Tails Crea ting a brighter future
WINTER 2020
tawl
Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE QUEENSLAND EST. 1959
GIVING ANIMALS in need a second chance
Welcome to our Winter edition of Tawl Tails – we are living in a different world since our last edition but please know we are thinking of you and hope you all stay healthy during this challenging time.
AWLQ will still be here for abandoned and homeless animals – it is clear to us that now more than ever, our community support work is critical. We have put plans in place to assist our community and our team will be providing as much advice and support as we possibly can to anyone seeking our assistance with their beloved companion.
We appreciate the continued support you show to animals. When Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) was founded in 1959 a commitment was made to provide abandoned and homeless animals a second chance at life. During the 60 years since this has not changed – we have rehomed 168,000 animals, saved many thousands more through our community programs and we continue to work tirelessly every day to create a brighter future for animals in need. These are difficult and uncertain times for all of us. Despite this, our commitment has not changed – we are here for the abandoned and homeless animals in our community. The dedication we are seeing from our supporters, staff and volunteers to the animals in our care is second to none – I am continually inspired by the incredible compassion and determination to ensure we continue to maintain the high standards of animal care we always provide. AWLQ simply could not continue our lifesaving work without you.
Welcome! In response to COVID-19 we have developed new rehoming initiatives so we can continue our lifesaving animal adoption program – more information can be found on our website. We have been very fortunate to receive an overwhelming and generous response from the community with offers to foster. As a result 465 foster carers have opened their hearts and homes to 533 animals in need. This proactive measure was to ensure we kept our animals, staff, volunteers, and customers safe.
ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE QUEENSLAND INITIATIVES
Kee p
et h ing pe ts and people tog
er
Once we have navigated through these challenging times we have so many exciting plans for the remainder of 2020. I look forward to sharing these with you in the very near future. Please take comfort in knowing that AWLQ will always be here for abandoned and homeless animals and our incredible team will continue to work tirelessly every day, to ensure we keep the commitment made to these animals 60 years ago. Together, we can continue to create a brighter future for animals in need. Please stay safe and take care, Warm regards
Denise Bradley Chief Executive Officer
MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES FOUNDATION
Animal Welfare League Qld
FOUNDING MEMBER OF ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE AUSTRALIA
Animal Welfare League
Est. 1959
COMMUNITY
Australia
VET CLINIC
AWLQ HEAD OFFICE Shelter Road Coombabah QLD 4216 PO Box 3253 Helensvale Town Centre QLD 4212 07 5509 9000 info@awlqld.com.au ABN 75 521 498 584 Bequests & Legacy Pets 07 5509 9099 bequests@awlqld.com.au
Business Relations & Fundraising Manager 07 5509 9057 fundraising@awlqld.com.au
Community & School Education 07 5509 9034 education@awlqld.com.au
Op Shop Coordinator
AWLQ ANIMAL REHOMING CENTRES
07 5509 9056 retail@awlqld.com.au
Gold Coast
Beenleigh
AWLQ OP SHOPS Please see the listing of all op shops on page 28
Friends Forever Loyalty Program
Shelter Road, Coombabah 07 5509 9000 assistmanagergc@awlqld.com.au
Rossmans Road, Stapylton 07 3807 3782 beenleighrehoming@awlqld.com.au
07 5509 9000 programsadmin@awlqld.com.au
FEEDBACK
Warra
Willawong
523 Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge 07 3631 6800 warrashelter@awlqld.com.au
501 Gooderham Road, Willawong 07 3714 2800 willawongshelter@awlqld.com.au
Fostering 07 5509 9020 fostering@awlqld.com.au
Golden HeartsTM Seniors Pet Support
AWLQ COMMUNITY VET CLINICS
07 5509 9033 goldenhearts@awlqld.com.au
Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic
PR & Communications Manager
Shelter Road, Coombabah 07 5594 0111 goldcoastvetclinic@awlqld.com.au
6/10 Old Chatswood Rd, Daisy Hill 07 3808 2892 brisbanevetclinic@awlqld.com.au
Ipswich Community Vet Clinic
SOCIAL HANDLES
07 5509 9030 communications@awlqld.com.au
Volunteering 07 5509 9019 volunteering@awlqld.com.au
42 Tiger Street, West Ipswich 07 3812 7533 ipswichvetclinic@awlqld.com.au
Please send any feedback, photos or story ideas to communications@awlqld.com.au. © No part of Tawl Tails may be produced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without prior written permission from AWLQ.
Brisbane Community Vet Clinic
@AWLQLD #awlq #awlqld
Crea ting a brighter future
Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959
CONTENTS
6 8
2
Assisting the vulnerable through our Emergency Boarding Program.
