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This newsletter is produced by volunteers. 4 Paws is a non-profit organisation providing refuge for homeless dogs and cats on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
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4 Paws President Julie Penlington - and some very obliging rescue pooches - educate Palmwoods Primary students about animal welfare. Photo: Wendi Beutel
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Hello friend:
Welcome to our spring issue where 4 Paws committee member and teacher Wendi Beutel tells how rescue dogs are educating Palmwoods State School students about animal welfare issues. Sadly, Timmy the Chihuahua, featured last issue, died recently from a sudden illness. Our deepest sympathy goes to his permanent foster carers Bev and Tim Fleming.
Helen Lester
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School's in for rescue pooches at Palmwoods
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Nicklin Way Vet Mel and Pomeranian Miley-Sue show Palmwoods Primary students what happens when a rescue dog arrives at the clinic. Photos: Wendi Beutel.
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Pomeranian Billy-Ray has three legs. His friend Miley-Sue has one eye. These adorable 4 Paws rescue dogs have been helping teach children at Palmwoods State School the responsibilities of pet ownership.
4 Paws committee member and Palmwoods teacher, Wendi Beutel, designed a hands-on program for students held last month, explaining a rescue dog’s journey from pound through to foster care and adoption. And the children, aged nine to 12, couldn’t get enough of classes with the rescue pooches.
While it was the first time ‘Dog Town to the Rescue’ had been offered in the school’s annual five-week enrichment program, 90 children put it as their first-choice elective above options such as swimming or surfing. Unfortunately there were only 16 places available in the class.
Wendi fostered Billy-Ray a couple of years ago after her beloved Cattle dog-Kelpie Cross, Tuli, died. The family that surrendered Billy-Ray no longer wanted him. Wendi thought the next dog she owned would be a working dog like Tuli. Little did she know how quickly a three-legged ball of fluff could entrench himself in her heart.
Miley-Sue, a 4 Paws ‘Permanent Resident’, was surrendered by a family who bred six litters from her in seven years. They gave her up when she started having stillborn pups. 4 Paws took over Miley-Sue’s long-term care because of health issues from having so many litters.
“Many people don’t know how to look after their dogs properly or what a dog needs to have a fulfilling life,” Wendi said.
She educated the children about how puppy farm and backyard breeding, along with inappropriate pets sales over the Internet, have caused an oversupply of dogs. She also explained, in age-appropriate language, that sadly many thousands of cats and dogs were euthanized in Australian pounds each year.
“I think it is important children know where all these homeless dogs are coming from - that they know they can adopt rather than shop.”
One Friday class was held at Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery, so the children could understand firsthand what happened when a rescue dog came to the clinic. (The Surgery generously provides care for all 4 Paws animals at a discounted rate.)
As part of the program, the children raised funds for rescue pets by promoting gold-coin donation ‘free dress day’ to other children at school. They also raised animal-rescue awareness with posters and a ‘Doggy Disco’.
Wendi said her Friday classes grew quickly. “We had five rescue dogs at the first class, but then each child wanted to bring along their own dog.” “Wouldn’t it be great if one day 4 Paws wasn’t needed.”
Do you have what to takes to be a 4 Paws volunteer? If you can help, please email Julie: 4paws@4pawsanimalrescue.org.au
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To support the work of 4 Paws, click on the red Donate link below to take you to our 4 Paws donation page.
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Gus Gus: 15 years, Ragdoll, male
This adorable older gentleman unfortunately found himself at Council's Pound and now needs a new calm, quiet, loving home. He's a very affectionate lap cat who loves cuddles. If you'd like to meet Gus Gus, please contact us.
Adoption fee: $195
Click here to go to the adoption process page on the 4 Paws website.
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JayJay: 13 years, Terrier cross, male
This lively fellow keeps himself busy doing terrier activities. He loves to play, run and sniff. We imagined JayJay would be adopted quickly when he came to 4 Paws seven years ago. Unfortunately, he became very ill. Recently JayJay's spleen was removed and he recovered well. However, on our vet's advice, we decided to make JayJay a 4 Paws Permanent Resident. We now monitor his health closely to ensure he gets the very best of care. JayJay's foster family absolutely adore him.
JayJay's monthly sponsorship requirement is $55. Please contact us if you'd like to sponsor him.
To learn more about sponsoring a Permanent Resident click here.
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4 Paws Tales regularly interviews the wonderful people and organisations that help 4 Paws to do its important work. This issue we focus on Helena Wylie from Dalwood-Wylie Foundation. The Foundation recently donated $2500 towards 4 Paws' ongoing vet bills. Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery provides vital - sometimes life-saving care - for our homeless animals, and works closely with 4 Paws to prepare our rescue pets for adoption. 4 Paws is very grateful to the Dalwood-Wylie Foundation for its generous support.
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Donor: Helena Wylie, Dalwood-Wylie Foundation
Pictured left: Helena with her Kerry-Blue Terrier, Rylie Wylie.
Q: How did you become a donor?
