kept hugging me and telling me how cute I looked (I am very handsame as you can see).

I was very nervous on the way home and was shaking and buried my head in the lap of the female who was sitting next to me in the car. When I was inside the den, I was so excited that I accidently did a really big poo on the floorboards. It was way too big to blame on the fat feline. I was sooo embarrassed, and terribly worried what the alphas would think, but they reassured me it was all their fault for not letting me out in the backyard straight away. They were right - it was their fault. I don't even fit through the cat flap!

It didn't take me long to settle in, despite the ferocious feline who still won't share her food with me. The shelter people had told my new pack that I was 'wilful', so the pack expected me to be a bit difficult. But they soon realised that the shelter people must have meant that I'm very intelligent and decisive I like looking after my pack. I only do what's best for them.

For example, the alpha male (well HE thinks of himself as the alpha, but REALLY! He is soo slow and would never catch me) watches way too much TV, so I put the remote out of action by chewing it. And the plants in the backyard were just a waste of water, which is irresponsible in the Perth climate, so I ate them too. My alpha female looks ridiculous wearing those thick woollen socks in bed, such an unbecoming look, so I got rid of those too.

Soon, I became indispensible, and the pack is exceedingly grateful to have someone competent in charge at last. I am also very very affectionate (the word 'sook' is frequently mentioned) and give them heaps of cuddles and licks, which they seem to like a lot. They are very attention seeking, so I spend a lot of time playing with them. For example, I show them how loudly a squeaky toy can squeak if one operates it properly.

Thankfully, the alphas and I have similar hobbies - we like going for long walks, and often we go to a cafe afterwards where I flop underneath the table and let waiting staff and passers-by admire and pat me whilst the alphas slurp their coffee and bask in my glory. But my favourite hobby is playing with the other dogs! Every afternoon, I go to the park nearby and meet with my friends.

So, my pack and I are very happy with each other. I am very fond of them, and I know that they simply couldn't do without me. They were very lucky!

Warmest regards to everyone at the Shenton Park Refuge!

Leo (with Craig and Katrin)

Cloudy rules the roost

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:43:00 +1000

I would just like to let you know how we are getting on with Cloudy who we adopted - he has really settled in well, as if he has been with us for years!

We had him clipped, quite short, as he needed a good tidy up! Lucky we did, as between his shoulders on his chest it was quite matted and once they clipped him, a grass seed was found just about going into his skin - so very lucky there.

Mike and I would like to thank you for all the work you do and especially the way we were handled when we came to the home. Your volunteers are so good and we cannot thank the lady who helped us enough (sorry, we can't remember her name!). She was exceptional with the way she talked to us about everything.

We would also like to let the lady who had Cloudy for 8 days before us (and had to return him as she was too ill) know that he is now in a very good home and we love him to bits. He makes himself at home everywhere and really loves sitting on your lap or very close to you. He is very alert and is great with commands. He gives a little growl at the cat across the road when it appears and has even barked at it and chased the cat out of the garden!

He loves a walk, but no way will we let him off the lead yet. He is fine left on his own in the farden for a few hours as well, knowing that we will be back for him soon!

Thanks you so much again and keep up the good work.

Sheila and Mike Saxon

Refuge braces for an influx of puppies

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:49:00 +1000

You'd swear it was springtime at the moment with the amount of puppies that have been around the Refuge - and there's still more to come!

One of our resident's Gypsy, who was surrendered while she was pregnant, has recently given birth to her pups and there are still two remaining - Gertie and Gizmo (pictured here). These puppies are eagerly awaiting new families, and over the coming weeks there will be three more litters ready for adoption at the Refuge - that's almost 20 puppies!

Refuge President, Karen Rhodes, says that generally puppies are re-homed relatively quickly and there is a waitlist available for anyone who would like to be notified when puppies come to the Refuge.

"However, recently puppies have been waiting longer for a new home and with this number of puppies coming in we are keen to get them re-homed and out of the kennel environment as soon as possible", says Karen.

Anyone interested in Gertie or Gizmo, or any of the other puppies due for adoption soon, should contact the Refuge on 9381 8166. Also, keep an eye out on the website and our Facebook group to receive an update when the puppies are ready for adoption.

Patience is paying off for Kelly

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:39:00 +1000

To the kind people who look after the homeless dogs at the Shenton Park Dogs' Home.

Just to let you know that our little kelpie cross named Kelly has been with us for over a fortnight now and is settling in nicely. She has really been a joy for the whole family, especially the grandchildren. She has also calmed down considerably and is repsonding well with patience and routine.