3
AWLQ’s Emergency Boarding Program is recruiting foster carers
4
My Story
5
Make your love and passion for animals live on
Maureen’s Lasting Legacy Creating a brighter future for animals in need
10
AWLQ’s Pillars
12
Rehoming stats 2020
13
Working with regional pounds to save
14
John’s Story
15
A second chance through innovative rehoming strategies
16
Loving Life
17
The embodiment of everything our promise stands for
26
Could aromatics be harming your pets?
28
I’ve committed to AWLQ because of their promise
29
Corporate Sponsors
more lives
Assisting the vulnerable through our Emergency Boarding Program. For some people, who sadly have no family or friends in their life – often their animals are their sole reason for being, they are their saviour and critical to their well-being. As much as these vulnerable people rely on their pets, their beloved pets also rely on their human owners for care and companionship. Animal Welfare League Queensland’s 2019 Christmas Appeal was launched to amplify the messaging and drive donations for our Emergency Boarding Program for pets in need. Animal Welfare League Queensland is committed to being there for these animals when their owner is rushed to hospital or can no longer be there for them, and they have nowhere to go. The kindness of our loyal supporters never ceases to amaze us - thanks to your generous support of our Christmas Appeal we raised $54,000.00. This means we can continue and expand our Emergency Boarding Program. Pets will be lovingly cared for by Animal Welfare League Queensland through this program. This will provide vulnerable pets with somewhere safe and warm to stay until they can be reunited with their soul mate. We feel very fortunate to have such generous supporters – their kindness will change lives. We are developing accommodation and resource solutions over the coming months and hope to be able to officially launch the program within the second half of 2020 – we will keep you updated on the progress.
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 2
AWLQ’s Emergency Boarding Program is recruiting foster carers! Due to the growing gap in support for vulnerable members of the community and their pets, AWLQ is expanding its emergency boarding program to ensure that more people can be assisted with the care of their pets during uncertain periods in their life. We receive multiple calls per week from hospitals and caseworkers regarding short-term care of their client’s pets while they are in hospital or struggling with homelessness. Due to the increasing number of requests received each week, AWLQ is expanding the emergency boarding foster network so that we can assist more community members in need. AWLQ foster carer, Susan Lightbody, has been fostering since 2003. During this time, Susan and her husband, Gerhard, have been fostering in both Australia and Germany and have cared for over 350 kittens and cats. Susan has been undergoing chemotherapy and was advised by her medical team not to foster kittens during this time as her immune system is working on rebuilding itself. Not having a cat around the house was obviously difficult for Susan, so she kindly decided to assist the emergency boarding program by fostering adult cats whose owners are currently in shortterm medical care. Although it’s a slower pace than having kittens skirting around the house, Susan is enjoying the cuddles and purrs while they wait for their owners to recover. “Each one takes a piece of my heart when they move on. However I am soon reminded that although giving them up is difficult, the next one soon heals your broken heart,” said Susan.
If you are interested in fostering for AWLQ’s Emergency Boarding Program, please email emergencyboarding@awlqld.com.au or call (07) 5509 9014. Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 3
My Story by Virginia Balmain
Being a fit and agile woman, who was happily living independently in my own home with my two furry companions (Peppy and Ruby), I had no idea my life was about to turn upside down. I had a fall in the garden and broke my left hip. My neighbour was kind enough to call the ambulance and off to The Prince Charles Hospital I went, for what was thought to be a short stay. Living alone meant there would be no one at home for my dear dogs Peppy and Ruby to take care of their daily care and needs. The thought of them being in the home all alone made me distraught. My kind neighbour began calling various organisations, none of whom were able to assist, until he contacted Animal Welfare League Queenland and they mentioned they had an Emergency Boarding program. This is an incredible service that provides peace of mind knowing your animals will be well cared for by loving people.
after little Peppy and Ruby. They even brought them for a visit and would send me updates. Animal Welfare League Queensland sent me photos of my two little fellas which I paraded around to the other patients – gathering endless ‘dog stories’ and received at least 170 smiles. I’m now back home with my fellas who are now especially well-trained to sit, wait and walk slowly with me on crutches. I cannot thank Animal Welfare League Queensland and their wonderful foster carers enough. If it wasn’t for them I would have had no other choice than to make the heartbreaking decision to rehome my Peppy and Ruby.
Animal Welfare League Queensland arranged for some very kind foster carers to look after Peppy and Ruby. The carers welcomed them into their home and looked after Peppy and Ruby as if they were their own. One week in hospital turned into three months and the foster carers were so kind as to continue looking
This is an incredible service that puts people like myself's mind at ease knowing their animals will be well cared for by loving people.
