Life of Pikelet

09/12/2024

Patty and I (Ma), have three things to tell you!

1) We’ve been without phone or internet reception at HQ for over a week, and we are still incommunicado. Don’t know when it will be fixed and obviously this puts us on quite a vulnerable position this close to Christmas, during high fire season and with special needs dogs and Chemo boy in care. But oh well, this is life!

2) I’m not sure we’ll make it to our goal by the end of 2024, there’s a lot to up you all on with Patty’s treatment, he has changed protocols again because his lymph nodes are back up and very large. We REALLY need help with funds if you’re able to. Having Patty’s funds covered means I can personally cover the funds for the 20 animals in my care.

DONATE here https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-last-life-of-pikelet-24-challenge-of-2024

DONATE via PayPal here “ [email protected] “

DONATE via Bank Transfer here

Bank: CommBank
BSB: 063 097
ACC No. 8334 0591
REFERENCE “Patty 24 Challenge”

And 3rd????

3) YES I’ve been keeping a secret, two, to be precise. The first one you can see photos of the day he was sprung from the pound a few weeks ago on his freedom ride home with Patty. He isn’t called “Patty Jnr”, but guess what? He is a bit of a Patty Jnr.

His name is “PUNCHDRUNK HUCKLEBERRY II” and I’ll be creating some YouTube videos to formally intro him to all of you.

And if you swipe to the last photo… you’ll see the second secret I’ve been keeping 🤭

07/12/2024

💔 ONLY for our Facebook LoPers 💔

I posted this video last week in my LoP All Access group and I expressed I’d be unlikely to share with the wider community.

This video was taken 4 days before Pikelet passed away, and it was just after we had given him a blood transfusion and the vets expressed there was no more that could be done for him.

Originally I thought that moment was the goodbye, but I decided to push for Pikelet to be discharged and for him to come home and pass surrounded by his family in a place of comfort and love.

I realize now that I may not have divulged how or why Pikelet passed.

Pikey was in remission and doing incredibly well, we were two treatments off from finishing his chemotherapy.

But his bone marrow was destroyed and he became badly anaemic. He passed away from anaemia.

I had booked a vet to attend our home at 9pm on Thursday the 24th to help me give Pikey his wings.

When I woke up on the Thursday morning (I had been sleeping in front of the fire on the dog bed with Pikelet most of that week) he was snuggled into me but unable to get up by himself. I knew it was time.

That last day was spent peacefully at home, I had a Spotify playlist of songs that had meaning to me in regards to Pikey, be they memories of videos I had made over the years or just songs that made sense to me and him. That playlist played on repeat all day.

Pikey got to go up to the paddock to say goodbye to the paddock kids, most importantly Pony (my 7 year old rescue deer). Pony and Pikelet had a bond, I used to call Pikelet “Pony’s husband” because he loved just sitting with her, inside, outside and in the paddocks.

And he also got to say goodbye to all his forever pup siblings. Patty, Blanche, Panadol, Profiterole, Peanut Buttercup, Papadum and Pamplemousse.

He didn’t say goodbye to Pumpernickel as they quite literally hated each other and Pump is a very reactive dog now and needs to be kept separate (especially from Pikey as they had beef). What did end up happening was it was Pumpernickel who donated his blood to Pikelet for that last blood transfusion. So Pikelet passed away with the blood of his enemy running through his veins 😂. I like to see it as it was Pikelet who won and had the last laugh in that duos ongoing brotherly battle.

As 9pm got closer Pikelet seemed ok, he was able to urinate and drink water but he was not willing to eat food. I did syringe the pan sauce of a steak in his mouth and put some peanut butter on the roof of his mouth throughout the day. I wanted his last day to be one where he had the flavors of his fave food with him, I know that’s weird but it made sense on the day.

Unfortunately there was a hold up and the vet was running late, it seemed that Pikey would have to hold out to about 10pm for the vet to arrive. I thought that would be ok.

At about 9:20pm I FaceTimed my mum up in Sydney, Pikey’s grandma. She spoke to Pikey for about 5 minutes and told him what a good boy he was and how much she loved him. We had FaceTimed with my mum each night before that so she got to talk to Pikelet a lot those last few days.

Within minutes of ending that phone call to my mum, Pikelet started to breath heavily.

The breathing became more labored and I knew he was dying.

I laid next to him cupping his head in my hands and my face right into his. I told him he was the best boy and it was time to go. I told him “please let go” over and over.

