Membership Benefits

• Member Certificate
• Use of the KCC Park
• Quarterly Newsletter
• Purina Gift Voucher
• CDC Keyring
• CDC Bumper Sticker
• Emergency Card
• Canine Code of Ethics
• Access to VCA Library
• Participate in Online Competitions
• Free access to CDC Events

Please click here to download a member application form (PDF)

Welcome new members:

• Susan with Demon and Storm
• Julie with Abbey, Bria, Jackson, Joppa, Kara and Alex
• Trisia with Sunny, Holly and Goldy
• Wayne and Lisa with Myley
• Carolyn with Cara and Roxy

If you cannot open the PDFs on this page, please click here to download Adobe Reader for free.

Contact us:

03 9788 2509

Breed: Chihuahua (long and smooth coats) and Pomeranians
Name of Contact: Sue Fedrizzi
Phone: 0425 765 890
Email: chihuahuasafehouse@gmail.com
Website: http://people.aapt.net.au/~sfedrizzi/index.html

Thanks to their small size, the Chihuahua and Pomeranian require less space than many other breeds. They are perfect for those living in a flat or small house and make great family pets.

For more information about these breeds and this rescue program, download the Chihuahua Safe House Information Sheet (PDF).

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COCKER SPANIEL - HECTOR

Breed information for Cocker Spaniel

Hector is a 2 year old desexed, vaccinated, wormed and microchipped male Cocker Spaniel who's looking for a loving home, due to a change in his owner's circumstances.

He has a happy and playful personality and enjoys spending time with people as well as other animals, particularly dogs.

A home with older children, if any, would suit.

For further information on Hector, please contact Michaela with The Animal Rehoming Service on 0409 21 31 31 or michaelanewell@bigpond.com.

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VICTORIAN COLLIE RESCUE

Breed information for Rough Collies and Smooth Collies

Breed: Collie (Rough) and Collie (Smooth)
Name of Contacts: Juliet O'Meara, Sherel Money, Mark Forde
EMAIL: viccollierescue@gmail.com
PHONE:see info sheet
Website: www.geocities.com/ozcollierescue

Collies adapt themselves rapidly and extremely well to family life and are the perfect family companion; they have a great sense of propriety, of helpfulness, and loyalty.They are one of the most faithful of all breeds, with a sweet disposition, extremely intelligent, affectionate and sensitive. Collies are also very clean and are excellent in the house. Rough Collies have a long, dense, double layered coat and require regular grooming to keep it looking its best.

For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Victorian Collie Rescue Information Sheet (PDF). These dogs can be rehomed interstate if the right home can be found.

If you are interested in this breed, please fill out the Vic Collie Rescue Questionnaire and return it to the group for consideration.

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DACHSHUND CLUB OF VICTORIA

Breed: Dachshunds - Standard and Miniature including:

Smooth Hair		Click for breed information Standard Smooth Hair Miniature Smooth Hair
Long Hair		Click for breed information Standard Long Hair Miniature Long Hair
Wire Hair		Click for breed information Standard Wire Hair Miniature Wire Hair

Website: www.dcv.org.au
Name of Contact: Stephanie Goetze-Thies, Secretary
Phone: 0434 530 505
Email: brummeldax@optusnet.com.au

Each variety of the breed is slightly different and therefore the ideal owners would differ each. Please refer to the Club website or speak to the re-homing contact for further information.

For information about the breed and rescue program please download the DachshundInfo Sheet. (PDF)

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FLAT COATED RETRIEVER ASSOCIATION

Breed information for Flat Coated Retrievers

Breed: Flat Coated Retriever
Website: flatcoated.org.au
Name of Contact: HELEN ELEY
Phone: 03 9742 1764
Email: flatcoat@primus.com.au

This retriever breed are bright, active dogs that like nothing more than to share human companionship; they are very much a people dog.

