Dogs really are our best friend.
Just ask Peri Chappell and Jenny Dryden who created Herd2Homes in 2015 to help save working dogs from being euthanised.
Since starting Herd2Homes three years ago, they have rescued over 1600 dogs and have worked with pounds, shelters and RSPCA's.
They also wanted to work with rural communities, breeders and farmers in a friendly, educational way.
“We saw the best way to help failed or unwanted working dogs and accidental litters was to provide support and education that there is another option out there,” Peri said.
“We also started Herd2homes because wanted to create a friendly and supportive environment for volunteers to help dogs in need, and a non-judgmental approach to working with the working dog community.
“Since then, we now have some 220 volunteers around the country helping us in our mission, and we couldn't do it without them.”
For years, Ms Chappel has had a connection with the land and working dogs.
She grew up on a farm in Deniliquin, in southern NSW and had a couple of failed working dogs as pets given to her as a child.
After nine years away in the city and overseas, Peri moved back to the family farm and got involved in dog rescue.
“It shocked me to see how many working dogs were still being disposed of, and I wanted to find a way to work with the working dog community as a whole, to better the outcomes for all working breeds; whether they be pets, workers, or otherwise,” she said.
Jennie had been a dog groomer, trainer, and vet nurse of 15 years and was always involved with dogs.
“She discovered a love for the working breeds loyalty and intelligence, and is now a qualified behaviourist and has a passion for helping people get the most out of their dogs and work through any issues they may be having,” Peri said.
Jennie also runs a Detection Dog Program, where they place suitable high drive dogs that may not be right for stock work, into working careers of a different kind with the Army and Corrective Services.
“Our last litter program has seen countless bitches desexed and returned to their owners after assisting them with unwanted or accidental litters, to ensure the cycle stops there,” Peri said.
“Earlier this year, we rescued 57 dogs from the one property in the central west, after an ex kelpie breeder's health declined and saw the dog numbers get out of control.
“And we are currently working on another large case in Victoria with a property with more than 100 dogs, where we have so far taken 71 into our care.”
Herd 2 Homes has a Working Stock Dog Program to retrain and rehome working dogs to working homes, and Peri said the feedback received on these dogs has been all positive.
“They have become invaluable members of the team and family,” Peri said.
Due to overwhelming support and donations, Herd2Homes will be in the central west towns of Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and surrounding areas from Tuesday 30 to November 1, with food, wormers, flea and tick treatments, rehoming options plus much more.
To find out more on their visit email [email protected]
This story A simple mission to help save working dogs in Australia first appeared on Western Magazine.
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Nyngan Observer
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