Project Underdog Rescue Inc.

Project Underdog Rescue Inc. We believe every animal deserves the chance to live a life full of love and happiness, even those who may be seen as different.

Project Underdog Rescue is a not for profit animal rescue charity located in Melbourne, Australia.

We wanted to share a heartwarming update on our bonded brothers, Falcon and Phoenix, who arrived with us just over a mon...
15/11/2024

We wanted to share a heartwarming update on our bonded brothers, Falcon and Phoenix, who arrived with us just over a month ago, after being rescued from a heartbreaking hoarding situation 💔

These sweet souls came to us carrying the weight of their past—a past filled with fear and uncertainty—and we knew we had to do everything possible to help them heal and feel safe in their new foster home 💕

For the better part of their first 1-2 weeks in foster, they sought refuge under a bed, barely eating and keeping their distance from humans. Their foster carers remained patient and understanding, doing everything they could to provide a calm, peaceful environment for the boys. Feliway calming diffusers were plugged in, a variety of tasty food was offered to them and they never forced interactions.

As time passed, both boys began to emerge. Slowly, cautiously, they started to explore more of their surroundings and eventually sought the warmth of a human lap, their little hearts brimming with trust. It was a moment that melted us all 🥹

Since then, their progress has been nothing short of beautiful. Falcon and Phoenix are growing in confidence each day, becoming more affectionate and less fearful. While they still occasionally retreat to their safe spot under the bed when guests visit, it’s clear that their bond with humans is growing stronger, and their once fragile spirits are blossoming into the gentle, loving souls they were always meant to be 😻

Our brave boys will be up for adoption in the coming days!

Can you foster Barney this holiday season? 🙏Barney’s foster family are heading away for a few weeks after Christmas whic...
14/11/2024

Can you foster Barney this holiday season? 🙏

Barney’s foster family are heading away for a few weeks after Christmas which means Barney needs someone who can temporarily foster him so he doesn't have to go into boarding kennels.

His temporary carer will need to:
🐶 Be available to foster from late December to mid January.
🌿 Have a private, outside grassy area for him to play in.
🏠 Provide inside access to a cool area so he doesn't overheat!
📍Be located in Metro Melbourne.
🤫 Have a quiet household, with no other pets or children under 13 years.
🎆 Be home on New Years Eve to comfort Barney during the fireworks.

We'll provide you with everything else you need to succeed - including 24/7 support, all veterinary care covered and a huge range of supplies to keep Barney happy and fulfilled 😊

To apply to foster or for more information, please visit: https://www.projectunderdogrescue.org.au/foster/

If you can’t foster but know someone who might, please spread the word and share 🙏

🐾✨ Update on our sweet senior boy, Benji 🐕As many of you know, Benji was rescued in March and has been facing some medic...
11/11/2024

🐾✨ Update on our sweet senior boy, Benji 🐕

As many of you know, Benji was rescued in March and has been facing some medical challenges, including a diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer. Despite this, he continues to have so much zest for life and shows no clinical signs of the disease.

Recently, we consulted with our vet team about a dental procedure for Benji, as he had some potentially infected teeth that were likely causing him pain.

Just as we were considering launching a fundraising campaign to cover the costs, a kind-hearted individual reached out and offered to donate towards Benji’s medical expenses!

Thanks to her generosity, we were able to get Benji in for his dental work without delay. During the procedure, the vets discovered a fractured molar with a mass growing over it and two rotten front teeth—all of which were extracted.

We’re thrilled to share that Benji made a swift recovery and was back on his daily walk to the cafe for a treat the very next day! 🌟

This experience is a beautiful reminder of the impact one person can have on a dog in need. Thank you to everyone who has supported Benji on his journey and a special thanks to his guardian angel - you know who you are! 💖🐶

Does this happen to anyone else? 🙊✏️
10/11/2024

Does this happen to anyone else? 🙊

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BEST NEWS EVER... BARB'S FOSTER PARENTS HAVE OFFICIALLY ADOPTED HER 🎉Barb’s story broke all our hearts and she’s been on...
07/11/2024