Peppy and Ruby with their friend
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 4
Make your love and passion for animals live on Leaving a gift in your Will to Animal Welfare League Queensland will create a lasting legacy and is a touching way to make your love and passion for animals live on. Every year Animal Welfare League Queensland provides more than 10,000 abandoned and homeless animals somewhere safe and warm to stay. Animal Welfare League Queensland promises to never euthanise a sociable, healthy or treatable animal in our care – as a result we have one of the lowest euthanasia rates in Australia for a shelter of our size. Close to 4,000 animals are reunited with their family and more than 6,300 are rehomed every year providing them a second chance at life in a loving home. We will always keep this promise but we can’t sustain it on our own. When you leave a gift in your Will to AWLQ, you are leaving a lasting legacy that speaks of empathy and a passion for creating a brighter future for animals in need.
Through our Community Vet Clinics, Animal Welfare League Queensland works to keep animals and their families together by providing financial support for urgent and emergency treatments - no matter their owner’s financial circumstances. Your lasting legacy will ensure that no animal will suffer in pain just because their owner is unable to afford treatment. Now in its 16th year of operation, our National Desexing Network works with communities throughout Australia to desex more than 23,000 animals every year. Your lasting legacy will help prevent unwanted litters, and ultimately pain and suffering for thousands of unwanted animals. Our Golden Hearts™ Seniors Pet Support Program provides support for pet owners aged 65+ with free emergency foster care of their pets when they go into hospital, discounted vet help for their pets, and assistance with their pets should they ever have to transition into care.
If you would like more information on how you can leave a Lasting Legacy in your Will please visit awlqld.com.au/bequests or call 5509 9099.
We will always keep our promise but we can’t sustain it on our own.
Tawl TawlTails TailsWinter WinterEdition Edition2019 2020- -Page Page65
Maureen's Lasting Legacy My late husband Barry and I have always loved animals our entire life. I can’t really recall a time when we didn’t own a pet, until my 18 year old cat Simba sadly passed away recently. It was heart-breaking to lose her as she was my constant companion after losing my Barry.
I was just so lonely, and then I saw two bonded Burmese brothers, Milo and Coco, who were looking for a new home at AWLQ’s Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre. They were just so beautiful and loving. I only really wanted one cat but how could I resist these two faces? It’s hard to understand how beautiful animals like Milo and Coco can end up in a shelter in the first place, but thankfully any that do come into care with Animal Welfare League Queensland have a second chance at life.
It is vital that all of us in society help to support charities. Since 1959 AWLQ has made amazing advances in the welfare of animals and also work hard with people to keep people and pets united. I think what sets AWLQ apart is their promise to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in their care. I had made a decision to help AWLQ keep that promise by leaving a Gift in my Will to them. As they receive no government funding for their important and life changing welfare work, I know AWLQ desperately needs this money to keep their doors open for generations to come. I hope this will be my Lasting Legacy.
For a confidential chat please call 5509 9099 or email bequests@awlqld.com.au for more information.
Maureen's beloved companions Coco and Milo
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 6
Lasting Legacy Leaving a small gift in your Will ensures a future for animals in need.
Contact us for more information or for a confidential conversation. Visit awlqld.com.au/bequests | Call 07 5509 9099 | E: bequests@awlqld.com.au
CREATING
a brighter future for animals in need
Since its inception in 1959, Animal Welfare League Queensland has been embracing a brighter future for animals in need. For sixty years we have worked tirelessly to raise the value of animals in society so that the intrinsic needs of each species are recognized, respected and met. Key achievements include: •
Creating innovative animal rehoming campaigns and working with the community to increase adoptions.
•
Opening Queensland’s first community vet clinic, making essential vet care services accessible to all pet owners.
•
Working with the community and councils to end pet overpopulation by making desexing more accessible and affordable.
•
Providing seniors with peace of mind and support they need to enjoy the many benefits of animal companionship.
•
Reducing euthanasia rates within our animal rehoming centres to some of the lowest in Australia and working with other shelters and pounds to achieve the same results.
•
Implementing and keeping our promise to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care.
•
Welcoming two eminent Australians as our Patrons – The Hon Michael Kirby AC, CMG and Ita Buttrose AC, OBE.
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 7
Our focus now progresses to Creating a brighter future for animals in need and we are excited to launch our four pillars which include advocacy and strategic, animal rehoming, community support and community vet clinics. These pillars form the foundation of our continued commitment to animals in need, keeping people and their pets together and most importantly creating lasting changes for animals in our society through cutting edge initiatives.
