The pandemic saw many people staying home and welcoming a furry companion into their lives to help deal with the loneliness and isolation.  Here at Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, we saw a large number of companion animals find loving homes during lockdown. However, many people fell victim to puppy scams. This week, November 8-12, is Scams Awareness Week and Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA), whom SDCH is the NSW member, have partnered up with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to raise awareness around puppy scams.

Puppy scams can cause a lot of heartbreak and anger and unwittingly involved legitimate businesses in Australia. According to ACCC Scamwatch, Australians have lost nearly $300k to puppy scams last year alone, taking advantage of people who have suffered due to the pandemic. Scamwatch reported a spike in puppy scams almost five times higher than the average last year.

This year, ACCC Scam is encouraging all Australians to talk about scams to increase awareness, educate and empower consumers to protect themselves. “During Scams Awareness Week 2021, we encourage pet lovers to talk about puppy scams and learn how to avoid the heartbreak, loss of money and in some cases, potentially having to surrender their pet to the shelter,” said Trish Ennis, National Executive of CANA.

If you are looking to welcome a new pet into your life and want to avoid falling victim to puppy scams, CANA have put together tips to keep in mind:

• Scammers set up fake websites or ads on online classifieds and social media pretending to sell sought-after dog breeds. Email is the only way to contact them.
• Scammers take advantage of travel restrictions that prevent you from travelling to meet the puppy in person. They normally ask for up-front payments via money transfer to pay for the pet and transport it to you.
• Once you pay the deposit, a scammer will find new ways to ask for more money, such as claiming higher transportation costs to get across interstate borders. Unfortunately, once you make the payments, the seller will cease all contact.
• Scam websites can look quite convincing – try not to fall for the adorable puppy pictures they post. To avoid being scammed, only buy or adopt a pet you can meet in person.
• If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is!
• Research the seller online using the exact wording in the ad and do a reverse image search for pictures of the specific puppy to see if you can find matching images or text on multiple websites.
• If you are in doubt, seek advice from a reputable dog breeders association, veterinarian or local animal shelter.
• For tips to avoid fake websites and a list of fraudulent websites, click here.
• For a guaranteed ‘real pet’ to welcome into your family, contact a CANA member in your state here.

If you think you have been scammed, contact your financial institution right away. For more information, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au

If you’re looking for a guaranteed safe way to welcome a new pet into your home, check out the animals looking for a home on our website.

Young Gilbert has a face that would make anybody swoon! This Terrier-x boy is curious, friendly and loves playing with toys, thrashing and trashing them around until his heart is content.

At just six months old, Gilbert arrived at the home with an Angular Limb Deformity (ALD) of his front two legs. ALD causes a pair of bones to not grow in synchrony which results in twisting and bending. It can be caused by injury to the legs at a young age, but commonly it is hereditary.

For Gilbert, both his front legs and toes were pointed outwards. He may have looked like a cute little ballerina, but his legs were causing lameness and discomfort. ALD is quite a complex problem in veterinary orthopaedics, so we arranged for Gilbert to have specialist surgery to give him the best possible outcome.

Gilbert has been recovering from his surgery like a champ in foster care, where he receives monitoring and treatment to ensure he is healing properly. His foster carers tell us he’s a very quiet little man who loves human company and enjoys snoozing and going on short walks while he heals.

Gilbert is now looking for the perfect forever home, where his joints can be monitored with regular vet checks. While Gilbert’s orthopaedic surgery was successful and he’s moving comfortably, there’s a chance he may experience lameness once he’s fully grown, requiring costly surgical intervention. To be a perfect match, his new family will need to commit to giving Gilbert vet care if he needs treatment in future.

Updated 8 November 2021

JoeJoe the 9-year-old Australian Bulldog-x came to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home in early September as a lost dog. He was uncomfortably skinny and had an array of senior dog health issues that needed urgent attention, including skin masses, alopecia (hair loss), arthritis, hip dysplasia, dental disease, eye discharge and a dark spot on the cornea of his left eye.

