The drive was the initiative of Pets Domain, who is interested in the promotion of rescue organisations and will take place at the Pets Domain store between 10am and 4pm.

Kellie Smith, a volunteer with Needy Paws, advises people interested in adopting a dog to consider the type of dog they are looking for and whether their lifestyle is compatible to pet ownership before adopting. “The abandonment of dogs is an issue in Griffith,” she said.

“There’s lots of things to take into consideration before adopting a dog,” Mrs Smith said. “But we are all for helping people find that forever friend and companion and hopefully that may happen this Saturday.”

Mrs Smith, who fosters up to six dogs at any given time, recommends both the experience of caring and adopting. “It’s very rewarding,” she said. “And sadly there are lots of different situations as to why a dog may end up in the pound. Family situations change or sometimes people see a little puppy and then the puppy grows up and they realise they can’t manage it,” Mrs Smith said.

Jo Polkinghorne adopted her dog Charlie through Needy Paws and recommends the process.

“We’ve really fallen in love with Charlie,” she said. “For some reason rescue dogs really appreciate homes and love provided. And why wouldn’t you adopt a rescue dog when there are so many that need homes.”

Needy Paws Dog Rescue adopts dogs all over Australia and advertises rescued dogs on Facebook and Pets Domain. 

All the dogs receive care from the Griffith Vet Hospital and are de sexed, vaccinated and chipped before being re-homed throughout Australia. More information can be found at the group’s Facebook page Needy Paws Dog Rescue or www.needypaws.org.au

Volunteers are encouraged to get involved. 

“We are always looking for more carers,” Mrs Smith said. “The more carers we have the more dogs we can re-home.”