Cats and rabbits out, as dogs who’ve waited too long for new homes move in
Dogs that have waited too long to find new homes, including some that have been in RSPCA South Australia’s care for nearly a year, will move into the organisation’s West Lakes Adoption Hub for an adoption pop-up event being held this weekend. It will be the first time that dogs have been available to adopt from the Hub since it opened in April.
Among them will be puppy Kim, found starving inside a house at Port Pirie four months ago after being allegedly abandoned. In response to a report of the urgent situation, an RSPCA inspector rescued the emaciated puppy and brought her into care at RSPCA’s Lonsdale shelter.
From an initial weight of just 15kg, Kim now tips the scales at just over 20kg and is bursting with good health. Yet despite her friendly nature and keenness to please, Kim has languished at the RSPCA shelter for over 100 days waiting for a new home.
According to RSPCA SA Animal Operations Manager Billy Tubman, the switch from the hub’s usual mix of cats, rabbits and guinea pigs to dogs is being managed with military precision.
“Today we will be moving our current West Lakes residents to have a change of scenery at our Lonsdale facility – who knows, they may get lucky and meet the family of their dreams while there!,” said Billy.
“In the meantime, we will prepare the area for our canine friends to move in tomorrow morning.”
As dogs are adopted from the West Lakes hub over the weekend, drivers will be on standby to transport more dogs to the hub from the Lonsdale shelter, so there will be a constant stream of dogs that are available to adopt coming to the hub.
“Unfortunately, we only have the physical space for five dogs at any one time in the West Lakes building, and we obviously want to ensure the environment is stress-free for them, hence the convoy bringing new dogs in as dogs are adopted,” said Billy.
Another dog hoping to get lucky at this weekend’s adoption pop-up event is Christofur (pictured above). This large, one-year-old dog arrived at the Lonsdale shelter in shocking condition and – like Kim – has stayed for more than 100 days. Christofur has put on over 10kg since being found wandering around Seaford in April, emaciated and flea-ridden.
“Christofur is loved by all our staff and volunteers, he’s always carrying a toy in his mouth and is very responsive to training,” Billy said.
“Anyone interested in giving this playful pup a home will be supported to continue his training – and they must have high fences, because Christofur is an escape artist!”
No bookings are required to visit the Hub and meet the dogs (open time details below). All of them are fully vaccinated, microchipped, up-to-date with parasite prevention and available to adopt with all the information needed to understand their personalities, needs and ideal homes. Adoption fees vary according to each dog, starting from just $150.
“We want these dogs to find forever homes, and our dog-care team will be doing all they can to ensure this happens, not just on adoption day but with lots of follow up support, where needed,” Billy said.
“And you will have the opportunity to learn the sometimes heartbreaking but also inspiring stories behind these dogs and their roads to recovery, to help you decide if their next chapter should be living in a loving home with you.”
RSPCA SA currently has 145 dogs and puppies in care, with 86 of them at the Lonsdale shelter.
RSPCA Dog Adoption Pop-Up
RSPCA Adoption Hub – Corner of Brebner Drive & West Lakes Boulevard, West Lakes
Saturday 9 September, 9am-2pm | Sunday 10 September, 10am-2pm
NOTE: The West Lakes Adoption Hub will be closed all day today for set-up of the adoption pop-up. Cat and small pet adoptions will resume from 12pm on Monday 11 September. The RSPCA Kiosk at Westfield West Lakes will be open as usual.
