Castle to the rescue

ARRG’s Christina Hart (left) with Shiro, Rie and Tony Gilding.

When Shiro, the King of Macadamia Castle, heard that Animal Rights and Rescue Group was in danger of closing due to lack of funds he did the only thing a black labrador could for the sake of his fellow canines: looked up at his companions Rie and Tony Gilding with his beseeching brown eyes and begged.

Rie, a passionate animal lover and volunteer for AARG, and Tony were happy to donate $2500 after Shiro’s convincing argument.

“Many people try to help human beings but not many help animals,” Rie said. “That seems unfair because we’re sharing this planet, this earth, with animals.”

“Because we’re an animal-focussed business at Macadamia Castle and a lot of kids come and experience baby animals for the first time, we wanted to help animals,” Tony added.

Christina Hart from AARG said the money would be used for vet bills, micro-chipping and de-sexing dogs and cats.

“We’re very grateful for the donation,” Christina said. “Kitten season has just started and we’re inundated with litters, from people bringing them in and also dumping them, and, of course, rescuing animals from the pounds in Casino and Lismore.”

ARRG is a no-kill, foster-care, not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers.

Christina said the Christmas-New Year period was a busy one for ARRG because many people don’t make arrangements to put their pets into care when they go on holidays.

She also said, if you were considering buying a pet for someone as a Christmas present, there were many important considerations.

“Say a definite no to pet shops and you absolutely cannot give an animal as a surprise,” she said. “Parents must understand they are it, they are responsible for the ultimate care of an animal.

“Also, at some ages, for young people, it is inappropriate to get an animal. In your late teens people are thinking about moving away to study or travel and need freedom. There are periods in your life when you can’t have an animal and it’s got to be a family decision to adopt one.”

For more information about ARRG, to volunteer, donate or adopt a companion animal, go to www.animalrights.org.au or phone 6622 1881.