The meaning behind creating: 1.To produce or bring about by a course of action or behaviour. 2.To cause something to exist, or to make something new or imaginative.
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Rehoming 2020 Animal Welfare League Queensland works with councils and the community to improve the outcomes for abandoned and homeless pets. AWLQ strives to give every animal in need a second chance at life and promises never to euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care. As a result we have one of the lowest euthanasia rates in Australia. As we reach the middle of 2020 we have so far rehomed:
641
CATS
780
KITTENS
473
DOGS
142
PUPPIES
26
RATS
111
GUINEA PIGS
62
BIRDS
2
LIVE STOCK
Total - 2,237 Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 11
Working with regional pounds to save more lives In Australia, an estimated 140,000 healthy but unwanted dogs and cats are killed in Australian pounds each year. Animal Welfare League Queensland was founded on the Gold Coast when a small group of animal lovers were concerned with the inhumane treatment of impounded dogs. If their owners did not claim them within 48 hours they were taken to the council dump and shot.
In 2017 this initiative was expanded to include 19 rural and regional pounds. Animal Welfare League Queensland has been able to increase this assistance and has regular animal transfers set up for at risk animals in struggling communities from Northern NSW to South East Queensland.
In the 1990’s, Animal Welfare League Queensland went on to work with other regional councils and pounds to provide unclaimed animals a second chance at life.
“Working with animals from regional areas comes with its challenges as they often have infestations of intestinal worms or ringworm.
In the early days, Animal Welfare League Queensland assisted regional councils and pounds where possible by taking animals they could not rehome due to over population of pets, uncontrolled breeding and the councils having limited or even no rehoming facilities or programs.
“There are also older puppies and dogs who have never been on a lead, haven’t been socialised around dogs and sometimes have had limited interaction with people,” Ms Phipps said.
Melinda Phipps, State Rehoming Manager, said these regional areas often struggle with a lack of resources and sadly rehoming abandoned and homeless animals often isn’t a priority compared to other needs. “Sadly, the only other alternative is euthanasia of healthy and rehomable animals. “Animal Welfare League Queensland is able to provide an alternative rehoming option, providing hope for these animals and the people who care for them,” Ms Phipps said.
Animal Welfare League Queensland is committed to providing these animals with a second chance at life and promises to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care. Since 2017 Animal Welfare League Queensland has rehomed 1,641 animals from regional councils and pounds. Most are stray or are surrendered litters from undesexed dogs. There is always a demand to expand this initiative further and Animal Welfare League Queensland continues to reach out to regional councils and pounds that require assistance with the rehoming of cats and dogs. Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 12
John’s Story Five days a week volunteer driver John makes his rounds to regional pounds across South East Queensland as part of Animal Welfare League Queensland’s initiative to rehome dogs from regional pounds. Dogs which would otherwise face certain death. John has been volunteering with Animal Welfare League Queensland since 2010 in various roles, with the past five years as a volunteer driver. This role sees John visit regional pounds from Grafton to Gympie to collect dogs, these dogs are then transported to the Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre where they are provided with a second chance at life. John has lost count of the number of dogs he has collected over the years, but says every one he collects leaves a lasting impression on him. “I have been a dog owner for many years and I love to see the all the dogs I collect get a second chance in a loving home. “When I arrive to pick the dogs up most are anxious, but by the time they have arrived at the Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre they are barking with excitement,” John said. Denise Bradley, Chief Executive Officer of Animal Welfare League Queensland, said our team has been working to ensure that animals from regional pounds receive a second chance at life. “The most critical way we can do this is to transport these animals out of the regional areas and to Animal Welfare League Queensland’s rehoming centre on the Gold Coast. Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 13
John has lost count of the number of dogs he has collected over the years, but says every one he collects leaves a lasting impression on him.
“These animals desperately need us and Animal Welfare League Queensland is doing everything possible to ensure they receive the help required in order to be adopted into a loving new home. John’s dedication and service to Animal Welfare League Queensland plays a key role in this.” “Because of his efforts, hundreds of dogs will now be experiencing comfort and kindness with their new familes,” Ms Bradley said.
