A Word from our CEO - A Year in Review achieve even better outcomes for the pets of Brisbane.
2014 was a rewarding year for AWLQ, where 5,490 animals found new homes and no healthy animal was euthanased. This was achieved through some great rehoming campaigns – most successful was “A Family for Christmas” where 177 animals were rehomed in two days, and, for the first time in our history, our three rehoming centres were empty (except for three animals who were rehomed later that week). It was the first time in Australia that such a feat was attempted. It was a very emotional week-end, one that I know I will remember forever as will our staff and volunteers. A major highlight was appointing the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG as Patron of the AWLQ. We are both humbled and proud to have such a distinguished and eminent Patron. During his successful academic career, he has been a powerful advocate for some of the great social and legal movements in Australia and abroad over the past 50 years. On October 17th we took over management of the Brisbane City Council’s two animal shelters at Brackenridge and Willawong. We are excited to work with Council and the Brisbane community to
This year we celebrated 10 years since the inception of National Desexing Network (NDN), a national Desexing referral program linking pet owners in financial need with vet clinics across the country. Over 200,000 referrals for desexing were made in this period contributing greatly to reducing the huge number of unwanted animals born each year in Australia. Our AWLQ Community and Shelter Vet Clinics also desexed over 9,000 animals this year. It is our 55th Anniversary this year, since our founding in 1959. The organisation has grown from a handful of passionate animal lovers with limited and very basic resources to a thriving and successful organisation caring for over 15,000 animals in pounds and shelters in SE Qld each year. We have kept true to the values of this original group and our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and supporters have kept their dream alive; to give every animal the best chance to enjoy a safe and healthy life in a loving home. My sincere thanks to everyone who contributed in so many ways to our successes this year – our board members, staff, volunteers, supporters, ambassadors and our newly appointed Patron. Congratulations on a great year! Warm regards,
Denise Bradley C.E.O.
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The Latest Around Town AWLQ with Big Brother’s Ned & Kelly!
AWLQ was lucky enough to visit the Big Brother TV set during the weekly eviction to discuss with their live audience the importance of adopting shelter animals. Ned & Kelly also popped out of the house to say ‘hi’ to Big Brother fans to show that shelter pets make the very best pets. It’s the third year running that the AWLQ have provided Big Brother with a ‘family pet’. Delilah and Mr Clooney also called the AWLQ home prior to finding fame on previous seasons.
The Great Debate
AWLQ’s Denise Bradley and David Hoskot joined the Hon Michel Kirby at the Great Animal Welfare debate recently at Bond University. The Hon Michael Kirby (Official Patron of the AWLQ), presided over a lively and well attended debate. Our thanks to hosts McLaughlin’s Lawyers, the Bond Animal Welfare League and the Hon. Michael Kirby for his efforts on behalf of animals. Learn more about the Hon. Michael Kirby here http://www.awlqld.com.au/about/the-hon-michael-kirby-ac-cmg/
This Edition’s Cover - More Than Meets the Eye
Look closely at our front cover and you will notice more than 500 photos of AWLQ shelter animals who were adopted in 2014. In the last financial year the AWLQ rehomed 5,490 animals; up from 5,112 in 2013. We hope this image shows the great results achieved through the dedication, hard work and perseverance from staff, volunteers and the community. Thank you to everyone for choosing to adopt!
Recent Rehoming Figures This quarter was a great result for dogs and puppies at the AWLQ. Over 100 more canines found new homes this quarter, compared to the last - a great result.
AUG
AWLQ continues to achieve amongst the highest rehoming rates of any shelter in Australia. All with your support!
SEPT
OCT
Dogs & puppies 307
Dogs & puppies 263
Dogs & puppies 272
Cats & kittens 222
Cats & kittens 151
Cats & Kittens 159
Other animals 39
Other animals 30
Other animals 53
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Happy Tails From Our Past Guests Rixen
Rixen, the gorgeous Border Collie, was a shy little guy when he was first adopted by the Bryden family. In fact, there was no way they could get him in the car to go on weekend adventures with them at first. But after some patience, understanding and a little bit of training Rixen is now a confident member of the family who enjoys running around with the kids and jumping in the car for the daily school pick up! Many thanks to the Bryden family for giving Rixen a loving home.
Meet goofy girl Bimby (Josey) adopted from AWLQ late last year. She has the most beautiful temperament. She’s her new mum’s big baby girl and human brother’s best friend. They are inseparable. Thank you to Bimby’s family for adopting her. We hear she is the most amazing, charismatic and loyal pal you could ever ask for. Thank you for giving her the home she deserves!
