TLC for pets, their owners doing it tough
HOMELESS Gold Coaster Bruce can’t imagine a life without his beloved chihuahua Angel.
“If it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t be here. She doesn’t mind when I’m having my highs and my lows, she’s my best friend,” he said.
Bruce was one of dozens of disadvantaged or homeless pet owners who attended the inaugural Pet Support Day at the St John’s Crisis Centre in Surfers Paradise on Monday.
A joint partnership between the crisis centre and the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), pet owners brought their four-legged friends to have a quick health check and to be vaccinated, wormed and treated for fleas and ticks. Vouchers for free desexing procedures were also given out.
Attendees also got pet food, toys and accessories as well as a care package for themselves, clothing and a sausage sizzle.
“The bond they have with their animals is incredible,” said AWLQ volunteer veterinarian Sarah Allen. “Unlike most pet owners who see their dog for about four hours a day, these people are with their dogs 24 hours a day.
“Many say that they’ll go without a meal so their pet can have food.”
Rob Muir, who lived in his van until
about two months ago, said he’d visited the AWL in Coombabah to make sure his eight-year-old dog Roxy was in good health.
“When I got her she had rotten teeth, skin cancer and something wrong with her eye, but thanks to the AWL she’s now in good shape,” he said. “I actually prefer dogs to humans. She gets me out of bed each day. Because of her I have a purpose, she needs me.”
Scott credits his six-year-old pomeranian Savannah with saving his life after he had to leave a domestic violence situation and live in his car. Battling mental health issues, the loss of his parents and drugs, he said he’d been through dark times.
“She’s been my lifesaver.
I had a choice of going to jail or getting my s**t together and I didn’t want to leave her behind, so I sorted out my life.”
About to buy his first home, he now volunteers at St John’s Crisis Centre.
Dianne Kozik, general manager of the centre, said often animals were the only friends homeless people had.
“It’s someone who loves them unconditionally and is happy to see them no matter what emotional state they are in. All they’re always beautifully cleaned, you can tell they’re loved.”