At about 9:59 Pikelet took his last breath. At about 10:01pm the vet arrived and came straight to check his heart. It had stopped.

He left on his own and he left peacefully.

I had dosed him up with pain relief that day and I believe he did not suffer. He was alert all day and all night until about 35-40minutes before he passed. There was no crying or wincing from him. He just took deep heavy and then labored breaths.

I’ve been sadly privy to a lot of animal deaths in my almost two decades of animal rescue. Over a handful of my own personal babies have passed and many many neonates, young pups or other young animals have also passed in my presence. It’s become part of my life doing this special needs type rescue.

Pikelet had the most peaceful passing of any of the animals I’ve witnessed. It broke my heart to have him leave me, but I am so thankful that he made the choice and it wasn’t traumatic for him or (selfishly) me.

Of all the souls to have left me, my boy left in a way that I cannot fault.

So this video is sad, I’m very emotional and raw. I have worried a lot about if Pikelet knew how much he meant to me and how much I loved him with all I had and more. These words were not enough but I’m glad I recorded this to remind myself that I expressed them.

https://youtu.be/BGil4ogG-Kk?feature=shared

Pikelet Butterwiggle was one of Australia's most well known rescue dogs.He was found as a stray puppy on the streets of Sydney Australia back in early 2013. ...

01/12/2024

9 years ago…

Would you believe me if I told you (without these photos as proof) that Patty Cakes was once the “little” brother?!

These bittersweet memories of my best boys and baby girl Pixy Stix (now called Quinn, she is Patty’s bio twin sister and is still doing well living down in the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria) remind me just what a life Pikelet got to live.

He posed in so many silly photos, but if you look closely, I never *made* him do too much, he was only ever sitting or sleeping or taking a bath 😂

And he did it all with such grace and charisma.

The Go Fund Me fund is now at 29% complete.

I’m not sure we’ll get to the goal of $24k by the end of the year, but I can only hope.

I still have a fair bit to pay off as far as Pikey’s last expenses, including his remains to be tended to.

And Patty will need to have some surgery to remove his mast cell tumor. That will be around $8-9k just for the surgery.

This week is chemo again, last week Chemo was over $3000 just for Patty, I was able to cover that entire bill because of this fund.

We are now in need of 650 donors to donate $24 each and our goal will be fulfilled.

If you can, and would like to donate to Patty Cakes (and help pay off Pikey’s remaining bills), here is the info below:

DONATE here https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-last-life-of-pikelet-24-challenge-of-2024

DONATE via PayPal here “ [email protected] “

DONATE via Bank Transfer here

Bank: CommBank
BSB: 063 097
ACC No. 8334 0591
REFERENCE “Patty 24 Challenge”

Posting on a Sunday night isn’t the most strategic move, our engagement is still low and I’m yet again asking for help. I’m grateful to you all for your constant support, it’s been a long year managing my two boys with Cancer, loosing Pikelet and still having a lot of very large pups in foster care and no adoption interest.

Despite all these challenges, you, our Life of Pikers have kept me going, thank you xx

29/11/2024

Where are 680 generous people at?

Thank you so so much to the many kind and generous people who have already donated to both Patty and previously Pikelet 🙌🏼

We hope to find 680 donations of $24 to reach our end goal before the end of 2024 🤞🏼

It’s hard times show how much good the chemotherapy and all the extra care like cooked dinners, supplements etc do.

Patty is an older dog for his breed. We know he has some boxer in him but the rest is a bit of a guess.He is now over 9 years old, so even for an older dog, let alone a dog with two cancers going through Chemotherapy, I hope this video here shows a little insight into how he still has life to live.

Patty has never been the athlete of a the family… I’ve always suspected he has mastiff mixed into his genetics. Preferring the sofa (or the coffee table) for naps since he was a young pup.

This video makes my heart happy, Blanche has been Patty’s faithful sidekick for years now, she is the keeper of all this Patty and when Pikey passed away; Blanche quite literally micromanaged Patty’s every breath and every move.

We are about 28% fulfilled with the Go Fund Me fund.Patty’s oncologist has confirmed that at some point he’ll need surgery to remove his mast cell tumor, some other lumps and to investigate his paw. That will likely be in the $8-9k range.

I know this fund is one of thousands out there asking for help. I am not putting a fund together for the hounds because if I can reach this goal, I will use my own personal moving forward for them. We had only two people donate to the Hounds Wish List, so that’s another expense I’ll have to cover because I really do need those items for them and realistically I needed them yesterday.

