ISSUE #12 | MARCH 2017
Your support reunited a family
Faye and Maya owe you their lives
Your donations cared for kittens Stranded alone, but you rescued him You’re turning the tide on cruelty
Faye and Maya were born in a puppy factory and forced to breed for more than five years. Only you could save Faye and Maya, healing their souls to give them the lives they had always deserved. When RSPCA NSW received a report about a puppy factory, action was taken immediately. Along with over 80 other dogs, Faye and Maya were taken to the RSPCA Sydney Shelter with serious physical and mental health issues. It is times like these when RSPCA NSW is beyond grateful for your support and belief that animals matter. Because of you, we could immediately pull Faye and Maya out of the puppy factory and into our care. If you hadn’t been there, they may have never been rescued. You were there the whole way, keeping our shelter doors open to welcome them. Faye and Maya were personally rushed to the RSPCA Sydney Veterinary Hospital, their bodies riddled with tumours, joint issues and dental infections. Faye was pregnant and Maya needed
multiple medical procedures. Her heart had irregular murmurs, her teeth were diseased and she needed serious surgery on her knees. It was also discovered that Maya was suffering from a deadly mammary tumour that needed immediate treatment. Your support and compassion meant RSPCA NSW veterinarians could do everything in their power to give Faye and Maya a better life. The RSPCA relies on your kindness to cover the cost of treating abandoned and surrendered animals. Maya’s surgeries cost $2,884. These costs were paid for in full by our Animal Emergency Fund, supported by you and others who are fighting the good fight. It was you that helped Merrilyn, the foster carer who took in Faye and Maya. At Merrilyn’s house, it was all about healing the scars that couldn’t always be seen on the surface. These scars became apparent when Faye and Maya first arrived at the shelter and they tucked their tails
It took three days for Faye to timidly greet Merrilyn one day. Maya hid underneath a coffee table for two weeks.
It was your support that helps foster carers, like Merrilyn, to open their doors to the hurt.
between their legs. It could be heard in their whimpers at the sight of children. It could be seen in the violent trembling when placed in open spaces. It could be heard in the terrified cries when they withdrew at the voices of men. It took three days for Faye to timidly greet Merrilyn one day. Maya hid underneath a coffee table for two weeks. It was your support that finally coaxed her out. It took one month for her to no longer run away from the sound of footsteps. Because of your gentle care, Maya and Faye slowly crawled out of their shells each day. They began to trust again and allow people to touch them. After months of your tender kindness and therapy, they were finally cleared to move on from foster homes to adoption. But those two little ladies had quietly crept into Merrilyn’s heart. Merrilyn knew that, as a foster carer, she was meant to prepare them for future life in a forever home. But one day she realised that she wanted their forever home to be her home. Now, they are permanent residents with Merrilyn and
completely loving life because of you! It was your kindness and strength that changed their lives. It was your support that helps foster carers, like Merrilyn, to open their doors to the hurt. Faye and Maya are only two of over 35,000 animals that the RSPCA helps every year. To help these two animals, dozens of people were required. Inspectors, veterinarians, shelter staff, volunteers, office staff… and you. Without you, none of this could happen. Without you, broken souls like Maya and Faye would never have discovered love. Without you, Maya and Faye would never have discovered life. Your donations and kindness also support RSPCA NSW’s Foster Care program, helping the tiniest and most defenceless animals find a forever home. The goal of the program is to make sure the most vulnerable animals can be cared for, until they grow strong enough to be adopted. Please consider a small donation so the RSPCA can keep changing the lives of animals in need. To see Faye and Maya’s recovery, watch here.
Because of your support, a lost juvenile fairy penguin found a happy ending.
You saved a little pair of flippers A tiny penguin was trapped and alone in a stormwater drain in Haberfield. Your compassionate contributions allowed RSPCA NSW inspectors to come to the rescue. They had received a report from Inner West locals, Josh Pirini and Scott Martin, about a lone penguin that was distressed. He was making ‘wild noises’ when they tried to pick him up. The penguin was stuck inside a small pipe and was able to be washed out with a gush of water. It was thanks to your dedication and commitment to the cause that our inspectors were equipped to rescue him and take him directly to Taronga Wildlife Hospital. The penguin was found to be slightly underweight, exhausted and dehydrated. A juvenile, only just losing his baby feathers. After spending four days in intensive care,
Photo courtesy of Josh Pirini
the brave penguin was moved into one of the hospital’s rehabilitation pools to continue recovery. The penguin was given fluids and then started on small amounts of food. Before release, he gained 200 grams, rounding out at a healthy 950 grams. Thanks to you, this remarkable penguin was released into the water off Collins Flat Beach in Manly as part of a joint operation between Taronga Zoo and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Your generosity made it possible for us to let him go back into the wild, to happily live out his days eating fish and meeting other penguins. Thank you; a little pair of flippers is now safe and free. Your donations help keep our inspectors on the road, click here to donate.
21 MAY
Walk to fight animal cruelty
#RSPCAMPW
YOU AND YOUR DOG CAN BE A HERO TO ANIMALS IN NEED. SIGN UP TODAY. Over 20 walk locations across the state!
Register at millionpawswalk.com.au Hill’s™ is a registered trademark owned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc © 2017.
