By NICOLE VALICEK
A FAMILY from Williamstown have rescued several dogs that would otherwise be put down but the Mills say the experience has enriched their lives.
The family adopted their first dog from Australian Working Dog Rescue (AWDRI) in January after their much loved family pet Harry died from cancer in December last year.
Emma and Toby Mills decided to go down the adoption path after she read the startling statistics of dogs being put down.
“It just didn’t seem right when there are perfectly good dogs looking for a good home, why wouldn’t we go down that route,” she said.
“We foster a dog that would have been put to sleep until we can find them a permanent home.”
The family including daughters Sophie, 7 and Evelyn, 5, grew so fond of their first adopted dog, blue heeler Rocky, they decided to give him a permanent home after he was classed as a “fail foster”.
Since then the Mills have fostered three more dogs who have all successfully been adopted into loving homes.
The Pedigree Adoption Drive was recently launched to celebrate the joys of dog adoption and encourage more Australians to consider giving a dog from a rescue shelter a much needed, loving home.
Mrs MIlls said Rocky is a beloved member of the family and they could not imagine a time without him.
“It’s absolutely enriched our lives 100 per cent.”
“He taught us all about patience and tolerance.”
The self-confessed dog lover said she wanted to dubunk the stigmas that often surround adopting a dog.
“I think people believe there must be a reason the dog ended up at the pound. Either they think that is has behavioural issues or that an older dog has a limited life and love to give.”
Mrs Mills said that’s not the case with thousands of beautiful, loving and friendly dogs of all different shapes and sizes come through Australian rescue organisations each year.
“If people go through a rescue organisation they can find a dog that suites you with a foster group for every kind of dog”.
The Pedigree Adoption Drive is asking adopted dog owners to show the world their dog is a much loved family member, encouraging others to consider it, by displaying a free “My Family” style car sticker.
Free Pedigree Adoption Drive stickers are available at IGA super-stores, on Coles Online, within Woolworths Fresh Magazine, and by request via www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com.au.
