Finding appropriate forever homes for abandoned dogs is a tough gig. In no small part because if abandoned dogs do not find a new home, their life will be cut short. 

Denise at Paws is a registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for small homeless dogs. Run by volunteers, Denise at Paws rescues lost and abandoned pups, dogs in pounds across New South Wales, and takes on the dogs of people who surrender their animals. 

Once coming to Denise at Paws, all dogs will undertake a veterinary examination, desexing, vaccinations, worming, microchipping, grooming, behavioural support and teeth cleaning. After, the organisation finds foster homes for the dogs to reside while they await adoption. Around 50 to 60 volunteer foster homes work with Denise at Paws, opening their doors to these abandoned dogs.

Denise Becus is the founder of Denise at Paws. After working alongside Monika from Doggie Rescue on the Northern Beaches, Denise broke off around 20 years ago and started Denise at Paws.

‘At the moment, things are diabolical,’ explains Denise. ‘There are so many people that buy puppies and realise the error of their ways. No dog [breed] is exempt from this.’

There are a plethora of reasons why and ways dogs come into the care of Denise at Paws. Homelessness of the owner, sickness, changing of living arrangements, and often, ignorance on the responsibility of dog ownership. Many of the dogs are surrendered by breeders, when the dog has reached the end of its use. 

Denise speaks of the large market of selling puppies, and how many recognisable pet shops in Hornsby, on the Northern Beaches, in Chatswood, and across the state are getting their “supply” at puppy farms and through backyard breeders. The result is an overwhelming number of dogs, and not enough suitable homes. 

After a period of fostering, Denise at Paws open up inquiries for the animal to be adopted. 

‘We have a great reputation because we have a strict criteria, and we do everything that the dog needs,’ says Denise. ‘We have an application form. We do home checks… look them up on Facebook and Instagram… It all takes time.’

Once adopted, Denise at Paws will keep in contact, and if at any point in the dog’s life there is a problem, the adoptive family are contractually obligated to return the dog to Denise at Paws. 

‘I have a passion,’ explains Denise. ‘We do good, we fix these dogs. Doesn’t matter what’s wrong with them. We find them the best home we can, that makes us very happy.’

For more information about Denise at Paws, visit deniseatpaws.com.au