N E WS L E T T E R O F T H E S Y D N E Y D O G S A N D C AT S H O M E

OUR   M ENAGERIE
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Hubby might involve. I conjured visions of a bunch
The Day THE HUBBIES
of your typical vague but ever-helpful hubbies with
Came to Town two left thumbs each, so I thought that I d better
We had long felt the need to put a new roof on the get there early so as to have a few guidelines in
dog kennels and paint the SDCH so that it stood place. When the Hubbies arrived I was confronted
out enough for people to see but, as usual, with a group of men armed to the teeth with the
latest technology and tools to die for. They looked,
funding was a continuing problem. Fortunately,
assessed and hooked into it at such a formidable
there are so many wonderful people who have
rate that what I expected would take 5-6 hours
adopted animals from us and one of these is Kim was finished in 3.5 hours when we broke for lunch.
Staughton. She came up with the idea of involving The new roof looked perfect and strong, especially
HIRE A HUBBY , where she had a few contacts. the clear roofing supplied by BUNNINGS,
Kim teamed up with Mickey Savage, a Board Rockdale. We are VERY GRATEFUL.
member and a member of the Fundraising We gathered around for a lovely lunch and a great
Committee, and a plan began to roll out. laugh with two of our legendary volunteers, Rob
When I heard about all this, I was a bit worried as and his sister Evelyn, on the BBQ, and our other
we had to re-roof the kennels, paint the building ever-wonderful volunteers, who had spent the
morning with the dogs while the kennels were
and do some landscaping in the front of the
being renovated.
building ‒ all in ONE day. I then realised that I
I had worked with one of the Hubbies getting some
needed to remove the roof on the Friday evening
sleepers in place at the front of the building, so I
in a couple of hours to be ready for the team the
felt good about the work. When the Hubbies were
next day. Fortunately, our Shelter Vet s other half, ready, they approached the painting with the same
Tim, is very handy with tools ‒ JOB DONE! I had drive and efficiency that they had brought to the
also had some advisory help from builder Michael roof job. We were all done by 4pm and I couldn t
Robinson, who told me the best way to strengthen recommend Hire a Hubby highly enough ‒ they
the existing sagging and twisted bearers. were willing, very pleasant and incredibly efficient.
However, the weather was looking ominous. The dogs are thrilled, so a huge THANK YOU to
That night as I was running through the mechanics all concerned. Nigel Reay-Young
of the next day s work, I contemplated what Hire a President

The Sydney Dogs and Cats Home is

in need of donations to enable it to
continue working towards re-homing
suitable animals.
77 Edward St
Carlton NSW 2218
T: 9587 9611 F: 9588 9569
Phone: 1800 803 339
www.hireahubby.com.au

T H E   S Y D N E Y   D O G S   A N D   C A T S   H O M E                         P A G E      1                         S P R I N G ,   2 0 1 0
Hi  To  All,   Hello  All  
I  just  wanted  to   send  a  big  THANK  YOU  note  to  all  at   We  were  asked  to  email  you   about  Bruiser’s   progress  
the  Sydney  Dogs  and  Cats  Home.  We  came  very  warily   since   we   adopted  him  in  March.   It  has   been  a  steep  
into  the  home,  but   aEer  talking   to  ChrisGne  for   some   learning   curve   for   both   ourselves  and   Bruiser   (a.k.a.  
Gme,   we  soon  spoJed  and  quickly  fell  in  love  with  our   Patches),   as   we   were   more   used   to   the   14-­‐year-­‐old  
new   pet.   His   name  was   Charlie.   He  looked   so   lonely   Cocker   Spaniel   we   had   had   since   a   puppy.   She   had  
we  couldn’t  wait   to  get  him  home  with  us.  Charlie  has   demenGa,  was  blind  in   one  eye,   deaf   for   many  years  
been  such  a  wonderful  addiGon  to  our  family,  even  my   before   she   actually   lost   an   ear   in   a   dog   aJack   two  
hubby,   who   was   a  liJle  reluctant   to   adopt,   has   now   years   ago,   and   suffered   from   arthriGs   before   her  
come   around.  We  don’t  like  to   venture  too   far   away   death.  Then   Bruiser  came  along  –   we   had  changed  his  
from  Charlie  as  we  miss  him  too   much!  He  was  iniGally   name,  his  owners,  his  surroundings,  and  all  the  rules.  
having   a  few  issues  with  his  name  and  oEen  used   to   AEer  two  weeks  it  became  obvious  that  we  needed  to  
look  at  us  with  eyes   that  said,  “Who  are  you  calling?”   call   in   the   dog   trainers.   He   is   so   very   strong,   pure  
But  now  he  seems  quite  comfortable  so  we’ve  decided   muscle,   totally   playful  and   at  Gmes  quite  destrucGve.  
to  keep  his  name  as  “Charlie”  so  as  not  to  confuse  the   We  love  him  dearly  and   he  has  made  some  progress.  
poor   dog   further.   It’s   been   a   great   month   at   home   We   are  parGcularly   pleased  to   have   him   because  my  
with   Charlie  with  only  a  few  iniGal  learning   issues  –  at   father  owned  a   prize   Bulldog   60  years  ago.  Dad  really  
first  we  gave  him   too  much  food  for  his  liJle   body   to   loves   to   visit   us   now   and   I   believe   it’s   because   he  
cope  with,   but  we  are  following  our  local  vet’s  advice   spends   a  lot   of   Gme  with   Bruiser.   He  is   intrigued   by  
and   are   now   more   careful   about   what   we   give   him.   the   Aussie   version   of   the  Bulldog.   We   thank   you   for  
We   quickly   realise   when   we’ve   given   him   too   much   the  opportunity  to  own  such  a  lovely  dog.  He  has  kept  
and  are  now  a  lot  more  careful. us  on  our  toes  and  provided  amusement  to  all.
BreJ,  Leanne  &  Rhys  GuyaJ

THE WAY TO A DOG’S HEART

Beethoven  is  an   Akita  cross  who  came  to   the   Home  in  
June.  He  was   very  under-­‐socialised  and  fearful.  When  
a   staff   member   went  
near   him,   he’d  growl  in  
fear.  Tiffany,  our   Kennel  
Supervisor,  and  another  
member   of   staff   per-­‐
severed   and   finally  
found   that   Beethoven  
would   do   absolutely  
anything  for  a  Gny   sliver  
of  food.