BEST NEWS EVER... BARB'S FOSTER PARENTS HAVE OFFICIALLY ADOPTED HER 🎉

Barb’s story broke all our hearts and she’s been on quite the life journey…

Before arriving at PUR in 2021, Barb was confined to a small concrete enclosure in the back yard of a vacant property 💔 Her guardians had moved interstate and left Barb and another dog behind. The enclosure had no gate so the only way for anyone to get to the dogs was by using a ladder to climb into the enclosure. The dogs remained in this enclosure for TWO YEARS. Someone dropped food and provided water over to the dogs sporadically during that time before finally alerting the council.

Sadly by this stage the other dog was too unwell and was humanely euthanised, leaving Barb without her one companion. Barb was sadly deemed to be ‘unadoptable’ and therefore faced the very real possibility of also being euthanised - unless a rescue organisation would take her on. And that’s where we stepped in.

During her time at PUR, Barb has undergone multiple surgeries for cancerous tumours. Miracuously, in the last 12 months, Barb has had no new tumours form and has been otherwise in good health for her age. Her arthritis is well managed with regular injections, pain relief and 4CYTE supplements.

Her foster carers have been her heroes, showering her with all the love and attention she deserves. They regularly take her on road trips, hotel stays and holidays, always putting Barb first and making sure she gets the star treatment 🥰 Her pawrents have been nothing but committed to making every minute of Barb’s life special 💗

We’re so happy for them to officially be her guardians. Congratulations Barb 🫶

We've been itching to share this with you..Introducing the Project Underdog Rescue "10 Years of Rescue” 2025 Calendar, a...
06/11/2024

We've been itching to share this with you..

Introducing the Project Underdog Rescue "10 Years of Rescue” 2025 Calendar, a special edition that marks a decade of dedication to saving lives and finding forever homes 🎉

This commemorative calendar celebrates the incredible journey of animals rescued over the past decade. Each month features a stunning photograph that captures the unique personality of the animal, accompanied by a heartwarming image alongside their loving guardian 🩵

Each story embodies the spirit of hope and transformation that defines our mission, reminding us of the incredible bond between humans and animals, and the life-changing power of giving a second chance 💪

As our FINAL calendar, this limited-edition piece is not only a keepsake but a tribute to the lives saved. Help us continue to spread the message to adopt, not shop, and honour 10 years of rescue with this extra special calendar 🙏

Bonus Pages 🎊
In addition, we've also added three double-spread pages filled with a collection of photographs that capture our favourite memories from the past decade. You'll also find a heartfelt message from our founder, reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together accompanied by touching notes from friends and supporters.

📷 Photography by: Dogfolk Pet Photography - Melbourne’s in-home pet photographers, Katy & Shell from Dogfolk, capture your dog’s personality and the special bond you share, from the comfort of home

✏ Design by: Caitlin Preyser

Join us in honouring these remarkable stories and the love that brings us all together 🫶

For the next 72 hours, you can secure your pre-order for 15% off!

https://www.projectunderdogrescue.org.au/2025-calendar

Please note: There will only be a very limited number of copies available so please place a pre-order to avoid missing out! Calendars will be shipping 1st week of December.

Why we say ‘Nup to the Cup’ ❌1️⃣ Exploitation: Horses bred for racing are seen merely as commodities, valued for their a...
04/11/2024

Why we say ‘Nup to the Cup’ ❌

1️⃣ Exploitation: Horses bred for racing are seen merely as commodities, valued for their ability to win and generate income. This profit-driven mindset creates a fundamental conflict with the horses' welfare, prioritising financial gain and human entertainment over the health and happiness of the animals involved.

2️⃣ Physical Abuse: Horses are incredibly sensitive creatures, capable of feeling even the lightest touch. They endure harsh treatment, including repeated whipping during races and training. Additionally, practices such as the use of tongue ties can cause distress and discomfort. The application of spurs by riders further exacerbates the pain these animals experience. This combination of physical abuse not only causes immediate suffering but also contributes to long-term psychological distress.

