November 10, 2014
There’s a bunch of South Burnett volunteers who are acting as guardian angels to some of the region’s most needy animals.
Animal Angels Rescue’s South Burnett branch opened about 12 months ago.
Co-ordinator Sam Pryor, from Coverty, said the foster carers will take in any animals – except wildlife – that are abused or neglected … everything from budgies to a house cow.
Sam said she had been a volunteer foster carer for the Brisbane group but decided a local branch was necessary.
“I became co-ordinator because there was such a need for it here, sadly,” she said.
Animal Angels Rescue is a registered non-profit association.
There are usually between 30 or 40 animals in foster care in the South Burnett at any time, but the numbers shot up recently when Queeny came along.
Sam said the owner surrendered the neo mastiff / bandag cross when they could no longer look after her.
Queeny was malnourished, had a uterine infection and was heavily pregnant.
“We pumped her full of calcium, antibiotics and food,” Sam said.
After a lot of love and care – and vet attention – Queeny gave birth to 12 healthy puppies almost six weeks ago, much to the astonishment of everyone.
Queeny hadn’t been expected to live, and at least half of her litter had been tipped to die … but they all came through happily, which means Animal Angels Rescue now has 12 more puppies looking for homes (they’ll be ready soon).
Queeny will also be desexed and will also be available for adoption.
Another recent success story in Maci, a 13-year-old-plus pomeranian.
“We took her to three different vets and they all wanted to put her down,” Sam said.
Everyone thought she had cancer but eventually the cause of her problems was diagnosed, Cushings Disease.
“We took her in and she is now doing great,” Sam said.
Animals can stay with their foster carers anywhere from two days to 12 months, or until they find a furr-ever home.
Sam said both the carers and the potential adopters were carefully checked. They are interviewed and their properties are inspected.
Adopters pay a fee, and all animals leave with a desexing contract.
“When animals are adopted, they are adopted on a lifetime contract, ie. they must always be returned to us,” Sam said.
“We have that responsibility. How would we feel after investing so much into an animal, if it was surrendered to the pound?”
Sam said the group survived on donations from the public as it received no government funding.
“Donations of cans of food and kitty litter also really helps,” she said.
Also useful are bird aviaries, cages or any type of enclosure (even if they need repair work ).
“Bird aviaries make fantastic cat enclosures,” she said.
Sam said the group also desperately needed new foster carers to join the 20 already helping out.
Animal Angels Rescue covers the vet and medication costs, they only ask that the carer provide food.
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Animal Angels Rescue South Burnett will be holding a Garage Sale and Awareness Day from 7:00am to 2:00pm on November 22 at the Girl Guides Hut in Mant Street, Kingaroy.