If you can, and would like to donate to Patty Cakes (and help pay off Pikey’s remaining bills), here is the info below:

DONATE here https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-last-life-of-pikelet-24-challenge-of-2024

DONATE via PayPal here “ [email protected] “

DONATE via Bank Transfer here

Bank: CommBank
BSB: 063 097
ACC No. 8334 0591
REFERENCE “Patty 24 Challenge”

28/11/2024

The hungry hounds of Life of Pikelet!

Just over a year ago we started with one Mama Hound and ten baby hounds...

Mama and three of her kiddos have long since been adopted and one sadly passed away.

SIX year old Sighthounds remain!!!!

These yearling long legged hounds of glory will have adoption profiles up shortly.

As we get them ready for adoption, I need to ask for some much much needed help.

Rather than ask for more funds, here is the exact list of what I need to keep the babes happy, healthy and readying for homes.

This HOUNDS WISH LIST is of 5pm Thursday the 28th of November, much of these items are on sale and some are only on sale until tomorrow (specifically the crates).

The crates, harnesses and food are my absolute most urgent, then the beds, flea/heartworm are next.

Everything is really needed with exception to treats, the toys are needed because frankly they need something to keep them happy day in and day out.

Please message if you can help with one or more of these items, they'll need to be purchased asap and sent to HQ (will give you shipping address when you message).

Many many many thanks of support to those that have donated and volunteered over the past 12 months in helping these hound babies. Hopefully we are in the last stretch to rehome the final 6 in time for Christmas 🤞🏼❤️

LoP HOUNDS WISH LIST

Kibble – 20kgs a bag at $61 - 4 x bags DONATED
https://www.petcircle.com.au/product/stockman-and-paddock-high-performance-working-dry-dog-food/

Treats
Pack of 25 bully sticks $106.87 https://www.catch.com.au/product/blackdog-bully-stick-dog-treats-25pk-8795966
Anything from The Doggie Bakery https://www.thedoggiebakery.net

Toys – Aussie Dog Products
2 x of the extra large $108.54 (on sale) https://www.petcircle.com.au/product/aussie-dog-home-alone
2 x of the large $88.39 (on sale) https://www.petcircle.com.au/product/aussie-dog-home-alone

Adoption Harness and Leash
6 x Large sighthound specific harnesses $108 (on sale) DONATED
6 x Large dog leads $5 each (on sale) DONATED

Flea, Tick and Heartworm
1 x pack of 6 $94.99 (on sale) https://www.petcircle.com.au/product/nexgard-spectra-large-dog/dhn2235

Crates - Large (secure for these trouble makers, metal ones are not suited) travel crates
6 x Travel crates $158.39 each THE ABSOLUTE CHEAPEST PRICE EVER but on sale for one day left DONATED by Australian Working Dog Rescue

Dog beds for Crates
6 x Large dog beds “scratch resistant” $89.95 (on sale) DONATED by Australian Working Dog Rescue again 🙌🏼

Car covers for travel
The kids have gone through about 8 covers since they’ve been in care (traveling to and from vet appointments etc. We are going to need some new ones for travel to and from adoption interviews.
4 x Car cover hammocks $57.50 (on sale) https://www.catch.com.au/product/ibuddy-dog-seat-cover-car-hammock-with-mesh-window-5933012

4 x Car trunk cover hammocks $33.18 (on sale) DONATED

ps if you have a keen eye, you'll see the progression of time of our most *teddy bear* pup of the litter "Pickleback" aka "Chonka"

21/11/2024

First solo visit since the best big brother left us all 💔

It may not be a chemo day today, it might be a CT scan and surgery for Patty’s paw and to remove the mast-cell tumor.

Thank you SO much for helping us reach just over 20% of our last fund raising goal for 2024, Patty is SUCH a lucky boy to have you all in his corner 🤍

We needed 1000 donors to donate $24 each, but now we only need a 700 🙌🏼

If you can, and would like to donate to Patty Cakes (and help pay off Pikey’s remaining bills), here is the info below:

DONATE here https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-last-life-of-pikelet-24-challenge-of-2024

DONATE via PayPal here “ [email protected] “

DONATE via Bank Transfer here
Bank CommBank
BSB: 063 097
ACC No. 8334 0591
Reference “Patty 24 Challenge”

ps Patty was weighing in at 29kgs a few weeks ago when he was at his skinniest, today he is back up to 37kgs 🙌🏼

20/11/2024

It's time to reach out and ask for help for Patty Cakes.

As Patty continues his cancer fighting journey without his best big brother, I need you all to know that he is worth it.