Charlie’s  grown  into  a  more  confident  but   Using  this  approach  they  
were   able   to   befriend  
some6mes  “cheeky”  character  –  not  unlike   Beethoven   and   start  
his  new  owners  really. him   on   an   extensive  
He’s  become  the  king  of  his  own  castle  and  every  now   rehabilitaGon   program.  
and  again  has  to  be  reminded  that   he  is  actually  a  dog   This   has   improved   his  
and   not   a   human.   I   must   admit   it   has   been   a   huge   confidence   100%   and  
learning   curve  for   us,   but   now   we   can’t   imagine  our   Beethoven   (shown   le)  
lives   without   Charlie.   Thanks   so   much   to   ChrisGne,   with   Kerry)   is   now  
who   was  so   sure   that   he   was  the  right   dog   for   us.   I   happy   to   go   for   walks  
don’t   always   think  this  when  I’m  brushing  through  his   with   a   number   of   our  
coat,  but  when  he  comes  running  up   to  us  as  soon  as   v o l u n t e e r s .   ( T h i s  
we   get   home   every   day,   we   know   we’ve   found   our   wonderful  dog   helped  
perfect   pal.   He’s  worth  all  the  work!   We  love  him   so   staff   to   rehabilitate  
much!  Even  my  liJle  boy,  who  was  always   very   Gmid   o n e   o f   o u r   m o re  
with   other   dogs,   seemed   to   bond   with   Charlie   traumaGsed   puppies.)  
immediately.  Thanks  again,  guys,   for  all  your  help  with   He   has   now   found   a  
this  adopGon.                Georgia,  Theo  and  Stephen special  home  of  his  own.
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Happy Tails
taken me into the office for a bit of TLC). Apparently Mum went
home and asked my dad if they could foster me for the Xmas
period. So, off I went to Hurstville for a holiday.
My new parents have told
I was a bit nervous as this had happened before and I’d been sent
me the story of my adoption back. (I’m a bit old and sometimes I forget to use the bathroom –
and I would like to share it the backyard.) Anyhow, on my first day I discovered that Hurstville
with you. was where I had come from. When my dad went out, I got out and
went for a walk on my own. I found my old address, just around the
In September 2009 my parents lost their
corner. Well, my old parents did not want me and put me out again.
beloved Ridgeback, Yogi, to cancer. Yogi
My new parents were searching and searching until sunset. Then
had waged a long battle – amputation,
they went out again at sunrise and searched some more. Luckily,
chemotherapy and then lung cancer. My
some neighbours helped and my new mum and dad got me back.
parents were so upset they actually
Mum cried when she saw me. So now I’m a fluffy old boy with a
wanted to leave their home and move to
new home. I still sometimes forget to use the bathroom, but they
a unit ... (luckily that did not happen).
don’t make a fuss about it.
Then my mum thought, “I know, I will go
I’d like to thank all the staff at the home for their help and support
and volunteer at the local cat and dog
and to let them know I am a happy dog and hope to see them all
home.” What a good idea that was. Mum
soon – but just for a visit.
thought this might help her get over Yogi. Love, Rupert
Mum said it was hard to see all the

Hello!  My  name  is  Mona  Lisa,  yes,  just  like  that  one  
over  in   Paris.  I’m  not  too   sure  of   my   exact  age   but  I  believe   I’m  
about  15  to  18  months  old.  And   I’m   not  sure  who   my   parents  
were   either,   but   they   must   have   been   big   and   good-­‐looking  
because  that’s  what  I’m  like  (so  I’m  told).
If   I   tell   you  the  story   of   how  I   came  to   be  here  at  the  Sydney  
Dogs  and  Cats  Home,  you   might  understand  how  I   came   to   be  
called   Mona  Lisa,   the   lady   with   the   sad   but   sweet   smile   that  
enchants  everyone.  Well,   I  arrived  here  on   June   17,  brought   in  
by   a   Rockdale   Council   Ranger.   Someone   had   seen   what  
happened   to   me   and   called   the   Ranger.   Good   on   them!   My  
previous  owner  was  allegedly  seen  kicking   and  throwing  stuff  at  
me  before  dumping  me   under  the  M5   bridge.  Boy  oh   boy,  what  
a  lousy  owner!  
When   I   arrived   here,   I  
was  terrified.   I  had  to  be  
beautiful animals without a home but she carried   everywhere,  I  was  
carried on. My mum said that on her first so   scared   and   nervous.  
day she fell in love with me. On her My   nature   is   quiet   and  
induction walk I came along and although g e n t l e ,   s o   y o u   c a n  
Mum did not walk me she was amazed at imagine   what   a   relief   it  
how clever I was – well, I was good at was  to  be   among   people  
putting on an act as I had been in the who   cared   about   me  
home since September 2009 and you and   were  so  paGent  and  
have to learn to act. Anyhow, Mum said l o v i n g .   S o o n ,   m y  
one day she came to work and I’d been confidence   started   to  
adopted. Although she was pleased for grow   and   I   was   happy  
me, her heart sank. But lo and behold, to  walk   on  a  lead   all  by  
after a little time I was back in the familiar myself.   I  especially  love  
old dog and cat home. (Oh, by the way, I to   walk   with   my   best  
had no hair as I had a thyroid problem friend,   Trixie   –   she  
and needed medication.) makes   me   feel   much   calmer   when   we’re   out   together  
When Mum came to work next and saw with  the  volunteers.  A  quiet  life  with  no  dramas  and  lots  and  lots  
my name on the board again, she was of  cuddles  is  what  I’m  looking  for  now  in  a  new  home.
Mona  Lisa  has  been  adopted,   but  come  and  visit  the  SDCH   and  see  if  you  can  
delighted. Mum came and saw me in the find  the  dog  that  smiles  at  you.
office (I was lucky because the staff had
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 * Made   suggesGons   for   “long-­‐ cooperate.   Now   the   seminars   and  

