Happy Huskies Victoria co-director and rescue coordinator Jocelyn Peucker couldn’t be happier about the state government’s announcement of almost $10,000 in funding for the not-for-profit organisation.
“It’s just amazing, it’s going to change everything,” she said.
“We’ve rehomed over 70 dogs in the past two years and we had 18 huskies in foster care at the same time last year.
“This grant will give us the money we need to care for more huskies, get more foster carers and train more people in how to look after these dogs.”
Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney visited Leopold Gateway Sanctuary last week to announce the grant for Happy Huskies Victoria, which is a volunteer-based charity that takes in surrendered Siberian Huskies and helps them find a forever home.
The grant was awarded through the Labor government’s Animal Welfare Fund grant program, which has awarded more than $5.9 million in funding to not-for-profit animal welfare organisations since 2014.
Ms Tierney praised the work Happy Huskies had done in its two years of operation.
“It’s important to invest in organisations like Happy Huskies Victoria, which play such a significant role in improving animal welfare outcomes in our communities,” she said.
“Pets are such a big part of our lives, so it’s great to see the positive impact these grants have on rehoming and rehabilitating animals.”
Ms Peucker said Siberian huskies presented special challenges, but with support from organisations such as Happy Huskies owners could help their dogs become loved and trusted family members.
“They’re not an easy dog to train, they’re not like labradors,” she said.
“But they can be trained. And it’s our job to teach people how to do that. Huskies can’t just be left in the backyard all day by themselves, they’re pack animals. They need to be part of a family, and with proper training they can be.”
Ms Peucker said Happy Huskies had great ambitions for the future, such as an online educational hub and database, expanded coverage across the country and certification for foster-carers and owners.
“There’s lots of misinformation out there about huskies, especially online,” she said.
“If we can get out there and educate people and give them a place where they can find all the information and support they need, that’s what we want to do.
“Our priority is to prepare rescued Siberian huskies to live a beautiful life with their forever families.”
