Today, we’re thrilled to share an extraordinary milestone for Sydney’s lost and abandoned pets.

Philanthropist Basil Sellers AM has made a transformational donation of $1 million towards the construction of our new Sydney Dogs & Cats Home shelter in Kurnell! This incredible generosity brings our Make Home Happen appeal total to over $15.3 million, a major step forward towards our $21.6 million goal.

“My wife Clare and I are delighted to be a part of this wonderful project with Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. To know we are helping to care and house abandoned and lost animals gives us immense pleasure and pride. We have been wanting to be involved in an animal charity for a long time and this fits so well. This is incredibly important to the community, and I know the required monies will be raised with a little help from everyone.” – Basil Sellers AM

This moment is a testament to the growing support from compassionate individuals, businesses, and our community. With the backing of Basil Sellers, the NSW Government, and countless animal lovers, we’re getting closer to opening the doors of our new Home—one that will provide a safe haven for Sydney’s most vulnerable pets.

When our new shelter is complete, we will double the number of lost and abandoned animals we care for each year. That means more pets rescued from abandonment and homelessness, more families reunited with their lost companions, and more second chances for animals to find loving forever homes.

While this generous donation moves us forward in a big way, we still need to raise the final funds to finish the build. Every donation—big or small—will bring us closer to making this dream a reality.

Will you help us cross the finish line? Donate today.

The more people who rally behind this cause, we can reduce the risk of further delays and ensure that when construction is complete, we’re ready to open our doors to pets in need.

Thank you for being part of this historic journey. Together, we can Make Home Happen.

Published 18 February 2025

You may be feeling happy, sad, or maybe even a little relieved that the kids are heading back to school – but there’s another family member who’s feeling a lot about it too: your pet.

For weeks, your furry companion has had their favourite little humans around—playing, cuddling, and keeping them entertained. Now, the sudden quiet can leave them feeling confused, lonely, or even anxious. Here are some simple ways to help your pet adjust to the change:

1. Watch for Signs of Stress

Now that school has started, you may notice changes in your pet’s behaviour, such as excessive barking, pacing, destructive chewing, or loss of appetite. These could be signs of separation anxiety. If your pet is struggling, try increasing enrichment activities and ensuring they get plenty of attention when the family is home. If these behaviours worsen, consult your vet for advice on managing anxiety and ensuring your pet’s well-being.

2. Keep Their Routine Consistent

Pets thrive on routine. Sticking to regular meal times, walks, and play sessions can provide comfort and stability when everything else changes.

3. Make Alone Time Enriching

Bored pets can become destructive or stressed, so keep them occupied with:
🐾 Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys
🐾 A comfy spot by a window for people-watching
🐾 Background noise, like calming music or a pet-friendly TV channel

4. Give Them Extra Attention When You’re Home

Set aside dedicated one-on-one time in the mornings and evenings. A good walk before school can help burn off excess energy, making alone time easier to handle.

5. Consider a Playmate or a Helping Hand

If your pet struggles with separation, a doggy daycare, pet sitter, or even a mid-day check-in from a neighbour could help ease their stress.

The back-to-school transition affects the whole family—including your pets. With a little preparation, you can help them feel secure, happy, and loved, even when their best little buddies are away for the day.

Evicted from our old home due to site redevelopment and now working from temporary facilities, we need a new home. By building a state-of-the-art shelter in Kurnell, we can help over 3,000 animals each year – more than double our current intake. We can be there for even more dogs and cats, kittens and puppies, who are waiting to join their forever homes! 

We have the land and cornerstone funding from NSW Government to start the build. Now we urgently need $8 million to complete the build to keep tails wagging, kittens purring and reunions happening.  

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home (SDCH) is calling on our wonderful community to help raise $8 million to build a new, state-of-the-art shelter in Kurnell. Just launched, this is our most significant appeal in nearly 80 years, and it’s crucial for us to continue our vital work of caring for thousands of lost, abandoned, and neglected animals. 

Two years ago, we were evicted from our long-term home in Carlton due to site redevelopment, and we’ve been operating from two temporary facilities ever since. These facilities are struggling to cope with the increasing number of abandoned pets, a situation worsened by post-COVID-19 circumstances and the cost-of-living crisis. 

“At Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, we’re the home of hope for animals in need,” says Melissa Penn, SDCH Managing Director. “We provide extensive medical care, love, shelter, and a chance for a better life to animals who come to us often in dire conditions. We’re an essential service to over 1.1 million Sydneysiders. But now we need the community’s support to help us build our new home.” 

Melissa adds, “We’re so close to making our new shelter a reality. We have the site and some existing funding from the government that has made this whole project viable. But unfortunately, spiralling construction costs mean we’re calling on the generosity of Sydneysiders to help us close the gap.” 