They are always ready for fun even when advanced in years. They are natural retrievers and love to retrieve anything you throw. This instinct is set firmly in their blue print.

For information about the breed and rescue program please download the Flat Coated Retriever Information Sheet. (PDF)

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FOX TERRIER (SMOOTH) - JOCK

Breed information on Fox Terrier (Smooth)

Jock is a 12 year old desexed male Fox Terrier who's looking for a loving home, due to a change in his owners' circumstances.

He's a quiet but happy boy, who's content either doing his own thing or being in the company of humans and other dogs.

He's also good with children, but is yet to meet a cat.

For further information on Jock, please contact Michaela with The Animal Rehoming Service on 0409 21 31 31 or michaelanewell@bigpond.com.

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GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE

Breed Information for German Shepherd Dog

• Pugs are indoor dogs and do not like being outside alone.
• Pugs can die in hot weather and develop respiratory problems in cold weather, so it is essential that your Pug is kept cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Most Pugs cannot swim and will drown easily.
• Pugs shed 365 days a year, so if you don't think you could handle hair everywhere, the Pug is not for you.
• Pugs are a high maintenance breed and can get eye ulcers very easily, which could cause your pug to lose an eye without proper veterinary attention.
• Pugs do not need a lot of exercise, a daily walk around the block is fine.
• An overweight pug is most likely to develop health problems and die younger.
• Pugs grunt, snore, fart, snuffle and sneeze in your face!
• Facial folds above the nose needs daily cleaning to avoid infection.

If you are interested in buying a puppy, please visit the DOGS Victoria breeder's directory to find a responsible, ethical breeder that will provide you with a healthy and socialised puppy.

Before you consider buying from a pet shop, newspaper ad or website, please take a look at the Where Do Puppies Come From? website.

Rescue FAQ

Q: Why would I want to rescue a dog instead of buying one?

A: People rescue dogs for different reasons.

Some people don't want or don't have time for a puppy. An adult rescue dog is likely to be house trained and may have even undertaken a bit of obedience training. Most will have grown out of the cute-but-annoying puppy phase. And most will already be de-sexed and microchipped.

Some people like the idea of rescuing an abandoned or surrendered dog instead of purchasing a puppy because these adult dogs need loving homes, too.

Q: How come these dogs are being abandoned? Is there something wrong with them?

A: Dogs are given up for a variety of reasons such as:

• Owners are moving overseas or somewhere they can't have a dog

• Owners are sick or elderly and can no longer care for their dog properly

• Changes in life situation such as having a baby may be too overwhelming to give a dog proper care and attention

• The wrong type of dog was selected and doesn't fit the owner's lifestyle

These dogs have generally been fostered by a caring person who will make sure they are suitable pets before re-homing them.

Sometimes the characteristics that make a dog unsuitable for one person might be perfect for another.

The energetic dog that drives a suburban mum insane may excel at Agility training. The short-legged or elderly dog that can't keep up with an avid jogger may suit an elderly household.

In one particular case a dog deemed unsuitable to re-home was successfully trained for Termite Detection. She would never have made much of a house dog, but loves her new professional life. (See Pippa's story under the Beagle Rescue).

Q: Why should I consider rescuing a purebred dog?

A:Purebred dogs are predictable. You know generally what temperament to expect from them, how much energy they will have and how much grooming they will require.

You can find the perfect breed to suit your age and stage of life, for example if you have very young children or other pets you have a good idea if the dog will be able to get along with them.

Even the soon-to-be American President Barack Obama is considering adopting a purebred dog for his family - visit www.presidentialpup.com.

Q: What about a cross breed?

Cross breed dogs can make great pets, but it is important to remember they are not predictable in the same way purebreds are, making it more difficult to choose the right one.

Rescue groups who re-home cross breed dogs may have an idea of an individual adult dog's energy levels and grooming requirements, but if it is still a puppy probably cannot know its adult size, coat type and other characteristics that are known in purebred puppies.

