Tawl Tails - 2020 - Summer/Autumn

TAWL TAILS Official Magazine of Animal Welfare League Queensland Est. 1959

Summer – Autumn 2020–21

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS BEHIND

CLOSED DOORS? Crea ting a brighter future

Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959

Animal Welfare League Queensland Initiatives

Member of Australian Charities Foundation

Founding Member of Animal Welfare League Australia

Seniors Pet Support Program

ANIMAL REHOMING CENTRES Beenleigh Rossmans Road, Stapylton 07 3807 3782 beenleighrehoming@awlqld.com.au

Crea ting a brighter future

Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959

EDITOR’S WELCOME

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As this edition of Tawl Tails Magazine finds its way to you, one thing is certain, in 2020 we have experienced a monumental shift in our everyday ‘norms’. This has been unlike anything that our generation has ever experienced.

And while we may have been forced to temporarily close for more than half of 2020 we have been working hard to maintain as many of our services as possible. This is so we can continue to care for the companion animals who provide people with so much support in times like these.

As the champions for animals in need, Animal Welfare League Queensland is committed to creating lasting changes for animals in our society – not only those animals in our care, but also those animals in our community.

The vision statement of Animal Welfare League Queensland is ‘creating a brighter future’ for animals in need. With the support of people like you, I know that we can continue to support these animals, reach those that are currently not receiving the care they desperately need and continue to be the one people can trust.

Animals have been a great unifying support during these trying times. Many people have relied on their companion animals more than ever before – for companionship and providing a sense of normality and joy.

As we continue our journey through these difficult times – let’s not lose sight of the common bond that links us together. Animal Welfare League Queensland is so fortunate to have a community of passionate supporters who are like-minded individuals and share our commitment to animals.

As always, thank you for your compassion today and throughout the year.

HEAD OFFICE Shelter Road Coombabah QLD 4216

Gold Coast Shelter Road, Coombabah 07 5509 9000 callcentre@awlqld.com.au Warra 523 Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge 07 3631 6800 warrashelter@awlqld.com.au

PO Box 3253 Helensvale Town Centre QLD 4212 07 5509 9000 info@awlqld.com.au ABN 75 521 498 584

Willawong 501 Gooderham Road, Willawong 07 3714 2800 willwongshelter@awlqld.com.au

Bequests & Legacy Pets 07 5509 9099 bequests@awlqld.com.au

AWLQ COMMUNITY VET CLINICS

Business Relations & Fundraising 07 5509 9057 fundraising@awlqld.com.au

Brisbane Community Vet Clinic 6/10 Old Chatswood Rd, Daisy Hill 07 3808 2892 brisbanevetclinic@awlqld.com.au

Communications & PR 07 5509 9030 communications@awlqld.com.au

Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic Shelter Road, Coombabah 07 5594 0111 goldcoastvetclinic@awlqld.com.au

Education 07 5509 9034 education@awlqld.com.au Emergency Boarding 07 5509 9014 emergencyboarding@awlqld.com.au Fostering 07 5509 9020 fostering@awlqld.com.au

Ipswich Community Vet Clinic 42 Tiger Street, West Ipswich 07 3812 7533 ipswichvetclinic@awlqld.com.au SOCIAL HANDLES @AWLQLD #awlq #awlqld AWLQ OP SHOPS Please see the listing of all op shops on page 31.

Golden Hearts Seniors Pet Support 07 5509 9033 goldenhearts@awlqld.com.au

FEEDBACK Please send any feedback, photos or story ideas to communications@awlqld.com.au

Op Shops 07 5509 9056 retail@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.

Volunteering 07 5509 9019 volunteering@awlqld.com.au

Denise Bradley Chief Executive Officer

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SUCCESS STORIES

2 NEWS

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VET’S CORNER

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BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

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VOLUNTEER FOR AWLQ

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COMMUNITY VET CLINICS

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ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

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OP SHOP NEWS

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SUMMER PET SAFETY TIPS

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THE FOSTER FILES

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HELP IN A CRISIS

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OUR CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

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ADOPTION TAILS

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FOSTER SUCCESS STORIES

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CAT SAFETY

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FOCUS ON SENIORS

48 A COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY

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LEGACY PETS

20 BEQUESTS

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Petting Animals Reduces Stress WHAT HAPPENS when university boffins want to study the effect that petting animals has on people? They throw a large group of students in a room with some pets and then draw their blood.

Scientists at Washington State University have just done exactly this.

So does petting cute animals make a difference to stress levels? “Just 10 minutes can have a significant impact,” said Patricia Pendry, a professor in the Department of Human Development. “Students in our study that interacted with cats and dogs had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone.”

Several salivary cortisol samples were collected from each participant, starting in the morning when they woke up. The students who interacted directly with the pets showed significantly less cortisol in their saliva after the interaction.

“We already knew that students enjoy interacting with animals, and that it helps them experience more positive emotions,” Pendry said. “What we wanted to learn was whether this exposure would show up as hard evidence.” Which it did. This is exciting because the reduction of stress hormones may, over time, have significant benefits for physical and mental health. So you know what to do! Pat your pet! PAW

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The ‘Purrfect’ Music for Calming Cats TAKING A CAT to the vet can be a stressful experience, both for cat and owner. So how can this stress be alleviated?

The use of music has become increasingly popular in human medicine for relaxation. So, is this the same for animals too? That’s what researchers are trying to find out.

A study published in this month’s issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has shown that playing catspecific music during a vet visit can help. In fact, cats that are under general anaesthesia remain physiologically responsive to music.

Let’s take that idea one step further. Researchers at Louisiana State University are exploring the calming effects of music composed specifically for cats. Musical pieces that are considered pleasing to the human ear often have a beat similar to the human resting pulse rate and contain frequencies from the human vocal range. This principle has been extended to cat-specific music, which is composed of lines based on affiliative cat vocalisations, such as purring and suckling sounds, as well as frequencies similar to the feline vocal range, which is two octaves higher than for humans.

After playing the cats such music, blood samples were also measured to look for a physiological stress response.

The study found that the cats appeared to be less stressed during the examination when played the cat-specific music, compared with both classical music and no music.

So there you go! Cats like cat-music! Well of course they do, who doesn’t like cat-specific music! This may be an interesting future conversation between you and your vet! PAW

Adolescence is Ruff for Dogs TYPICAL TEENAGE BEHAVIOUR does not just occur in young humans. It happens in dogs too.

A study, headed by Dr Lucy Asher from Newcastle University, is the first to find evidence of adolescent behaviour in dogs.

The researchers found dogs were more likely to ignore commands given by their caregiver and were harder to train at the age of eight months, when they are going through puberty. This behaviour was more pronounced in dogs which had an insecure attachment to their owner.

Dr Asher is a Senior Lecturer in Precision Animal Science. She warns adolescence can be a vulnerable time for dogs as many are taken to shelters for rehoming at this age. “This is a very important time in a dog’s life. This is when dogs are often rehomed because they are no longer a cute little puppy and suddenly, their owners find they are more challenging, and they can no longer control them or train them. But as with human teenage children, owners need to be aware that their dog is going through a phase and it will pass.”

The team, which also included researchers from the University of Edinburgh, looked at a group of dogs to investigate behaviour in adolescence.

Dogs took longer to respond to the ‘sit’ command during adolescence. The golden time to train a dog seems to be around five months, or after 12 months.

The experts also found that in common with humans, female dogs with insecure attachments to their caregivers were more likely to reach puberty early.

(Insecure attachment expresses itself in dogs as attention seeking and separation

anxiety). This highlights another parallel with parent-child relationships.

Dr Naomi Harvey from the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine said that the study had important consequences. “Many dog owners and professionals have long known or suspected that dog behaviour can become more difficult when they go through puberty. But until now there has been no empirical record of this.

Our results show that the behaviour changes seen in dogs closely parallel that of parent-child relationships. The dog-owner conflict is specific to the dog’s primary caregiver. And just as with human teenagers, this is a passing phase.

It’s very important that owners don’t punish their dogs for disobedience or start to pull away from them emotionally at this time. This would be likely to make any problem behaviour worse, as it does in human teens.”

Now you know, they might need a little more love than usual at this time! PAW

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Loving Life – Our Happy Tails Cats and dogs are enjoying their second chance at happiness in loving new homes.

DORY One day Dory waited patiently for her constant companion to return from an outing – sadly he never did. Dory’s world fell apart when her loyal companion passed away. For the first time in her life, Dory felt alone. Instead of looking forward to spending time with her best friend, all she could think about was how she would cope without him.

Due to reasons beyond their control, the gentleman’s family were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender her to AWLQ. The thought of not being able to look after Dory devastated them. They did the next best thing and turned to AWLQ for support.

During their time of greatest need, they knew they could trust AWLQ to do the right thing

by Dory.

After the heartbreak of losing her true friend, a staff member couldn't bear the idea of Dory being in kennels so fostered her at their home. After a few days, her sweet personality started to shine through the grief. She quickly captured the hearts of everyone around her.

Her eyes were causing her medical issues, and being blind, it was decided removing her eyes was the most humane option. Despite this, at 12-years-old, Dory’s zest for life and resilience is a testament to how well she has been cared for.

Dory spent time recovering in a new foster home with a loving carer and she was soon ready for adoption. Dory is now loving life in her new home with her big sister Marley.

VINCENT Vincent came into AWLQ from a regional pound after being found wandering the streets in a terrible condition. He was emaciated, and had very little hair left on his skinny little body.

Everyone could see he was a special boy that needed saving, no matter what. Vincent’s incredible recovery is thanks to the care he received from AWLQ’s vets and incredible foster carers.

Vincent was always a special boy but his real personality shone through when he found his forever home, somewhere he will always be safe and loved.

We promise to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care – Vincent is the embodiment of everything our promise stands for.

LEO Leo came into AWLQ’s care as a stray covered in wounds and old scars, and he was nervous around people.

He was sent to foster and soon regained his confidence as his injuries healed, and all that was missing was a loving family for Leo to call his own.

Lucky for Leo his foster family soon realised they couldn’t bring him back and made him a permanent part of their family. Leo’s life has changed dramatically and he is loving life in his forever home.