So far, we’ve secured $1.6 million from our amazing supporters for initial site preparation, architects, planning, and approvals, along with $12 million in cornerstone funding from the NSW Government. However, we still need an additional $8 million to complete the $21.6 million project. 

SDCH provides shelter, food, veterinary care, and love to thousands of animals each year. While animals are housed for up to 14 days for their owners to reclaim them, over 70% are never reclaimed, so we care for them for as long as it takes for them to be adopted. 

To donate to the Make Home Happen appeal, go here. Your donations will directly contribute to building a new shelter that will: 

• Support over 3,000 incoming animals every year (more than double the current intake) 

• Increase adoptions to over 2,000 annually 

• Ensure over 1,000 lost pets are reunited with their families annually 

• Increase foster care placements to over 800 pets awaiting adoption 

• Expand current services to more Sydney Councils 

• Improve Sydney’s animal welfare and management 

• Extend community outreach programs to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Sydneysiders in aged care and domestic violence situations, provide mental health support to various groups, and support people in criminal justice programs 

• Offer TAFE and University students studying veterinary sciences research, training, and practical education opportunities 

For more information and to support Sydney Dogs & Cats Home to build our new home, read more here and help us build a better future for Sydney’s animals. Together, we can make a big difference! 

 

How to Conduct a Brand Health Check for Your Business

Your brand is more than just a logo or a product—it’s the essence of your business and the perception that consumers have of it. Just like regular check-ups are essential for maintaining good physical health, conducting a brand health check is crucial for ensuring the long-term success and vitality of your business.

Whether, like some of partners, you are all across this or even if this is all new to you, it’s a good reminder to set aside essential time to health check your brand.

Here are some of the key steps involved in evaluating your brand’s health and diagnosing areas for improvement.

1. Define Your Brand Objectives and Metrics: Start by clearly defining what success looks like for your brand. Establish specific objectives, such as increasing brand awareness, improving customer loyalty, or expanding into new markets. Identify measurable metrics that align with these objectives, such as brand sentiment, customer satisfaction scores, or market share.

2. Assess Brand Perception: Gather feedback from key stakeholders, including customers, employees, and industry experts, to understand how your brand is perceived. Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gauge brand awareness, perception, and associations. Analyse online reviews, social media mentions, and customer feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses in brand perception.

3. Evaluate Brand Identity and Visual Assets: Review your brand’s visual elements, including logos, color palettes, typography, and imagery, to ensure consistency and alignment with your brand values and positioning. Assess how well these elements reflect your brand personality and resonate with your target audience. Consider conducting a brand audit to identify inconsistencies or areas for improvement.

4. Examine Brand Messaging and Communication: Evaluate the clarity, consistency, and relevance of your brand messaging across all touchpoints, including marketing materials, website content, social media posts, and customer communications. Assess whether your messaging effectively communicates your brand values, benefits, and unique selling proposition. Repetition and simplicity in your messaging is key to your target audience hearing you. Identify any messaging gaps or opportunities for refinement.

5. Analyse Brand Engagement and Customer Experience: Assess the quality of the customer experience at every touchpoint, from initial brand interaction to post-purchase support. Measure customer satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy through metrics such as Net Promoter Score (NPS) and customer retention rates. Identify pain points in the customer journey and opportunities to enhance brand engagement and loyalty.

6. Aligning with Partners of Shared Values: Evaluate partnerships and collaborations with organisations that share your brand values and contribute positively to your brand image. For example, aligning with a charity like Sydney Dogs & Cats Home not only demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility and will attract and retain engaged staff, but also enhances brand perception among consumers who value animal welfare. Assess the effectiveness of these partnerships in reinforcing your brand values and reaching your target audience.

7. Benchmark Against Competitors: Compare your brand performance against competitors within your industry to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Analyse competitor positioning, messaging, visual identity, and customer perceptions to identify areas where your brand can differentiate and improve.

8. Develop an Action Plan: Based on your brand health assessment, prioritise areas for improvement and develop a comprehensive action plan. Set specific goals, strategies, and tactics for addressing identified weaknesses and capitalising on strengths. Assign responsibilities, allocate resources, and establish timelines for implementation.

I know this is topline and it’s simply meant to be food for thought. Think of it as a reminder to not let your brand health needs become overwhelming. Simply make a start in looking at some of the above. Conducting a brand health check is essential for ensuring that your brand remains relevant, competitive, and resilient in today’s marketplace.

By regularly evaluating key aspects of your brand, identifying areas for improvement, and taking proactive steps to enhance brand health, you can strengthen customer relationships, drive business growth, and position your brand for long-term success. Remember, a healthy brand is a valuable asset that requires ongoing care and attention.