Q: How do I know if this is the right dog for me?

A: Purebreds are more predictable, but every individual dog has its own personality.

The dogs' foster carer (or previous owner) will have paid special attention to the needs, likes and dislikes of each individual dog.

Every effort is made to make sure the dog and home are suitable for one another.

Make sure you ask questions about the amount of space, exercise, food and grooming the dog requires. Make sure you have the time and money to properly care for it before agreeing to the adoption.

Each organisation has a slightly different program, but no matter what type of dog they have, most of them let you take the dog for a few days or a few weeks on trial to make sure that you are right for the dog and it is right for you.

Whether you choose to adopt a purebred or a crossbred dog, the most important thing is to make sure it is the right dog for you and your family can provide the best home for it.

If you have a question not answered here, please feel free to contact us.

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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ADOPTING DOGS

You might also want to read:

• Are You Ready for a Dog
• Choosing the Right Dog
  (DOGS Victoria articles)
• Why Adopt? (external site)
• Myths About Adopting Dogs
• Advantages of a Senior Dog
• What can YOU do?

Myths About Adopting Dogs

Adapted from www.gsdrescue.org

I have small children, so I should get a puppy.

Without a doubt, this is the most common reason people want a puppy. A sweet, small puppy just seems like the best choice for sweet, small children.

Puppies have needle-teeth that they happily sink into anyone who walks by. They also have sharp nails that scratch when they jump up -- and on a little one, those front feet can land right around their face.

Puppies leave presents that your toddler always seems to find before you do. Puppies wake your children during the night. And a puppy doesn't know the difference between his stuffed toy and Emma's teddy that she MUST have to fall asleep.

And suppose you get a puppy when little Billy is 2. In six months, Billy will be about 1 inch taller and 2 kilos heavier. However, the 8 month old puppy will now be as tall as Billy and outweigh him by a fair bit. And those baby teeth will have been replaced by big snappers that need to chew.

Of course, puppies and small children do successfully co-habitate. But it's a good bet that your child will go through far less bandages with a calmer 2 + year old dog who is road-tested with children.

It's better to get a puppy. With an older dog, you never know what you're getting

While that seems to make sense, the exact opposite is true. All puppies are cute; all puppies love everyone. It's not until a dog hits sexual maturity that some innate behavioural problems start to surface.

The truth is this: when you adopt a 4 month old puppy, you can only guess what kind of adult she'll make, especially if you don't know much about the breeder or the dog's parents. When you adopt an 18-month-old (or even older) dog, you can predict pretty accurately what kind of dog you'll have forever.

I'm unsure about getting a rescue dog, because I'm afraid he won't bond to me

That sound you hear is all the people with rescued dogs falling over laughing. Because the exact opposite is nearly always true--your rescue dog will CLING to you.

Look at it from the dog's perspective. He's spent the bulk of the last year on a 6 foot chain in someone's back yard because he committed the unconscionable sin of no longer being a puppy. At some point during the day, someone may remember to bring him food and water. The only attention he gets is when they yell at him for barking.

Finally, they take him for a car ride--dumping him in a wooded area where he can have a fighting chance. Despite everything, he waits there for their return or tries to get back home. He finds water somewhere. He raids rubbish bins and gets sick. If he's extremely lucky, he survives long enough for an animal lover to find him and bring him to the shelter.

Then he sits in the loud, scary shelter run, starting to lose faith that his family will ever find him. The kennel people are nice, but he is one of a hundred needy dogs they have to care for.

And then you take him home.

You not only bring him into your house, you give him his own bed and bowl, and a crate where he feels safe. You speak quietly. When he makes a mistake, you don't seem to mind--you gently correct him while he learns the rules of your house. You feed him regularly AND give him toys and treats and bones. He sleeps in your room. He may even have a big brother or sister to play with. He gets cuddles. And when he goes out in the car, he always comes back.