Thank you again for giving us the chance to have such a loving and dear little companion in our lives.

Yours sincerely,

Maureen

Anton and Missy are a perfect match

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:34:00 +1000

Anton and Missy have settled in beautifully into their new family, so I thought it was timely for me to provide you with an update.

These photos are only from the first week we brought the kids home and as you can see they couldn't be more at home! You couldn't have chosen two dogs to go together better than them - they are two peas in a pod. They absolutely adore each other and are spoilt rotten to boot.

Keep up the wonderful work you all do at the Refuge.

Maureen O'Brien

Puppy kindy starting soon

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:54:00 +1000

We all know how adorable puppies are, but often what we find cute characteristics when our dogs are still puppies are not so cute as they become older. Therefore, to help new puppy owners to teach their puppies good doggy manners, we are launching our Puppy Kindy course at the Refuge.

Puppy kindy offers the opportunity for puppies to socialise in a learning environment. And it's especially useful for those puppy owners who have never owned a dog, or had one a long time ago, but appreciate the importance of starting young to ensure a happy coexistence. The long term benefits of puppy training are well worth it as it establishes positive reinforcement methods by praising and rewarding good behaviour, which will help to avoid problem behaviours as your puppy grows older.

Our Puppy Kindy course is starting on Tuesday, 3 August 2010 from 6.00pm - 7.00pm, with classess running once a week for four weeks.

The course will help teach you and your puppy basic doggy manners, techniques for socialising with with people and other dogs, handling techniques and appropriate toys and play. You will also learn how to prevent your puppy from mouthing and chewing everything in sight, which is often a favourite past-time!

Places are filling up fast! So contact Beth or Amy at the Refuge to regsiter your place in the next course on 08 9381 8166

Josh goes hunting wabbits

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:37:00 +1000

I thought I would let you all know how "Josh" (formerly Jack/Kim) is going. Well, as you can see, I have changed his name again - this happened within two hours of coming to life with me and the rest of my menagerie. On the way home, Josh was so relaxed he fell asleep in the car and he has been making himself totally at home ever since.

He and Ruby (my Yorkshire Terrier) play together, lay next to me on the couch and even sleep on the bed together - however, there are moments of a power strugger to see who gets to lay next to me, but these are very brief. He is a little devil when it comes to my two rabbits and would have a nibble at them if given the opportunity, but he does enjoy running around the yard barking at them when they are outside in their enclosure.

Here is a photo of him doing his begging trick (which he does all the time). He is adorable and I can not help rubbing his belly when he does it. These are also photo of him with his new sister, Ruby, and just of Josh enjoying his new life.

I cannot understand how he ended up at the Refuge, as however owned his has spend the time and effort in bringing him up so well. He is socialised, plays fetch, begs and is in general a very easy-going dog. But whatever the reason, Ruby and I are glad he is now a part of our lives - the rabbits, not so much!

I was also delighted to see that Josh's former friend, Frodo, has found a new loving home. It has been a truly wonderful outcome for both dogs. Congratulations to all the staff and volunteers for doing such a tremendouos job. And on beahlf of all the dogs that you have helped - past, present and future - thank you so much for caring about these animals.

Love and best wishes to you all

Rhonda, Ruby and Josh

Volunteer Insight - A Tribute to Sam

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:49:00 +1000

We can’t thank our volunteers enough for the generous time and effort they dedicate to our pooches – but one way we can pay tribute is by sharing their stories. So, to celebrate the International Year of the Volunteer and acknowledge the hard work and dedication our vollies pay to the Refuge, we thought we'd share the individual special stories.

And so, each week we'll share a new "volunteer insight" and you'll see just what it takes to be a Refuge vollie and how once you start, it's very hard to leave those little wet noses!

A Tribute to Sam

By Melanie Yarnall

I have been a volunteer at the refuge since November 2009. My main motivation for deciding to volunteer, despite all amazing friends I have made, both human and canine, was because of my dog Sam. I was lucky enough to be chosen as Sam’s mum in 2000, when he was just a 12 week old puppy. He bought me much joy throughout his short life, like when he decided to toilet paper the house, and his many play fights with his older cat brother Monty that always resulted in Monty getting the upper hand, and Sam running to my lap for protection. Also, there we were almost failing puppy school, due to Sam thinking it was all a big game and he would sit there stubbornly and look at me like, “yeah right I am not doing that!” He would rather play with the other puppies, getting into mischief, and then the minute we were in the car (and not even out of the carpark) he would fall soundly asleep. He used to love his baths, and especially loved having his hair “styled” with the hairdryer that he would pester me with nudges and “hhhmmmss” until I got the hairdryer out! He was incredibly intelligent, although the vet described him as being like a child with ADHD as he was so full on and energetic!

