Dogs’ Refuge Home at capacity: Give a dog a home for Xmas

With the festive season in full swing, staff at the Dogs’ Refuge Home in Shenton Park hope West Australians will embrace the gift of giving and give a dog in need their forever home this Christmas.

The inner-city refuge is “bursting at the seams”, general manager Robyn Slater said.

While they have kennel space for about 100 dogs, the refuge currently manages about 200 dogs — at least 60 of them puppies — in a carefully curated roster of foster carers.

“It’s been a bit relentless . . . the past 12 months in particular have been unsustainably high-demand on intake,” she said.

The surrender waitlist has ballooned to five months, with priority given to dogs at pounds around the State needing to be saved from euthanasia.

The steady influx can be attributed to a surge in unsterilised dogs, with cost and access the main drivers, leading to out-of-control backyard breeding.

About three-quarters of dogs coming into the refuge have not been desexed compared to about half just three years ago, Ms Slater said.

“The volume of puppies that we’re seeing coming into our care has gone from 200 three years ago . . . now it’s over 600 for the past financial year, and growing,” she said.

It means many well-mannered, easy-going dogs are becoming long-term fixtures at the refuge.

“We’ve got dogs with all different types of needs here for long-term reasons, but we’ve also got dogs that are just beautiful, easy, could fit into so many different households turning into long-termers because the demand is low for adopting,” she said.

One of those is Serena, a young Shar Pei mix sitting quietly in the corner of Ms Slater’s office, surrounded by the fluff of a new toy she enjoyed a little too much.

“She arrived to us in a total condition of neglect. She had no fur on her whole body,” Ms Slater said, giving the pup a little head scratch.

“She’s now been with us over four months, and this is a dog who is young, super friendly with people, amazing with other dogs.”

Serena often helps out around the office, playing with puppies, senior dogs and meeting new dogs for intake.

“It’s crazy to think a dog that a few years ago wouldn’t have lasted more than a couple of days (before being adopted), they’re now turning into long-termers,” Ms Slater said.

A walk through the maze of kennels, yards and offices at the refuge shows she’s not kidding.

Plenty of polite pups wander to the fence for a sniff and a pat, like three-year-old Lennon.

He’s a Catahoula who, despite being left in a boarding kennel for almost a year, enjoys leaning on whoever is nearest for as much affection as possible. He was adopted on Friday.

There are also a few senior gentlemen looking for their forever homes.

Six-year-old Rex is the big friendly giant of the refuge. He often bunks in with some of the more timid puppies, helping them come out of their shells at the refuge as they navigate a new, unfamiliar world.

And Wace, an eight-year-old mixed breed, is just looking for someone to pay the chin scratch tax before he retires to bed for a nap.

Ms Slater said any of these dogs would thrive in the homes of willing pet-owners — they just needed time and space to adjust.

“Even the most beautiful, confident, well-adjusted dogs that we get through our care . . . have been through a period of really radical change,” she said.

“They’ve left their families, a lot of them have been through a noisy pound system . . . they’ve moved around, they’ve met a lot of strangers — even they need some time to decompress.”

Either way, Ms Slater is sure of one thing: “There really is a dog for every household in rescue.”

Thinking of adopting? Top tips from the Dogs’ Refuge Home

“Let them get to know the home environment, let them form that bond with you so that they have trust in you.”

Make sure your home is ready. “Make sure they’re going to have inside and outside access, especially through these hot summer months, and make sure you’ve got adequate fencing and things like that.”

Be prepared for a lifetime of love. “You’ve got to be prepared financially and emotionally for the long-term . . . It’s going to cost you money, it’s going to cost you stress at times.

“But everything you get back from owning a dog . . . the love you get back in return, there’s nothing like it.”

Dogs ready for adoption

Aragog, 5, boxer

Five months in refuge

Handsome boy who’s a bit aloof at first but will warm to you quickly — especially if treats are involved. Knows how to strike a pose, props included.

Serena, 18 months, Shar Pei mix

Four months in refuge

The sweetest pup who arrived in an awful state of neglect with no fur on her whole body. Loves everyone regardless and just wants someone to help her adjust to the big city life. Big bandana fan.

Prickles, 2, mixed breed

Three months in refuge

Sensitive gal with a unique look who would like a doggy brother to help her settle into any new home. Prefers a calm space to decompress after a day of fun and adventure.

Rex, 6, bull Arab

Two months in refuge

Gentle giant who really, really, really loves saying hi to other dogs. An outdoors man looking for an active family.

Jerry, 2, boxer mix

One month in refuge

A goofy, active boy looking for an equally goofy, active family. His heterochromia (different coloured eyes) distracts you from the fact he needs to work on his manners.

Wace, 8, mixed breed

One month in refuge

A senior gentleman looking for chin scratches and daily strolls as he eases into retirement. Huge lover of naps.

Amy, 8 months, bull-mastiff

Two weeks in refuge

This gentle-natured pup is still growing into her paws and has a lot to learn about the big wide world. A little timid at first, Amy loves zoomies once she feels comfortable.

For more information, to volunteer or donate items, visit Dogs’ Refuge Home.