3️⃣ Welfare Concerns: Horses are social, plains-ranging animals, yet racehorses tend to be housed in isolation and close confinement. In training, many horses are confined to stalls for around 22 hours a day. This excessive confinement can lead to unhealthy, repetitive behaviours stemming from frustration, stress and inhibition of natural behaviours.

4️⃣ High Risk of Injuries: The intense physical demands placed on racehorses can lead to severe health issues, including Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage, which results in bleeding into the lungs and windpipe. Additionally, these sensitive animals are at risk for traumatic injuries, such as broken legs and necks, often caused by falls or collisions during races - highlighting the dangerous consequences of pushing horses beyond their limits in the racing industry.

5️⃣ Wastage: "Wastage" is the term used for culling of uncompetitive animals and includes both the breeding of thoroughbred horses that never make it to the racetrack, and horses leaving the racetrack at the end of their career. We do not know exactly what happens to these horses as there is currently no accurate or transparent lifetime traceability system for racehorses but the shocking ABC 730 investigation highlights widespread slaughter despite the industry’s commitment to animal welfare.

6️⃣ Tragic Death Toll: The 2023-2024 racing year saw a staggering 151 horse fatalities on race days alone—an average of one horse dying every 2.4 days. Tragically, many more horses lose their lives during training and trials. This alarming death toll underscores the urgent need to address the inherent risks and ethical implications of the racing industry.

Using animals in "sports" often involves causing intentional harm and inflicting violence on these sentient beings. By saying , we advocate for a more humane approach to animal treatment and challenge an industry that prioritises profit over welfare.

References:
- ABC 7.30 Report
- Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses
- Animals Australia

It's November and this month we are remembering Sasha through our Across the Rainbow Bridge calendar 🌈Sasha was one of t...
04/11/2024

It's November and this month we are remembering Sasha through our Across the Rainbow Bridge calendar 🌈

Sasha was one of the first dogs we ever rescued. We rescued her along with 5 other dogs who were all facing imminent euthanasia from a NSW rural pound. Sasha was rescued in April 2015, and adopted shortly after by her foster family 🥰

Her guardians reflected on their life with her and shared:

"Sasha was our best friend, she had such a kind heart and gave amazing cuddles. She was such a special girl and very sociable, would stay up at parties/bbqs until the last person left and she had a very good social life. Our friends were her friends, she would sometimes even sit on a dining chair at the table just to be part of the conversation. Sasha impacted our lives in ways we can't describe. She gave us unconditional love and showed us that even if you're an old girl, you can live your life to the fullest. We loved Sasha so much, our beautiful senior staffy."

"We miss you so much Sashy B. We now have a daughter and you would absolutely love her and she would love you. We have a drawing of you outside her room and before she goes to bed we say: "Say goodnight to Sasha", and she strokes your photo." 💗

Rest in Peace Sasha 🕊

Thank you to Canine Kinetics for providing us with the opportunity to remember Sasha and celebrate her life through our calendar 🐾

Nancy has been adopted! 🎉You might remember that we rescued her from the pound in August. After getting her back to heal...
01/11/2024

Nancy has been adopted! 🎉

You might remember that we rescued her from the pound in August. After getting her back to health, she received essential care, including de-matting, treatment for infected skin, des*xing, mammary lump removal and testing, vaccinations, medication baths and follow-up checks on her skin and ears. It was a lot!

Now, we’re thrilled to announce that Nancy has officially found her forever home—exactly where she's been, with her foster carers! 🏡❤️

Her mum shares, "She loooves people and takes everything in her stride. She is so affectionate and sweet and just wants to be near her humans (and lick their faces!). She has just the right amount of sass and knows what she wants! She’s also very happy chilling on the couch or out sniffing the good sniffs.”

