For many years Monika Biernacki and a group of volunteers have been rescuing animals from council pounds. Monika’s Rescues has up to 200 dogs for adoption at any time – plus cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. More than 500 animals are saved every year.
The organisation has a “no kill” policy so all pets are re-housed or stay for life with Monika’s.
Monika says: “Many of our rescue dogs haven’t had the happiest of starts, and our policy is to re-home them in an environment where they will become a loved member of the adopting family. For this reason, we look for families where the dog will be allowed access to at least part of the house while family members are home, and where the dog is able to sleep indoors.”
Animals rescued from the pound are microchipped, heartworm-tested and vaccinated by a veterinarian, who also gives them a basic health check and provides an estimate of age. The pets are desexed (if required) and given any additional veterinary treatment to return them to good health. Once the pets have completed 8-10 days quarantine, they stay at Monika’s shelter at Ingleside until they are adopted or can be placed into a foster home.
A traditional Blessing of the Animals service will be held at South Sydney Uniting Church (56a Raglan St Waterloo) on Sunday October 1 (from 10am). The service, a commemoration of saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, invites people to bring their pets, symbols or photos of pets (all dogs to be kept on leashes please).
A collection will be taken in support of Monika’s Rescues. Contact the Rev. Andrew Collis on 0438 719 470.