Sallinger ‘Sally’ From the second Sally’s new family saw her at the shelter, they knew she was a perfect match for their family. It was Sally’s first night at home, and her new dad decided to pour a bath. When he went to check the water level a few minutes later, she wandered in behind him. Sally looked at her dad, looked at the bath and then jumped in AND SAT DOWN! Hysterical laughter ensued, and, assuming she wanted a bath, her dad gave her just that. She was clearly happy when finished, as she ran around showing off. Her name is now ‘Sallinger’, like the champagne because she is full of bubbles and so sweet. Her family say she is a big, goofy gem, with a heart of gold and they love her so much. Thank you to Sally’s family for adopting her! AWLQ Tawl Tails Spring Edition 2014 - Page 3
Bimby
M-Magnum; A Specially Customised Kitty Veterinary costs for each shelter animal at AWLQ prior to being offered for rehoming run on average $500 - $600, which is why donations to support AWLQ are so vital. Once in a while though an animal with surgical needs arrives on the AWLQ’s doorsteps and our Shelter Vet team provides specialised additional care. Little Magnum was one such animal. Originally a stray from Ipswich Magnum was born with four legs, but one hind leg was deformed. As Magnum grew and his weight increased, his deformed hind leg, at the standing point, started to drag on the ground and ulcerate. A review of his case by the AWLQ Shelter Veterinary team identified the need
to amputate Magnum’s deformed hind leg to prevent further pain and suffering. Head Shelter Vet, Theresia Anderson said, “Being able to improve the quality of life and outlook for animals such as Magnum is very rewarding for our team. Even though a surgical procedure such as this costs an additional $1,300.00 it is inspiring to see the positive outcome.” As a specially customised kitty ‘Magnum’ will lead a full and mobile life thanks to the hard work of the AWLQ. Did you know that a donation of just $50 will provide pain relief and triage for an animal that has been injured? To donate log on to: awlqld.com.au/get-involved/donate
Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic The Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic’s opening hours have changed; now closing at 7pm on weekdays. Our Vets have been very busy desexing and treating companion pets for tick paralysis. Please remember to be vigilant this Summer. Check your pets every time after heading outdoors, and ask a vet about the symptoms that are caused by ticks.
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Thanking our Valued
Collins Foods Limited and AWLQ Mark Six-Year Anniversary AWLQ would like to recognise and thank Collins Foods Limited (CFL) for six years of incredible support via their nationally recognized Workplace Giving program. AWLQ has been a grateful participant since the program’s inception. The program is propelled by the vision of CEO Kevin Perkins and widely supported at all levels of the organisation. CFL’s Workplace Giving program has consistently provided very high levels of funding to AWLQ, with YTD funding in 2014, reaching well over $120,000.
A sincere ‘thank you’ from all of us at AWLQ to the whole team and all of our kind supporters at CFL!
Wyndham’s “Wishes by Wyndham” Program Benefits AWLQ
AWLQ’s David Hoskot with the “Wishes by Wyndham” team members
During 2014, AWLQ has been honoured as the signature charity of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, a dynamic and internationally recognized brand which is headquartered right here on the Gold Coast. Through their ‘Wishes By Wyndham’ philanthropic program, Wyndham has raised and donated $7,000 to AWLQ and is now fast closing in on the next fundraising goal of $23,000 to fund the ‘Wishes By
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Wyndham: Taking Pawsative Action To Desex Shelter Animals’ initiative! Led by Ceo and Managing Director Barry Robinson, who also serves as an Ambassador of the Animal Welfare League of Queensland, this program enjoys widespread support from the dedicated Wyndham staff. AWLQ salutes Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific for all of their kind support!
Community Supporters
Von Bibra and AWLQ Celebrate Community Partnership December will mark the two-year anniversary of the fantastic community partnership with von Bibra Auto Village, with total donations to AWLQ approaching $180,000!!! Wade von Bibra and his stellar team have truly shown the entire Gold Coast region and SE Qld. how a successful local business with deep ties to the community can engage a charity like AWLQ and make a very
positive difference in the results we can achieve with their support. Buy your next car at one of their four Gold Coast dealerships and they will donate $20 directly to AWLQ! Support a local business like von Bibra Auto Village who supports YOUR AWLQ! Please see www.vonbibra.com.au
AWLQ’s David Hoskot with Wade von Bibra and team members at the Southport dealership
Grants Received from Gambling Community Benefit Fund
AWLQ was the recent grateful recipient of three grants from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to be used for critical infrastructure projects at our rehoming centres at the Gold Coast and Beenleigh and our vet clinic in Ipswich. These grants will significantly expand AWLQ’s capacity to care for the homeless animals in our shelters and to achieve ever better outcomes for them. The projects include renovations to the existing Gold Coast cat rehoming centre, fencing for dog kennelling areas, a dog bathing facility for our shelter dogs, much needed medical
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equipment, and improvements to our rehoming centre offices at Beenleigh.