You’re turning the tide on animal cruelty The RSPCA Million Paws Walk event is a fun day out for you and other animal lovers. On Sunday 21 May, you can join thousands of people in celebration of the pets in our lives by walking to fight animal cruelty and help animals in need. Money raised through entry fees, the sale of merchandise and online fundraising will help to fund our critical work in the community, including the care of more than 35,000 animals entering our shelters each year. Whether you’re walking with your favourite four-legged friends or passionate about a good cause, you can help us raise critical funds to support animals across the state. At more than 20 different locations, all attendees will be able to enjoy live entertainment, stalls, delicious food, giveaways, activities with your pooch and a whole lot more! By you taking part in the Million Paws Walk event, you’re helping improve animal welfare. So dust off your walking shoes, pull out your pet’s leash and bring along your furry best friend to Australia’s favourite dog event! For the first time ever, you can also take part in the Million Paws Challenge, where the goal is for you and your dog to take one million steps between 20 April – 20 May. Why not get fit and raise funds for a good cause at the same time? Register for the Million Paws Challenge today and make every step count! You can win prizes and lots of fun things for you and your pooch. Every dollar you raise will help us help animals!
You reunited a cat with her owner It was only because of you that we could have RSPCA NSW ambulance driver, Patrick, respond to a call about a sick cat on the street. Upon arriving at the scene, Patrick was eagerly greeted with a flick of the friendly cat’s tail. Patrick gently picked her up and scanned her for a microchip. He found that she did have a microchip, but it was sadly not registered. Because you keep our animal ambulances operating, Patrick was able to quickly bring the stray cat to the RSPCA Sydney Shelter. It was discovered that she wasn’t sick, but was actually a Cornish Rex cat, which is a breed known for being slender. Your support meant that the beautiful Cornish Rex’s journey didn’t end there. The team uploaded her information and photo onto the RSPCA NSW Pet Reunite Facebook page in the hope of finding her owner.
Your help made it possible for the post to finally make its way to Kathryn, whose cat had been missing for 10 days! Animal lovers like you will understand that when Kathryn saw the picture, she couldn’t help but rush to the RSPCA Sydney Shelter. She was thrilled to arrive and find her beloved 20-year-old cat, Tessa, waiting for her. Kathryn brought Tessa’s bed with her, and as soon as she placed the bed on the floor, Tessa perked up in recognition. She immediately walked over and began kneading it with her paws. Because of you, Tessa and Kathryn were reunited. Thank you for bringing them back together. Microchipping provides the best chance for your pet to find it’s way back home, learn more here.
You cared for kittens in need Summer doesn’t only bring barbeques, beaches and sunshine; it also brings tiny, fuzzy kittens! Kitten season is another example of you helping the animals who need it most. When comparing December 2016 to June 2016, there was a 300% increase of kittens entering the RSPCA Sydney Shelter. Without you, we couldn’t have saved so many vulnerable kittens. Every kitten season, our facilities are brimming with thousands of abandoned kittens in need of food, veterinary treatment, shelter and love. Thank you for giving them a shelter above their heads, nourishing food and warm blankets. You kept our dryers spinning, food arriving and shelter doors open. Thanks to your kindness, these tiny furballs were given love and everything they needed, before finally going to their forever homes. Thank you for saving their lives. RSPCA NSW is always in need of foster carers willing to open up their hearts and home. If that’s you, please email fostercare@rspcansw.org.au.
Breed: Greyhound Age: one year and 10 months old Gender: male
Bobby
Bobby is an affectionate dog with a special personality. This bouncy and warm fellow is ready for a new home, filled with squeaky toys, walks and cuddles. As much as Bobby loves to play, his ideal afternoon would be lazing around the living room with a family and another dog. Does Bobby have a room in your heart and home?
Can you help him? adoptapet.com.au
Breed: Domestic Shorthair Age: one year and three months old Gender: male
Mordecai
Mordecai is a gentle and shy cat, just waiting to slip into your heart. His weakness is a scratch under the chin, making him roll onto his back. He is a sweet and unique cat, who would love nothing more than to be a part of your family. Do you have a place for Mordecai in your heart?
Can you help him? adoptapet.com.au
Breed: Domestic Shorthair Age: one year old Gender: female
Elsa
Elsa is a quiet young lady who is hoping for a loving family. Elsa is very shy but would be the perfect pet for someone who wants a snuggle kitty and a new best friend. She would love to cuddle with you and enjoy all love you can offer. She is the perfect family cat but just needs a chance. Can you give Elsa a forever home?
Can you help her? adoptapet.com.au
FESTIVE FACTS AND FIGURES Your kindness over the Christmas period ensured RSPCA NSW could provide essential care to the animals who needed it most. Thanks to your unwavering conviction and generosity, thousands of animals have been lovingly cared for and rehomed. They owe you their lives.
11,403 ANIMALS ADOPTED
between 1-31 December 2016
330
694
DOGS
CATS
100 34
POCKET PETS
FARM
9
BIRDS
TOTAL: 1,167 *
GUARDIAN ANGELS WHO GENEROUSLY DONATED TO THE CARE OF ANIMALS OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD
ANIMALS IN CARE
between 1-31 December 2016
1,775 3,378 DOGS
CATS
301 263 162
POCKET PETS
FARM
BIRDS
TOTAL: 5,925*
This total includes an additional 46 animals that did not fit the specific categories above.
Did you adopt an animal from an RSPCA NSW shelter last Christmas? There’s nothing we love more than getting updates on the animals who have passed through our doors and into homes. Send us your adoption pictures and stories by emailing donations@rspcansw.org.au.
Animals reunited thanks to you Because of your generosity, thousands of lost and scared animals found their way back home. In the last year alone, 4,691 animals came through our doors and were reunited with their worried owners. Thank you for making these miracles possible.
dogs and puppies cats and kittens pocket pets livestock birds
Donate and make a difference.
$25
helps provide ongoing flea treatment for a neglected dog.
$50
heats a kennel and keeps an abandoned dog safe and warm.
$150
helps provide vaccinations and microchips for pets in remote areas
$400
helps keep an inspector on the road fighting animal cruelty.
Thank you. Your strength and support gives a voice to animals in need. rspcansw.org.au