Without your support, generosity and love over the past 7 months, Pikelet was only likely to live between 3-6 weeks. With your help, I was about to gift him 6 months.

We packed a lot of love and life into those 6 months and in total, Pikey had maybe 7 bad days.

Patty has put on 6kgs over the past few weeks. His depression and confusion of missing Pikelet has slowly started to fade. He is enjoying being the top dog of the house. I make sure to let him know how proud and lucky I am to have him still with me, fighting hard to stay and get better.

I pushed Patty's chemo back from today until Friday because I just could not afford his treatment this week. It's likely going to be well over $4000 because he really needs to have surgery to remove some lumps, cancer and a foreign body in one of his toe beans.

All of his supplements have run out and there are some items I really need to get him, like a heavy duty ramp for the car.

I know it's next to impossible to expect or ask for this much help, but I wouldn't ask if I didn't need it.

This is, I'm hoping, the last Chemo fundraiser for 2024. If we can raise this, then Patty should be covered until next year.

We need 1000 generous Patty lovers to donate $24 each, can you, will you... help? Please and thank you in advance!

DONATE here https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-last-life-of-pikelet-24-challenge-of-2024

DONATE via PayPal here " [email protected] "

DONATE via Bank Transfer here
Bank CommBank
BSB: 063 097
ACC No. 8334 0591
Reference "Patty 24 Challenge"

Before we get into it, our goal this last time for 2024 is for 1000 gener… Calley Gibson needs your support for The last Life of Pikelet $24 challenge of 2024

13/11/2024

Patty stepping into his big brother’s shoes, doing a great job media training at ABC Central Victora radio today 🐶❤️

12/11/2024

I'm sorry I haven't really done much in the way of updating you all on our little family.

Patty Cakes was very despondent and depressed for a little while after Pikelet's passing. His little shadow and sidekick Blanche, suck by him like glue and made sure she micromanaged every single breath Patty took!

Almost 3 weeks on since my beautiful boy left us and I cannot control the waves of suffocating and all consuming grief and vivid dreams that fill my body of every minute of every day, awake and asleep.

I will be publishing a tribute video in full, likely on the 24th of of November, one month since his passing.

Until then, I'm trying so very hard to keep things together for my 6 foster hounds, 8 forever dogs and 5 forever paddock kids.

Patty is doing SO very well from a health perspective, he has put on over 5Kgs of weight and his tumour on his hind leg is no longer visible. Chemo restarts for Patty next Wednesday, his last chemo round was a few weeks ago.

I've been hesitant to ask, but financially I still have a lot of debt to pay off for Pikey's end of life stuff and more bills continue to pile up for the remaining 8 fosters in care (6 are with me).

I'm not sure what the total amount that we need is but there have been other things that have come up unexpectedly like needing our rescue's ride on mower fixed for close to $2000, a new water trough for the dog and deer/pony paddocks, overdue food bill of $4000 again and so on.

I will sort an updated Chuffed fund with a breakdown of funds needed, right now I'm hoping that we can raise up to a goal of $20k with this fund, it's currently sitting at $16,772.

DONATE HERE

GFM https://www.gofundme.com/f/pikelet-patty-cakes-chemo-cancer-challenge

PayPal " [email protected] "

Bank Transfer
Acc Name: Calley Gibson
Bank: CommBank
BSB: 063 097
Acc Number: 8334 0591
Ref: “in loving memory of PIKELET BUTTERWIGGLE”

I had hoped I'd be far more prepared and better at giving you last content of Pikelet, I'm sorry that I've dropped the ball on that. Videos and photos for social media were the furthest from my mind during the last days, hours and minutes with Pikey. Never have I ever felt such deep sadness and loss like this.

Just making this video was tough, but I wanted you to all see that his family were there for him till the very end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_zGT4x0rkU

It's not always the way that a VIP (very important Pikelet) gets to leave the "party" on his own terms, on his own time and saying goodbye to all his loves.O...

08/11/2024

BUDDY UPDATE (last, for now) 💔

Okay, what an utter mess and a waste of resources and genuine concern (sort of).

What we have now been able to deduce, thanks to the nursing and admin team caring for Buddy’s *owner* aka the person who purchased Buddy from his breeder in 2022, in the following:

- Buddy arrived at The Lost Dogs' Home 8 days ago, the Victorian Police are the ones that took him there.

- When Buddy’s *owner* went into hospital there was no one there to take care of Buddy, so the police surrendered him to the LDH.