AWLQ offers sincere gratitude to The Gambling Community Benefit Fund for this important funding.
Socially Conscious Pet Owners Now Buying From Our Online Store. Did you know that you can support the AWLQ even after you leave the shelter with your new furry friend? Thanks to the AWLQ’s new online store you can now purchase everything you need for your pet including worming, flea treatments, food and even kitty litter and have it delivered to your door for just $6.95!
the care of our shelter animals while they await their forever homes. There are hundreds of products to choose from so be sure to check out:
www.awlqldshop.com.au
When developing the online shop we wanted to create a portal that provided our supporters with value for money, quality products and created awareness that purchasing online would directly benefit
A draining experience in Ipswich Spud, ET, Paddy, Tayto and Ainya are five little kittens who had a shaky start to life. They were found at an Ipswich building site at just seven days old down a manhole and crying for help. Nobody knows how the kittens got there, but when builders arrived on site for the day and found them, they were bundled up and rushed to the AWLQ. The kittens were very hot and if they were to survive it was critical they be seen by a vet immediately. When the veterinarians examined them they weighed just 100 grams each and needed food desperately. Bottle feeding was a must and it took three AWLQ staff hours to entice them to drink from a bottle. Unfortunately it
wasn’t to be and they wouldn’t latch on. Our staff then tried a syringe - it took awhile, but eventually there was success! Staff member Ciara took the kittens’ home and played the role as mother cat. She committed to feeding them every few hours and as days passed they slowly began to open their eyes. But this wasn’t the last obstacle the kittens had to overcome. Tragedy struck when they were three weeks old; Paddy suddenly died. He didn’t show any symptoms or sickness; veterinarians believe he died of fading kitten syndrome, a condition that affects infant kittens. It was devastating news, but Ciara knew that in the time that she had cared for him he had been very well loved by everyone. Paddy’s brothers and sisters continued to grow stronger by the day and brought lots laughter and joy to Ciara’s family. They will be available for adoption in the coming weeks. Summer time at the AWLQ sees lots of pregnant mothers and litters of kittens arrive on our doorstep daily. If you have been looking for a kitten to join your family then please choose to adopt.
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AWLQ Beenleigh Rehoming The latest program from the Beenleigh Rehoming Centre is ensuring puppies get the very best start to life. The Puppy Raisers Program was designed to ensure the transition from shelter to home life is smooth sailing. For most puppies, leaving their littermates and mothers can be scary. Especially if they find themselves in a home with other pets, lots of noise or children. The first 16 weeks of learning is extremely important for a puppy. When young pups arrive at the shelter alone or with their litter mates, staff work very hard to give them a great foundation of learning and positive experiences, for the best possible start in life. All of the Beenleigh puppies go home with ‘puppy raisers’ overnight. They learn crate training, toilet training, independence training and are socialised with children, cats, guinea pigs and other pets. By the time they are adopted most puppies have basic obedience training. This kind of training is very appreciated by the puppies new owners
who often send photos and letters keeping staff up to date with their progress. To learn more about the Puppy Raisers Program phone the Beenleigh Rehoming Centre, (07) 3807 3782.
AWLQ Annual AGM
The Annual General Meeting took place in September at the Gold Coast Rehoming Centre. Founding member Neil Anderson received a plaque to honour his lifetime service and 11 staff members received awards for long term service. The annual report detailed improved statistics across the board including an increase in adoptions in the last financial year. See right: Proud AWLQ staff members Eileen, Lisa and Tarren
RIP to our past guest Raja
Raja was adopted as a kitten from the AWLQ Gold Coast Rehoming Centre. Sadly this year Raja passed away. He was a cat that loved life and loved Laura (his human big sister). We were sad to hear of Raja’s passing, but so grateful to his family for giving him such a nurturing, loving environment to live out his days. Rest in peace Raja.
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Thanks to our Corporate Supporters
Redspot Car Hire in New Partnership with AWLQ AWLQ is delighted to announce our new partnership with Redspot Sixt care hire! Redspot is a 100% owned Australian owned company who currently offer hire car services at 17 airports across Australia. Every time you hire your rental car with Redspot, using the special link below, Redspot will make a donation to AWLQ! Please share this link with all your family, friends and co-workers and lets all support an Australian owned company who supports a great Australian animal charity, Animal Welfare League of Queensland! Every time you choose to hire a car from this proudly Australian owned company, AWLQ will receive a donation from Redspot, to help support the work we do to
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achieve Brighter Futures for thousands of homeless and abandoned animals. Please visit this link:
https://www.redspot.com.au/Animal-Welfare-League-Qld.html