organisation’s rescued dogs, Sweetpea Sunday.
ROAR (Rural Outback Animal Respite/Rescue) is about to celebrate its first birthday.
Since the volunteer run rescue service began 12 months ago, 95 dogs have been saved and Cobar Shire Council’s rate of euthanasing dogs has dropped to just five per cent of surrendered dogs. (Only six aggressive dogs who had bitten someone were put down.)
Leah Josephson, one of the founders of ROAR, said the community response that ROAR has received over the past year from individuals, businesses and organisations like the local RSPCA has been “amazing”.
“We never have to buy dog food, we have so many donations of both dry and wet food,” Leah said.
With the donations they received ROAR has been able to buy beds and worming, flea and tick treatments.
“We’ve had oodles of food, leads, collars, toys, blankets and coats donated,” she said.
ROAR rescues dogs from the pound that have been there for seven days and are due for euthanasia.
“These dogs are usually not microchipped and their owner has not come forward to claim them,” Leah said.
Council ranger Graham Harbison microchips them prior to their departure and the dogs’ paperwork is handed over to ROAR.
“Depending upon the condition of the dog, we make a decision as to how long we keep it.
“Some dogs are so skinny or timid that we like to spend time with them first to boost their confidence and get them healthy,” Leah said.
She said when they feel a dog is ready, they start the process of finding them a forever home.
Their details get logged onto a website for country pound dogs where anyone can pledge money to help with the costs of transporting the dogs to a rescue centre.
The rescue centre will then start their procedure for re-homing the dog which includes temperament checks, vet checks, de-sexing, vaccinations and full checks of all possible adoptees.
Currently ROAR is fundraising for ‘Sweetpea Sunday’, a dog in their care.
Leah said Sweetpea Sunday had a very rough time and needs cruciate ligament surgery.
“It is very expensive, but the alternative is euthanasia, which is just not an option,” Leah said.
“We have started a Go Fund Me page to get the funds for the surgery.”
They also plan to run a colouring-in contest and all the money raised will go towards Sweetpea’s surgery.
Leah said anyone who would like more information about ROAR can ‘like’ their Facebook page.