NUGGET Nugget was just a few months old when she was brought to an AWLQ Community Vet Clinic after being found as a stray covered in burns and wounds.

The burns to her tail area were so bad her tail fell off. But her fighting spirit captured the hearts of our vets and staff.

One vet nurse in particular fell for Nugget and fostered her on her long road to recovery.

Soon enough she has recovered and her foster home soon turned into a forever home.

Nugget is now living her best life with her loving family.

Do you have a loving life story to share?

Please send us your story and images to digital@awlqld.com.au

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AWLQ IS COMMITTED TO KEEPING PETS AND PEOPLE TOGETHER The past few months have caused uncertainty for us all. Many people have relied on their companion animals more than ever before – for companionship and providing a sense of normality and joy.

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Behind our closed doors we worked hard to maintain as many of our services as possible. This is so we could continue our lifesaving Animal Rehoming Program and critical Community Support Programs to assist those animals in need.

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hen Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) was founded in 1959, a commitment was made to provide abandoned and homeless animals with a second chance at life. During the 60 years since, this has not changed. We have rehomed 168,000 animals, and saved many thousands more through our community programs. We continue to work tirelessly every day to create a brighter future for animals in need.

We may have been forced to temporarily close our doors but despite this, we have been working hard to maintain as many of our services as possible. This is so we can continue to care for the companion animals who provide people with so much support in times like these.

Even during these most challenging times we have been there for the animals – not only those animals in our care, but also those animals in our community.

It is clear to us that now more than ever, our community support work is critical in assisting those animals in need. AWLQ will continue to have an essential role within the community, and this role is expanding. AWLQ’s Gold Coast Animal Rehoming Centre will transform into the AWLQ Companion Animal Support Centre.

From here we will continue our important lifesaving work within the community through our cutting-edge initiatives including the Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic, Golden HeartsTM Seniors’ Support Program, Emergency Boarding Program, Animal Rehoming Program and important animal advocacy work and education programs.

Rather than reinforce traditional models of animal sheltering, AWLQ is focused on community-driven approaches and programs. These are based on prevention, and not simply providing solutions. AWLQ has become more than an animal shelter and rehoming service. We have evolved into a community-focused organisation that is here to support our community with their companion animals.

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 and we will continue to create a brighter future for animals in need.

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With the support of pet lovers like you, we know that we can continue to support pets and reach those that are currently not receiving the care they desperately need. Here’s an update on how we’ve been creating a brighter future for animals in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sometimes people are no longer able to look after their companion animal. That’s okay – we’re here for them. AWLQ understands that people’s circumstances sometimes change. Even with the very best intentions, pet owners may need to find a new home for their pet. Surrendering a pet is never an easy choice but sometimes this is the only or best option.

This is a very stressful time for families. AWLQ does everything we can to make rehoming an animal as easy as possible. During the past seven months AWLQ has assisted 883 surrendered animals and their families. AWLQ is committed to providing animals with a second chance. We promise to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care.

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AWLQ’s Community Vet Clinics play a vital role in our organisation-wide commitment to keep pets and people together. It is our promise that no sick or suffering animal is ever turned away, irrespective of an owner’s capacity to pay for treatment.

To have a community veterinary clinic that is accessible to pets in need, and knowing that no sick or suffering animal will ever be turned away, is truly an outstanding achievement for animal welfare.

Since the pandemic started AWLQ has assisted 940 animals in need of care through our payment plan. In addition, we have provided $226,400 in charitable support to pets in need. This unique service makes essential vet care accessible to all pet owners. This is including those previously unable to afford treatment for their pets.

In the unfortunate circumstance that your pet is unwell, we have excellent state-of-the-art facilities to diagnose and treat pets. We want them to get back to good health as quickly as possible. With a compassionate approach to veterinary care, we are available to assist your companion. Our highly experienced staff have dedicated their working careers to veterinary medicine and animal welfare. They have a desire to make a difference to the lives of those animals that may be less fortunate.

Unexpected illnesses, accidents or lifechanging situations can happen to anyone during their lifetime. Not only are these situations extremely stressful for the person affected, but also for their animals.

When people provide a short-term foster home, they become a long-term lifesaver. To foster means to open your home temporarily to a pet (or pets) and provide love and care while they wait to be adopted. AWLQ provides everything else: support, medical care, food and supplies.

We have been very fortunate to receive an overwhelming, and generous, response from the community. They have opened their hearts and homes with offers to foster. As a result 1516 animals received care from our incredible foster carers.

The important contribution by our foster carers allows us to uphold our promise to never euthanise a healthy, sociable or treatable animal in our care.

AWLQ’s Rehoming Program is one of the most successful in the country. AWLQ were determined not to let the pandemic get in the way of this important lifesaving program.

New rehoming initiatives were implemented – including online adoptions and meeting the animals available for adoption by appointment.

Over the past seven months, 2098 animals found loving new homes as a result.

In addition, AWLQ has continued to work with a number of regional pounds to provide these dogs with a second chance at life. These regional areas often struggle with a lack of resources. Sadly, rehoming abandoned and homeless animals often isn’t a priority compared to other needs – the only other option is euthanasia.

AWLQ is able to provide an alternative rehoming option – providing hope for these animals. No time limit is placed on animals finding a new home. Once they arrive in the rehoming centre, they are part of the AWLQ family until they find a loving permanent home. AWLQ goes the extra mile to ensure that no animal waits too long for a home. Over the years, they have developed many innovative campaigns and promotions that highlight the animals available for adoption. PAW

To donate or volunteer, log onto awlqld.com.au for more information.

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AWLQ is committed to providing critical, and often lifesaving resources to people who have companion animals. This ensures people can then responsibly keep and care for their animals that they love and are bonded with.

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TRANSLATE DOGGIE SPEAK What is your dog trying to tell you? Within a few years, you will know.

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f you chat away to your dog right now, then you will be excited to know that soon we will have devices that will enable them to talk back to you.

“I talk to my dog all day long,” says Joanne Murphy of Arundel. “He is an Australian Terrier, and I actually talk to him more than my husband.

I’m sure he understands what I am saying and he’s a very good listener. I would love it if he could talk back to me though.”

Many people speak to their dog and are entirely convinced that their dog gets it. But there are other times when dog owners know their dog is trying to tell them something, but they just don’t understand.

So what if you could really, REALLY understand what your best friend is trying to tell YOU? Well that day will soon be here. Quite a few teams of boffins are trying to crack the case.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed the technology to enhance communication between dogs and humans. Working on this exciting technology is Dr. David Roberts, an assistant professor of computer science. “We’ve developed a platform for computer-mediated communication between humans and dogs. It opens

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ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

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the door to new avenues for interpreting dogs’ behavioural signals and sending them clear and unambiguous cues in return.”

They have a fully functional prototype, but are busy refining the design as they discover and learn more things along the way. The prototype is a harness that fits comfortably onto the dog. It is equipped with a variety of technologies. There are two types of communication technologies. One that allows humans to communicate with the dogs, and one that allows the dog to communicate with humans.

SENSORS Says Dr Roberts, “Dogs communicate primarily through body language. So one of our challenges was to develop sensors that tell us about their behaviour by observing their posture remotely. So we can determine when they’re sitting, standing, running, etc. Even when they’re out of sight – a harnessmounted computer the size of a deck of cards transmits those data wirelessly.”

The technology also includes physiological sensors that monitor things like heart rate and body temperature. The sensors not only track

a dog’s physical well‑being, but can offer information on a dog’s emotional state, such as whether it is excited or stressed.

“We’re also very interested in addressing stress in working dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind,” says Sean Mealin, an NC State Ph.D. student. “This can help handlers identify and mitigate stress for the dogs, improving the length and quality of a dog’s life. It is an important issue. Particularly because guide dogs are bred and trained not to display signs of stress in their behaviour.”

The research team have already used the harness in dog training. They are now in the early stages of miniaturising the technologies and improving the physiological sensors. “This platform is an amazing tool, and we’re excited about using it to improve the bond between dogs and their humans,” says Dr. Barbara Sherman, a clinical professor of animal behaviour.

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While this technology sounds amazing for pet owners, it is hard to believe that it might actually come true. Will we really be able to find out if our dog is stressed, hot, cold, hungry, or just wants to have a good whinge about the cat? The answer is yes, simply because of how many teams are frantically racing to get exactly this kind of product to market.

OTHER TEAMS North Carolina State University have stiff competition for their translation device. In fact, another company might get there before them. The Nordic Society for Invention and Discovery (NSID) is working on a concept device that holds great promise. If all goes to plan, such a device will be able to speak for the dog, saying things like: ■■ This is splendid!

■■ Leave me alone.

■■ I am so very weary.

■■ Who are you?

■■ Um, why are you guys leaving?

The product, called “No More Woof” aims to let your dog speak its mind.

While the existing prototypes are at the first stage of development, the promise they hold is exciting.

The researchers at NSID say, “We can actually think of no cooler products. We’re basically building them because we want them ourselves. Two-way communication is the Holy Grail for us. Not only should you be able to understand your pet, we want to let them understand you too.”

During the last decade huge discoveries have been made to map out human brain functions. For instance, there is a spectrum of specific electrical signals in the brain defining the feeling of tiredness.

Some of the most easily detected neural patterns are: “I’m tired,” but also, “I’m hungry,” and “I’m curious, who is that?” and “I want to pee.”

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Animal brains are less complex than humans, so their signal patterns are more distinct for feelings of anger, curiosity, or tiredness – actually making them easier to distinguish. But there is an additional hurdle with dogs. According to NSID, the task of producing these signals and analysing them is not simple. “This is due to the high degree of muscle tissue surrounding most dogs’ skulls, which disrupt the signal. The trick of reading an animal’s mind is stripped down to a complex deciphering problem.

Right now, we are only scraping the surface of possibilities; the project is only in its cradle. The first version will be quite rudimentary. But hey, the first computer was pretty crappy too.”

While every technology has to start somewhere, the fact that the first prototypes are functionally doing what they are supposed to – translating doggie into human – means that funding should be easily secured for these experimental labs.

