Dogs without families need vet care too
Dogs' Homes of Tasmania launches Christmas Appeal, highlighting the vital need for community support.
At Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, we receive no government funding to help dogs without families get the veterinary care they need. As the holiday season approaches, we’re reaching out to our fellow Tasmanians with an urgent appeal to help us continue our life-saving work.
Many people are surprised to learn that as an independent charity supporting the community for over 74 years, we rely heavily on the generosity of Tasmanians to provide critical care for the 3,000 dogs we help each year across Hobart, Devonport, Launceston, and Burnie. For dogs who find themselves without a family, veterinary care is just as essential as it is for beloved pets — and it’s your support that gives them the chance to heal.
The story of Eevie, a Chow Chow who came into our care, is one of resilience and hope. Surrendered after being abandoned at a boarding facility, Eevie arrived nearly blind and suffering from a severe uterine infection that had gone untreated for far too long.
Dr Ros, one of the veterinarians at the Dogs’ Homes said when Eevie first came to us, she was incredibly withdrawn, sitting quietly in the corner of her pen.
“She didn’t cry out, even though she was likely in immense pain,” recalls Dr. Ros.
“Her eyes were so crusted over that she was essentially blind, and she had a life-threatening condition called closed pyometra — a uterine infection that would have been fatal if left untreated.”
Eevie is an extreme case, but her care cost the Dogs’ Homes thousands of dollars. Thanks to the support of the community, she received the surgery she needed. Dr. Ros restored her vision, removed the severe uterine infection, and provided additional care, including treatment for her infected ears.
We can only imagine what it felt like for Eevie to finally see again and be free of such excruciating pain. Slowly, she began to rediscover what it felt like to be cared for and loved. Eevie’s story took a joyful turn when she found her forever family, a reminder of the impact we can make on dogs’ lives — thanks to community donations.
Mark Wild, CEO of Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, stresses the importance of the community’s support to continue helping dogs like Eevie.
“We receive no government funding for the vital work we do,” said Mr Wild
“Each surgery, each meal, each moment of care, and every bit of critical vet treatment is possible largely due to donations from people who believe in giving every dog a chance to thrive.
“Our Christmas Appeal is essential for us to raise the additional funds needed to provide that level of care and be prepared for the next dog who needs us.”
Despite charging adoption fees and service fees to local councils, a significant funding gap remains to cover the full cost of veterinary treatment, food, and care for each dog.
With donations from their Christmas Appeal, we can continue to provide urgent medical treatments, invest in necessary upgrades to clinic equipment, and ensure they have supplies on hand to meet the needs of every dog who comes through their doors.
This Christmas, we are asking for the public’s help to support dogs like Eevie who have endured hardship and need a chance to heal. Without donations from the community, they would not be able to continue their mission.
“We’re incredibly proud of the work we do, but we can’t do it alone,” says Wild. “It’s through the generosity of our fellow Tasmanians that we’re able to provide a safe, caring environment for every dog who comes into our homes and give them the vet care and second chance they deserve.”
To support the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania Christmas Appeal and make a difference for dogs like Eevie, please click the button below. Every donation, big or small, is a gift of health, hope, and happiness for a dog in need.
