Paws and Claws dedicates puppy nursery to Toyah Cordingley

“Animals were a big part of her life”. A Port Douglas animal shelter will dedicate its puppy nursery to former volunteer and murder victim.

Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, Paws and Claws President Michael Kerr, Kerri Bos and Toyah's family friend Prong Trimble with Miracle the dog. At the new Paws and Claws site in Craiglie, Port Douglas where a mural of Toyah will be painted. PIC: GIZELLE GHIDELLA

A mural in honour of Toyah Cordingley will be painted by a local artist at the new Paws and Claws animal shelter and boarding facility in Craiglie.

Family friend, Prong Trimble was at the site today on behalf of the Cordingley family.

“They are very appreciative of what is happening here,” he said.

“It’s going to be a great place for all the animals and that’s what Toyah really loved.

“Animals were a big part of her life, she loved looking after dogs and coming to shelters like this to volunteer.”

FOR TOYAH: Kerri Bos and Prong Trimble at Paws and Claws in Craiglie where a mural in memory of Toyah will be painted. PIC: GIZELLE GHIDELLA

Paws and Claws president Michael Kerr said he wanted to ensure Toyah’s legacy continues on.

“Toyah was an integral part of the old facility, she had to be recognised,” he said.

The facility will have a dedicated area called the ‘Toyah Puppy Room’, with a mural of Toyah in a field of sunflowers overlooking the area.

“She can overlook the puppies and we will have a nice monument and plaque in the front garden so she can be remembered,” he said.

Prong said the family is over the moon Toyah’s memory will be kept alive with Toyah’s Puppy Nursery.

A giant mural of Toyah Cordingley will be a centrepiece of a new Paws and Claws puppy shelter at Port Douglas to be built with a $500,000 grant from the Morrison Government. PICTURE: SUPPLIED

Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch announced the federal government would invest a total of $500,000 towards the construction of the facility.

“There have been too many stops, it’s time to just get in and get the job finished,” he said.

“We want to finish this comprehensively to do it properly, which is what this building deserves and what the community deserves giving their passion for this.”

The Paws and Claws Committee, with Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch, Keri Bos and Prong Trimble. PIC: GIZELLE GHIDELLA

Prong plans to organise another Ride for Toyah in June from Ellis Beach to Cowbay.

Mr Trimble and Toyah’s family have been overwhelmed with the continuous support from the community.

Originally published as Paws and Claws dedicates puppy nursery to Toyah Cordingley