Dixie is finding her will to play again.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Dixie arrived at a local pet rescue a bag of nerves and sores.
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The three-year-old cavalier-cross-springer spaniel’s fur was ungroomed and had become matted on her belly, which caused the painful injuries.
Goulburn Valley Pet Adoption and Rehoming’s Steph Sparrow said Dixie was now on antibiotics and recovering, but she still had a way to go before she could be rehomed.
Once she’s fit enough, she will be desexed and have her teeth cleaned.
But all these things come at a cost, which the volunteer-run service needs help to afford.
Donations will cover more than just the essential vet work the once-neglected Dixie needs, with pets in care requiring food, bedding, toys and restraints also, during their stays, which tend to last around three months on average.
Ms Sparrow said while the costs could mount up, the positive of lengthy stays was that the carer got to know the animals well and could then accurately assess their personality and temperament, helping to find the right fit for their future — hopefully forever — homes.
Not all of the rehabilitation comes with a price tag; the love and care the pets get is given freely by the foster carers.
Dixie is being cared for on a rural property outside Numurkah by one of GVPAR’s dedicated foster carers, Claire Mason.
Dixie is being looked after by pet foster carer Claire Mason near Numurkah.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Ms Sparrow has been training the now much happier pooch, too, with three other dogs, a cat and some birds also currently in her care.
“She was really timid and shy at first, but she’s coming out of her shell. She’s gotten more playful,” Ms Sparrow said.
Dixie is coming out of her shell.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
If people want to help, but aren’t able to financially support Dixie or GVPAR, there are other ways.
“Share a Facebook post, you never know who sees a post,” Ms Sparrow said.
“People can also encourage their friends and family to adopt instead of go through a breeder; the pounds are full, rescues are full.”
Carers are also invited to offer to foster dogs like Dixie.
Ms Sparrow said there were many benefits to fostering for people for whom it was not practical to own a dog, as their costs were always covered by GVPAR and there was always support available.
Dixie is a three-year-old cavalier cross springer spaniel.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In particular, fostering makes for an ideal role for travelling dog lovers, who can enjoy the companionship of a dog when they’re home, but aren’t tied to the decade-plus-long commitment that comes with owning one.
You can make a tax-deductible (if over $2) donation to Dixie’s cause or to GVPAR here.
For more information on GVPAR, how to adopt or how to become a foster carer, visit the website or Facebook page.
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