There was not a dry eye in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton on Saturday night as 350 people watched the transformation of Melody from a neglected, malnourished stray at the doors of Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, to a healthy and bright pooch living in a loving home with her adopted family.

The 12 year old Pointer was the star of a video shown to guests of Sydney Dogs and Cats Home (SDCH)’s black tie Annual Fundraising Gala which saw close to $100K raised for the charity pound.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the result of the evening”, says Stuart Paine, General Manager of Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, “Not only was the Gala a success in terms of funds raised, but a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our ongoing achievements and to recognise and acknowledge the support shown to us by the community.”

Melody’s story is just one of many with the Home opening its doors to around 3000 animals each year. The vital work done by SDCH not only includes responsibly reuniting and rehoming lost and abandoned pets, but also providing services to the community such as visits to aged care facilities and support through experiences for people living with mental illness and disabilities.

The Home believes that true love takes time, never placing time limits on any animal awaiting adoption and working to make each animal’s stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible is vital.

The entertainment for the Gala started with guests being wowed upon arrival by The BlackTies magicians while The Australian Army Band kept up the party atmosphere along with engaging and energetic host, SDCH Ambassador, Sam Mac from Channel 7’s Sunrise. Special guest performer, J. R. Reyne, was a hit, with guests moving straight to the dance floor and singing along.

Live and silent auctions, as well as a lucky dip, raffle and lucky door prize arranged with the support of sponsors and organisations donating their services to help SDCH meet their fundraising goals.

Such generosity is what SDCH relies on to keep their doors open to help animals like Melody and, as they believe that true love can take time, they never place time limits on any animal awaiting adoption. The support of the community means the Home can work to make each animal’s stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible to give them the best possible outlook for their second chance at life.

“We really appreciate the support shown”, says Mr Paine, “It is wonderful and humbling to see so many people dig deep to help put us in a great place to move forward with our plans to expand our work.”

For animal lovers who were unable to make it to the Gala and who would like to support SDCH care for lost and abandoned pets, they can make a donation via the charity’s website: https://sydneydogsandcatshome.org/donate/

Lilly is looking for love. The tabby and white feline enjoys the company of people and has been waiting patiently at Sydney Dogs and Cats Home (SDCH) for the perfect person to take her home.

She has fought through some medical issues with the support of staff and volunteers at SDCH, and after 12 weeks at the shelter and becoming one of their long-standing residents, she may have finally found her forever family.

Lilly has been adopted on a trial basis, which is an option offered by SDCH to allow both the animals and their potential new families time to know if they’re making the right decision. It is part of the charity pound’s belief that “true love can take time”, which is also why they do not place any time limits on animals awaiting adoption.

Lilly is just one of many unique individuals taken in by the Home in Carlton, and thanks to the generous support of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, PetO and their customers, a total of $9,120 has been raised to help SDCH and the 3000+ animals which head in through their doors each year.

Over the course of two weeks, $5 from every Hill’s Science Diet product sold at PetO stores was donated to Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, with dedicated fundraising events raising further funds and awareness of SDCH’s work and their need for community support.

“We cannot thank Hill’s and PetO enough for their amazing work to raise over $9,000 for our Home, which completely surpassed the original goal of $7,000,” says Amanda Stokes, Head of Fundraising and Partnerships at SDCH,

“We believe in giving the animals which come in to our care a second chance at life and this kind of support means that we have access to the resources we need to help these animals be successfully reunited or rehomed.”

It is this dedication to the care for the animals at SDCH, which has kept PetO committed to continue their long association of Sydney Dogs and Cats Home.

“We chose to work with SDCH as their values are aligned with that of our organization,” says Nick Greenhalgh, Owner and Director at PetO, “We are impressed by the energy and care with which they conduct their operations, as well as their integrity in managing the responsible adoption of animals.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and pets.

“Our many years of partnering with Sydney Dogs and Cats Home has enabled them access to the benefits of great tasting nutrition allowing the animals to find their forever home much faster,” says Hill’s Customer Development Manager, Samantha Schooley. “In turn, SDCH can focus efforts on their valuable animal welfare and community work.”

This has been evident in Lilly’s case, with Hill’s Science Diet helping bring her to optimal health and ready to take on this exciting new stage of her journey.

“We rely on the generosity of the community through donations which directly contribute to providing animals like Lilly the treatment, comfort and enrichment they require during their stay at the Home and to assist with their transition to life outside the shelter,” says Ms Stokes, “With donor support, SDCH is able to continue the vital work we do to help the lost and abandoned animals of Sydney.”

If you would like to join Hill’s and PetO in showing support for our Home, please donate here.