Our Dog- termers”   (to   make   them   more  

appealing).
* Suggested   various   methods   to  
workshops   are   completed,   we  
should   use  what   we   have   learned  
and  not  let  it  fade  from  view.

Training
obtain  equipment  supplies. What   suggesGons   can   we   use?   If  
The   benefits   can   already   be   seen.   there  are  barriers   to   implemenGng  
Molly   is   calming   down   and   even   a n y   p r o m i s i n g   s u g g e s G o n s  
“the   boys”,   Zac   and   Sarge,   are   (operaGonal,   pracGcal,   etc),   how  

Seminar
learning   to   sit.   Finng   them   with   can   we   overcome   them   and   what  
harnesses   prior   to   their   walks   no   are   the   alternaGves?   If   possible,  
longer   requires   two   people.   and  if  funds  are  available,   I   believe  
Wonders  will  never  cease!   it   would   be   very   beneficial   to  
I   was   also   pleased   to   see   the   r e p e a t   t h e   w o r k s h o p s   a n d  
[Your Feedback] involvement   of   the  kennel  staff   at   seminars,  for  those  volunteers  who  
the  seminars:  they  asked  quesGons   were   unable   to   aJend   this   Gme.  
Many, many thanks to The and   added   to   the   discussions.   Once   again,   thank   you,   it   was   a  
There   was   an   apparent   openness   great  idea.
Ian Potter Foundation for Regards,  Robert  Collaro
to   “take   on   board”   and   consider  
their grant to our program suggesGons   that   could   iniGally  
Fun, Fit, Train Them to i m p a c t   o p e r a G o n s   b u t   a r e  
Sit . This project has been designed,  in  the   medium  to  longer  
term,   to   benefit   the   dogs,   staff,  
a huge success for the volunteers   and,   of   course,   our  
volunteers, with benefits prospecGve  dog  adopters.
also to the dogs and their I   thought   the   seminars   and  
workshops   brought   the   volunteers  
prospects for re-homing.
and   staff   even   closer   and   more  
We all hope there will be “onto  the  same  page”,  so   to  speak.  
a next time . I n   m a n y   o r g a n i s a G o n s   a n d  
businesses  there  someGmes  seems  
to  be  a  divide   between  the  various  
I  just  wanted  to  say  thank  you.   groups   (e.g.,   sales  and   operaGons,  
I  found  that  the  seminars  and   volunteers  and   staff,  etc).  It’s  good  
workshops: to  know  that  both   our  staff  and  our    
* Specifically   focussed   on   dogs   volunteers   are   so   willing   to  
being   housed   at   the   Home   (so  
were  very  relevant).
* Covered  a  wide  variety  of   issues  
and   behaviours   applicable   to  
dogs  at  the  Home.
* Suggested   a   variety   of   methods  
that   could   be   used   to   address  
these  issues  and  behaviours.
* E n co u ra ge d   q u e sG o n s   a n d  
feedback   from   the   volunteers  
and   staff   with   Tamara,   the   in-­‐
structor  from  Underdog  Training.
* Provided   hands-­‐on   experience  
with   some   of   the   techniques  
suggested   with   the   dogs   from  
the  Home.
* Were  aimed  at  improving   life  for  
the  dogs  while  at  the  Home.
* Were   aimed   at   helping   us   to  
make  the  dogs  more  aJracGve  to  
prospecGve  adopters.

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I would like to thank you very much for the
opportunity to participate in the workshops
provided by Sydney Dogs and Cats Home last week.
The day was both informative and enjoyable.
Tamara, from Underdog Training, demonstrated the
latest methods of training, using lots of positive
reinforcement, and her explanations as to why we
should use such methods were helpful for the
volunteers and staff in understanding the reasons
behind the actions. She also gave a detailed outline of
equipment and how to select the correct equipment
for each dog (e.g., the sensible harness, martingale
collars and Halti®s. Tamara’s suggestions for dealing
with individual behaviours of certain breeds of dogs
and personalities will be an ongoing asset to all
volunteers and staff, and both current and future
animals being held at Sydney Dogs and Cats Home.
Prospective owners will also gain the benefits of re-
homing quieter, calmer and better-behaved pets. On
visiting the Home this morning (after not being there
for the past week), I noticed a generally calmer
atmosphere in the kennel area. Some of the more
active and vocal dogs were not as hyped up as they
had been previously. Thank you, once again.$ KH