JoeJoe was given medication to soothe his discomfort while a plan for his treatment was devised. Due to his size and the number of his health concerns, JoeJoe’s treatment was divided into stages to ensure the best outcome and least discomfort. A few weeks ago, he received initial surgery for his dental disease, where a number of teeth had to be extracted. He had x-rays on his hips and his skin masses were removed and tested.

Test results showed JoeJoe’s skin masses were symptoms of skin cancer and a disease related to sun exposure. Because JoeJoe is a light-coloured dog, he is more susceptible to sun-related damage. The poor gentleman had an aggressive skin cancer on his scrotum, so he will need further surgery to remove the scrotum and prevent recurrence. His x-rays also brought concerning news – he has hip dysplasia in both hips and degenerative joint disease of the spine. Fortunately, dogs with these conditions can live comfortably for many years with proper care and pain management.

Soon, JoeJoe will receive his second stage of treatment, including another round of dental surgery, scrotum removal and assessment of his eyes and joints. The discharge and dark spot on his eyes don’t seem to bother him too much, but depending on his diagnosis, he may need to see an ophthalmologist to ensure he retains vision and comfort.

Despite his compiling list of health concerns, JoeJoe is a super sweet and friendly dog who loves greeting everyone, showing off his tricks for treats and going on walks. He just likes being around people!

Once JoeJoe is in tip-top shape, he will be looking for a home where he can live his best life and give his humans all his love and affection. JoeJoe does require a little extra TLC, but we’re confident this senior sweetheart is well worth it!

Since JoeJoe is a golden oldie, his vet costs are covered by donations to the Senior Pet Project, which had outstanding support from our community this year. If you would like to help senior dogs like JoeJoe, consider making a donation to the Senior Pet Project today.

Updated 8 November 2021

After raising $500 for Sydney Dogs & Cats Home in 2020 through Return & Earn and community donations, 13-year-old Vaughn hoped to double his fundraising efforts in 2021 to $1,000. Thanks to the ongoing support of friends, family and the South Sydney community, Vaughn was shocked to raise a total of $2,000.10 for Sydney’s lost and abandoned pets between February and October this year.

Last year Vaughn’s fundraising drive earned the attention of local media and public figures who labelled him a ‘local legend’, so many local businesses and neighbours were keen to chip in to help him reach his 2021 target. In total, Vaughn collected $789.90 in monetary donations and 10,101 recyclable drink containers. When returned at Reverse Vending Machines for 10c per container, this raised an additional $1,210.20!

Vaughn told us he’s grateful for his friends, family, businesses and local government who helped make his fundraiser such a success.

“Bunnings donated two bins and my sister and friends did a letterbox drop,” he said.

“The man who owns my local IGA donated $500 which was amazing! My local MP Mark Coure kept advertising my fundraiser and my mum’s friend Sophie Cotsis MP also came and donated. We had both sides of government supporting me.”

Vaughn’s friends and family helped him spread awareness and collect bottles, with his Uncle Pete and cousins ‘the biggest heroes’, transporting containers in their ute to Reverse Vending Machines. Vaughn also wants to acknowledge his amazing friends who donated drink containers, including Aaron, Alana, Anthony, Charlie, Archie, Victoria, John, Arthur, Noah, Sarah and Matthew.

While Covid tried to put a dampener on Vaughn’s collection efforts, closing Return & Earn Reverse Vending Machines across Sydney, Vaughn’s fundraiser persisted throughout lockdown. Vaughn extended the deadline to mid-October, and thanks to all his previous promotions around the community, bottles and cans continued to accumulate on his family’s front yard.

Vaughn said one of the highlights of this year’s fundraiser was getting to know more people, especially his neighbours.

Previously Vaughn had hoped to double his fundraising goal each year, but having smashed this year’s target, he’s got a new plan: “I don’t want to have a goal next year; I just want to see how much we raise.”

Vaughn’s 2021 fundraiser is another enormous effort from Vaughn, whose fundraising will go towards the continual efforts of taking care of Sydney’s lost, abandoned and neglected pets.