A second chance through innovative rehoming strategies Project Empty Shelter was held in December 2019 across Animal Welfare League Queensland’s four animal rehoming centres. The theme was Home for Christmas. Project Empty Shelter was held in December 2019 across Animal Welfare League Queensland’s four animal rehoming centres. The theme was Home for Christmas. The mega adoption drive, across the weekend of 7 and 8 December, was a gift to homeless animals to try to rehome every animal at the animal rehoming centres, in time for Christmas. Now in its sixth year, the campaign was hailed a success, after a heart-warming weekend which saw 187 animals find loving new homes in time for Christmas. Melinda Phipps, State Rehoming Manager, says Animal Welfare League Queensland cannot thank the community enough for supporting Home for Christmas and helping to rehome so many animals. “Despite the uncomfortably warm weather, people were in the car park ready for the 10am opening on Saturday, resulting in more than 250 visitors coming through the doors in the first hour. On the first day 118 animals were rehomed,” Ms Phipps said. Across the weekend Animal Welfare League Queensland saw more than 1,100 visitors to the Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre alone. “We are very grateful to the people who opened their hearts and homes to provide these animals a home for Christmas,” said Ms Phipps.
The support received each year is very humbling. When you adopt from Animal Welfare League Queensland you are rehoming one animal in need, and creating space for another in the animal rehoming centres. The stories shared by people who adopt show just how rewarding it is to give an animal in need a second chance.
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Loving
Life
Jessie "This Anzac Day will be 9 years since Jessie the stray kelpie x came home from the shelter. Five months old and exactly the opposite of everything I'd researched about what sort of dog would fit into my life. It turns out she was everything I didn't know I needed, and ever since then she's been my number one sidekick. Mid-2019 we somehow ended up welcoming Texas the ten week old JRT, and even though it's always just been her and I from day one, Jess sure has done a good job of showing him the ropes. I know we all have the best one, but she truly is my magic dog"
Alaska "Alaska (formerly Maxie) stole my heart from the moment I spotted her 11 week old cuteness on the AWLQ's Instagram! I drove down from Brisbane that same day after work and picked up my new little princess. She was immediately at home following me around like a shadow and demanding all the pats and food.� ​Of the many toys I've bought her, she enjoys hair ties and pegs much more. I love my spoilt little fluffy ball of energy so much and I have AWLQ to thank for that!"
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Hermione " We adopted Hermione (previously known as Wanda) one year ago in the Valentine’s Day sale. Her past is unknown and she is missing a part of her tail. We watched as every single visitor to the shelter looked straight past her because of her tail, even though she was the friendliest cat there! We drove home and couldn’t stop thinking about how no one had adopted her for months because of her tail, so we turned around and adopted her that afternoon! Our lives have never been the same since. Hermione is the friendliest, cuddliest kitty in the world! She always wants to be around us, loves to lay on her back for stomach scratches (we swear she was a dog in her last life), and loves to take up all the room in the bed. She also loves watching David Attenborough on tv, she sits right up close and watches all the animals. She brings so much joy to our lives, we can’t remember life without her. We don’t even notice her tail anymore, it’s a part of her and we wouldn’t want it any other way!"
Leo “This is Leo (was known as Nate) he featured on 7News for the fostering story. We fostered him for a week and there was no way he was going back. He is the most gentle, sweet, energetic giant and we love him sooo much. I am so thankful that everything happened to make us decide to foster and that we were lucky enough to be handed such a well behaved, loving boy “
If you have adopted from Animal Welfare League Queensland we'd love to hear about your experience! Head to www.awlqld.com.au/about/your-happy-tail/ or join our Facebook group AWLQ - Loving Life. Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 16
The embodiment of everything our promise stands for Imagine enduring severe joint pain, itching skin to the point it is raw from scratching and malnourishment from not being fed properly for days or even weeks? This is exactly what poor Mimi went through. We can only guess how long this sweet girl suffered for. Mimi was a stray, who came to us on 3 November 2019 in very poor condition with a long list of ailments – allergic dermatitis, arthritis, hip dysplasia, food allergies and intolerances, severely underweight, warty growths, severe ear infection. Mimi is the embodiment of everything our promise stands for and is a great example of how your donations are saving lives. Mimi’s veterinary procedures cost in excess of $8,000.00, including x-rays, blood tests, urinalysis, worming, vaccination, skin ointments, medications, special diet for weight gain and health and time spent in foster care during her recovery. Mimi has since been adopted by a beautiful family and when she walked out tail high and smiling – our team here shed a tear of joy for her in her wonderful new adventure Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 17
Mimi
Raven Raven came into Animal Welfare League Queensland’s care after being found as a stray living with a group of un-owned cats. Her short life had been plagued with eye problems as a result of a congenital defect. This meant the outer parts of her eyelids hadn’t developed fully and eyelashes were rubbing on her eyeballs, causing chronic infection and irritation. The only way to rectify this condition is by performing expensive specialist surgery. Animal Welfare League Queensland is very fortunate to have the generous support of specialist vets when we are faced with complex conditions in shelter animals who often kindly donate their services. This support is life-changing for the animal involved. In Raven’s case, this assistance was provided by Dr Edith Hampson, an eye specialist from Veterinary Specialist Services in Brisbane. Dr Hampson visited Animal Welfare League Queensland’s Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre and performed Raven’s surgery at no cost. After spending time in foster care recuperating, Raven is now able to live a comfortable life. This was made even better as she was adopted by her foster carer who had lovingly cared for her during the whole of recovery period. Animal Welfare League Queensland would like to take this opportunity to thank the many specialists who generously offer their time to assist our animals who require specialist surgery. Without their advice, skill and kindness we would not be able to offer the level of care that some of our animals require.