Congratulations, Nancy! 🥳

It’s been an incredible journey for Bozo and his owners, Betty and James*! Since we began providing weekly walks through...
31/10/2024

It’s been an incredible journey for Bozo and his owners, Betty and James*! Since we began providing weekly walks through our Companion Carers program at the start of the year, the bond between volunteer Sarah and Bozo has only grown stronger 🐾🩵

Recently, Bozo needed a few weeks off from his walks due to some soreness in his legs. But with pain relief and arthritis injections from his regular vet, he’s back to strutting his stuff with no stiffness at all! 🎉

What is the Companion Carers Program? 💜
Imagine falling ill and facing the heart-wrenching possibility of surrendering your beloved pet simply because you can’t care for them. That’s why we created this program—an outreach initiative designed to provide practical assistance to individuals temporarily unable to care for their pets due to illness or injury. Our goal is to keep loving families together and reduce the number of animals surrendered to shelters.

We’re honoured to be part of their journey, ensuring Bozo continues to bring joy to Betty and James every day! 💕

(*Names changed for privacy)

30/10/2024

Meet Barney: your future couch buddy and movie night companion! 🎥🩵

Barney loves snuggling up during your favourite shows and soaking up the sun in the yard. He’s a sweet boy who thrives in a calm, familiar environment and would do best in a quiet home with one or two adults and no other pets.

With a little patience and love, Barney is learning to manage his emotions and is ready to find his forever home. Could you be the one to give him the cozy spot he deserves? 🏡✨

Please read through his adoption profile to learn more: https://www.projectunderdogrescue.org.au/animal/barney/

Microchip number: 956000016687789
Source number: RE100240

Teddy has been adopted by his doting foster pawrents  🎉 Teddy came to us through our private surrender service just over...
28/10/2024

Teddy has been adopted by his doting foster pawrents 🎉

Teddy came to us through our private surrender service just over a month ago when his guardians realised that they were no longer the right home for him after their other dog’s challenging behaviours began to escalate, leading to a redirection towards poor Teddy ❤️‍🩹

Despite their best efforts to manage the situation, it became unsafe and unfair for all involved so they made the brave decision to surrender Teddy 😢

Since being in foster, Teddy has undergone hip and joint X-rays, a dental procedure and had some arthritis injections to ease some of his discomfort.

After receiving all recommended medical care and flourishing in foster, it was time to put him up for adoption..

“Try as we might, let’s be honest, Teddy being a foster fail was inevitable 😹 from day one, he captured us - his antenna tail, yoga stretching, teddy bear eyes, endless cuddles! Our little distinguished gentleman 🥰” - Teddy’s foster pawrents (now adoptive parents) write.

If, like us, you just can’t get enough of Teddy, you can keep up to date with his journey over at 😍

Congratulations Teddy, we know you’re going to have the best life in your forever home 😘💗

We’re excited to be at The Dog Lovers Show this weekend! 🐾 Catch up with us starting tomorrow!📍 Find us in the Adoption ...
25/10/2024

We’re excited to be at The Dog Lovers Show this weekend! 🐾 Catch up with us starting tomorrow!

📍 Find us in the Adoption Zone at G-820, right next to the entrance in the Grand Pavilion (swipe to see the map). Our team will be ready to chat about:

🐾 Adopting & fostering
🩺 Our Fear Free Vet Clinic for anxious pets
🤝 Volunteering with PUR
🐕 How you can get involved in rescue

Purchase your tickets via their website, and with your ticket, you'll get free access to the Cat Lovers Show right next door! 🐱

While we might not have any animals with us (read our previous post to find out why we don’t bring them to events), we’d love to meet you and answer any questions! Come say hi and learn more about what we do.

We hope to see you at the Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October 2024! 🐶🐱

Sneak peek behind the scenes of our 2025 Project Underdog calendar, shot by the fabulous Dogfolk Pet Photography! 📸🐾  We...
24/10/2024

Sneak peek behind the scenes of our 2025 Project Underdog calendar, shot by the fabulous Dogfolk Pet Photography! 📸🐾 We’ve been having an absolute blast capturing all the fun, furry moments with our rescue pets 😍

We can’t wait for you to see the final result, but here’s the big question: What do you think next year’s theme will be? 👀 We'll let you in on a little secret… next year is our 10th birthday! 🎉 Drop your guesses in the comments — we’d love to hear your wildest ideas!