Our family would like to say a big THANK YOU. We the kids love him to bits. He handles their constant
adopted our dog, Senji, from your shelter and he has attention, particularly from our 5-year-old, really well.
already fitted into our family and is giving us all so Best wishes and thank you once again. Keep up the
much happiness. On his first night in our house Senji brilliant work you are all doing at the SDCH
put himself to bed at 6.30pm. We were so impressed – shelter.$ $ $ $ $ $ MP
even though it was in my basket of clean washing! He
has quickly adapted to the muddle of life with three
kids and managed to add a little chaos of his own. A
few months ago we had to call in a dog trainer. Your
shelter referred a couple of people and we went with
DogTech. I can thoroughly recommend them.
Olga came to our house for a few sessions and, despite
our inexperience with doggy discipline and our
energetic dog, she was able to talk us through our We are OPEN
difficulties. We recently got back from 7 nights away
Monday  to  Friday  9:30am  to  5pm  
with Senji. We were staying at a pet-friendly house, but
(Dog  viewing  hours  9:30am  to  4pm)
weren’t too sure how the holiday would go. Anyway, we
all had a great time. We took Senji out each day – he Saturday  9:30am  to  4pm  
(Dog  viewing  hours  9:30am  to  3:30pm
really loved going to the beach and being off the lead,
meeting and playing with other dogs, swimming, Sunday  (Office  and  dog  viewing)  9:30am  to  2pm  
running and relaxing. It was really rewarding for the Come  in  to  the  
family to be able to do this with him. Sydney Dogs and Cats Home
Senji has a great life now with lots of attention and to  see  our  beauGful  Cats  and  KiJens.
love. He has new friends, both human and four-legged
Make  them  part  of  your  family.
as he comes to most of our children’s sporting games.
He really has made such a difference to our lives and T O DAY !

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 You are SO-O-O Appreciated!
A  Special  Tribute  To  Our  Tireless  Volunteers

Robert  Collaro  is  a  man  of  many  walks  of  life Jenny  Urru9a  –  and  her  Banjo-­‐playing  in  the  park
Our   volunteer  Robert  Collaro   is  a  big  man:   physically   Jenny  has  been   a  dog-­‐lover  from   way  back,  but  when  
big,  big-­‐hearted   and  big   on  commitment.  A   volunteer   she   moved   from   a   place   that   could   accommodate  
since   June,   2009,   aEer   losing   his   beloved   and   long-­‐ large  dogs  to  a  unit  in  the  St  George  area,  she  had  to  
lived   (18   years)   Border   Collie/Blue   CaJledog   cross,   be   content   with   a   smaller   animal   domain   as   well.  
Trevor,   Robert   now   spends   more   than   four   hours   a   Enter  Ziggy,  a  black   domesGc  3-­‐year-­‐old  cat,   courtesy  
day,   each   weekday,   at   the   SDCH.   Not   only   does   he   of   SDCH.   (The   similarity   is   that   Ziggy   thinks   he’s   a  
take   the   dogs   (wouldn’t   you   know   it,   mostly   the   dog.)   So  to   overcome  her   canine  deprivaGon,   and   to  
bigger   ones)   for   their   daily   walks,   but   he   also   deals   do  something   worthwhile  and  fulfilling,   Jenny  started  
with  the  sort   of  deposits  that  the  banks  don’t  accept.   volunteering   at   SDCH.   That  was  two  and   a   half   years  
Now,   that’s   commitment!   In   fact,   Robert   turns   his   ago   and  Jenny’s  Saturday   dog-­‐walking   rouGne  is  now  
hand  to  whatever  he  can  do  around  the  Home. firmly  established.
All   this   is   a   far   cry   from   his   career   experience   in   Holding   the   posiGon   of   Learning   and   Development  
s p ec i a l   p ro j ec t s   a n d   wa reh o u s e-­‐ rel o caG o n   Officer   with   Suncorp,   Jenny’s   weekdays   are   fully  
management.  His  career  took  him  along  diverse  paths,   occupied,   but   the   training   acGviGes   don’t   stop   on  
beginning   in   the   internaGonal   freight-­‐forwarding   Friday.  While  Jenny’s  charges,   mostly  the  bigger  dogs,  
industry   in   various   operaGonal   posiGons   and   enjoy  themselves  in  the  nearby  park,  Jenny  sneaks  in  
progressing  to  a  management  role.  Robert  is  obviously   a  few  lessons,  such  as  how   to  walk  with  a  loose  lead,  
not   lacking   in   technological   experGse   either,   as   he   how  to  sit,  drop  and  stay.  Punng  on  an  appealing  face  
then  became  involved  in  soEware  tesGng,  the  naGonal   for   visitors   is   also   a   trick   that   some   are   beJer   at  
implementaGon   of   computer   systems,   staff   training   mastering  than  others.  Jenny  says  the  best  part   of   her  
and   support   in   both   the   freight-­‐forwarding   and   work   at   the   Home   is   giving   the   animals   love   and  
records-­‐management   industries.   While   he   is   sGll   aJenGon.   However,   some  get  a  liJle  more   aJenGon  
involved   with   the   occasional   consultancy   project,   than   others   because   of   their   traumaGsed   back-­‐
these  days  Robert  is  more  interested  in  his  work  at  the   grounds.   One   such   was   Beethoven,   an   Akita   cross,  
SDCH,   which   gives   him  so  much   pleasure  and   is  a  lot   who   although   having   been   mistreated,   was,   unGl  
more  saGsfying,  he  says. recently,  paGently  waiGng  for  a  gentle   home  to  match  
The   most  rewarding   Gmes  are   when   dogs  who   have   his   gentle   temperament   aEer   a   three-­‐month   respite  
been   at   SDCH   for   an   extended   period   are  finally   re-­‐ from  aggression.   We  don’t  want   you  to  think  that  this  
homed,  Robert  says.  He  was   over  the  moon  (as  were   dog-­‐walking   business  is  always  a   walk   in   the  park  (so  
many   other   volunteers   and   staff)   when   the   gentle   to   speak)   –   on   one   occasion,   the   lead   was   on   the  
giant  Chase,  a  7-­‐year-­‐old  big   white  Bull  Arab,   Chevvy,   other  foot.   Banjo,  a  massive  Malamute,  distracted  by  
a   boisterous   18-­‐month-­‐old   German   Shepherd   cross,   something   or   other,   took   off,   pulling   Jenny   along,  
and   Kellis,  an  easy-­‐going,   happy,  6-­‐year-­‐old   RoJweiler   sleigh  like,  behind.   Now  that’s  a  trick  that  Jenny  didn’t  
cross   all   recently   found   new   homes.   Two   terrier   teach  him!
crosses,   Ralph   and   Gerry,   were   parGcularly   lucky   as   Below:  Some  of  our  dedicated  Volunteer  Dog  Walkers
Robert   adopted   both   himself   –   was   it   impossible   to  
choose  between  them  Robert?  Or   were  they  just   too  
good  a  double  act  to  break  up?
Also   especially   heart-­‐warming   for   Robert   were   the  
separate  adopGons  of   Laura  and  Lollie,  a  pair  of   black  
female  Labradors  who  had  obviously  had   a  bad   Gme.  
Both   were  extremely   jumpy   and   nervous   unGl   extra  
special   care   and   TLC   from   the   staff   and   volunteers  
built  up   their  trust  and  confidence  again.  Robert  gets  
real  saGsfacGon  from   his  volunteer   work.  He   says  it  is  
good  for   him  physically   with   all  the  walking   he   does  
and  he  also  feels  that   helping  the  animals  is  good  for  
his   soul.   I   doubt   if   the   animals   or   anyone   on   staff  
would  disagree.  (But  what  about  his  soles?)