Published 29 October 2021

At first glance, Huckleberry looks a little rough and scary, but this distinguished gentleman is anything but! Huckleberry came to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home early September malnourished with patches of missing fur and scabs and lesions on his skin. After a vet check, we discovered his teeth were in bad shape, making it difficult for him to groom himself, and he was positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Huckleberry reminded the SDCH team of a recent resident Trifle, whose similarities were freakishly alike – strong but sweet personalities, similar boofy appearance and almost identical health concerns. Despite his health challenges, Trifle found a home within weeks of his availability, so we have high hopes for Huckleberry. He’s a very special boy!

Huckleberry recently had dental surgery including teeth removal, and he is now far more comfortable and even sticks out his tongue – making him look even more handsome. Now that his teeth are sorted, he’s enjoying getting back to grooming and making his fur nice and healthy.

When Huckleberry first came to the Home, he was quite shy and made sure you knew when he was displeased with a little hiss and a paw-raise. He has been given a special spot in reception so he can get used to people. Huckleberry is now dishing out some solid headbutts, has become smoochie and social and has recently discovered the joys of playtime! As soon as our staff open his pod, he’s straight away at the front to say hello and enjoy a brushing.

Huckleberry is currently recovering from his dental surgery with the help of his Hill’s Pet Nutrition adult wet food, which is soft on his gums and helps him gain much-needed weight. His scabs and lesions have been healing well and don’t seem to be an issue. He is looking for a new home he can rule, where he can lazily watch the days go by and enjoy his humans’ company.

If you think Huckleberry is the cat for you, send an enquiry via his adoption profile.

Published 29 October 2021

A year and a half after Helle and her family adopted Ayla the Pug-x from Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, they decided it was time to add another rescue dog to the family. Helle immediately decided to go to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home since she had such a good experience with Ayla.

Meanwhile, Pablo the French Bulldog had been surrendered to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home due to no fault of his own. It was a rare occurrence to find an almost 2-year-old French Bulldog available for adoption from a shelter. When Helle saw Pablo on the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home website, she applied immediately, thinking her chances were slim since Pablo had become a very popular little man. She thought he was the perfect fit for her family as he was a similar size to Ayla, and she knew French Bulldogs are known for their placid temperament, which would suit her two young daughters.

Helle was invited for a meet and greet with Pablo at the shelter. Pablo loved Helle and her family. After the meet, they were thrilled to be able to take Pablo home. But it wasn’t quite smooth sailing from there. For the first few days, Ayla didn’t welcome Pablo with open arms, as was hoped. Ayla came to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home as a street dog and had a habit of resource guarding. Dogs sometimes guard their resources in order to convince other dogs and humans to stay away from toys, food or a particular place they’ve deemed as their own. Even humans can be resource guarded. Ayla’s past meant she had to constantly resource guard when she lived on the streets, and though she was thought to have left this behaviour behind, Pablo seemed to be a trigger.

Helle made the important decision to reach back out to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and ask for assistance and a trainer was recommended. Helle really wanted Pablo to be part of the family, so they engaged a trainer, which helped the family recognise and respond to stressful scenarios for Alya. After five days, both dogs started getting along and playing together. The family even noted that Ayla was the one initiating play by bringing toys to Pablo. Helle told us, “Training has been a godsend. I wish everyone had to be forced through that type of thing; it’s been extremely helpful.”

Helle’s two young daughters have loved having Pablo in the family. He has taught them important lessons about responsibility and boundaries. Pablo gets along with kids extremely well. He is happy and friendly, plays with them constantly and even gets a sneaky bite of dog-safe food from them now and then. Pablo is very easy-going around Helle’s young girls, which she said is a teaching point for her daughters to learn that dogs aren’t toys and deserve respect and boundaries. But it appears Pablo enjoys playing so much he keeps coming back for more. “He’s a glutton for punishment and comes back and gets dressed up,” Helle said.

Helle said that adopting from the Home has allowed her family to give dogs in need a fresh start and a new home. She believes the choice to adopt instils in her daughter’s responsibility and compassion for animals in need. “The girls help me with making sure that they have water, and they help feed them in the morning,” she said. “And I think it’s one of those things that’s really, really good for kids to learn at a young age… It’s brought a lot more activity into our lives. If I wanted a third dog, I’d go back to Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in a heartbeat.”