Researchers at NSID are forging ahead. “We have no doubt that in the future this technology will open up a vast new era of communication between dogs and humans, or animals in general and humans.”

FIDO Around the world, other teams are on the case.

A team at Georgia Tech, headed up by Dr. Melody Jackson, is developing wearable technology that makes it easier for working dogs to communicate with their owners. The project is called FIDO – “facilitating interactions for dogs with occupations.”

Dr Jackson has a highly specialised team, including a scientist who previously was the technical lead for Google Glass. They want this technology to go all the way. They say that dog language is mostly postural.

Therefore, they think that if they load a vest up with sensors, then they can tell owners and other humans what is going on with the dog by reading its body language.

For example, if a dog bows down with their ears up and their tail up and wagging, it means they are happy. If they stand up on their tiptoes and their tail is still, that’s an aggressive posture. This ‘activity recognition’ is yet another way that scientists are trying to make dog-human translators happen.

Broadbeach resident Jess Acton has a Jack Russell, called Jackie, and a German Shepherd named Millie.

“Jackie is very outgoing and friendly, and thinks she is a total princess. She believes she was placed on this earth to be in total charge of everyone and everything. She feels she has trained us really well.

This is typical of her breed. Millie, the German Sherherd, is very reserved, shy, and a worrier. She loves to please and is totally loyal (whereas Jackie will go with whoever is more fun at that time). Millie is very set in her ways, and hates being outside her comfort zone.”

So does Jess understand what her dogs are trying to tell her most of the time? “Yes, in relation to normal things like walks, food, water, playing ball.

Millie more than Jackie, because Jackie just does what she wants anyway. But Millie understands me

totally, it freaks me out sometimes. The other night, when I was kissing her good night (yes I kiss her good night), I said to her, ‘Get me up at 6 a.m. so that I can bring you for a walk. At 5.57 a.m. she comes in and starts throwing my shoes around the room.

“Even though I feel like there is a good level of understanding between me and my dogs, I would love to actually speak with them. They would probably tell me to stop kissing, hugging and talking to them so much, and demand more walks.” So would Jess buy a device that promises to translate doggie into human? “Absolutely yes, and I would probably pay an arm and a leg for it.”

The promise of profit is the greatest motivator known to any inventor. So, with dog owners longing for the day they can properly communicate with their pets, the doggie translator is on its way. It’s not a matter of if, but when. And the team who cracks it is in for a giant financial windfall. If you are a dog owner, the wait will soon be over. That doggie translator will be on the pet store shelves very soon.

Be ready for when your dog announces that they have sold the cat on eBay. PAW

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The Fun of Fostering

Alysee the fostering hero

Alysse loves to take the foster dogs for a run at the beach

Dory, who is completely blind

The handsome American Bulldog that Alysse’s father fell in love with

AWLQ foster carers look after pets who need temporary care, at no cost to the owner.

The animals are then returned when the owner can have them back. Alysse Regan is a foster carer for AWLQ. Here is her story.

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have been a foster carer with AWLQ since I returned to the Gold Coast from Cairns last year.

I recently lost my own two dogs in the same year and did not feel ready to adopt another one yet.

Fostering is a great stepping stone for that. Losing two dogs in one year was hard at the time, but things are good now, and I think I will be ready to adopt soon.

As soon as I settled back in at the Gold Coast, I found AWLQ and applied. When you apply to foster animals, you fill out some forms explaining your living arrangement, how often would you be home, if your house is two storeys, if you have a yard – that kind of thing. This is so they can match the pet to the situation. And then I waited.

The waiting time felt long, even though it wasn’t!

I was nervous that I wouldn’t get to foster, but I did get a call. And since then, it has only been a week between fosters.

I have moved back to the Gold Coast to help my mother – she’s at home all the time now as she can’t work. Having the foster dogs has been amazing for her, as she has company when I am at work. And the dogs have her company too! We have two acres of land, so the dogs get some good walks in. But we also take them to the beach and other fun places.

My dad also loves having the fosters. In fact, he ended up adopting one of my foster dogs – a failed foster as we call it! My father absolutely fell in love with an American Bulldog. The dog was very sick when we first got him. He’s got arthritis and is on pain medication. But my dad has found some alternatives that are helping him, and he has changed his diet.

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This American bulldog now eats some of the best food you can buy, and it has really made a difference to the dog’s health. The dog has improved greatly.

He used to have muscle wastage on his legs and now he is much better. He has better balance and just seems cheerier. His skin used to be bad, he had all these little dots and brown spots and now his skin has softened up. He used to be a white, but now he’s pure white! He looks a hundred times better.

Another foster I had was called Ruby. I have fostered her a few times. She was overweight and a bit miserable, so we put her on a better diet. We would distract her by taking her out to the beach.

She lost the weight with us, so that was a positive.

The second time we had her, she was a lot cheerier, I think she was a lot more comfortable.

Most dogs settle into new environments after a day. Once they have had a good meal and a sleep, they pick up a lot, and lose some of their initial nervousness. When we take them to the beach, they are even happier! I think dogs are pretty easy going and happy and cheery with any sort of situation. We start off slow with all the dogs we foster, we don't rush into anything.

The dogs I foster are always given their own beds. Sometimes I let them sleep in my room, on my bed, if they need to. Sometimes it is better not to separate them and put them away in another room by themselves.

I suspect that as COVID-19 restrictions are eased and people start going back to work, there will be a greater need for foster carers. There have been many volunteers fostering animals because they have been

working from home and were able to care for pets.

But as everyone moves back into public workspaces, this may change.

I fostered an amazing dog called Dory. She’s completely blind and it was interesting to see her bravery. She figured out the house in an hour, she knew where everything was, and she stopped running into things. She worked out the doggy door in five seconds! It was incredible!

When you pick up a dog from a shelter, they say it takes two weeks for their personality to come through, and I think that is absolutely right. When I have fostered dogs, after two weeks, it is like they

are a different dog! They just settle in and become a whole other personality. They are a lot more fun usually, and less nervous. In the beginning they can be quiet because they are scared, but then as they relax a little more chaos comes in, which is the fun bit!

When I am ready to adopt my own dog, I know fostering is a good way to find a dog that will fit with me.

Fostering is amazing – everybody should do it. When I tell people I do fostering, most of them do not even know it is possible! But it is, and it is very rewarding. PAW

Interested in fostering? Log onto awlqld.com.au/foster-a-pet for more information.

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A Letter From Carter, the Three-Legged Jedi To my family at Animal Welfare League Queensland Today was the happiest day of my life. I woke up in my pen, not knowing what the day would bring. You brought me my food and showed me some attention, but you couldn’t stay with me all day as you have many animals to care for, but you surprised me when you came in to take me for a walk. When I was outside you introduced me to a man, a girl, and two new dogs. I played with the dogs first and they were very nice, the people patted me and showed me attention, it was so nice. Then you took me back in my pen and they were gone.

But then you came back to get me and bring me out again. I was so excited.

When you took me inside the man was there waiting for me and gave me big pats.

Then he took my lead and took me outside, after I said goodbye to you of course.

I was excited but didn’t know what was happening. The man hugged me and patted me and told me he would be my new Dad. New Dad took me to his car, but I was scared of the car and didn’t want to get in. He picked me up and put me in the car so I’d be safe. I was nervous but I had my new brother Louie on the back seat with me and he helped me relax.

The drive home was long, but my new family talked to me and helped me feel better, I enjoyed looking out the window and seeing the countryside. It was so good to be outside. Everything was new but exciting.

My new Dad told me he was giving me a new name. My name is now Jedi.

Dad says this is because he loves Star Wars, but also because Jedi are strong, and brave and many of them lost limbs, just like me. I like this name.

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When we got to my new home, I was so excited to see a house, I just wanted to go inside. They took me to the back yard to run and play, there were so many exciting new sights and smells. My new brother Louie was there to show me around. He doesn’t like to play rough like me and told me what he doesn’t like, but I was so excited. My new Dad said he was so impressed by my behaviour and surprised by how eager to please I am. He started training me by using treats and was surprised that I already knew many commands and was very responsive.

He made me feel very loved and happy. He said I was so well behaved that he felt I was ready to go to the dog park and meet some new dogs. I ran around in the open space and played rope pull with my new human sister Lily.

Then some other dogs came, and I was able to run and play with them. And I made some great friends.

Dad tells me he goes there every day and I will see these new friends often. But when Dad called me over, I always went straight to him and he rewarded me with a treat.

Now we are home, and I am resting because I’m so tired from my big day. I am still nervous and won’t let my new Dad go anywhere without me, but I’ve been sleeping near him and my family and feel incredibly happy.

It's only my first day, but I know I’m going to be very happy with my new family, they already love me very much and are being so kind to me and I love them.

Thank you AWLQ so much for caring for me and helping me find my new family. Many people would not help a dog with three legs, but you cared for me and helped me find someone who would care for me and love me for who I am. My Dad says he will encourage other people to support your organisation and tell everyone how wonderful you are. I know I will be with this family forever.

Lots of love, Jedi (Formerly Carter)

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CAT-PROOF YOUR YARD WITHOUT CAGES OR NETS Do you want to stop your cat roaming around the neighbourhood, without locking them inside?

Well, check out this amazing invention.

W Keep your cat safe with Oscillot.

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CAT SAFETY

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e love cats! But sometimes... cats can be a pain, right? Scratching at the back door to get outside and next minute they are over the fence and gone. Maybe they will decide to come back for dinner… or maybe not. Who knows?

Many cats have a natural inclination to roam beyond the boundaries of their owner’s property to explore the surrounding environment. Although we like to think our cats are intelligent enough to avoid danger whilst roaming, it doesn’t always work out that way. Cats that roam freely can also become a significant nuisance to the community by using the neighbours’ gardens as a bathroom.

And, if they are not spayed or neutered, they reproduce, often leaving kittens that end up in shelters.

It is a misconception that cats NEED to roam to be happy. Cats are generally highly adaptable to changes in their environment and can adjust well to being contained to their own backyard. You can make your backyard an enriching environment for your cat by adding objects your cat can explore. For example, a cat scratcher, a cat tree, a tree stump, cat grass, and a nice comfortable bed.

