Animal rescue advocate and former Olympic gold-medal swimmer Giaan Rooney grew up raising rescue pets and has encouraged Australians to adopt, rather than shop, for their pets.
“It was love at first sight with my most recent rescue, Lester,” Giaan said.
“Despite being one leg short, Lester was the perfect dog — obedient, easy to train, loving and grateful.”
The Shepparton event is part of PETstock's annual National Pet Adoption Day and this year the goal is to find homes for 1000 rescue pets across 145 stores.
The cause is an initiative of PETstock’s charity PETstock Assist, with support from their event partner PetRescue. PETstock Assist charity and events co-ordinator Jess Guilfoyle said people who were considering adopting a new pet should be open to different types and breeds of animals.
“We’re encouraging all animal-lovers to attend adoption day on Saturday, February 15, to meet pets in need, educate themselves on adoption and reconsider any biases they may have towards rescue animals,” Jess said.
“All pets deserve a safe and loving forever home and through initiatives like this we hope to break the cycle of pet homelessness.”
About 3000 animals across Australia found homes over the past five National Pet Adoption Days.
PetRescue co-founder Vickie Davy said incredible bonds were formed when new owners opened their minds and adopted differently.
“A lot of people start their search for a new pet with a certain type, breed, or age in mind, however, your perfect match might not be the pet you think,” she said.
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