Published 14 September 2021

Don’t be fooled by Trifle – he may look mean and scary, but he is the complete opposite! Trifle came into the Home after a life on the streets, a little worse for wear. He tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), a life-long virus that weakens the immune system; was unwell with cat flu; had a large scar on his left eye and had a number of dental concerns. Trifle was in need of a lot of love and affection, which the staff at Sydney Cats & Dogs Home were quick to deliver!

The Animal Care Team determined 6-year-old Trifle would need his canine teeth extracted so he could eat and groom comfortably. After successful treatment for his flu, Trifle went in for dental surgery. The procedure was a success and Trifle is now able to properly enjoy his one true love – food.  After examination of his eye, it appeared Trifle has some previous trauma which lucky hasn’t affected his vision; it just gives him loads of character!

When Trifle first came to the Home, he was fearful of people and other animals such as dogs. Any sudden movements would startle him and he would hide in the comfort of his cat pod. Trifle was placed in a large enclosure in reception where he could get used to people, and his progress was amazing! Over time, he began to approach our staff for pats and soon, he discovered he loves being brushed.  These days, Trifle will come running when he hears a can being opened and will give you one of his strong headbutts!

Because Trifle took his time warming up to new people, is FIV+ and has a cool battle scar on his eye, he looks a bit scary, so it was anticipated he may take some time to find the perfect home. But shortly after his dental surgery, Trifle has found his forever home!

It is because of the ongoing support of our community that cats like Trifle are able to receive the care and support they need and the opportunity to find their forever home. If you want to help cats like Trifle receive a second chance, donate today at https://sydneydogsandcatshome.org/donate/.

Updated 15 September 2021

King was one of the Home’s longest-standing feline residents, spending nine months in our care before finding his forever home in March this year.

For a very long time, King was a crabby kitty and didn’t want anything to do with humans. He’d come from a colony where he clearly had minimal human interaction. He spent a few months in the cattery at the Home getting used to the sights and sounds, hiding away in his boxes. Month by month he would gain a little confidence and eventually he started to explore the cattery. Four months on, he was accepting pats from his favourite people. Everyone else would receive his ‘boxer paws’. It wasn’t long before he learned to play. He particularly loved using his boxing skills on wand toys.

Almost nine months into his stay and King ruled the cattery. He knew what he liked, what he didn’t, and especially what he loved – food. We had never seen such an insatiable cat. Our Animal Care Team had to ‘King proof’ the food containers and put him on a special diet. King wasn’t receiving much interest when visitors met him in the cattery. He tended to be aloof with new people and has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). While cats with FIV often live long and healthy lives, they sometimes have difficulty finding a family willing to monitor potential symptoms associated with their weakened immunity.

To give King a taste of home life, the Animal Care Team decided to send King into a foster home. He went home with one of our office staff Laura, who noticed swift changes in his behaviour: “For the first few days he wouldn’t come out from under the furniture and I was worried he’d regressed. My partner and I used food to coax him out for short periods, which worked a treat. Within two weeks he transformed from a shy, angry kitty who ‘King hit’ us when we tried to touch him to an affectionate, confident companion who actually enjoyed our company.”

Shortly after King went into foster care, the Home received an unexpected application from Yvetta, who was interested in adopting King. We organised for Yvetta to meet King via Facetime and she decided instantly he was the right fit for her home. “He sounded like a bit of a challenge. He also looked cute yet serious,” Yvetta said. 

“For the first few weeks, King was very timid. Even after he got more used to the place he seemed to be quite scared of us. But now he’s much more comfortable, friendly and playful, and a lot more receptive to pats. King likes my housemate more than me. I put this down to my roommate being soft and feeding him more… Other than eating, King really enjoys playing with us. Although he mostly ignores the toys we’ve got him and prefers just a piece of string. He also loves to lie in the morning sun that shines through our lounge room window. “

King is one of the many furry reasons why the Home supports the Getting to Zero movement and never places a time limit on any animal awaiting adoption – so we can achieve amazing outcomes for pets like King! 