Sadly at the age of two, Sam was diagnosed with epilepsy, which left us dreading the summer months as the seizures were exacerbated by the hot weather. Sam knew he had to have medication twice daily, and would remind me if I ever forgot by standing by the fridge giving me that look like “you have forgotten something”. It wasn’t the medication he wanted, only the polony that I used to hide the pill in! As the years went by the seizure grew worse and more frequent, and there were nights I would sleep on the laundry floor with him, as this was the only place he was safe. He used to sleep in my bed prior to the seizures, but the vet said it was just too much of a risk that during a seizure he would fall out of the bed and injure himself. The seizures caused substantial damage to Sam’s brain, and my happy little boy was changing rapidly, although that never changed the love I have for him.

Just three weeks shy of his sixth birthday, after a bad bout of seizures, Sam didn’t come out of one of his seizures properly and the vet advised it was most likely that he had suffered a stroke. We discussed his care options for him as he could no longer walk properly and would need around the clock care, the vet said we don’t know how far away his next seizure is, and what that could do to him. Sam went to sleep peacefully on the 15 February 2006, just three weeks shy of his sixth birthday.

It has taken me a long time to get over losing Sam, and the heartbreak of caring for him throughout his illness. There are times when I remember some of the cute things he did, or I might see one of the dogs at the shelter who looks like him, or has a mischevious look like Sam did, and I will have a little cry. I decided to volunteer at the refuge because although I am not Sam’s mum anymore, I still want to be able to love and care for dogs. At the moment, I cannot have a dog as we are in a rental property but volunteering at refuge is a rewarding way to spend time with a dog, and rather than just loving one dog its like having 100 dogs! Plus everyone at the shelter is there because they love animals, so its like being part of one big happy positive family that is focussed on the welfare on the dogs currently at the shelter.

In My Heart

I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.

I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.

I think of you in silence. I often speak your name.

Now all I have is memories, and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part.

God has you in his keeping. I have you in my heart.

In Loving Memory of Samuel

2 March 2000 – 15 February 2006

BHP Billiton backs their boys all the way

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:25:00 +1000

Last weekend, our two favourite BHP Billiton Iron Ore employees, James Pregnell and Gabriel Gnavi, took to the pavement for another 30/30 Challenge in the hope of raising $100,000 for the Refuge. And, despite this target being a huge ask - they did it!

Our prayers to the weather gods paid off - so on a sunny winters day, James and Gabriel put in a record effort to walk our Refuge dogs and raised a massive $100,000 for the Refuge. A few sore and tired muscles and some exhausted walking partners (our dogs!) were a small price to pay for such a great boost to the Refuge. And, as part of BHP Billiton Iron Ore's Matched Giving program, these funds are now matched by BHP to make a huge grand total of $200,000.

The money raised will go towards the daily care of our precious pooches (those bills keep coming!) and towards our new kennels. And guess what, the site is being surveyed this week and a full timeline of works will be published on the website next month - so stay tuned for that.

We would like to thank James and Gabriel for their efforts in this challenge, everyone who backed the boys through their donations and, of course, to BHP Billiton for their continuing support - we will be eternally grateful. Also, a big thanks to the staff and volunteers who helped out on the day by accompanying the boys on the challenge, changing over the dogs, taking donations and cooking the sausage sizzle.

More pictures from the day are available on our Facebook group page. If you haven't already, check it out and become a member to keep up-to-date with the latest happenings at the Refuge.

Joy ruffles some feathers but settles in well

Tue, 25 May 2010 22:35:00 +1000

Joy was adopted by my partner Martin and myself about 6 weeks ago. She has accepted our Chihuahua X Lola, and Lola tolerates Joy!

Joy has a gentle nature if a bit skittish but she enjoys her walks and plays on the beach near our home in Australind. She loves "ball time" and will run endlessly backwards and forwards fetching her ball in the garden. Joy and the chickens met accidentally on one occasion and "Big Red" is now missing a few tail feathers!!

Thank you Shenton Park for all the good work that you do.

Donna Sekkouah and Martin Snailum

Iffy recovers and becomes loved family member

Sat, 22 May 2010 20:52:00 +1000

I recently adopted a little white/tan Chihuahua from the Refuge - her name was Angel, but I have renamed her Iffy. She is thought to be around 7 years old, but sometimes I think she may be older.

When I took her home, she had her operation to be spayed, had 4 teeth removed and unfortunately had picked up Kennel cough along with demertitis under her front legs. I took her anyway, even though I had my other dog at home, Max. Iffy was very unwell for a few weeks, but fortunately Max never got the Kennel cough.