If only you could keep them safely contained in your yard. But who wants to turn their yard into a prison with cages and nets? Well now, there is a new solution that is incredibly innovative, and it has all the answers.

WHAT IS OSCILLOT? Oscillot was invented by South Australian filmmaker, Paul Bok, in 2006. Paul noticed an obvious lack of options for cat owners to keep their beloved feline friends safe at home. After extensive research and development, Oscillot was born, right here in Australia!

Cats use a jump-grab-climb technique to scale fences. Oscillot has invented a way to counteract the grab-and-climb. It consists of a series of four-bladed aluminium paddles, which are mounted along fence lines between post kits containing bearings. When a cat tries to scale the fence, they place a paw on the paddle, which then spins. The cat cannot get traction and falls safely back to the ground. Once Oscillot is installed, the cat simply can’t get stable enough on top of the fence to launch itself over the wall.

Oscillot has no cages, no nets, no wires, and no electric current. It is completely safe and will not cause harm to your cat, wildlife, or little curious hands that may reach up and touch the system. The Animal Welfare League of Australia and the Animal Welfare League of Queensland have endorsed Oscillot as

a safe and responsible method of containing pet cats inside their own property.

With most yards, installing Oscillot alone results in successful cat containment. But if there are trees, ladders or platforms next to the fence, these may need to be ‘cat-proofed’ too.

Oscillot turns most fences into a cat proof fence within just a few hours. The system is perfectly suited to metal fences; the Stratco Good Neighbour fence is perfect for installation of this system because of its clean lines and the absence of posts and rails.

Oscillot can also be installed onto other types of fence including Colorbond, post and rail, timber/wooden, masonry, vinyl, super 6 and composite fencing.

Oscillot is available in easy DIY kits. The installation process only requires the use of a few tools and a few hours of your time. If not, give Hire A Hubby a call on 1800 803 339.

Jump onto oscillot.com.au to watch videos of Oscillot in action, or call 1300 897 340 for more information. You can see the range of options at oscillot.com.au/collections/diy-kits PAW

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Leave A Gift in Your Will

a gift that need not interfere with any other specific bequests left to loved ones.

Whole or part of your estate: you can leave your entire estate or any part of your estate to AWLQ. A fixed specific gift is a gift in the form of other property such as shares, investments, vehicles, boats or items of jewellery.

Leaving a small gift in your Will, will ensure ensure AWLQ’s life saving work continues. With these funds, they can save stray and abandoned animals for many generations to come.

Many of AWLQ’s supporters are leaving a gift in their Will, so the work of AWLQ can continue well into the future.

Christine is leaving a gift in her Will.

Simone is leaving a bequest for AWLQ.

Christine is leaving a bequest for AWLQ in her Will. “Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I believe in having a rapport with pets at home and I chose to leave a bequest to the Animal Welfare League Queensland. This is because of the vital work that they do for animals that are abandoned, surrendered or have been lost. They can come to a place of shelter and refuge and be cared for and I like what they do as a wider community service – members of the public can come and find their special animal. I think it is really important to remember that the AWLQ has a zero-euthanasia policy thanks to the help of countless volunteers and I wholly and solely believe in the therapeutic benefit of having a pet in your life.”

Simone is also leaving a bequest to AWLQ in her Will. “I’ve chosen to leave a bequest to AWLQ. I’ve worked at the organisation for about seven years now. I think the key thing for me was just seeing first-hand everything that the organisation achieves. And, how many animal’s lives are directly affected and saved. It was an easy decision when it came to preparing our Will and wanting to leave that gift.”

Mardie and Richard are also leaving a gift for AWLQ in their Will. Says Richard, “When it comes to bequests obviously it’s very much a personal decision.

We would like to share whatever we leave behind with an organisation that stands for something we believe in too. And we love what we see here.”

Mardie and her husband Richard are gifting to AWLQ in their Will.

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Mardie agrees. “Ninety per cent of the funding goes towards the animals rather than being devoted to administration. That was significant in our decision. This is an organisation we like and respect. We feel confident that when we eventually go, whatever we leave behind is going to be put to good use by good people.”

Supplying a Copy of Your Will While it is not essential to have a copy of your Will, it assists AWLQ to ensure your wishes are fulfilled.

Your details are held in the strictest of confidence and treated with upmost respect.

SUPPORT Leaving a gift is an important decision but it does not have to be complicated. AWLQ has relevant information, support, and advice available to make the process as easy as possible. AWLQ appreciates that family and loved ones should always come first, so they encourage you to talk to your family about your Will. After you have spoken to your family, here are other things to think about: Make or Update your Will Your Will is an important document that must be properly prepared. AWLQ always recommends using a solicitor to make sure your Will is legal and valid.

Your solicitor can advise you on the different ways of leaving a gift.

Decide on your Gift After family and loved ones are looked after, a bequest gift may be the most significant donation many of us will be able to make.

Types of Gifts A fixed sum of money gift is also known as a pecuniary bequest. This gift is in the form of a specified cash amount.

By leaving a residual gift to AWLQ you are instructing your executor that, once your debts are paid and specific gifts are distributed to loved ones named in your Will, the remainder (or a percentage of the remainder) of your estate will be paid to AWLQ. A residual bequest is a simple way to leave

AWLQ COMMITMENT When people entrust AWLQ with a gift in their Will, these are the assurances they make: ■■ They respect the time needed to make this decision – a Will is personal and it is your decision about when to write or review your Will.

■■ They understand you might change your mind – they recognise circumstances change. You have the right to reconsider your decision at any time.

■■ They will honour and respect your privacy and your decision regarding your chosen level of engagement and communication with them.

■■ They will work with all parties handling your gift with care, sensitivity, and respect to ensure your wishes are met.

■■ They will give you and your loved ones the choice and opportunity to connect with the work they do. It is all made possible with gifts like yours.

They will thank you and remember you for the enduring support you are giving to so many animals. PAW AWLQ always recommends obtaining advice specific to your circumstances from a solicitor or lawyer. If you would like some assistance, please contact AWLQ’s Bequests Manager in confidence at bequests@awlqld.com.au or call 07 5509 9099.

Animal Welfare League of Queensland Inc PO Box 3253 Helensvale Town Centre Qld 4212

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Pollen can cause allergies and skin reactions in dogs.

WHAT IS WRONG

WITH MY PET’S SKIN?

Atopy Atopy is displayed as a hypersensitivity to a variety of commonplace and otherwise harmless substances in the environment. This can include breathing in pollen, mould and dust. If your cat or dog breathes in an allergen and shows symptoms of distress, you should contact your veterinarian. While atopy cannot be cured, it can be controlled with medication, diet, and lifestyle management.

In this article, AWLQ vet Dr. Camilla Thomas BVSc scratches the surface of skin conditions in cats and dogs.

S

kin conditions are one of the most common problems that our pets can have. There are many causes, so working out what is causing the issue is the main objective. Pets will suffer more from them in the warmer months when allergies hit.

The skin and coat of an animal says a lot about it.

They are an important indicator of its general health.

But most importantly if your pet has a skin condition it can make them feel miserable if it is left untreated.

Some skin conditions are minor and can be cleared up with one visit to the vet. But there are other skin conditions that can be chronic. Some animals can have long-lasting problems that require lifelong treatment. Add scratching to that, which can cause further skin problems, and the diagnosis can get complicated.

So, prevention is always the best course of action.

Book an appointment with your vet if you notice something wrong with your pet’s skin. Waiting can lead to more serious problems developing.

WHAT SHOULD MY CAT OR DOG’S SKIN LOOK LIKE? A cat or dog’s skin is unique to them, but there are many signs that a cat or dog has healthy skin. Their skin should be pink or black, smooth, and be free of crusting, itching, or scaling. It should not be infected or have hot and inflamed areas.

A healthy coat will be thick and shiny with no bald patches, dandruff or parasites. They will shed fur all year round, but this will typically increase during the summer and autumn months.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR? Symptoms to look out for include excessive scratching, scabs on the skin, or pulling out of fur. These can all indicate skin disease. Poor coat condition may indicate an underlying illness. Any ear problems may also be linked to a skin condition.

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Allergies are one of the most common causes of skin problems in cats and dogs. Allergic skin disease often causes itching, redness and many other symptoms. Severe allergic reactions can cause hives, rashes and swellings anywhere on the body. Contact your vet if you suspect your cat or dog is having a severe allergic reaction – this is an emergency and they will require immediate treatment.

Here are some of the skin conditions to look out for:

Food and drug allergies Food allergies are caused by food containing a particular ingredient which causes the body to mount a defence against it. It is displayed as a skin condition. Usually an elimination diet will help you work out what food is causing the reaction. Some of the most common food allergies in dogs include wheat, corn, soy, chicken and eggs.

Dermatitis Environmental dermatitis occurs as a result of interaction with grass, plants, dirt or bugs. If your cat or dog is licking excessively or chewing at their fur they may leave a patch of skin exposed. This can lead to moist dermatitis (or a hot spot) which is a lesion on the exposed skin. This can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics from a veterinarian. In addition, it is important to feed a balanced, good quality diet to prevent nutritional dermatitis.

Parasites Some of the most common skin conditions are caused by parasites. So, it is important to keep up-to-date with parasite treatment, especially during warmer months when fleas and ticks flourish. Reactions can occur as a result of an allergic reaction to the bite of the parasite. This requires treatment that involves the elimination of the parasite and treatment of the bite area. You will need medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Skin allergies An allergy is a reaction to a stimulant. This can be inhaled, eaten or be a reaction to a bite of an insect.

The most common display of an allergic reaction is itching of the skin.

Hives Hives appear as round raised bumps that itch. Hives are fast to appear and generally develop within half an hour of exposure to an allergen. Causes include insect bites, topical applications and medications. In most cases, once the stimulant that caused the hives to appear has been removed, the hives will disappear within twenty-four hours.

Contact allergies Contact allergies are allergies caused by direct contact of a substance with a chemical or other irritating substance. This causes an inflammatory response in the body that affects the skin. Your cat or dog will most likely experience a reaction the first time they come in contact with the irritant. If your cat or dog comes into contact with an allergen that causes skin problems, it is important to consult your vet.