Your rescue dog's biggest fear is that you will spontaneously combust.

He's not going to let you out of his sight for one minute. People with rescue dogs learn to function with a furry shadow following them everywhere.

Of course, not every rescue dog is 'dumped' (see FAQ above) but regardless of why your adopted dog needs a new home, it will be grateful to you for giving it one and love you as only a dog can!

I don't want to have my rescue dog spayed or neutered

Most rescue groups have a desexing policy that is not negotiable. If everyone prevented irresponsible breeding, they'd be happily out of business. Do not humanise your dog--no one's asking you to neuter yourself. Your dog will be healthier and more comfortable once she or he is shifted into neutral--and will also be a much more pleasant companion.

Neutered male dogs roam less, mark less territory, and are generally less aggressive.

Spayed female dogs avoid the messy and annoying heat cycles, and are not at risk for unwanted pregnancy.

And both males and females are less likely to get certain illnesses once they have been desexed.

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Advantages of a Senior Dog

Used with kind permission from Senior Dog Rescue

There are many advantages when opening your heart and your home to a 'senior' dog

Older more settled dogs are an excellent option for senior humans.

The older dog's personality is generally more stable and predictable.

Older dogs are usually house trained.

Older dogs tend to be more sedate and don't require as much time and patience as a younger more playful one.

They are less destructive and 'don't get into everything', they have learned 'no'.

They have often had some basic obedience training.

They have usually been well socialised and get along well with humans and other dogs and in some cases cats as well.

They are often more affectionate and more content to just be in quiet company and appreciate love and attention.

They learn quickly what is expected of them they are calmer and more patient.

They are a known commodity and can easily be assessed for behaviour and temperament.

Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well.
- Bonnie Wilcox, 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'

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What can YOU do?

Used with kind permission from Senior Dog Rescue

Help reduce the number of dogs wandering the streets, surrendered to the pound, dumped in the bush or even worse, left to survive un-cared for alone in the backyard. You can, everyone can help.

1. Never buy an animal from a Petshop or the Classifieds.

Why? To stop impulse buys. To halt the trade in backyard bred animals of unknown parentage and health by unregistered greedy breeders. To resist buying an animal without due consideration, research and trial periods.

2. Don't buy a designer cross breed puppy.

Why? They are mutts not breeds. They have no genetic history or vet clearances for genetic problems. They can take the worst aspects of 2 or more breeds combine and exacerbate them - both in health and temperament. There is no such breed as a Cavoodle! There is nothing wrong with mutts, but we don't need to 'make' more of them. It's not fair to them.

3. Encourage people to adopt from a pound, shelter or rescue group.

Why? To help keep them from being killed for no good reason. Give them what they truly deserve, a second chance at a decent life.

4. Neuter or spay all pets.

Why? To avoid accidental pregnancy. As a way of preventing behaviour problems like aggression in males. Preventing health problems like pyometra and mammary cancer in females and testicular cancer in males.

5. Actively support your local or favourite pound, shelter or rescue group in whatever way you can.

Please ensure they are responsibly desexing animals before rehoming! Many an unethical breeder will get new 'stock' to breed with from pounds that don't desex. Better a dog is killed humanely than suffer life as a breeding machine!

EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE..............

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Did you take part in the Strays Birthday by celebrating your rescue dog's birthday in September? Email us and let us know about it!

The following websites support the Companion Dog Club Adoption Directory and many of the rescue groups listed with us:

Oz Doggy - Supporting Pet Rescue in Australia

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The Companion Dog Club is an iniative of

Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership

www.dogsvictoria.org.au

KCC Park
655 Westernport Hwy (Dandenong-Hastings Rd)
Skye, VIC 3977

Mel Ref 128 J12
Click for Map and directions

Proud sponsor of the Companion Dog Club

PURINA Pet Care Survey

Answer the simple survey questions to let us know about you and your pet.

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The survey should only take 5 minutes.