GAWS calendar showcases 13 second chances

ALL Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) graduates have a story, and Jack Russell terrier/chihuahua cross Delilah was one of the lucky animals to get her second chance at a happy and healthy life.

Delilah, now 10 years old, was handed in to GAWS in April 2020 with complex health needs including a severe skin condition, but is now the October ambassador and one of 13 resheltered animals inside the society’s 2023 calendar.

Now available to the community, the calendar is one of the organisation’s creative ways of raising funds for the shelter.

All proceeds from calendar sales go towards helping animals such as Delilah back to good health.

GAWS supported Delilah back to full health over more than 100 days, with most of her time spent in the shelter’s foster program.

“Delilah was a lovely little dog, very tolerant and happy being handled,” GAWS animal care supervisor Danielle Richens said.

“Skin conditions in dogs take a long time to treat and heal, and we were dedicated to Delilah’s full recovery.”

Delilah is one of 13 rehomed animals in the 2023 GAWS calendar.

Four months later, Delilah was ready to be rehomed, and Delilah’s foster carers, Jen and Dean Kennedy, fell in love and adopted her.

More than 100 entries were submitted to the calendar competition.

GAWS chief executive officer Helen Cocks said she looked forward to seeing the calendar each year, which is produced with the support of 12 calendar sponsors.

“Every life is precious, and Delilah is worth every minute and dollar we invested into her health and wellbeing,” Ms Cocks said.

“To see her happy and thriving is the outcome we strive for every day for every animal. She is a beautiful dog and we’re thrilled to feature her as an ambassador in our 2023 calendar.

Since her adoption, Delilah has crossed the Nullabor twice and lived in WA and SA with her new family.

“GAWS relies on donations, both monetary and goods, from the public to invest in each animal that comes into our care.

“We have thousands of animals admitted each year who have their individual vet and care requirements met.

“Our calendar is one way people can financially support us and our vital work – every calendar purchase helps.”

The 2023 GAWS Calendar is $20, and can be bought online at gaws.org.au, collected onsite at GAWS reception (325 Portarlington Road, Moolap) or at the GAWS Op Shop (63 Vines Road, Hamlyn Heights).