For all lives great and small

KAREN is an inspiration.
A South Gippsland local, she gives puppy farm dogs a new lease on life, a blank slate to start fresh and find a loving caring home.

“We rescue ex-breeding dogs,” Karen explained.

“We might take in dogs from the public, not often, but never from the pounds because dogs come in with multiple problems and we can’t have anything like kennel cough go through.”

The horrendous stories of some farms are known and documented and to highlight and discuss these, whilst by comparison make Karen’s work saintly, it wouldn’t do her hard work justice. 

Caring for all the animals, dogs predominately, alongside goats, a sheep, pig and horses keeps Karen busy.

She is eternally grateful to a team of volunteers who help in any way they can – from running animals to and from the vets, to teaching and walking dogs on a lead to day-to-day happenings, even helping when a pipe burst and flooded her home.

And whilst Karen works to rehome all the dogs, sometimes the little munchkins have alternative ideas – whether due to age or illness some will never leave.

Nemo, a cavalier pug cross has recently been diagnosed with syringomyelia and will live out his life with Karen.

Disabled Daisy requires assistance to go to the toilet, with her bladder expressed manually due to a spinal arachnoid (it was treated years before but has grown back with a vengeance).

Molly, an Aussie bulldog has just come into care and Karen fondly remembers her mum Ace finding a home a year prior.

And, Jezabelle, well she is the boss of Karen.

There are also situations where Karen is sadly contacted by members of families or individuals who are unable to look after their dying relatives’ pets, as was the case with Coco.

“I stopped doing adoptions for 12 months (during the pandemic) – I do it for the animal, not the people and no one knew where they were with employment, even if they worked from home, they couldn’t guarantee they would not be laid off unfortunately.

“We need to know what people’s lives are like before we can match a dog to a home.”

Finding the right home for the dog is Karen’s sole focus in rehoming – it isn’t whether you have the fanciest home or biggest backyard but rather how the animal will become an important part of your family.

Lucy recently found her loving home after the successful applicant wrote that she would sing to her.

“Lap dogs seem to be in, everyone wants them. 

“The large breed dogs are really finding it hard right now.

“We’re all getting inundated with dogs.

“I’m at capacity, I can’t take any more dogs on, however, if I had more help I could.”

Volunteering is one of the many ways individuals can help rescuers like Karen and whilst financial donations are always appreciated, sometimes having someone you can call in an emergency to run to the vet or pick up supplies in town is enough.

Whilst Oscar’s Law fights from the top, Karen will continue to receive ‘unwanted’, old breeders and work whether months or years in extensive rehabilitation – every life deserves a second chance.

For more information on adopting a pet visit PetRescue.com.au or to donate or volunteer at Saffron Pug Rescue check out Facebook.