- The LDH scanned Buddy’s microchip and contacted the *owner* attached to him, those details still belonged to his Breeder.

- NEW DETAIL - this afternoon (Friday the 8th of Nov) Buddy’s legal *owner* (his breeder) received a hard copy letter sent out by the Lost Dogs Home requesting her to come in and claim him 🤦🏼‍♀️

- Buddy’s breeder was encouraged to come in and collect him. This is what she tried to do.

- Buddy’s breeder made multiple attempts to contact his new *owner* as they had always remained in contact and she wanted to make sure Buddy was returned home to his now *owner*

- All contact between Buddy’s breeder and now *owner* became one sided and there was no response.

- Lost Dogs Home not only refused to acknowledge that the breeder was still the legal *owner* of Buddy (microchipped and council registered to her) but that she genuinely only wanted to remove Buddy from the pound system until his now *owner* could be contacted. She has expressed how she was willing to have Buddy back in her care for as long as needed.

- Lost Dogs Home staff, a “Team Leader” sometimes referred to as a “Supervisor” have been arrogantly avoidant and somewhat verbally aggressive in their response and approach in any explanation to the Breeder as to what the situation is based on their knowledge and process. The unprofessional nature of the staff highlights their inexperience as young employees power tripping because their are paid to sit behind a counter.

- In an email today the LDH finally acknowledged in writing a request for why Buddy’s legal owner was denied the ability to claim him, they simply referred to the ‘Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic)’ but made no reference to what part of the act they were following, almost as if bluffing their way into sounding like they knew what they were talking about.

- Buddy’s new *owner* is in ICU on life support and it is sadly unknown if she will recover at all. She has not been able to communicate to anyone about Buddy and from what we gather a family member has contacted the Lost Dogs Home on her behalf but without any communication to the Breeder (despite the Breeder reaching out).

What is really scary in all of this is that despite the sad and complex situation with Buddy’s new *owner* being in ICU, is that Buddy is microchipped and council registered to a person who has immediately stepped up to do the right thing by him.

Buddy, as you can see, is a teeny tiny, very handsome, little Chihuahua.

Sitting at a notoriously high kill shelter who have had similar cases in recent past whereby they deny rescue orgs or registered owners access to their lost dogs, makes little Buddy very vulnerable.

The timing of his impound hold, the refusal of any information, the disrespect of knowingly putting many people’s time and resources to waste who care for the welfare of this little dog, is utterly disgraceful. And the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne have once again shown how ruthless and unethical they are as a business (and yes, they are a business first and foremost).

We really don’t know if all the information we have is 100%, it still feels extremely dishonest to have an impounded dog released to someone who isn’t the legal or assumed owner.

Buddy’s new *owner* had already expressed to Buddy’s breeder that her health issues where serious and there was indication that the ability to care for Buddy may be something that needs some sort of plan. His breeder had made sure that his new *owner* knew she had her support.

Obviously if we have anything further to update you all on, we will.

Right now I’m totally skeptical that Buddy is safe and will be released to an authentic person linked to his new *owner* the timing is off, the legal process of reclaiming a dog has been ignored, and there has been no transparency of duty of care or process by a organization that operates in an area that must provide such things.

Thank you to everyone that has rallied today, we were so close to obtaining a court injunction for Buddy but decided that serving that on a (likely) dying woman as well as the Lost Dogs Home, was just not the most compassionate way to go about things.

Many thanks to LoP super star and coordinator extraordinaire, Pikey’s Aunty Cat. She went and sat at the LDH to ensure that they would acknowledge in writing, a email of enquiry by the breeder.

And more thanks also to LoP super star legal adviser extraordinaire, Pikey’s Aunty Hollie. She helped sort out all the legalities and wording needed to correctly navigate this terrible situation.

I had to head home to be here at HQ and send off our best big baby boi Paddlepop for his adoption handover ❤️🙌🏼

What a crazy day and a wild ride animal rescue is, huh?!

08/11/2024

BUDDY UPDATE 💔

We can now confirm that the person who purchased Buddy from his breeder has been in ICU on life support this week at a large Melbourne central hospital.

Victoria Police were lied to this morning, and yet seem satisfied by the young supervisor who refuses to identify herself.

I dearly hope that the powers that be at The Lost Dogs' Home take swift action to rectify Buddy’s release to his legal (microchip and council registered owner). The previous “owner” is incapacitated and will not be making an appearance this weekend to collect Buddy as LDH staff have suggested.

We are seeking a Magistrates injunction for Buddy, but this might take time.