T H E   S Y D N E Y   D O G S   A N D   C A T S   H O M E                         P A G E      6                         S P R I N G ,   2 0 1 0
National
Carolyn Greentree – Teacher’s Pets
Carolyn   has  obviously  never   heard  of,  or   at   least   has  taken   no  
no5ce   of   the   saying,  “Never   work  with   children   or   animals”,  
because   she   works   with   both.   A   primary   school   teacher   at  

Volunteer
Gymea   Catholic   School,   Carolyn   has   been   a   volunteer   at  
Sydney  Dogs   and  Cats  Home  for  the  past  two-­‐and-­‐a-­‐half  years.  
The  dog-­‐walking   bug  first  bit  Carolyn  in  Queensland   when  she  
stepped   in   to   help   out   a   friend   of   her   mother’s,   who   had  
become  unable  to  walk  her  two  rescued  dogs.

Week Returning   to   Sydney,   Carolyn   responded   to   a   news   ar5cle  

calling   for   volunteers   at   the   SDCH   and   then   undertook   the  
short   orienta5on  course.  Apart   from   dog-­‐walking,  mostly  the  
smaller   ones   as   she   is   rather   pe5te,   Carolyn   helps   in   many  
other   ways.  She   helps   the   new   volunteers   get   their   bearings  
and   assists   with   the   orienta5on   course,   washes   and   grooms  
By way of a big THANK YOU to its many volunteers, the  dogs,   aJends  events  such  as  dog-­‐training   days  and   Dogs’  
the SDCH held a special afternoon tea on Saturday, Big   Day  Out.  She  also   takes  part   in   fundraising   ac5vi5es   such  
15 May, here at the Home in Carlton. Mickey Savage, a as  Throw  a  Dog  a   Bone  and  the  Waggy  Tails   Fete.  As  well  as   all  
Director of SDCH, gave a speech on behalf of the
this,  she  was   instrumental  (through  a  fellow  school  teacher)  in  
Board and Management as well as the staff, in which
obtaining  a  $2,000  dona5on  for  SDCH  from  Investec.
she expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the work
carried out by the volunteers.The 25 volunteers who Along   with   other   volunteers,   Carolyn   has   appeared   on  
were able to attend the afternoon tea then enjoyed the Channel   10   with   weatherman   Tim  Bailey  discussing  problems  
delicious food while taking the opportunity to chat that   can   arise   from   Christmas5me   impulse-­‐buying   of   kiJens  
with fellow volunteers. and   puppies.   Carolyn’s   classroom   has   had   plenty   of   SDCH  
This event gave volunteers the opportunity of aJen5on,  too.  Photo  displays  of   the   Home’s  animals  have   lead  
discussing further, and sharing, some of the training to   many   lively   discussions.   What   a   great   way   to   engender  
tips they learnt through our seminar and workshop empathy   and   respect   for   animals?   Those   children   will   know  
“Fun, Fit, Train Them to Sit”, funded by the Ian Potter where  to  take  their  parents  for  a  household  pet.
Foundation and presented by Tamara from Underdog And   just   to   emphasise   the   point,  Carolyn   also   puts   up   many  
Training. (More on this on page 4 of this newsletter).
SDCH   posters   around   the   local   suburbs.  On   the   home   front,  
And finally, an extra special THANK YOU to those of Carolyn   has   two   golden   retrievers,   5-­‐year-­‐old   Misha   and   2-­‐
you who have spent hours upon hours helping care for year-­‐old   Chester,   both   from   Golden   Retriever   Rescue.  These  
our animals – some of you have been helping for up to two   have   helped   so[en   the   loss   of   her   11-­‐year-­‐old   German  
11 years, which means that you have been with us since
Shepherd   and   a   retriever   pup   who   had   been   born   with   a  
the SDCH started. How lucky are we, but more
severe   medical   problem.   Perhaps   this   is   partly   the   reason  
importantly, how fortunate are our animals that there
Carolyn  is   drawn  to   the   old,  ill  or   blind   animals  at   the  Home.  
are such caring people about.
“It’s   really   worthwhile   doing   something   for   creatures   that  
can’t  help  themselves”,  she  says.