Published 22 July 2021

Georgia the Bulldog is a sweet little peach who came to the Home a little worse for wear. She arrived in June with blood on the tip of her nose, scabs all over her head, runny eyes and suspicious masses on her ears. It was clear Georgia needed immediate vet care from our Animal Care Team.

Our vets gave Georgia a thorough health check, but she didn’t make it easy! Georgia is one of those dogs who loves everything and everyone and was very friendly and cheeky, trying to play with the vets as they examined her.  Our vets discovered there was a lot more to Georgia’s health concerns that met the eye. Georgia had had discharge and inflammation in her ears and her remaining teeth required a thorough clean. She also had overgrown nails and seemed to have difficulty walking, lying down and getting up. Our vet team booked Georgia in for a much-needed dental scale and polish, radiograph for her hips, biopsies of her skin masses, ear flush and full spa treatment with a manicure and pedicure (nail trimming).

Last week, Georgia had her big surgeries and tests, which resolved her ear inflammation and dental concerns. Her nails are now picture-perfect, making it much easier to get around. Unfortunately, Georgia’s tests revealed she has a few more health hurdles including hip dysplasia, a common abnormal development or growth of the hip joints, especially among larger dogs like Georgia. She also has a degenerative condition of the spine that usually occurs in older dogs and ear masses are a symptom of a rare chronic inflammatory skin condition. While these conditions can’t be cured, Georgia is now on a series of treatments that will keep her comfy and content in her adopted home.

It was no surprise that Georgia would be adopted quickly as she is the perfect angel towards humans and other animals, loves to play with toys and also loves sleeping. Going on walks, not so much! Georgia was adopted shortly before her major surgeries and had a loving home where she could rest and recover. Our Animal Care Team have been working with Georgia’s new owner to ensure she is recovering well from her surgeries and receiving proper treatment so she can continue to live her best couch potato life!

The support we receive from our community is vital to all animals that come to the Home. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to help darling dogs like Georgia become health and happy companions. As we’re a charity, we rely on donations to provide tests and treatments like radiographs, biopsies and ear flushes. Please consider making a donation today by visiting: https://sydneydogsandcatshome.org/donate/

Published 21 July 2021

Senior sweetheart Poppy (previously Geranium) is a Maltese x Shih Tzu who came to the Home in April with concerning lumps and bumps under the skin of her abdomen, severe dental disease, sensitive ears and a nasty eye ulcer. Despite her obvious discomfort, Poppy was the most lively 12-year-old around, looking for as many pats as she could get her paws in, as long as we didn’t touch her sore eye. Poppy was immediately put on medication for her ulcer and booked into surgery to investigate her mammary masses and resolve her dental disease. Her teeth were in such bad shape that one of her molars fell out during her stay at the Home. Poppy received a nice payday from the tooth fairy for that one – lots of soft tasty treats.

Poppy spent a few weeks in a comfy foster home while her eye ulcer resolved. Within two weeks, it had cleared and the swelling had resolved. Her eyes were crystal clear. When Poppy’s surgery day came around, there was a big sense of relief across the Home. All her masses turned out to be harmless and were removed with ease. She had dental surgery to clean up her remaining teeth, and now she has the most adorable tongue-y smile.

As a senior dog, Poppy was at the Home for a while before she was adopted, strutting around town in her signature bumblebee harness. Even for cuties like her who are spirited and lively, senior dogs often find themselves in shelters for extended periods as they often require extra veterinary care and face challenges finding a suitable home willing to provide love, care and ongoing monitoring and treatment. That’s why we run the Senior Pet Project appeal to raise much-needed awareness and funds for the senior pets that come through our doors.*

Lucky for Poppy, a lovely couple who last year had lost their previous dog, adopted Poppy pre-surgery, without knowing the nature of her mammary lumps. They took a chance on Poppy, committing to caring for her no matter the outcome. Poppy now has a comfy spot on the couch at her new home where she will enjoy the rest of her days, with a family who bonded with her instantly. Her new mum told us, “it’s as if she has lived with us all her life.”

*If you’d like to provide pets like Poppy with essential vet care in their senior years, donate to the Senior Pet Project today.

Published 21 July 2021