Animal Welfare League Queensland is very fortunate to have the generous support of specialist vets, who often kindly donate their services when we are faced with complex conditions in shelter animals.
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 18
Mojo Meet Mojo, a handsome 11 month-old boy that should have many years ahead of him. Mojo was surrendered to Animal Welfare League Queensland with his two sisters. Sadly, their owner was unable to care for them due to a crisis in their life. Animal Welfare League Queensland staff noticed Mojo wasn’t behaving as a pup of his age normally would. He was sad; there was no zest for life. Upon further investigation by our veterinary team it was discovered that Mojo has serious health issues – not only did he have advanced hip dysplasia but also elbow dysplasia in his front leg. Animal Welfare League Queensland promises to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care. While the hip dysplasia could be managed, the elbow dysplasia was causing Mojo severe pain and discomfort – he needed urgent specialist surgery. Without this, his condition would have deteriorated and his quality of life dramatically affected.
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 19
Mojo wasn’t behaving as a pup of his age normally would. He was sad; there was no zest for life.
With the specialist surgery to repair his elbow, Mojo had an excellent prognosis of a good outcome and it will allow him to live a normal life. The surgery cost was $4,500.00 and our kind supporters generously donated this – providing Mojo with a second chance at life and allowing him to run pain free again.
Beau Beau came to AWLQ as an older gentleman at 12 years old. Being an older guy, Beau unfortunately had a heart condition that needed addressing before he could be rehomed. Our wonderful shelter vets were able to find a medication that worked for him and with some fostering love he was ready to find his forever home. Beau is now out living his best life with a loving family who have given him a second chance at love despite his age. His new family adopted Beau last year from the Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre and since then he has settled into their family so well. They love him so much. While in care at Animal Welfare League Queensland it was found that Beau had a history of heart disease. Our health screening process found a serious heart murmur - grade 4 out of 6 - so further diagnostics including bloods and imaging were done on Beau. Beau was diagnosed as having heart disease severe enough to cause clinical signs of heart failure, these signs can include coughing, reduced ability to exercise, increased heart rate & increased respiratory rate. Beau was also noted to have some joint disease which can make exercise more painful for him. Dr Bridget Brown, AWLQ Veterinarian, said a company called Ceva Animal Health Australia generously donated a trial of their new product Cardalis. Whilst the product was new to the Australian market it had completed all pharmacological trials and is widely used overseas. “Cardalis is a combination of two heart medications combined into one tablet that is also flavoured to make taking the medication a less stressful experience for the dog. We monitored for a reduction in the clinical signs to make sure the medication was working as expected and Beau responded well,” said Dr Brown.
Untreated heart disease quickly leads to a reduced quality of life. This means that the animal may struggle with the day to day things they normally do and enjoy comfortably. Untreated it can also have an increased risk of collapse or even sudden death. “We always consider the dog’s quality of life. Once on medication Beau was back to loving life and his condition while not curable was well managed, this meant he could have years of enjoyment ahead for himself and lots of love to give a caring family,” said Dr Brown. If Animal Welfare League Queensland had not been able to treat Beau and find him a special home, that was prepared to care for him in his senior years and pay for his medication, the only alternative would have been euthanasia as leaving him untreated would not be fair on him. “As veterinary professionals, if we see things changing in a senior a pet, we don’t like to just put this down to ‘oh well he is getting old’. I say this because the changes we see are signs of what is going on inside your animal. “If they are ‘slowing down’ because their joints hurt, we can treat that! If they don’t chase the ball anymore because they are short of breath due to heart disease again we can treat that. It’s our responsibility to make our pets golden years good ones, so we can work toward keeping them comfortable, happy and within reason doing the things they enjoy still,” said Dr Brown.