Heartfelt Thanks to There   are   certainly  emo5onal  aspects   to  the  work  and   as   her  
aJachment   to   the   animals   grows,  so   does   her   commitment  

Rockdale Council! both   to  the   work  and   to   the  

Home.   Such   is   Carolyn’s  
In May 2010, Rockdale Council commitment   now,   that  
made a grant to the Sydney Dogs while   her   husband   would  
and Cats Home of close to $5500 so like   to   leave   the   area,  
Carolyn  refuses  to  budge.
that we could purchase cat cages, a
Tough  luck,  Mr  Greentree!
new fridge and a garden bench for
the volunteers. Many, many thanks,
we are so grateful for your generosity!

T H E   S Y D N E Y   D O G S   A N D   C A T S   H O M E                         P A G E      7                         S P R I N G ,   2 0 1 0
We Have Our Treadmill!
We would like to thank all those who made donations towards a TREADMILL for
our dogs, but an extra special thank you goes to Denise from Sans Souci. Denise
came in close to closing-time one afternoon in June and was asked in jest if she was
making a donation at this late hour.
“Yes,” she replied. Laughingly, she was asked if it was a big cheque, to which she
again said, “Yes,” and told us the amount. It was a truly
generous sum. Needless to say, everyone was ecstatic.
The FIT FUR LIFE treadmill provides a complete
muscle-enhancing, toning and fitness regime that not
only improves the overall health and vitality of our
dogs, but also helps curb destructive behaviour,
increases life span and prevents obesity. It also provides
stimulation and maintains the fitness of the shelter
dogs at a high level when bad weather rules out the
usual long daily walk. Dr Cole, our vet, is using the
Fit Fur Life treadmill to refine post-operative
rehabilitation. We have found that the rate of recovery
and results of both medical and surgical treatments
have dramatically improved. Again, many thanks to
everyone. This is truly an asset for Sydney Dogs and
Cats Home and one we have needed for a long time.

The RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk, 2010

Chase’s  Big  Day  Out When   we   got   to   the   Start   area,  there   were   hundreds,  no,  
thousands   of  dogs,  all  shapes,  sizes,  breeds.  There  were  lots  
It   started   early,   when   Diane   and   Ian   came   to   the   Home   of   stalls   selling   “doggy”   things   and   food   for   dogs   and  
about   8.15am.   It   was   a   complete   surprise   to   me   as   I   had   humans  –  it   smelt  SO  GOOD!  We   had   a  look  around   before  
heard   that   Brutus   was   going.   I   had   not   even   had   my   we   started   on   the   5km   walk,  but  Diane  and   Ian   said   I   was  
breakfast,  so  Tammy  gave   me  a  nice  big  bowl  of  chicken  and   not   allowed   to   eat   anything   in   case   it   upset   my  tummy.   I  
added   dry  food   to  get   me  on  my   way.  Out   we  went   to   their   could   have   lots   of  water,   though,   and   they  had   nice   water  
car,  and   no   sooner   had   they   opened   the   rear   door   than   I   there.  Finally  we  started  the  actual   walk,  and  Ian   asked  one  
was   in.  They  secured  me   by  two  leads  to   loops  in   the  floor,   of   the  official  photographers  to   take  our   photo.  She  took  a  
so  that  I  would  be  safe  on  the  drive  to  Olympic  Park,  where   few  but  you  can  see  lots  of  others,  too,  at:
the  walk  is  held. hJp://www.rspcansw.org.au/events/million_paws_walk1
It  was  a  very  interes5ng  drive  since  from  the  rear   of  the   car   The  walk  started   quite  slowly  because  there  were   so   many  
I   had   360-­‐degree   views   of   everything.   Ah-­‐h,   the   world   is   dogs  and  people,  but  we  soon  spread  out  and  picked  up  the  
such   an   interes5ng   place!   We  finally  arrived   at   Homebush   pace,  except,  of  course,  when   I  insisted   on   some  “sociable  
and   found   a   parking   spot.  I  had   never   seen   so   many  dogs   sniffing”.  We  got  to  the  finishing  line  without  incident   and   I  
before,   and   they   were   all   walking   on   leads   very   nicely   met  a  new   friend!  I  thought  I  was  looking  in   the  mirror,  but  
together   with   their   families   and   friends.  It   was   AMAZING!   no,   it   was   another   me.  His   name   was   Dillon,   and   what   a  
Some  people  even  had  more  than   one  dog!  We  had  to  walk   very  lovely  dog  he   was   –  just  like  me.  We  spent   some  5me  
from   the   car   park   to   the   Start   area,   about   15   minutes,   talking  with  Dillon   and  his  master,  then  off  we  went  back  to  
before  we   even   got   started  on   the  walk,   so  I  made   lots   of   the  car   and  home.  What  a  great   day.  I  had  not   slept  as  well  
new  friends  on  the  way. as  I  did  that  night  in  a  long  5me.
Chase  has  now  found  a  loving  home.

