No adoptions on Adopt a Dog Day? Pretty ruff

Those walking down Conadilly Street on Saturday morning would have found it hard to miss the sound of yapping puppies.

It was Adopt a Dog Day, and Gunnedah had its own contribution through the Animal Welfare League (AWL) bringing some of the latest adoption-ready canines to Pet Domain.

Those dogs who were not at the store posed perfectly for the picture board to entice browsing customers.

If the promise of puppies was not enough to lure people in, AWL also offered sausage sandwiches and lolly bags.

Unfortunately, no dogs were adopted on the day, however Gunnedah branch’s Linda Taylor said it was a great morning regardless.

“To us, it was a major success, even though there were no adoptions, but in terms of getting [awareness] out there it was really good,” she said.

The Gunnedah Times also spoke with local foster carer Robyn Huggins, who took on the role in March and has fostered about 20 dogs since then.

The most amount in her care at one time was seven, however, people are able to limit the number of animals they care for.

Robyn had a ‘foster fail’ (adopting an animal while fostering it) when a mini dachshund came into care with probably a “few more” to come by the time she finishes.

A common call for animal groups is for more help.

“We really need more foster carers,” Robyn said. Whether it is just for a little puppy or someone who just needs a little bit of respite for the day.”

Gunnedah is not alone in having more animals in care than viable.

A new study, Association of Socioeconomic Status and Reasons for Companion Animal Relinquishment, found that more than 9000 dogs and cats are handed to Australian shelters each year.