Helena: One of my priorities for Foundation donations is animal welfare and protection. My research into suitable organisations led me to 4 Paws. I made contact and asked how I could best help.
Q: What in particular made you choose 4 Paws?
Helena: I liked that 4 Paws was a hands-on, dedicated organisation helping Sunshine Coast animals. I was impressed by the passionate, genuine people behind the organisation.
Q: What’s the best thing about being a donor?
Helena: For me, it's the satisfaction that my donation has helped provide a new life for a homeless dog; giving it the chance to be rehomed and loved. It makes me feel really happy.
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Pets available for adoption
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Click on the photo of a pet below to read more about them on the 4 Paws website adoption process page. To see other pets available for adoption click here to go to our website. Navigate to the pages for cat and dog adoptions.
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URGENT: FOSTER CARER NEEDED
Ruby: 7 years, Poodle, female
Monty: 7 years, Chihuahua, male
Ruby and Monty need urgent foster care or adoption because their current foster carer is going away. They are loyal and loving companions. Ruby bonds quickly with people, while sweet Monty takes a bit longer to gain his confidence. They must be rehomed together and are not suitable for homes with small children.
Adoption fee: $695 pair
Please contact us if you are able to foster this gorgeous pair.
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Zeva: 3 years, Chihuahua, female
Zeva is a fun-loving cuddle-pot. She's very friendly and adores people and other dogs. Zeva weighs 3kg, so is best suited to a family without small children. She would make a wonderful companion.
Adoption fee: $495
Please contact us if you are able to foster this gorgeous girl.
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Oliver: 6 years, male
Ollie is an inside, cat who loves cuddles and is great around small dogs and gentle children. He's just adorable. Sadly, the youngest member of his family is allergic to cats.
Adoption fee: $140
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Sampson: 18 months, male
This much-loved boy has sadly fallen victim to the no-pet-policy in many rental properties. He is an indoor cat who loves people and dogs. He's been dubbed the Ginger Ninja because he loves to play.
Adoption fee: $140
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Adoption Tally 2017
Pets adopted since the start of the year: Dogs: 19 Cats: 4
Pets currently in the care of 4 Paws: Dogs: 76 Cats: 54
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Spring has sprung and our volunteers are busy preparing for the 4 Paws & SCARS Walk for Awareness on October 8. This important annual event raises money for homeless animals and educates the public about animal welfare. Please mark the date in your diary.
The biggest issue facing us at the moment is a desperate shortage of foster carers for both dogs and cats. I receive 20 to 30 calls a week to take pets. 4 Paws cannot continue to accept pets unless we have suitable foster homes for them while they await adoption. We hope to hold an information session soon for people considering fostering a pet. In the meantime, please go to our website to learn more, and contact me if you can help with this rewarding work.
4 Paws has been fortunate again this year to receive generous, much-needed grants from Sunshine Coast Council. Some of the funds will go towards replacing the roof, guttering and water tank at Halfway House Cattery.
Thank you again to all our volunteers and supporters for everything you do to help us re-home pets on the Sunshine Coast.
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4 Paws & SCARS Walk for Awareness
October 8
4 Paws Sausage Sizzle
Caloundra Bunnings, 4th Tuesday of each month
4 Paws Kawana Stall
Sep 12,13
Buderim BWMC Christmas Fair Stall
Nov 25
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Enjoy a beautiful drop and support a cause you love. Goodwill Wine offers a selection of quality wines at significantly discounted prices. Buy some as a gift - or treat yourself! Fifty per cent of the profit comes back to us when you click on this link to purchase:
http://www.goodwillwine.com.au/charities/4-paws-animal-rescue-inc
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Council grants fund vital 4 Paws work
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4 Paws has again received generous ongoing financial support from Sunshine Coast Council, helping us re-home pets on the Sunshine Coast. Our Halfway House Cattery recently received a $10,000 'Major Grant Community Facilities' gift from Council to go towards replacing the cattery's roof, guttering and water tank. Halfway House provides a temporary safe haven for homeless and surrendered cats while 4 Paws seeks suitable permanent homes for them.
4 Paws President Julie Penlington said finding 'forever' homes for cats was particularly difficult, and that Halfway House was essential to 4 Paws' commitment to animal welfare on the Sunshine Coast. "We are also very grateful to Sunshine Coast Council for this year's Community Partnership Funding of $12,000," she said.
The purpose of the Community Partnership Funding Program is for council to work in partnership with the community to achieve council’s priorities. The Community Partnership Funding Program provides up to three-year funding towards operational expenses to not-for-profit organisations that provide facilities or services which support the delivery of council’s corporate priorities and demonstrate broad community benefit.
"We enjoy working with the Council on local projects. We value their support and caring attitude regarding homeless animals on the Sunshine Coast," Julie said.
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Have you recently moved or changed your contact details? If so, please let Cass our Secretary know by emailing her at secretary4paws@gmail.com
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Proudly supported by the Sunshine Coast Council's grants program.
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