Petstock Foundation inviting Territorians to adopt a rescue animal for National Pet Adoption Month on March 22, 23
Territorians have the opportunity to bring a new member into the family this weekend as part of the Petstock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month. Find out how you can adopt a pet.
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Just three months after moving out of her parent’s house, Dana Melody found herself standing in an RSPCA adoption shelter, ready to take home her new best friend.
She had spent her whole life surrounded by dogs and knew it was time to raise her own.
One dog in particular, a then two-year-old black greyhound, named Dobbie, kept catching her eye.
“There was something about her that drew me in,” Ms Melody recalled.
When she learnt Dobbie’s backstory and how she got to the shelter, Ms Melody’s decision was easy.
“She was surrendered by a man involved in racing,” she said.
“He walked into the RSPCA, threw the lead at them, and said, ‘Your problem’.
“It was a constant cycle of breeding; if they weren’t good enough, they were put down.”
Dobbie’s backstory, sadly, is shared by many animals around the country.
About 100,000 healthy pets are killed in Australia each year, most without having the chance to find a home.
Currently, more than 10,000 animals, from cats and dogs to guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and even larger pets like horses, are in search of homes.
At least 366 animals are available for adoption in the Top End, which includes pets available here and for interstate importation.
This month marks the Petstock Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month, and the foundation is urging Territorians to consider adopting.
On March 22 and March 23, Petstock Darwin will have rescue pets available for adoption or fostering in store.
“We need as many people adopting as possible,” Ms Melody, the second-in-command at Petstock Darwin, said.
“Shelters are full; these animals need homes. If you have love to give, they’ll happily take it.
“There are plenty of young animals ready to start a life with a family.”
Adopting a pet was also easy and rewarding, Ms Melody said.
“Depending on where you go, you can visit local shelters or look online,” she said.
“Between 95 to 97 per cent of people agree they enrich your lives and help with mental health.
“Rescue animals have so much love to give. It’s like they know you’ve saved them.
“It’s a joy to come home to that every day.”
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Originally published as Petstock Foundation inviting Territorians to adopt a rescue animal for National Pet Adoption Month on March 22, 23
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