Hope this helps! If you have ideas or steps you’ve taken that have helped your brand, then please share and we can include them in the next newsletter. Email me on karen.kalpage@sdch.org.au

Thank you,

Karen

Karen Kalpage

Head of Fundraising and Marketing

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home

Sydney Dogs & Cats Home partner Benny Button kicks off our Partner Perspective Series with an article on mindfulness to help your staff start their year right:

Being Mindful when ‘Busyness’ is back!

Most of us are coming out of what has hopefully been a restful and replenishing holiday season. But now it’s back to work and the resumption of the ‘norm’ where our modern lives and workplaces are busier than ever.

Before we know it demanding workloads and numerous responsibilities will be filling our calendars and to-do lists to the brink of bursting. The constant flow of information, email, and media competing for our attention at all hours of the day resumes. It’s not hard to see that we can become so busy being busy that we lose sight of what is most important to us, or even lose our sense of self and connection with others.

Our brains do their best to cope with these demands by setting habits of thinking, feeling, deciding and behaving that aim to help us handle our workloads and the high expectations we place on ourselves. It’s like having ‘default settings’ in our brains that guide us to navigate our daily experiences as if we are on autopilot mode.

We can all benefit from making time to slow down and tune into what’s important. We can reawaken our awareness and focus our attention on what matters – taking action mindfully. What’s more, we can practise doing this – even train this capability – because ‘busyness’ has become the default setting and our brains are switching into autopilot mode in an attempt to cope with the demand. This process is mindfulness, and it is something research shows us is incredibly valuable.

While the above context is serious stuff, we can have some fun learning ways to practice mindful awareness and building our attention skills. We can enjoy the process of firing, wiring, and rewiring our brain’s default settings and switching off our autopilot – all while experiencing novel and interesting experiences.

Here are five practical ways to practice mindfulness, each with clear action steps:

1. Mindful Breathing Breaks:

Action: Schedule short breaks (1 to 5 minutes) throughout your workday. During these breaks, focus solely on your breathing. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take deep, slow breaths. Concentrate on the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils, and the rise and fall of your chest. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath. If you would like an example of a practice watch this instructional video from Dr. Adrian Medhurst. Take a mindful breather

2. Mindful Eating:

Action: Choose one meal or snack each day to eat mindfully. Turn off all distractions like TV or smartphones. Pay attention to the colors, textures, smells, and flavors of your food. Chew slowly, savoring each bite and noticing the sensations and tastes. If you’re up for it take some time to reflect on the journey of the food – from where it was grown to how it was prepared.

3. Mindful Walking:

Action: Dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to go for a mindful walk. This can be done during a break at work or in your neighborhood. Walk slowly and deliberately, noticing each step and the sensations in your feet and legs. Observe your surroundings – the sights, sounds, and smells. Use this time to connect with the environment, allowing your mind to focus on the present moment. Did you know ‘Awe Walking is a thing? Curious? Take a look at this article.

4. Gratitude Journaling:

Action: Each evening, spend a few minutes writing down three things you are grateful for that day. These can be simple things like a sunny day, a productive meeting, or a kind gesture from a colleague. This practice helps to shift focus from the day’s stresses and cultivate a mindset of appreciation and positivity.

5. Mindful Listening:

Action: During conversations, practice fully focusing on the person talking. Put away any distractions, maintain eye contact, and listen without planning your response. Notice the person’s expressions and tone. Be present in the conversation, acknowledging the other person’s feelings and perspectives. This not only enhances your mindfulness but also strengthens your relationships.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help in managing stress, enhancing focus, and maintaining a connection with the present moment as ‘busyness’ kicks back into gear.

Troy Mansell

Co-Founder & Director

Benny Button

www.bennybutton.com

Want to learn more? Talk to Troy at hello@bennybutton.com 

**Benny Button partners with Sydney Dogs & Cats Home to assist staff with wellbeing as well as donating to help lost and unwanted pets.

Senior pets, especially senior rescue pets, can be some of the most loving and loyal companions you’ll ever have. While they may have a few more grey hairs and a bit of wear and tear, these golden oldies can bring immense joy into your life. Caring for senior pets requires some special attention and understanding to ensure their golden years are comfortable and happy. Here are our top tips for taking care of senior rescue pets.

1. Vet Visits Are Essential
   Regular veterinary check-ups become even more critical as pets age. Make sure your senior rescue pet has a comprehensive examination at least once a year. These check-ups can help detect and address age-related health issues such as arthritis, dental problems, and organ function decline. If you’re in the Sydney area, you might be pleased to know that the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home now offers vet services to the public, providing expert care for your senior pet. Discuss with one of our friendly vets or with your vet about any specific concerns related to your senior pet’s breed or history. It’s a wonderful way to ensure your beloved companion’s golden years are filled with health and happiness.