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 20
Could your aromatics be harming your pets? Dr. Bridget Brown, AWLQ Veterinarian With the popularity of oil diffusers - an easy way to release these oils into your home - there has been an emergence of alarm about how these oils may affect animals in the home. In their concentrated form, essential oils can be a danger for pets. We’ve put together this guide to assist you with keeping your furry companion happy and healthy around essential oils and diffusers. Essential oils are typically extracted from certain compounds within a plant and have a powerful fragrance or essence of that plant. For a long time they have been a popular remedy for a number of ailments including nasal congestion, anxiety and sore muscles. People love their pets, so it is natural that people who also love their oils and are seeking alternatives to other pet-cleaning or pampering products. Unfortunately, while many essential oils are beneficial for humans, they’re often harmful to pets. This also applies to oils that you aren’t placing directly on your pet but may be using in a diffuser.
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Some oils are more harmful than others; however, there are several factors that affect this such as concentration level and what the product is mixed with. Due to the variability in concentration, formulation and possible quality of essential oils, it is best to completely avoid directly applying them to your pet. There are several common symptoms of poisoning in pets. A good rule of thumb as a pet owner is to stay alert if you see any changes of behaviour in your animal. Here are some other symptoms to watch out for: • Difficulty breathing • Drooling • Fatigue • Weakness • Difficulty walking or stumbling • Muscle tremors • Pawing at the mouth or face • Redness or burns on their lips, tongue, skin or gums •
Vomiting
•
If you think your pet has come into contact with an essential oil the key is to act fast and seek veterinary treatment immediately. Be sure to also follow these tips:
•
If the oil is on your pet’s fur or skin, wash it off immediately.
•
Don’t give your pet any treatments without a vet’s approval.
•
Take the oil with you to the vet so they know what they’re dealing with.
Using an oil diffuser for a short time period in a secured area - one that your dog or cat cannot access - is not likely to be an issue. However, if your pet has a history of breathing problems, it may be best to avoid using one altogether. Keep in mind, that your pets have a much better sense of smell than we do, so something that seems light to us may be overwhelming to them. If you do decide to keep your diffuser, ensure that it is in a place where your pet cannot knock it over and potentially expose themselves to the oils. The best way to avoid exposing your pets to dangerous substances is always to err on the side of caution and pet-proof your space.
Oils that are harmful to dogs include, but are not limited to: Cinnamon Citrus Pennyroyal Peppermint Pine Sweet birch Tea tree
Wintergreen Ylang ylang Anise Clove Thyme Juniper Yarrow Garlic
Oils that are harmful to cats include, but are not limited to: Wintergreen Sweet birch Citrus Pine Ylang ylang Peppermint Cinnamon
Pennyroyal Clove Eucalyptus Tea tree Thyme Oregano Lavendar
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 22
E mb racing a B hter Future rig
Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959
Become a
promise keeper to help animals in need, now and into the future.
Together we will save lives. Join us today at awlqld.com.au
Tawl Tails Summer Edition 2019 - Page 23
I’ve committed to AWLQ because of their promise After moving to the Gold Coast from living overseas for ten years Jo McGregor had the desire to return to volunteering with animals and said she chose the Animal Welfare League Queensland because of their promise. “They do not euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in their care. This is a significant commitment for an animal welfare organisation and is something I strongly support.
somewhere to recover from illness or surgery give it a go, you won’t regret it. Also, it helps out with more available space in the AWLQ cat care clinic, so they can help cats and kittens,” she said.
“I started as a volunteer in the cat rehoming area and I’m now in the cat care clinic. It’s very busy and I’m always learning, but I feel valued and know I’m helping the staff and mostly the cats and kittens in care. I look forward to my four hours a week at the Animal Welfare League Queensland, it’s my “me time” away from my family,” Ms McGregor said.
It was during her time volunteering that Jo found her beautiful girl Petal.
In addition to her volunteer work, Jo and her family are foster carers and said fostering is a complete joy. “My whole family get involved, from feeding, playing, training or just watching television with a cat on their lap. We have fostered cats and kittens and recently took in a mother and her two week old kittens over Christmas. It really is beautiful to watch a mother cat with her babies, watching them reach milestones and grow and develop. “If you have a secure space or a spare room and a few hours a day to care for a dog or cat that needs
I wasn’t looking for another cat but Petal just caught my heart. That’s what I love about the AWLQ, you know the dogs and cats are well cared for until the right person or family comes along and adopts them, it might take a day or a year, there is no time limit on their life.” After volunteering at AWLQ, Jo decided to take the next step and become a Promise Keeper (regular giver). She saw how important financial donations are to the running of the Animal Rehoming Centres, and said from her experience she knew money was not wasted. “I had complete trust that my monthly donation was really going towards helping the animals in care and being a regular giver provides the AWLQ regular income meaning they know in advance how much money is coming in each month and can plan,” she said.