23/10/2024

Yesterday morning we headed out to Reynard Street Neighbourhood House and Nourishing Neighbours, where we dropped off essential dog and cat supplies to support people in need ❤️

Our Pet Pantry program aims to alleviate the burden on individuals facing tough times, ensuring that no one has to choose between feeding themselves and their cherished pets.

If you'd like to contribute to the pantry, donations of sealed and in date pet food or supplies are always appreciated. Please get in touch to arrange drop off 🐶🐱

Thank you to Animal Rescue Cooperative and the Petbarn Foundation for the continued contributions towards our pet pantry.

Why you don't see foster animals at events we attend 🙅‍♀️We recognise sentience 🐶🐱We acknowledge that dogs and cats are ...
22/10/2024

Why you don't see foster animals at events we attend 🙅‍♀️

We recognise sentience 🐶🐱
We acknowledge that dogs and cats are sentient beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions, including stress, discomfort, and fear. This recognition of their sentience is essential in guiding our decisions and shaping our approach to their care and the situations we place them in.

We prioritise emotional wellbeing 🧠
Our top priority is the emotional wellbeing of the animals in our care. We believe in providing them an environment where they feel secure, respected, and at ease wherever that is possible. Large crowds, unfamiliar people, and unsolicited physical interactions can cause them significant, unnecessary stress. We are committed to protecting them from such experiences.

Events can be overwhelming for animals 🔊
Events may be enjoyable for people, but for animals, they are unnatural and extremely overwhelming. The noise, hustle, and constant activity can be distressing, even for animals who are generally calm and well adjusted. We prefer to keep our animals in quiet, more controlled and familiar environments that are nurturing and conducive to their recovery.

Events can be high risk for animals ⚠️
Many of our animals have already endured challenging situations. Introducing them to crowded, chaotic events can increase the chance of accidents, conflicts, or exposure to illness. For those recovering from trauma, such environments can be harmful and even delay their progress. We want to make sure their future experiences are always positive, helping them heal emotionally and physically.

It’s just not necessary ❌
We value community events and appreciate the opportunity they provide to raise awareness and support. However, we’ve found that we can engage with the community and promote our mission without compromising the emotional wellbeing of the animals we care for.

These are our views, share yours below (respectfully) ⬇️

What better way to spend a Sunday than doing nothing with your dog 🤗✏️
20/10/2024

What better way to spend a Sunday than doing nothing with your dog 🤗

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Address

PO BOX 250
Melbourne, VIC
3058

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Our Story

Project Underdog Rescue is a not for profit animal rescue charity located in Melbourne, Australia. Our organisation is run entirely by unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and successfully rehoming companion animals facing imminent euthanasia in pounds and shelters. We do not discriminate on breed, age or s*x. We take those that need us most. We pride ourselves on providing our animals with the same amount of love, attention and level of care we would give our own pets. Any specialised treatment recommended by our veterinarian will be provided to the animals in our care. We are based in Melbourne and are run via a network of foster carers. We do not have a shelter as we prefer to have our animals in loving foster homes. This allows them greater interaction with people and can encourage healthy socialisation with other domestic pets. It also gives us the chance to learn about each animals personality and provide him or her with any necessary training. We believe this gives our animals the best chance at a smooth transition into their forever home. We are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission and have Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR). This means that all donations over $2 are tax deductible. We are run entirely by unpaid volunteers and receive no government funding so your donations are what we rely on. Our Mission: Rescuing, rehabilitating and successfully rehoming companion animals in need. Our Vision: For there to one day be a world where there are no more homeless pets. Our Values: Kindness: To demonstrate compassion for all living creatures and treat those how we wish to be treated. Respect: To communicate honestly and courteously in all our dealings. Integrity: To be fair and ethical in all our dealings. Leadership: To lead by example. Transparency: To be open and honest in all our dealings. Authenticity: To do what we say we do. Our Purpose: - To provide refuge for stray, abandoned and surrendered animals – primarily those facing imminent euthanasia in shelters and pounds. - To rehabilitate each animal in foster care and find them loving, safe and permanent homes. - To promote responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and no kill solutions.

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