We all remember when Mavis came into the pound, the sad truth is that not all dogs come into the pound in great condition, and sadly Mavis’ condition shocked us all. She had a small lump/growth on the head, which didn’t surprise us too much, as we could tell she was an older dog, however it was the growth on her behind that shocked us the most. Mavis’ owner never came to claim her, and we decided to take her into care. To have her operated on was going to be costly, and we honestly didn’t know at the time what caused this lump, why it was there or if there was going to be ongoing health issues, but this is exactly why we fundraise, and poor Mavis had been carrying this around with her for so long, she deserved a second chance at a healthy normal life.

All the volunteers rallied behind Mavis,  trying to make her time at the pound as comfortable as possible, we knew nothing of her history at this stage, apart from the fact she had apparently had three previous owners. This was unbelievable; she was a happy, well behaved dog, why had she not been treated? And why was she not claimed by any of her past owners? One of our volunteers rallied on social media (facebook) advertising Mavis, and her need for our help, and a massive thank you must go to each member of the public who contributed to her cause, while her foster carer gave her a warm safe place to call home while she recovered.

We learned a lot about Mavis, she is happy to mother pups that are not hers, she loves cuddles, loves kids, loves balls – and loves playing ball, well her version where you chase her around while she tries to outsmart you and keep the ball for herself, and she loves the car. In fact any car will do, and she has even been known to jump in a stranger’s car if the door being open gives her opportunity.

All the volunteers of Wodonga Dog Rescue, and especially her foster carer, love Mavis, and as time goes on we love her more and more. We did place her up for adoption, but from day one, we all secretly never really wanted her to have to go to another home, from what we knew she had been in enough homes, and she was now healthy and more importantly happy.

This page has been created so that everyone who loves Mavis can learn her story, and follow her future.

Mavis is such a well-balanced dog that we take her to all our outings, adoption days, even to talks we have done at schools. She loves it when the kids sit in a circle so she can just wander from one child to the next to get pats. One Saturday we were all watching Mavis run around (you can often find her with us volunteering at the pound, she chooses to – she sees the car door open, so she is coming!), and we all agreed that Mavis should become our Mascot.

The following day we had an outing at a local Children’s Fair.  It was here that a little bit of Mavis’ history could be revealed to us. Turns out that sadly, Mavis’ first owner, who no doubt loved her dearly, passed away. After that she stayed with a friend, they had treated Mavis and taken her to a vet with a slight concern for her behind, as it looked like she was on heat all the time, although at that point in time the vets put it down to be a hormone imbalance. Sadly they could not keep her due to their own circumstances at the time, and rehomed her to what they thought was a lovely home. That was several years ago. We cannot say what happened between now and then, apart from whatever was going on with Mavis’ body was not normal, and was left to grow.

What we can tell you, is that Mavis is here to stay, is happy and healthy and now has a team of people rallying around her to ensure that she never ends up without an owner or a home again.

It is with the saddest news that on the 1st of May 2017 Mavis was kindly put to sleep.
Mavis had multiple tumours, and after many operations, it was time to let Mavis go and rest.

Mavis will never be forgotten. She was loved by many volunteers and attended so many outings and functions as a mascot for WDR in her four years in care. May Mavis now rest in peace.

A special mention must go to all that loved Mavis, and in particular her foster carer. Mavis’ foster carer gave her many years of love, trust and happiness. She opened her heart and her home to Mavis, and loved her dearly.  Thank you for loving her like one of your own, caring for her through her happy days, and in the end her saddest days.

Thank you Wodonga Dog Rescue and all of our supporters

Wodonga Dog Rescue does not receive any government or state funding, we have no paid staff and we rely purely on our volunteers, foster carers and public donations to continue to save the abandoned animals in the pound system that have nowhere else to go once their time is up.