T H E   S Y D N E Y   D O G S   A N D   C A T S   H O M E                         P A G E      8                         S P R I N G ,   2 0 1 0
WAGGY TAILS FÊTE
The  Sydney  Dogs  and  Cats  Home’s  inaugural  Waggy  Tails  Fete,   many  more  people  are   now  aware  of  the  sort   of  work  we   do  
held   on   July   3,  was   a   great   success,   bringing  in   more   than   and  that  there  are  always  animals  in  need  of  a  good  home.
$5000   in   cash   and   a   number   of   prospective   owners   for   our   Some  of  those  dogs  made  a  special  appearance  –  these  were  
four-­‐legged  friends.  Need  I  say  that  we  never  have  enough  of   the   ones  that  had  been   fortunate  enough  to  find   good  homes  
either!  Leichhardt   Council   let   us   hold   the  Fete   at   their   Town   and   loving   owners   who   kindly   brought   them   to   the   Waggy  
Hall   and   for   that   generous   support   we   offer   our   heartfelt   Tails  Fete.  You  can  imagine  the  cuddling  and  patting  that  went  
appreciation,  as   indeed   we   do   to   the   Daily   Telegraph,  2GB,   on   when   these  fellows   met   up   again   with   the   staff   and   our  
the   Inner  West  Courier  and  the   ABC.  What  use  would  a  Fete   volunteer  dog  walkers.  With   all   these  guys  around,  we   didn’t  
be  without  a  place  to   hold   it  and  nobody  to   hear  about  it!   Still   need  any  security  guards  –  they  kept   a  good  lookout.  But  we  
on  the  subject   of  gratitude,  the   SDCH   says  a  great  big  THANK   still  can’t  figure  out  where  all  those  sausages  went  …  hmmm?
YOU   to   all   those   who   donated   goods,  their   efforts  and  their  
Along   with   those   mentioned   above,   many,   many   people  
time  towards  making  the  day  really  special.
helped  to  make  our  first  Fete  a  huge  success.  Thanks  to  IAMS,  
After   six   weeks   of   planning  by   staff   and   volunteers,  the   big   Dogue,  Quest   Mascot,  Power   Public  Relations,  Bakers   Delight  
day  suddenly   arrived.   Stalls   were   set   up,   there   were   cakes   Leichhardt,   Bill   Baramillis,   Kaye,   Goldie   and   Pat,   Peggy,  
galore   and   more   kept   coming   throughout   the   day.   Scones   Reanne,  and   not  forgetting  our   hard-­‐working   committee  and  
were   scoffed,  cakes   were  devoured   and   sausages   sizzled!   To   board  members,  staff  and  volunteers.  To  all  who  attended   the  
make  the  occasion  even  more  lively,  there  was  also  music  and   fete,  THANK  YOU,  especially,  and  see  you  again  next  year.
dancing!   Two   choral   groups*,   “Stairway   to   Heaven”   and  
“Urban  Zenadth  Kes”  (which  translates  to  Urban  Torres  Straits   *   Both   choral   groups   are   available   for   bookings.   For   Urban  
Island),   entertained  us  beautifully,  while  a  dance  group,   Stars   Zenadth  Kes,  call   0410  979  616;  for   Stairway   to  Heaven,  call  
Talent  School,   was  a   pure  delight   to   watch.  At   the  very  least,   0403  337  701.
T H E   S Y D N E Y   D O G S   A N D   C A T S   H O M E                         P A G E      9                         S P R I N G ,   2 0 1 0
A Tail-Twitching Tale!
Hey!   Bet   you   didn’t  know   there   are  all  sorts  of   cri7ers   out  
here  at  the  SDCH.  You   know   what  the  D  and  C   stand  for,  but  I  
reckon   there   should  be   an  R  in  the  name,  too.   That’s  R   for  
Rabbit.   We  rabbits  don’t   get  as  much  publicity   as  the   dogs  
and   cats,  but   as   you   can   tell   from   my   photo,   we’re   just  as  
cute   (well,   I   am,   anyway).   You   probably   can’t   tell  from   the  
photo,  but  my   fur   is  a  beauIful  dazzling   white  and   just  for  
interest   I’ve   grown   some   fawn-­‐coloured   patches   along   my  
back   and  a  lovely  round  one  in   the  centre  of  my  tail.  Gosh,  I  
look  a  treat,  especially  when   I  go  for  a  walk   –  OK,  OK,  a  hop,  
with  my  “walker”,  who  decks  me  out  in   a  hot-­‐pink   lead  with  
a   bright   red   collar.   It’s   no   wonder   that   we   get   a   lot   of  
a7enIon,  especially  from   the  ladies,  when  we   go  for   a  hop  
around   town.   My   walker   says   it’s   because   he’s   such   a  
“hoTe”  (whatever  that  is),  but  I  know  it’s  because  I’m  just  so  
darn   cute.   People   oVen   stop   to   pat   me   and   I   love   that  
because  I’m  a  real  friendly  sort  of  guy.  I’m  really  into  cuddles  
and   pats   and   I  reckon  I’d   be  the  best  pet   ever   for  a   family  
with  some  young  children.
How   did   I   find   myself   at   SDC(and   R)H?   Well,   I   was   found  
somewhere   around   Rockdale,   out   of   my   pen   (well,   that’s  
obvious),   just  hopping   along.   It   was  silly   of   me,   I   guess,   to  
looked  aVer  here.   Thank  goodness  that  Rockdale  
stage  a  breakout  and  then   get  lost,  but  we  rabbits  are  known  
Council   person   brought   me   here   –   but   what   I  
more  for   our   cuteness  than   our   smarts.  I’ll   tell  you  another  
really   want   is  to   find   a  home  where   I   won’t   be  
thing   I  like  to   do   –   chew   on  jeans  and  shirts!  Maybe   that’s  
lonely   like  I   am  now  in  this   great   big   dog-­‐run   all  
why   I’m  a  pre7y  big  fellow  –   they  didn’t  call  me  Goliath  for  
by  myself.  Please  come  and  visit  me.  
nothing   –   but   it   could   be   all   the   exercise   and   carrots   and  
le7uce   that   has  made   me   a  gentle   giant   –   I’m   really   well   If  you  don’t  I’ll  be  hopping  mad!

