By YASEMIN TALAT
A Hoppers Crossing volunteer has been recognised as a community hero.
Kerrie Gebert was named the May winner of a 3AW and Villa Maria Community Hero award for her dedication to providing abandoned dogs with new homes.
Ms Gebert started Puppy Tales, a not-for-profit dog rescue centre, from her home last April and has since re-homed 257 dogs.
“I’m just doing my best to help the dogs out there that can’t speak, I’m just trying to give them a voice,” Ms Gebert said.
The mother-of-three is passionate about ensuring the dogs are safe and have a home.
“It’s about giving people somewhere safe to take their dogs and giving them the confidence to know their dogs are going to be safe and well looked after until we give them a suitable home,” she said.
Puppy Tales relies on donations and adoption fees to cover expensive health check and immunisations.
But most times Ms Gebert pays for all the needs on her own.
She was still amazed at receiving the award and said she could not have done it without the support of her children and partner.
“It gets hard sometimes, but we get there,” she said.
“When I see dogs that are frightened or really underweight blossom into the beautiful dogs that they always could have been, that’s what keeps me going.”
Ms Gebert’s friend Lori Mclean nominated her for the award.
“Despite having a family of her own, Kerrie is dedicated to providing 24-hour care to the animals and will drive anywhere in Victoria to help a dog in need.”
If you would like to support Puppy Tales Rescue visit www.facebook.com/PuppyTalesRescue