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2019 - Page 19 Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 24
Trich Varnham and Snr Vet Bridget Brown
Our community is making wishes come true Animal Welfare League Queensland is thankful for the many individuals, companies and groups who donate items that allow us to continue our lifesaving work within the community. Jeff and Trish Varnam kindly donated vet equipment that is utilised to monitor patients while they are anaesthetised. This provides vital information that allows the veterinarians and nurses to monitor anesthesia in their patient and improve anaesthetic outcomes. Joanne McCarther kindly donated and AC-TEC Services Pty Ltd kindly installed an air conditioning unit for our foster house. This ensures young, sick and injured animals are kept comfortable while waiting to be collected by their foster carers. Cynthia Burnett kindly donated high quality squeegees which are utilised when cleaning the kennels. Rigorous cleaning of the kennels ensures the best possible hygiene standards are kept and assists to reduce the spread of disease. Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 25
Jubilee Energy
The Men’s Shed
The team at Dulux Paint, DTS Master Painters & Denise Bradley
The Men’s Shed in Labrador renovated, revitalised and rejuvenated the Op Shop at AWLQ Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre. Dulux kindly donated the paint utilised to refurbish our reception area where all our adoptions occur, while DTS Master Painters kindly painted the area. Jubilee Energy (photo) repaired the air conditioning unit then donated and installed a new generator on our animal trailer. The trailer is utilised to transport animals between centres and collect dogs from regional pounds to give them a second chance at life. These are just a few of the many individuals and businesses who have generously donated to Animal Welfare League Queensland allowing us to create a brighter future for animals in need. Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 26
AWLQ
Wish List Our wish list provides donors the opportunity to choose a piece of equipment within a particular price range. The donation of items featured on our wish list means we can then invest the money we would have spent on these into saving more lives. If you would like to generously donate an item on our wish list we have included the items that we currently need below. Each item that appears on the wish list has been requested specifically to meet an immediate need. We urgently need: Beenleigh Animal Rehoming Centre Refurbishment of outdoor puppy pens as they require re-concreting and re-wiring. The concrete has worn away and cannot be disinfected adequately and there are holes in the wire which is affecting the containment of animals. A whelping box to replace the puppy fence which is currently being utilised. This would assist to keep newborn puppies contained for their safety and increase hygiene. Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre Refurbishment of dog kitchen to create a more hygienic area for the preparation of food and cleaning of items. Installation of roof between dog isolation and dog quarantine areas to create a drier space in wet weather and shade from sun. Ipswich Community Vet Clinic Installation of new phone system as the current one is old and faulty. Staff often experience calls dropping out, dead lines, background noises which is impacting them daily from an operational perspective. A capnograph for patient monitoring when anaesthetised. This will provide vital information that allows the veterinarians and nurses to monitor anaesthesia in their patient and improve anaesthetic outcomes.
Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and items can be dropped off at the Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre. If you would like more information please email purchasing@awlqld.com.au or call 07 5509 9046. Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 27
Crea ting a brighter future
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959
BECOME A
BEAUDESERT - Ph: 07 5541 0187 Shop 1, 15 William St
Foster
BURLEIGH - Ph: 07 5568 7677 Cnr Gold Coast Hwy & Elder St. COOMBABAH - Ph: 07 5529 6015 Shop 21, Coombabah Plaza Hansford St
CARER
COOMBABAH - Ph: 07 5509 9016 Shelter Road CURRUMBIN - Ph: 07 5525 0362 2/56 Currumbin Creek Rd IPSWICH - Ph: 07 3282 9277 189 Brisbane St MIAMI - Ph: 07 5572 2882 Shop 5/10-14 Pacific Ave SOUTHPORT - Ph: 07 5591 2728 18B Young St NERANG - Ph: 0422 617 828 61 Lawrence Drive, Nerang QLD 4211 CAT & HOUND - Ph: 07 5503 1162 18C Young St Southport ADOPT-A-BOOK Ashmore Shopping Centre WAREHOUSE - Ph: 0466 017 873 Unit C6-239 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
To arrange the collection of donated items please call 5509 9056.
The Elsie Cameron Foundation
VISIT AWLQLD.COM.AU OR CALL 5509 9020
BECOME A
Dog Kennel or Cat Pen SPONSOR
VISIT AWLQLD.COM.AU OR CALL 5509 9057
Tawl Tails Winter Edition 2020 - Page 28
We promise
to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care.
Crea ting a brighter future
Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959
AWLQLD.COM.AU
@AWLQLD