If you would like to donate an Auction Prize, please contact Lisa on 0424 272 995.
We are also looking for donations of wine and beer to keep our costs down.
All donations, great and small, gratefully accepted.
T H E   S Y D N E Y   D O G S   A N D   C A T S   H O M E                         P A G E      10                         S P R I N G ,   2 0 1 0
 A Lovable Pair
Olly, our rascally Labrador cross (on le!), came to the Home in Sydney Dogs and
February, 2010. He was big, young and boisterous, and seemed to Cats Home
enjoy taking the volunteers for a walk, but with patience, affection
and consistency in training, he has improved by leaps and bounds. would  like  to  thank  Kym  Haywood  
Olly now will sit on command and often automatically sits at the for  her  dedica<on  to  our  animals.  
kerb. He also does “stays”, “drops” and “recalls”.
In  Kym’s  great  photos  on  our  
Olly enjoys the
company of people, Website  (some  examples  below)  
whether it’s playing they  put  their  best  paw  forward  
a game, or just a
to  show  you  just  how  adoptable  
quiet moment get-
ting a pat and belly they  are.  Thanks  again,  Kym.
rub. He is a very
affectionate boy
who loves to
p l e a s e . He a l s o
loves to r umble
with his friend
Ma t i l d a w h e n
they meet at the
park, racing around and
burning up energy, but treats are a failsafe way to get their atten-
tion, as you can see in the photo above. Matilda is also highly ac-
tive, affectionate, and loves to show you how much she wants to
play. She is a very intelligent girl who learns quickly and would be
great fun to train for fast-paced activities, such as agility trials.

Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis in Dogs

St   George   Animal   Hospital   is   now   able   to   offer   stem   cells   as   a   treatment   for  
osteoarthri5s  in   older   dogs.   This  treatment   has   been  used   in  the  United   States  
for   a  few   years  with   excellent   results.  Dogs  not   responding  well  to   normal   pain-­‐
relief   medica5on   have   been   given   beJer   mobility  and   a   marked   reduc5on   of  
pain   and  inflamma5on   of  their  joints.  Unlikely  as   it  sounds,  fat   in  the   body  has  
been   shown   to   be   a  very  rich   source   of   mesenchymal   stem  cells,  much   more  
than   the  original   source  of   these   cells   in   the   bone   marrow.  The   stem   cells  are  
harvested   from   a  small  incision   made  behind   the  shoulder   and  then  isolated  and  
“ac5vated”   in   our  new  laboratory.  These  potent  cells  are  injected  accurately  into  
the  affected  joints  (knees,  hips  and  elbows)  by  the  Veterinarian.
This  stem-­‐cell  therapy  process  is  just   like  a   skin   gra[  in   that  it   is   your  own   pet’s  
cells   being   removed,  concentrated   and   placed   back  into   its   body  again.  Good  
results   are   o[en   seen   within   days   as   the  
joints   become   less   inflamed   and   the   dog   is  
able   to   move   more   freely.  Indeed,   in   many  
cases   the   animal   can   come   off   its   pain  
medica5ons.   Contact   St   George   Animal  
Hospital   on   9587   3599   to   see   if   your   dog  
might  be  helped  by  this  procedure.

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Sydney   Dogs  and   Cats   Home,   open   7   days  per   week,   is   a  hands-­‐on,   charitable  organisaIon.   The   Home   relies  
heavily  on  our  wonderful  volunteers,  who  give  generously  of  their  Ime.   We   need  as  much  help  as  possible  from  
the   community   to  assist  us  and  support   us  financially.  With   your   help,   we  will   be   able  to   conInue  our   work   in  
looking   aVer  animals  beyond   the  number   of   days  that  are   funded  by   Councils.   Your  donaIons  are   vital  for   the  
survival  of  this  charitable  insItuIon.  Registered  Charity  No:  CFN16738.  
If  you  would  like  to  make  a  donaIon  by  phone,  please  call  (02)  9587  9611  and  have  your  credit  card  details  ready.
If  you  prefer  to  make  a  donaIon  by  mail,  please  complete  the  form  below  and  return  to:
Sydney  Dogs  and  Cats  Home,  PO  Box  4105,  Kogarah  Bay  NSW  2217    (ABN    16  943  464  585).
If  you  choose  to  make  a  donaIon  to  our  Animal  Welfare  Appeal  via  the  internet,  please  go  to:
h7p://www.ourcommunity.com.au/sydneydogsandcatshome
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Yes,  I  would  like  to  help  the  Sydney  Dogs  and  Cats  Home  to  conInue  by  donaIng:
Please  debit  the  amount  I’ve  indicated  below  to  my  credit  card.  
▢    Visa  card                ▢    Mastercard

▢    $100            ▢    $75            ▢    $50            ▢    $25            ▢    Other  $_____________

Or    ▢    I  would  like  to  make  a  regular  monthly  donaIon  of  $_______________  

Card  No.:____________________________________  Expiry  Date:  _____________

Signature:___________________________________
Please  debit  my  credit  card  details  above  unIl  I  advise  you  otherwise  in  wriIng.
Name:__________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________
Email:__________________________________________________________
Or    ▢    I  have  enclosed  my  cheque  or  money  order  for  my  donaIon  of  $_______________

Dona.ons  over  $2.00  are  fully  tax  deduc.ble.

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Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors

Digital  Pacific  proudly  supports  Sydney  Dogs  and  Cats  Home  by  hosOng  its  website  and  emails.

A huge THANK YOU to

Jason and Daniella
at Focus Press,
who came to our rescue by
printing this Newsletter.

T H E   S Y D N E Y   D O G S   A N D   C A T S   H O M E                         P A G E      12                         S P R I N G ,   2 0 1 0