Thursday, November 7, 2024

Lotterywest grant gives dogs’ refuge a new leash on life

The Dogs’ Refuge Home in Shenton Park is embarking on a major redevelopment project that will improve conditions for its furry residents and volunteers, thanks to a $2,287,440 Lotterywest grant.

Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley said the upgrades will deliver improved facilities that address the growing demands on the home.

The Cook Government is also helping to fund the upgrades through a $50,000 Animal Welfare Grant.

“Dogs’ Refuge Home volunteers and staff do an amazing job caring for and rehoming rescued and surrendered dogs and puppies,” said Minister Beazley.

“The team currently cares for more than 1,500 dogs each year, with demand continuing to rise as more dogs are surrendered or rescued due to cost-of-living challenges.

“This significant grant is going to give these dogs the best chance of finding their forever homes.

“The project will also transform the working environment for volunteers, so they can continue the ‘pawsome’ work they do for the four-legged friends in their care,” she said.

The redevelopment will include:

  • a new puppy education and adoption centre, with birthing rooms and accessible community engagement spaces;
  • an upgraded adoption meeting yard and lounge, enabling prospective owners to meet dogs in a ‘home-like’ environment;
  • decompression kennels offering a quiet and safe environment for reactive and anxious dogs;
  • heritage hub and visitors centre showcasing the organisation’s history and achievements over almost 90 years; and
  • agility training yard for enriching exercise and behavioural and obedience training.

The project will also support the health, safety and comfort of volunteers, improving recruitment and retention rates.

The home relies heavily on its dog-loving community who volunteer 365 days a year to deliver vital care for the hundreds of dogs that reside there at any one time.

“We are proud to be frugal at the Dogs’ Refuge Home and invest every dollar donated to us back into the dogs,” said Dogs’ Refuge Home general manager, Robyn Slater.

“We operate at an enormous loss every year so projects like this would simply not be possible without the support of Lotterywest, or those who generously remember us in their wills.

“We are overjoyed to be able to improve our Home for both the dogs and the community of dog lovers that volunteer here every single day, come rain or shine,” she said.

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