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR VET Skin conditions can be very uncomfortable and often very painful, especially if they are severe or go on for a long time. Contact your vet if your pet has a skin problem that does not clear up in a few days. If you see blood or pus coming from their skin it is important to see a vet as soon as possible. You know your cat or dog best – if they don’t have the symptoms listed above but you are still concerned it’s always best to contact your vet. PAW

Dr. Camilla Thomas BVSc is a vet with AWLQ’s Community Vet Clinic. AWLQ was the first, and remains to be the only, organisation in Queensland to open a Community Veterinary Clinic to the public. This unique service makes essential vet care accessible to all pet owners including those previously unable to afford treatment for their pets. Any profits made through the Community Vet Clinics provide further funding for the rehoming of shelter animals as well as education and foster care for animals in need.

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Making a Difference, Saving Lives Tawl Tails meets volunteering superhero Joan, who has been assisting AWLQ since 1998.

Joan has been involved with AWLQ for an amazing 22 years. While studying as a vet nurse at the University of Queensland, she also simultaneously simultaneously assisted AWLQ to save many animal’s lives. In 2004, she picked up a volunteering role as a vet nurse in the community veterinary clinic. Now 77 years of age, when most people would be retiring and putting their feet up, Joan is not slowing down… In fact, she can’t bear the thought of leaving her furry friends.

Here is her story.

I keep saying, I'm going to retire soon. But AWLQ always joke with me and say, “No, no, no, no, no, you can't!”

I work in one of AWLQ’s Community Vet Clinics, but I do all sorts of things. This includes the sterilisation, wrapping the kits, putting them through the autoclave. I put everything away after the surgery.

Just general things to free up the vet nurses. There are things that I can’t do, because I am not employed by AWLQ, but I can help with everything else.

My main role is assisting with the dogs and cats that are brought into the clinic. This could mean that I am holding them while they are having their nails clipped. Or, holding them if they need an injection.

In this type of role, you do make some good animal friends along the way. For me, the one that struck me the most was a beautiful Himalayan Persian cat that came in looking a bit worse for wear. He had a very bad sore underneath his arm. He obviously got away from somewhere and got his front paw through a collar, which had rubbed and rubbed.

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The poor thing had big raw patch of skin that needed attention. After he was looked after by the wonderful vet and nurses, I took him home with me, because he needed the wound treated twice a day. And he never went back – I adopted him. We had a lovely time together until he passed away two years ago. He was the most wonderful cat.

I still have one more cat, who is 20 years old, which is very old for a cat! I picked him up as stray on Chevron Island. He's got rheumatoid arthritis and he's got a chronic kidney disease, but we manage to keep him going with the help of the nurses and vets at AWLQ. They are wonderful.

I am thinking about getting an older dog. When you get to my age though, getting a puppy or a kitten might not be a good idea. You might leave this world before they do. So I would consider an older dog.

I volunteer for a full day on Mondays, usually from about 9:30am to 4:30pm. And then on Thursdays, I volunteer in the afternoon, usually from 12:30 until 5pm.

I've always loved animals. I lived overseas for a long time in Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore, when my husband was working in the construction industry there. Even there, I would always go in and help animals. So when I came back to Australia, I took the opportunity of doing work with AWLQ, because they are an excellent charity.

In the future, I hope to keep on doing what I am doing now. As long as I have a driver’s licence, I will be here, helping to save lives. PAW

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How You Can Help Interested in volunteering your time to help save animal lives? Then read on.

V

olunteering is one of the best ways to give back to your community. You also can make new friends and give your life much more meaning. And if you love animals, then it’s a win-win!

At the moment, COVID-19 regulations means that the usual volunteering opportunities are slightly limited. However, keep an eye on AWLQ website for the all-clear to fire up all cylinders again.

AWLQ relies on volunteers who make a huge contribution to the organisation. Volunteers readily offer their time, love and compassion to the welfare of the animals in care. They make such a difference to AWLQ. WHAT IS NEEDED? Volunteering with AWLQ is a fantastic way to make a difference in the lives of the animals in care. There are 2 types of commitment when volunteering: Rostered Volunteers – Expected commitment: rostered and regular 1 x 4hr shift / weekly (for minimum of 3 months). These types of volunteers are the core of the Volunteer Program.

Casual Volunteers – Expected commitment: casual (unrostered) 1 x 4 hr shift / weekly (for a minimum of 3 months). After you have volunteered for 3 months on the roster, you can drop back to casual hours. These types of volunteers might not be able to commit to a specific day, but are able to come once a week for a 4 hour shift.

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Some of the volunteers do more than one shift per week, whilst some are not able to lock into a set commitment. If this is the case, AWLQ can talk to you about the opportunities that are available when you can come.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER? AWLQ genuinely encourage volunteers from all parts of the community. There is value in diversity – all members of the community can make a difference.

Unfortunately, due to legal and insurance regulations, there are limited opportunities for anyone who is under 18 years of age. But do not see this as an obstacle. Instead, consider collecting donations of food and bedding, fundraising, fostering, or asking AWLQ to come to your school to raise awareness. Or, you could look into the teen volunteering program.

TEEN VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM If you are aged 13-17 and would like to volunteer, AWLQ host a Teen Volunteering Program during the school holidays (subject to the availability). This is an intensive one-day course where you will learn what it takes to be a volunteer, learn activities relating to the role, and discover the joy of caring for animals.

Once teens have completed the course, they can make an application to AWLQ volunteer department to become a volunteer. This process includes an

interview by the volunteer department staff with both the teen and at least one of their parents.

WHAT EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED? No formal experience is required, however volunteers need: ■■ Good communication skills.

■■ High fluency in English – spoken and written ■■ Good level of physical fitness ■■ Willingness to learn ■■ Regular and reliable ■■ Love of animals and an understanding of the purpose of the organisation.

Charlie getting treated like a king by volunteers

Volunteers spoiling the resident cats

Position descriptions are available online and provide a full list of the responsibilities, requirements and capabilities necessary for volunteering with AWLQ. Training and instructions are supplied for each position. Many positions are entry-level which the majority of new volunteers will start in. Other positions are more advanced roles.

As a volunteer you can gain important transferable skills in animal handling, team work, fundraising, campaigning, management, data entry, administration, customer service and many more.

HOW DO I VOLUNTEER? Volunteering at AWLQ is a four-step process. Read the position descriptions carefully and decide which position you would like to volunteer in, then: ■■ Complete the volunteer application form for the chosen shelter location.

■■ Book and pay for a scheduled volunteer induction at the chosen shelter location. In order to cover the training, equipment, resources and volunteer T-shirt that is issued, we ask you to make a $33 payment to cover these costs.

■■ Attend and participate in our volunteer induction at the chosen shelter location.

■■ Be assigned on the roster for your first shift, commence volunteering and training.

Wonderful volunteers taking the shelter dogs for a stretch

Log onto www.awlqld.com.au to start the process.

Happy volunteering! PAW

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The Currumbin store

Op Shop Until You Drop We interview AWLQ Retail Manager Michelle Muir about what sells well in the op shops and how you can help.

WHAT ARE GREAT THINGS TO DONATE TO THE AWLQ OP SHOPS? We are always grateful for clean, good quality furniture, homewares, bric-a-brac and clothing so that our loyal customers can rely on finding quality bargains and treasures when visiting our op shops. Clothing is certainly one of our most popular items to buy, and so is bric-a-brac – nice ornaments, vases, flowers, lovely things for the home. Good-quality used furniture is always in high demand.

WHAT CAN’T WE DONATE? For safety reason we can’t take electric heaters. Things like oversized furniture – because so many people have a minimalist style home or are downsizing right now, many homes simply can’t fit these items. Larger pieces such as really big wall units and things of that nature can be difficult to sell.

WHICH OP SHOP PERFORMS THE BEST? All of our op shops play a vital role in generating income so AWLQ can continue to care for the thousands of abandoned and homeless animals that come into our care each year.

There are 11 AWLQ op shops on the Coast and one in Beaudesert and Ipswich. Our best performing op shop is the Warehouse (Unit C6-239 Brisbane Road, Labrador) – this is a must visit for all op shoppers! There’s plenty of great furniture, clothing, bric-a-brac, homewares just waiting to be snatched up all at bargain prices.

This shop does well because it acts as the distribution centre for all AWLQ Op Shops. It is a huge warehouse – and it accommodates everything.

The op shop in Coombabah (25 Hansford Road Coombabah) is another very good income generator.

It has an excellent selection of evening wear, homewares, books, games, kids and men’s clothes and a wonderful selection of quirky items. The reason this one does so well is because it is conveniently located near many retirement villages. And there are no other op shops in that vicinity.

This is one of the donations from Princess Polly at the Nerang Superstore

ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER IN THE OP SHOPS? All our op shops are run by wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to raising funds through the sale of donated goods.

We need more volunteers, especially right now.

A lot of our volunteers are seniors, the health and safety of our team is paramount so many are not able to volunteer at the moment due to the risks of COVID-19.

We need people to sort through the donations that come in, and help with window dressing, cleaning, and merchandising. Everything to do with retail!

Of most urgent need is volunteers at our warehouse in Labrador. We also need volunteers for the Nerang op shop. Those are the main shops that are really short on volunteers at the moment.

We also need volunteers to drive our trucks.

AWLQ can come to your home and collect larger donated consignments, at no charge to the person donating the items. This is especially needed when people are donating furniture – plus, they might have about five or six bags of clothing as well. Also, seniors sometimes don't have cars. Volunteers will come out and pick up the items if this is the case.

To donate, all you need to do is call 07 5509 9056, we then organise for... for our drivers to come and collect the furniture that customers want to donate.

There are some great furniture finds at the Nerang Superstore.

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The AWLQ Op Shops

Op shop chic!

IS VOLUNTEERING GOOD FOR YOUR SOCIAL LIFE? Absolutely. Our team leaders and the managers of the shops go out for morning tea or lunch every month. It is like one big family in the shops.