Lost Dogs Home, there is still time for you to save face and realize your mistake here.

It seems farcical to stand your ground on some fictional “owner” who has apparently called and provided you only verbal information over the phone to claim this dog JUST as his legal holding period timing ends… what is going to happen to Buddy?

Is one of your staff members thinking they’ll get to keep him? Are you going to let some random come in without any evidence or documentation, claim him?

You called his owner listed on his microchip, she has come right in each day this week seeking his release, willing to pay whatever to get him out of the kennels.

What is going on? What kind of power trip are your young employees allowed and enabled to wreak havoc on a such an important legal system designed to protect pet ownership?

We asked what type of evidence and what process had been determined to prevent Buddy’s legal owner from collecting him, we were denied this which in itself is illegal for such a Not for Profit organization to do. You have an obligation to be transparent.

Shame on you!

*If you would like to help us, please contact local MPs and legal authorities on our behalf, we have 4 people working on Buddy’s case but we are also juggling other things today so there is only so much we can do and so many phone calls we can make.

08/11/2024

SAVING BUDDY 💔

Buddy is an almost 2 year old chichi boyo who 7 days ago turned up at The Lost Dogs' Home in North Melbourne.

Now, Buddy is not a rescue boyo (yet), he was bred and sold back in 2022.

7 days ago Buddy’s breeder received a phone call from the Lost Dogs Home stating that he had been picked up straying…

Buddy’s breeder did race down there with all his details to try and break him out of the well known high kill pound facility.

With her details still listed on his microchip as his legal owner, and after registering him with her council, Buddy’s breeder showed up in person with all the paperwork, photos, ID proof and screenshots of the plethora of text messages trying to reach the purchaser of Buddy (to no response).

The staff at the Lost Dogs Home had decided that was not enough to prove ownership… even though that quite literally is the law and the process of release they must follow.

The Lost Dogs home have an 8 day holding period, tomorrow is day 9, which means Buddy has to become public for adoption if he is not claimed by his owner.

Buddy’s breeder has showed up every single day in person and today with me (Pikey’s Ma) trying to assist his release.

The staff at the Lost Dogs Home claim that by coincidence, that tomorrow Buddy’s purchaser (who has not had any of his vet work done in 2 years, let him go straying and doesn’t have any documentation to prove he is theirs) is coming in to collect him.

How are they so sure that this possibly fictional person has evidence to prove ownership? Why are they denying the very person listed on his microchip who has turned up every day this week to claim him?

Is it because he is a teeny tiny chihuahua boy who is cute? Do one of the staff think they can just “adopt” him? Have they already euthanized him?

He isn’t listen on their website as a lost dog, the staff will not give out their names and they got security to remove me and Buddy’s breeder from the premises when we suggested we may need to get police involved.

We were there peacefully and politely asking for further information, it’s all caught on their security cameras.

What does this mean for rescuers? We had frenchie boi Pimp get out of his foster mama’s house almost two years ago, council called and told us he would be taken to the Lost Dogs Home. The fear I had that they’d euthanize him was immense.

Pimp’s microchip was still listing his breeder up in QLD as his owner. The hoops we had to go through to get him returned were immense but thankfully we got him back.

Poor Buddy, his new “owner” had recently reached out to his breeder saying she was in and out of hospital, very unwell and indicated that she possibly wasn’t able to care for him. Now he is in a dangerous position with absolutely no logical recourse to resolve and break him out.

Buddy’s breeder and I have talked about plans for an ethical and possible rescue rehoming if she were able to reclaim him. We’ve even talked about him going back to the purchaser (but having his vet work done first) if she was contactable (which she hasn’t been all week).

We called VIC police but they (once again) say they cannot do anything. They’ve briefly spoken to The Lost Dogs Home and are satisfied with whatever story they’ve told them. When I asked if they provided any evidence of this person supposedly collecting Buddy over the weekend, the police said no, it was just their word.

What a mess, it’s so disheartening. As a rescuer this is a huge fear I have when I know how poorly run some facilities like this have so much power.

What is the point of microchipping, council rego and adoption or in the breeders case, “selling” contracts?

The Lost Dogs Home is a not for profit organization, they are HUGE monopolizers when it comes to funding from the public and they have received some very large government grants from the VIC government. Yet when you google them they are known as one of the highest kill shelters in the country. There are so many experiences and heartbreaking stories around dogs just like Buddy, I hope for Buddy’s sake he doesn’t become part of the Lost Dogs Home lore 💔