2. Proper Nutrition
   Senior pets often require specialised diets to support their changing nutritional needs. Your vet can recommend senior pet food with lower calories to prevent obesity and supplements that might aid in joint health. Feeding them a balanced and age-appropriate diet can help manage common senior issues such as weight gain and dental problems.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
   Senior pets are more prone to obesity, which can exacerbate age-related health problems. Be mindful of portion control and monitor your pet’s weight regularly. Exercise them appropriately to keep their muscles and joints in good shape. Consult your vet for advice on the best exercise regimen for your senior rescue pet.

4. Provide Comfort and Mobility
   Older pets can struggle with arthritis and joint pain. Make their lives more comfortable by providing soft bedding and keeping their living environment warm. You might also consider installing ramps or steps to help them reach their favourite spots without straining their joints.

5. Dental Care
   Dental health is a common issue in senior pets. Periodontal disease can lead to pain and even systemic health problems. Brushing your pet’s teeth and providing dental chews can help maintain their oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial to address any dental issues promptly.

6. Mental Stimulation
   Senior pets, just like their human counterparts, can benefit from mental stimulation. Engage them with interactive toys, puzzles, and gentle play. This not only keeps their minds active but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

7. Grooming and Hygiene
   Maintain a regular grooming routine to keep your senior pet’s coat clean and tangle-free. Older animals may struggle to groom themselves effectively, and mats or tangles can be uncomfortable. Additionally, check for lumps, bumps, or unusual skin conditions during grooming sessions to detect potential health issues.

8. Medication and Supplements
   Some senior pets may require medication or supplements to manage chronic health conditions. Administer these as directed by your veterinarian and keep a close eye on any side effects or changes in their condition.
    
9. Patience and Understanding
   Senior rescue pets may have experienced trauma or neglect in their past. Be patient and understanding of their behaviour. They may require time to adapt to their new home and build trust. Show them love, kindness, and consistency in your interactions.

10. Addressing Increased Anxiety
    As pets age, they may experience increased anxiety, which can be attributed to various factors such as changes in their routine, cognitive decline, or past traumas. It’s essential to recognise that anxiety is normal for some senior pets and to address it proactively. If you notice signs of anxiety, like restlessness, excessive panting, or withdrawal, consult your veterinarian. They can recommend strategies to help alleviate your pet’s stress, which may include behavioural training, environmental modifications, or, in some cases, medication. Remember, understanding and addressing your senior rescue pet’s anxiety can significantly improve their overall well-being and quality of life. 

11. Regular Love and Attention
    Last but certainly not least, shower your senior rescue pet with love and attention. Spend quality time together, offer affection, and cherish the moments you have with your furry friend. Senior pets have a lot of love left to give, and the bond you build with them in their golden years can be incredibly rewarding.  

Caring for senior rescue pets is a rewarding and compassionate choice. These older animals often have so much love to give, and by following these top tips, you can ensure they enjoy their senior years to the fullest. Remember, adopting a senior pet not only changes their life but can also enrich yours in ways you never imagined.

Love senior pets but don’t have one yourself? You can support the senior pets who come into the care of Sydney Dogs & Cats Home by donating to the Senior Pet Project. Click here to make a donation today.

Meet our incredible feline friend, Jigglypuff, whose journey has been nothing short of extraordinary! This adorable kitty, not from the Pokémon world, has faced hardships but has emerged as a shining example of resilience.

Upon arriving at Sydney Dogs & Cats Home, we discovered that Jigglypuff had a previously broken leg that had healed improperly, causing discomfort. Our amazing vet team made the tough decision to amputate his leg and the tip of his tail, suggesting he might have had a fierce Pokémon battle before finding his way to us!

During his recovery, Jigglypuff found comfort in a foster home, embracing life as a tripod kitty with determination and courage. This little fighter made an incredible recovery and now showcases his vibrant personality for all to see.

Don’t let his missing leg fool you—Jigglypuff is an unstoppable force of joy! He loves chasing toys and playing with fellow feline friends. We are pleased to share that Jigglypuff found his forever home last month, and he is being showered with patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Jigglypuff’s new family appreciates his unique spirit and provides him with a safe indoor haven, so no more Pokémon battles ensue!

Jigglypuff’s transformation wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our incredible community. Your generosity enables us to provide vital treatment and care to precious creatures like Jigglypuff. Together, we can make a difference!

Published: 4 August 2023