I cannot praise Victorian Dog Rescue highly enough. Their love and compassion for their furry charges are unmatched in my experience of animal adoption (I’m 55 and my many pets in adult life have been all rescues). Four years ago I adopted the lovely Olive, a shy tabby from VDR. I was happy to host the home inspection - I love that VDR are so concerned about their fosters’ welfare. Do it right the first time.
A year ago two black kittens were also welcomed into my home. Rescued from an unforgiving rural location, one of them has a malformed front leg. VDR chose to get a second opinion (at extra cost) rather than amputate the kitten’s leg as their first vet suggested. Nothing is too much effort or expense. That little girl is asleep on my lap as I write, wonky leg no issue at all.
Their dedication is astonishing. Will there sometimes be delays within an organisation completely staffed by volunteers who have multiple obligations, often including 9-5 employment? Inevitably. It’s important to remember everyone is doing their best. It’s also possible (don’t be offended!) that they know more about the individual needs of each dog and cat than you do. We all think no one could possibly be a better pet owner than we are, but VDR has seen everything. The marvellous Hugh Wirth used to say that an only pet is a lonely pet, so if VDR insist on a companion being what’s best for your potential pet - trust their opinion. Their advice is based on years of knowledge and hard graft. I’m glad their adoption process is so onerous; weed out the inappropriate applicants, decide if they are actually prepared for the expense and time required for pet ownership. No one has the right to a pet. I’m in awe of the passion and commitment displayed by all the volunteers I’ve dealt with personally.
Please support them in any way you can.