An amazing find in the Currumbin shop

Some of the stunning donated items sold in the AWLQ op shops

A beautiful treasure found in the Miami store

HOW DO YOU GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT THE BARGAINS? Our op shops have a dedicated Facebook page – you can like this page at facebook.com/awlqopshops and the general focus is on all the stores. You could spend the whole day browsing on this page, there are some great items on there! We have also got an Instagram for our op shops now, which features some amazing items – visit @opshopsawlq to follow us.

DO YOU USE SOME OF THE ITEMS IN THE STORES? Yes! Being a not-for-profit this allows us to save so much money by doing this. Everyone is really committed to saving and recycling where we can. We even use donated stationery to save money – if we can use it, we'll use it! Most of the shelving in all our shops have been donated, all thanks to generous contributions from the public.

We are extremely grateful to all the staff and volunteers at the op shop and also to our truck drivers. We couldn’t achieve what we do without the dedication of our incredible volunteers.

By donating and purchasing from AWLQ stores you are helping to raise funds so AWLQ can continue our lifesaving work within the community. PAW

Ashmore City Bookshop 206 Currumburra Rd Ashmore QLD 4214 Mon to Fri: 9am – 4pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Beaudesert Shop 1, 15 William Street Beaudesert QLD 4285 Mon to Fri: 9am – 3pm Burleigh Cnr Lower GC Highway & Elder Street Burleigh Heads QLD 4220 Mon to Fri: 9am – 4pm Sat: 9am – 12pm Cat And Hound Antiques & Collectables 18C Young Street Southport QLD 4215 Mon to Fri: 9am – 3pm Coombabah Coombabah Plaza, Hansford Street Coombabah QLD 4216 Mon to Fri: 9am – 3pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Currumbin 2/56 Currumbin Creek Road Currumbin Valley QLD 4223 Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 2.30pm Sat: 8.30am – 12pm Ipswich 189 Brisbane Street Ipswich QLD 4305 Mon & Tue: 9.30am – 4.15pm Sat: 9am – 12.15pm Labrador Warehouse/Op Shop Unit C6-239 Brisbane Road Labrador QLD 4216 Mon to Fri: 9am – 3pm Sat: 8.30am – 12pm Miami 5/10-14 Pacific Avenue Miami QLD 4220 Mon to Fri: 9am – 4pm Sat: 9am – 12pm Nerang 61 Lawrence Drive Nerang QLD 4211 Mon to Fri: 9am – 3pm Sat: 9am – 12pm Shelter Road Coombabah QLD 4216 Mon to Fri: 9am – 2pm Southport 18B Young Street Southport QLD 4215 Mon to Fri: 9am – 3pm The Thrifty Kitten Unit 6/18 Bailey Crescent Southport QLD 4215 For days & times – Facebook @awlqopshops or Instagram @the.thrifty.kitten

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AWLQ TO

THE RESCUE

WHEN YOU CAN’T BE THERE...

AWLQ CAN

Gold Coast resident Sharon used the emergency boarding program after medical challenges.

Here is her story.

The Emergency Boarding Program is an important service – without it, many pet owners would have to surrender or euthanise their pet.

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here are those among us who are living in isolation, living with mental health challenges, facing homelessness or are elderly with no support network. Often, they have no one to lean on for assistance with their animals. And yet, most of these people describe their pets as their biggest saviour.

AWLQ understands that pets are critical to their owner’s well-being and recovery journey. They want to do everything in their power to make sure that these beloved pets are not separated from their owners. The Emergency Boarding Program was created for this very reason.

AWLQ are in touch with case managers and social workers from various service providers.

AWLQ regularly receives urgent calls from these hospitals and caseworkers where pets have been left alone in houses for days before anyone realises they are there. Some pets even perish because no one knew they were there. In some cases, pets have been abandoned on the street if their homeless owner is taken to hospital. Worse still, some owners refuse to be hospitalised for fear of abandoning their pet.

Some owners check out of hospital against medical advice to tend to their pets.

Over the last 12 months, AWLQ has been expanding its Emergency Boarding Program in order to support the increasing number of requests received from hospitals, case workers or from the general public. The program now has an even larger

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team of dedicated foster carers who understand just how vital this program is to ensure people and their pets are kept together in times of uncertainty.

The remarkable foster carers know that these foster requests usually come at short notice. They are always happy to drop what they’re doing to come and collect an animal in need of TLC. In March 2020, as initial news reports started to filter in about COVID-19, AWLQ started to prepare community outreach programs, such as the AWLQ Emergency Boarding Program. This is to ensure that they would be able to keep up with demands of hospital patients requiring assistance for their animals in a time of need.

AWLQ reached out to Gold Coast and Brisbane hospitals to advise staff of this vital program and offer assistance where needed. Thankfully, Queensland was not as affected by COVID-19 compared to other Australian states. However, they are always on standby should this demand arise.

The foster period is typically short-term while a pet’s owner is recovering or getting back on their feet. All food, bedding and necessary items will be provided to foster carers wanting to help. PAW

For any enquiries about the program, please contact the Emergency Boarding Coordinator at emergencyboarding@awlqld.com.au or call 07 5509 9014.

I HAD BEEN HAVING trouble breathing for the last seven or eight months. And I thought it was my asthma mucking around. The doctor took my blood pressure, and it was sky high. And then she took my pulse, and it was very low. The doctor said I urgently needed to go to hospital, she was about to call the ambulance for me. However, I didn’t want to go, because I had no one to look after my animals.

I returned to the doctor the next week, and she was very upset with me. But I said I wouldn’t go. So the doctor went looking for some help. She found AWLQ and they said I could put my animals there.

I have never been separated from my two dogs and I did not want to leave them. But I knew I had to go to hospital. I rang AWLQ and I explained my situation to them. They were just absolutely wonderful and willing to do whatever they could.

They are amazing beyond words. I got upset when they came to collect the dogs, but I knew the dogs would be getting the very best of care.

I have two dogs, a Poodle who is 12 years old and blind in one eye, and a Chihuahua who is three years old. I also have a cat and two cockatiels.

Fortunately, my neighbour above took the birds, and fed the cat, but he could not look after the dogs.

The dogs Annee and Jess were kennelled at AWLQ Shelter overnight. Then a foster carer minded them until I was able to take them back again. When I saw them again, they were jumping all over me and excited, as happy as ever.

I’m still struggling a lot with the breathing.

I am being closely monitored at the moment and they are doing everything they can for me. I have already spoke to AWLQ, letting them know I may need to go in again. And they said, everything is okay, we will take care of the animals.

Many people advised me to just leave the dogs in the house, but I couldn’t. Both the doctor and AWLQ went out of their way for me. And I was just so overwhelmed with that. I thanked them from the bottom of my heart. I am on a disability pension, but now I make sure I donate $5 a fortnight to them for everything they do.

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Taming Tigers What do you find most rewarding about fostering cats for socialisation?

Fostering fearful and timid cats and kittens and turning them into beautiful confident cats is the best feeling in the world. It takes a special type of carer, and lots of love and dedication and time to tame these little tigers.

Sally: Fostering is rewarding, hands down! Lots of cuddles, purrs and play and it is so much fun but anti-social cats... they need a little more.

More time, more love, more of your heart – more of everything.

Often you have no background information. You don’t know what has happened to them or even what they are actually afraid of! So you are a bit of a detective – trying to figure out what they do like and don’t like!

These ‘socially challenged’ cats that need fostering – give them a go, as they are a challenge, but it is so rewarding! Take on a cat that is running out of options, that people ‘out there’ have given up on. Give it the time, care, love, and attention that they need. Then one day you will realise that they have turned the corner! They start seeking you out, wanting attention, you have done it! I have saved a life and created a loving pet for someone. And that is all the reward I need!

Tawl Tails spoke to two of AWLQ’s dedicated socialisation carers Merilyn Summers and Sally Gartside.

We asked, what is it like to care for those cats needing extra special attention?

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FOSTER SUCCESS STORIES

Merilyn: The most rewarding part of socialisation is the day you feel they have finally lost their fear enough to trust you. And, seek out your attention and come to you for pats and love.

What challenges do you encounter when fostering cats for socialisation?

Sally: Challenges... lots! I find that each cat presents their own challenge. People’s attitudes used to bother me. But over time I have managed to turn some attitudes around. I think probably the biggest thing that foster carers need to manage is their emotions. Cats know when you are anxious or scared. And while their actions may at times scare you, remember they are AFRAID AND REACTIVE! Stay calm and breathe! Be as relaxed as you can be when they are in their worst state, talk quietly but firmly and think positive thoughts. It all comes across to the cats!

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Merilyn: The challenge for me is not losing heart. Some days you think it will never happen and they will never come around. But when they do it’s the best feeling. Remember – patience, patience, patience!

What is your best success story?

Sally: Every single one! Seriously, we are their last chance, and every success saves a life! One that sticks in my mind is a cat that was said to be ‘aggro’ and he was! He was also a very big cat!! I took him home, observed him a bit, he lunged a few times as soon as I walked past the bed. I used a tennis racquet to keep him from my legs, and then food and toys to befriend him! He loved food but he LOVED toys even more!

Large soft toys or toys on a stick obviously. In the end he was just very easily overstimulated and had a very high play drive! So the key to his successful turnaround was lots of play (till he was tired) and learning his body language. I learned when he had actually had enough attention and then redirected with a soft toy for him to get rid of his frustrations.

He actually became much more affectionate when he knew he would get playtime, he had toys to play with on his own and would follow me around, sleep on the bed...all the usual cat traits!

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Merilyn: My biggest success story involved two terrified adult cats that I worked with for 4 months. I never thought they would find a home, but they turned into two lovely social cats and they were adopted into a wonderful home together. I still receive Christmas cards and photos from their new family every year.

Any tips for people wanting to give it a go?

Sally: Relax. Give them time and space (but not too much!). Give yourself a break and be patient! There are no “one size fits all” for these guys. So you may have to try a few things before you see any results.

Every cat is different and comes with different baggage. You will learn to read cats in a new way the more you do it. And you will ALWAYS learn something from each cat.

