In-care dogs need your knitting

A POINT Lonsdale resident is calling out to community members to spare their best knitting piece, as part of a clothing drive for an animal welfare program in the Northern Territory.

Brooke Connor said Northern Territory-based dog shelter Aussie Desert Dogs, based in Yuendumu, is welcoming any and all donations to keep its in-care dogs warm during the winter.

Ms Connor, who owns two foster dogs of her own, said donating to the shelter was a great way to contribute to a well-deserving shelter.

“I’ve been teaching in the NT on and off for about six years assisting in animal welfare through an organisation called Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities, and that’s where I first connected with Desert Dog.

“It’s not only helpful for dogs but also the community there as well, if you have healthy dogs you can have a healthy community as well.

“Given my personal connection to Desert Dogs, I thought it would be a great idea to see what we could donate here from our local community on the Bellarine.”

Aussie Desert Dogs is run by Warlukurlangu Art Centre’s assistant manager Gloria Morales, who also supports the Aboriginal communities of Yuendumu, Nyirripi, Yulamu and surrounding areas.

Ms Morales has an open door policy to dogs in-need, providing daily support, medical assistance and the provision of food to injured, displaced and recovering animals.

She also oversees the Warlukurlangu Dogs desexing and worming program.

Ms Connor said she could collect any knitted coats via private messaging and organising meeting points through the Borough of Queenscliffe’s community discussion forums.

Collection boxes are also located at Bellarine Vet’s four locations including Newcomb, Ocean Grove, Drysdale and Grovedale.

“It has been encouraging to see the responses I’ve already received, everyone has been super helpful as well given I actually don’t know much about knitting,” Ms Connor said.

“Anyone who can spare some spare clothing and knitted coats is absolutely welcome to reach out, it’s all for a great cause and every effort counts.”

For more information on Aussie Desert

Dogs and their services, head to aussiedesertdogs.org