WARM AND FURRY OUTCOME FOR AWLQ
THE annual Project Empty Shelter at the Animal Welfare League at Coombabah has been hailed a success after 196 of its 250 cats and dogs were adopted over the biggest weekend in the centre’s adoption history.
Families and locals piled in to meet the cute and cuddly creatures and take home a new addition to their family in time for Christmas.
State rehoming manager Melinda Phipps said there were lots of animals that had been at the shelter “for some time”.
“Judging by the lack of sound in the shelter this afternoon, you can tell the weekend has been a success.”
She said it was not just the young animals which were in favour as some very deserving “long-term” senior cats and dogs were lucky enough to find their perfect match.
“Sometimes the older ones can get overlooked for the younger, fluffier and cuter ones, so it was very nice to see many older animals finding homes,” she said.
Ms Phipps told of the heart-warming pairing between a long-time resident, 13-year-old pomeranian Marshmallow who was adopted by an elderly lady as part of the shelter’s Golden Hearts Program.
“It was a match made in heaven for Marshmallow and her new owner,” she said. “It was beautiful to see a senior dog go into a loving home where she will become a valuable part of someone’s life.” Golden Hearts is a pet support program for people over the age of 65 who feel hesitant to adopt an animal.
It wasn’t such a good day for six-year-old bull arab cross Australian cattle dog Max, who didn’t find a home.
“He is a lovely boy – he has a wonderful personality and would suit anyone who has experience with a large dog,” Ms Phipps said.