MERILYN

Merilyn: Don’t get discouraged if they don’t come around straight away. Let them go at their own pace. Try to discourage hiding under beds etc. A crate covered with a blanket or a cat igloo is ideal for when they get to the stage where they can interact with the household. The biggest thing you can give these cats is time and patience.

Would like to know more about how to help special cats like these? Visit awlqld.com.au/awlq-animals/foster-a-pet/ and register to become a foster carer.

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olden HeartsTM is a pet support program for seniors, designed to help people 65 years and older with pet ownership. And the biggest newsflash here is that it is free to join.

A barrier to pet ownership for many older people is the concern that no one will be there to care for their pets in the case of an emergency situation. This could include a hospital stay or during a bout of ill-health.

Boarding kennels can be expensive and most elderly pet owners would not like the thought of their pet being alone in a kennel. The last thing an older person who is suffering ill-health needs is the added stress of worrying about their pet.

AWLQ to the rescue! Golden HeartsTM members can use the Short-Term Emergency Pet Care Service, or S.T.E.P.S. (This program is subject to eligibility for genuine medical emergencies.) This can give older pet owners peace of mind that their beloved pets will be cared for no matter what happens.

The Golden HeartsTM program also supports older people who need to transition into an aged-care facility that does not allow pets. This can be a very difficult time and AWLQ offers a free surrender of a person’s beloved pet. They try and match the pet with a loving new home in a similar environment to what it had.

Who Will Look After Your Pet in an Emergency?

Are you worried about who will care for your pet as you get older? Well, you don’t need to worry anymore. The Golden HeartsTM Seniors’ Pet Support Program has been created to help you.

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO OWN A PET Companion animals reward us with unconditional love, acceptance, and friendship – the endearing tilt of the head from a faithful dog can lift our spirits, just as the gentle purr from a contented cat can feed our souls.

Sharing your life with a companion animal has many health and social benefits – particularly for mature-aged people. Yet senior-aged people often believe they are too old to care for a pet. Many elderly people who do own a pet, sometimes feel in need of extra support with the care of their animals but are unsure of who they can turn to for help.

Golden HeartsTM Seniors’ Pet Support Program has been designed to break down the barriers that stand in the way of senior people owning pets. It helps make pet ownership as stress-free as possible. It gives those aged 65 and older the peace of mind and support they need to enjoy the many benefits of animal companionship.

Whether you are looking for a companion animal with whom to share your life or you already own a pet, AWLQ’s Golden HeartsTM program is there to support you every step of the way.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF GOLDEN HEARTS TM If you are a member of Golden HeartsTM, you can receive 50% off annual vaccinations through AWLQ’s Community Vet Clinics, plus 10% off everything else. And, there is also discounted pet grooming available.

Golden HeartsTM also has annual social events where members get to enjoy the company of like-minded people.

Remember, Golden HeartsTM membership is completely free. The program supports a senior-aged person through every step of pet ownership whether they adopted their pet from the AWLQ or not. PAW To Join Golden HeartsTM: Send an email to goldenhearts@awlqld.com.au to learn more, or call 07 5509 9033.

You can also pick up a booklet from any of the AWLQ Rehoming Centres, Vet Clinics or Op Shops.

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What Happens to Your Pet if you Pass Away?

CASE STUDY

Most of us assume that we will outlive our pets. But what if you become ill or incapacitated and can no longer care for your pet? Thankfully, there are answers.

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hat would happen to your pets if you were to suddenly pass away? Do you have a plan that will ensure your pets will be loved and cared for?

Here’s something to think about. Animal Welfare League Queensland’s Legacy Pets Program is a free service to anyone in the community who is concerned their pet might outlive them. This is especially important to keep in mind if you don’t have anyone to leave your pet to.

AWLQ will ensure that in the event of your passing, your pet will be placed into a loving home and always be under the care and protection of AWLQ. FREE TO JOIN Most animal charities charge a hefty fee per animal to register a pet into a Legacy Pet Program. AWLQ’s Legacy Pets Program is FREE because they believe the welfare of an animal should never be subject to the amount someone can pay.

As a registered Legacy Pet, your companion animal will immediately come into the care of AWLQ. Your fur companion animal be placed with an experienced

foster carer until a permanent match for your pet can be found.

AWLQ is passionate about the wellbeing of animals and wants to ensure that no animal finds itself abandoned and homeless after losing its owner.

Sadly, many pets find themselves in this situation, ending up in pounds and shelters after their owners pass away. AWLQ’s Legacy Pets Program is a simple way to ensure this NEVER happens to your pets.

Registering for Legacy Pets is easy and will provide you with invaluable peace of mind that your beloved pet will always be cared for and loved.

HOW DO I ENROL MY PET? The first step is to ring the dedicated phone number or email address (below). AWLQ will send you the Pet Care Profile form. Once they receive this completed form, your pet will then be registered. AWLQ will then check in annually with you.

So what should you put on the form? This information will be a record of your pet’s daily routine, health and medical history, dietary needs and temperament. It also helps to think about what

type of home your pet would be best suited to. Do they get on with children or other animals? Where do they like to sleep? Do they like to go for walks?

What is their favourite toy? This information is vital in ensuring your pet is adopted into the right home that is best suited to its needs.

As a registered Legacy Pet member, you have AWLQ’s commitment and promise that your pet will be cared for, for the rest of its life. Also, the new personally chosen owners will receive lifelong vet assistance to help care for your pet.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A WILL It is important that you leave written instructions in your will for your pet to come into the care of AWLQ upon your passing. For more details about our Legacy Pets Program, including suggested wording for your will, please speak to our Legacy Pet Support team to obtain a brochure.

AWLQ’s Legacy Pets Program is free of charge.

It will provide you with the peace of mind that if something ever happens to you, there is a secure plan in place for your pet’s future. PAW

For more information, email bequests@awlqld.com.au or call 07 5509 9099.

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Scully and Mozart The owner of these two fine-looking felines registered with the Legacy Pets Program, to make sure that her fur babies would be looked after if she passed away.

Unfortunately, some time after they were registered with the program, their owner did pass away. Handsome Scully and his brother (who was named Mozart because he was black and white like a piano) were put into the care of AWLQ. Their mum used to let them sleep in her bed, and she often spoiled them with salmon.

The AWLQ knew this as their owner had filled out a form when she registered with the Legacy Pets program. It informed carers about the daily lives of the pair of felines, their likes and dislikes, their usual diet, and any medication they might need to take.

After being collected by the AWLQ, they were cared for, and given a lot of affection by volunteers at the shelter. Because the AWLQ had promised to take care of Scully and Mozart, and ensure they went to a good home, that is exactly what happened.

A home was found for them that was compatible with the life they had lived so far.

And they didn’t have to be separated.

If you have pets and you want to make sure that they will go to a loving home if anything happens to you, then register them with the Legacy Pets Program.

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From Trash to Treasure

A New Home for Mikey

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Miss Mae was found hiding amongst a pile of rubbish along with her litter of young puppies, who were in a sealed beer carton, at a local tip.

But thankfully, this story has a happy ending.

This little family had all been discarded like trash, unwanted and alone. At just 6-weeks-old, the puppies were vulnerable, and Miss Mae was anxious and desperately trying to protect her babies – they were in dire need of assistance.

After a member of the public found them, they were all taken to the AWLQ straight away for help. When Miss Mae arrived at the centre with her puppies, she was in a highly distressed state. With no time to waste, our team set to work to reassure her and provide Miss Mae and her puppies a second chance at life. Given the puppies were found in a beer carton, they were named Asahi, Budweiser, Carlton, Hahn and Toohey.

Tim and Steff adopted one of the puppies, Toohey, and renamed him Mikey. Here is their story.

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e had been looking for a pet for a while, ideally looking for a mid-sized breed puppy/young dog. We saw Toohey online, and we knew he would be perfect for us. When we got the call to go and meet him, we skipped out of work early. We were excited to be coming home with a puppy that afternoon (if he liked us of course)!

Tim already had annual leave of two weeks booked when we found out we could adopt Mikey. We were supposed to pick Mikey up a few days before Tim’s leave was due to start. But instead, Tim brought it forward a few days so we could spend more time getting Mikey settled in.

We were already wanting to adopt a puppy long before COVID – this is the reason we moved from our apartments into a house earlier in the year. The flexibility of working from home did change the way Mikey settled into our home – it made it much easier.

We are home so often lately. (Tim had two weeks off work, and Steff is working from home a lot because of COVID-19.) Mikey has become very attached to us.

He is very used to having us around 24/7. This has made it a little hard for us to transition back to work.

Mikey is a very intelligent dog, and we have had to work a lot on challenging his mind. We take him to puppy school for training and get lots of challenging toys to keep him entertained.

Since we adopted Mikey, we have certainly become way more active! We take him for walks or to the beach, or even run around in the backyard (which we barely used before). We also get less sleep-ins – Mikey loves waking up early.

Mikey loves anything to do with water! He loves the dog beach or running around with the hose in the backyard. He loves water so much he will not hesitate to jump in the shower with us when he can! He is an avid collector (and destroyer) of sticks he finds in the

backyard. He loves looking out the window to see what is happening on the street or greeting guests.

He likes to stay healthy, eating carrots, strawberries, and blueberries as special treats. He is a great help around the house, picking up any laundry he finds on the floor and carrying it around, especially socks (and luckily not chewing or destroying them!). And of course, when he wakes up, he loves a cuddle in bed every morning. (Not at night-time, though! He is straight to sleep!)

He must always be by our side, even if that means he misses out on his afternoon nap to follow us around. He is very excitable and cheeky. He stops and talks to every single dog or person we pass on our walks. He is very smart and inquisitive and loves solving his treat puzzle toys.

We are both big fans of space, so we named Mikey after astronaut Michael Collins. He is the generally forgotten about astronaut from the Apollo 11 moon landing. Michael Collins had to stay in the command module orbiting the moon while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin explored.

We have joined Loving Life – AWLQ Happy Tails Facebook Group to see if Mikey can connect with his littermates, and their new parents. We are so glad we decided to adopt Mikey from AWLQ. His training and development have been a great challenge for us, and we are loving watching him grow and having him as part of our family. PAW Miss Mae and all the puppies in the abandoned litter have gone on to be adopted by loving families, thanks to the AWLQ. Asahi is now Ziggy, Budweiser is now Pablo, Carlton is now Theodor. And let’s not forget Hahn, who is also living his best life with a new family.