They are getting along pretty well. Iffy would love to be able to sleep in Max's bed with him, but he likes his space and growls if she tries to nuzzle in. She is so friendly and cuddly, my children and grand children just love her too.

It would be great if we knew her background, but I guess as she was abandoned, we won't ever know where she had been before. She tries very hard to please and is now listening better and settling in well.

She has replaced my previous 15 year old Tenterfield Terrier who died earlier this year and I am very pleased to have adopted her.

Regards

Adrienne Heal

Even broken bones can't stop the love for Olivia

Tue, 18 May 2010 23:44:00 +1000

So, you asked me to update you after I had gotten settled so here I am. No longer Olivia as I didn’t feel like responding to that name, I haved called myself Toohey, in honour of my new dad's fave drink.

Two weeks in now and so far I still don’t respond to my new name either (haha). I've started training and am enjoying it but am also easily distracted when out and about, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it.

I accidently broke my new mum's arm when she tripped over me at the basketball court as I was trying to round her up. She didn’t even get mad at me as she knew it was all just an accident! I could hear Dad laughing though!

I've got lots of new toys and even a pool to swim in during summer. I'm also hoping to get down the beach but mum and dad said I've got to learn to return when I'm called first. All in all, I'm happy in my new digs but also miss you guys and gals at “the Shents”.

With love

Toohey (nee Olivia)

BHP 30/30 Challenge...Double the value of your donation!

Thu, 13 May 2010 20:57:00 +1000

On Saturday 19th June, James Pregnell from BHP Billiton will once again be taking on the challenge of walking our dogs over 30 kms in the hope of raising funds for the Refuge. Last year, the support James received was amazing - which helped him battle through the appalling weather to finish his marathon.

We were thrilled when James told us he was willing to take on the challenge again and even more excited when he told us he'd manage to talk his work colleague, Gabriel Gnavi, into joining him. Having James and Gabriel tackling the challenge this year gives us the opportunity to try and top last year's mammoth fundraising effort.

James and Gabriel (pictured) are both committed to completing the marathon walk with the goal of raising up to $100,000 for our home, which will then be doubled by their employer, BHP Billiton. The ongoing support from BHP Billiton is one of the main reasons the Refuge can continue to rescue and rehome the many dogs that need our help every month of every year. Expecially given we don't receive any government funding, the generosity and enthusiasm of our wonderful donors and our loyal supporters make all the lives of the dogs for whom we care.

And so we urge you to support James and Gabriel. Regardless of the blisters and sore joints of last year (which we don't think James has told Gabriel about), these two heroes are determined to go the distance - but they need your support to make a difference. To show your support, just download the donation form (pdf 168kb) , select whether you are supporting James or Gabriel, and send it into the Refuge. Make sure you select that you are supporting the guys to get your donation matched by BHP Billiton.

Thank you in advance for any donation you can make - and rest assured that your generosity will go towards rescuing more abandoned, neglected and homeless dogs.

Tank's training pays off

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:00 +1000

I adopted Tank 3 weeks ago and now have a new mate who I share a strong bond with. Tank has clearly been exposed to some fantastic trainers at the Refuge Home in Shenton Park which have complimented his intelligent but wild natured personality.

I was offered insightful methods of training Tank from the trainers who knew him well which allowed for the transition from the refuge to my home to be smooth for Tank and myself. He loves riding in the car, especially when we are heading to the dog beach or oval where I rarely use a lead due to his great interaction with both animals and people.

Thank you to everyone at 30 Lemnos Street!

Tom Cleghorn

Bingo helps out in the garden

Fri, 07 May 2010 21:23:00 +1000

Thank you very much for introducing us to Bingo. He has settled into his new home very well.

Bingo is well behaved and plays really well with other dogs - now his friends - at the local park every morning and evening. He likes to play ball and always ' helps' us in our veggie garden.

Once again, thank you and we hope you enjoy these photos.

Regards, Julie Brookes and family

Maisy lands on all four paws

Fri, 07 May 2010 21:19:00 +1000

To the wonderful humans who cared for me before my adoption. I was Kylie when I lived at the Refuge, but now my name is "Maisy".

I thought you'd like to know that I'm settled happily into my new home. I have everything I need and want: comfy beds, shade, two wquare meals a day, walks, cuddles and toys.

I did feel a bit nervous, at first, meeting new humans and dogs in the park, but now enjoy doing so. I think I can safely say I've fallen on all four paws.

Woof, woof!

Maisy Dagnia