We have awarded a $46,000 Buddy's Grant to Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria to help them purchase the new animal transport vehicle they so desperately need.
Their current vehicle is 15+ years with outdated minimal internal housing, generously built by volunteer labour and materials.
By receiving funding for this project they will be able to purchase a brand-new fuel-efficient vehicle fully fitted out with 4 pens (the previous van had 2) and extra storage to continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more dogs, by providing safe, reliable, comfortable transport.
Blue Cross believes in best practice for the welfare of the animals in their shelter's care. They follow international and local best practices which reinforce a non-incarcerated environment: it is less stressful and assists with an improvement in health and happiness, this van will play a major role towards achieving the best balance that they can offer for shelter dogs.
Off-site excursions are so important for physical and mental stimulation. It may be staying in the van watching and taking in new surroundings and people without fear while feeling safe and protected, to walking around a park or lake to learn and trust that new sights and sounds are not a stressful negative environment but one that is enjoyable and a normal part of life.
Blue Cross are regulars at Bunnings, Lilydale Lake and Chirnside Park playground. As well as other safe and stimulating off-site locations. An excursion to look out over the lake, trees and to get some fresh air really is the best medicine!
With their new animal transport van, Blue Cross will be able to support the animals in their care via:
• The transport of sick or injured dogs between shelters, emergency boarding, clinics and vet care with safe, reliable comfortable passage.
• Greater interactions with the community, reaching a wider audience providing education, awareness and rehoming.
• The ability to provide, train and educate volunteers and members of the public awareness about rescue dogs.
• A vehicle that is designed with the dog's needs enabling them to interact with like-minded organisations’, attend adoption events with confident knowledge the dogs are safe, comfortable and supported.
• Maintain a firm commitment to educating the local community on the matters of pet care, animal safety, vaccinations and disease control. In addition, raise the mental health of residents by providing them with a loving animal companion and reduce the risk of neglected and abused animals by providing education for all pet owners.
• Allow more off-site sessions with multiple dogs as the current van is poorly equipped to hold multiple dogs’ comfortability. Valuable time is underused transporting back and forth from shelter to off-site areas due to the inability of transporting multiple dogs.
• Greater interaction with the world beyond the shelter is essential for physical and mental stimulation, creating more opportunities to increase the chances of adoption
When you choose SavourLife for your dog you're helping rescue dogs and puppies all across the country.