To adopt a pet, log onto awlqld.com.au/adopt/ for more information.

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ASK THE VET The AWLQ vets are vessels of knowledge when it comes to animals. Here are some of your questions answered.

WHEN SHOULD MY PET BE VACCINATED AND FOR WHAT? Puppies/Dogs To safeguard your pet from potentially serious and sometimes fatal diseases your puppy needs to be vaccinated.

Our vaccines protect against several diseases including Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella (Kennel Cough).

Puppy vaccinations can commence as young as 6 weeks of age. So, your puppy can safely socialise with other dogs and go for walks outside. We aim to achieve full immunity by 16 weeks of age.

To maintain immunity, adult dogs require an annual vaccination booster. You will receive a reminder when your dogs’ yearly vaccination is due.

Kitten/Cats Our vaccines protect against several diseases including Feline Enteritis, Feline Rhinotracheitis and Feline Calcivirus. Kitten vaccinations can commence as young as 6 weeks of age then every 2 to 4 weeks with the timing of the final dose being no earlier than 16 weeks.

To maintain immunity, adult cats require an annual vaccination booster. You will receive a reminder when your cats’ yearly vaccination is due.

SHOULD I MICROCHIP MY PET? Each year thousands of lost animals are taken in by shelters and pounds across Australia. Some never make it home because they can not be identified.

Microchipping offers pet owners the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you. If you want to dramatically improve your pet’s chances of getting home fast and safe, implanting your pet with a microchip is your best option.

DOES MICROCHIPPING HURT THE ANIMAL? Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice. They are typically implanted by a vet just beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to receiving vaccination through a needle.

WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE MICROCHIP? The microchips presently used in pets only contain identification numbers. The microchip cannot track your animal if it gets lost. The microchip itself does not contain your pet’s medical information, but some microchip registration databases will allow you to store that information in the database for quick reference. PAW AWLQ was the first organisation in Queensland to open a Community Veterinary Clinic to the public. It still is the only organisation to do this. This unique service makes essential vet care accessible to all pet owners, including people who could not afford treatment for their pets. They are open 7 days a week. To book an appointment, go to awlqld.com.au/vet-clinics COMMUNITY VET CLINIC LOCATIONS Brisbane 6/10 Old Chatswood Road Daisy Hill, QLD 4127 07 3808 2892 Gold Coast 21 Shelter Road Coombabah QLD 4216 07 5594 0111 Ipswich 42 Tiger Street West Ipswich QLD 4305 07 3812 7533

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et h ing pe ts and people tog

er

Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959

COMMUNITY

VET CLINIC Quality vet care at affordable prices, for all pet owners.

BRISBANE 6/10 Old Chatswood Road Daisy Hill, QLD 4127 07 3808 2892 GOLD COAST 21 Shelter Road Coombabah QLD 4216 07 5594 0111 IPSWICH 42 Tiger Street West Ipswich QLD 4305 07 3812 7533

Book your appointment today by visiting awlqld.com.au/vet-clinics or call 5594 0111.

AWLQ’s Community Vet Clinics keep pets and people together.

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COMMUNITY VET CLINICS

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KEEPING DOGS, CATS AND OTHER PETS SAFE IN HOT WEATHER Summer is a fun time of year for pets and people. Enjoying a summer day together is great, but the heat can also be dangerous or even deadly for dogs, cats and other pets. Pets, like people, are susceptible to the effects of extreme heat.

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roviding protection for our pets in hot weather is critical. With a few precautions, you can keep your pets happy and safe in the heat.

HEATSTROKE DANGERS FOR PETS Heatstroke can occur when an animal’s temperature rises to a critical level. Normal body temperatures for dogs and cats range from 38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius.

When a dog’s temperature rises to 42+ degrees, or a cat’s to 41+ degrees, they can suffer heatstroke, brain damage, and even death.

SIGNS AND TREATMENT OF HEATSTROKE IN DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS Pets showing signs of heatstroke may include: ■■ Heavy panting that does not resolve as the pet rests ■■ Increasing distress ■■ A tongue colour that is dark red to almost purple ■■ Weakness or collapse ■■ Hyper-salivation, vomiting and laboured breathing.

Move a pet suffering from heatstroke out of the heat immediately. Cool an animal’s ears, belly, and paw pads with cool water (but not freezing or icy). Never put the animal into cold water or cover them with a cold, wet blanket.

Once the pet is stabilised, take them to your veterinarian immediately. The animal may be experiencing issues internally that are not visible to you.

A variety of situations – such as leaving a dog in a hot car, going for a midday walk with your dog, or simply leaving a pet in your backyard with no shade – can contribute to an animal overheating.

TIPS FOR KEEPING PETS SAFE IN HOT WEATHER AWLQ recommends taking a few precautions to keep dogs and cats healthy and comfortable as the temperature rises. Here are some tips: ■■ If your pet must be outside during the day, ensure that they have access to shade at all hours of the day. Never leave your dog tied up as they

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could become tangled, out of reach of shade or water. Grass and greenery help keep the backyard cooler, too.

■■ Provide pets with fresh, cool water at all times.

Most dogs won’t drink hot water no matter how thirsty they are. If your dog stays outside during the day, make sure his water bowl isn’t in a place where he will tip it over. Clam shell pools are a great way to provide dogs their own puddle in which to play.

■■ Exercise dogs during the cooler morning or evening hours, not in the intense afternoon heat.

Dogs who are seniors, overweight, have thick fur, or a pushed-in nose (such as boxers, pugs and bulldogs) are even more at risk of overheating.

Bring water for both you and your pet, or a collapsible bowl if there’s a water source on your route.

■■ Be aware of the temperature of the road, footpath, fake grass or even sand, since the heat can cause burns to your pet’s paw pads if they get too hot.

■■ Dogs with bald patches or minimal coats may need sunscreen.

■■ Never leave your pet in a car – not even with the windows partway down, not even in the shade, not even for a quick errand. Dogs and cats can’t sweat like humans, so they pant to lower their body temperature, and heatstroke can happen quickly.

■■ Guinea pigs can overheat very quickly, particularly those kept in wooden hutches and sheds outdoors which can heat up extremely rapidly.

Sadly, heatstroke can be fatal, so it’s essential that guinea pig owners take steps to prevent this. These include moving hutches into the shade and providing cooling ice blocks and fans to regulate temperatures. Signs of heatstroke include lethargy, panting and convulsions. If you suspect that your guinea pig has heatstroke you must seek veterinary help immediately.

If it’s too hot for us to stay comfortable in the car, in the yard, or on a walk, it’s even hotter for our furry companions. PAW

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Even during these most challenging times, our corporate sponsors have been there for us.

As a charity which receives no government funding for their welfare work, AWLQ rely solely on the kindness of the community to continue their lifesaving work.

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ur heartfelt gratitude goes to our corporate supporters who have enabled us to achieve so much in accomplishing real and long-term improvements in the welfare of companion animals.

AWLQ are honored to work with our corporate partners and sponsors. They lend their support, engage their communities and help raise funds so that, together, we can continue to care for more than 8,000 abandoned and homeless animals every year. Together, we ensure sick or suffering animals will have access to veterinary care regardless of their owner’s capacity to pay, we work with the community to end pet overpopulation, and provide emergency boarding for vulnerable animals.

We love our partners, and they love animals as much as we do. Thank you to all those working with AWLQ to Create a brighter future for animals in need. PAW

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HOW AWLQ IS DIFFERENT

AWLQ has an amazing promise that makes it very different to other charities – it is literally lifesaving.

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he AWLQ has been saving animal’s lives for over 60 years. In this time, they have reduced euthanasia rates within their rehoming centres to some of the lowest in Australia. This is through the Getting 2 Zero initiative.

The AWLQ don’t turn away animals who are suffering. They don’t euthanise animals because they are old or require treatment.

AWLQ’S LIFESAVING WORK IN ACTION AWLQ will: ■■ Continue to keep their promise to never euthanise a healthy, sociable, or treatable animal in their care.

■■ Provide abandoned and homeless animals a second chance at life through innovative rehoming strategies.

■■ Prevent the birth of unwanted kittens and puppies through the National Desexing Network and increase the number of Councils participating in their Cooperative Desexing Programs.

■■ Work with the community to achieve zero killing of healthy and treatable cats and dogs (more than 90% of all incoming stray and surrendered cats and dogs) in whole communities through our Getting 2 Zero movement.

■■ Keep people and their pets together by ensuring vet care is accessible to all pet owners regardless of their situation through our community vet clinics.

■■ Through the Golden HeartsTM Program support seniors through every step of pet ownership.

■■ Improve the community’s attitude toward all animals through education.

THE RESULTS AWLQ’s Rehoming Program is one of the most successful in the country. Last year, they rehomed 5,878 animals through adoption and rescue groups. In addition, 2,052 animals were reunited with their owners.

Their team of vets health-check, desex, vaccinate and microchip all the animals before they are placed up for adoption. Further treatment is provided to those animals in need before being placed into foster care until they are ready to be adopted.

No time limit is placed on animals finding a new home. Once they arrive in the rehoming centre, they are part of the AWLQ family until they find a loving permanent home. AWLQ goes the extra mile to ensure that no animal waits too long for a home.

Over the years, they have developed many innovative campaigns and promotions that highlight the animals available for adoption.

The rehoming of animals in not limited to the AWLQ Animal Rehoming Centres.

They work alongside external rehoming partners and rescue groups. They help AWLQ to achieve even more positive outcomes for animals in their care.

All of this amazing work is achieved through your donations. So thank you.

To donate, go to awlqld.com.au/donate PAW 48

A COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY

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E mb racing a B hter Future rig

Animal Welfare League Qld Est. 1959

WE PROMISE TO NEVER EUTHANISE A HEALTHY, SOCIABLE OR TREATABLE ANIMAL

IN OUR CARE. HELP US KEEP THIS PROMISE,

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