Paul Chapman and Marissa Sikita – GAWS AMBASSADORS

CATS and dogs can get along just fine.

Anthea Cannon   |  May 16th, 2012 | Geelong Advertiser

Geelong footy star Paul Chapman has backed a community sponsorship plan to help animals at the Geelong Animal Welfare Society.

Fours years after adopting his dog Indy, Chapman returned to the Moolap shelter yesterday to unveil a plaque sponsoring the pen where they met.

Every dog that stays in the pen will be able to access funds for medical treatment, additional care or assistance to go into foster care while awaiting a new home.

Chapman said Indy had completed and enriched his family and he wanted to give other dogs that opportunity.

“We left with her but wanted to take seven or eight home,” he said.

“A place like this needs a lot of money to look after the dogs and help rehabilitate them so I think it’s a great initiative.”

GAWS is Victoria’s third largest shelter and helps more than 6000 lost, injured and abandoned animals every year.

A recent focus on re-homing and updated facilities have seen adoption rates double, but 35 dogs are still looking for a home.

GAWS executive director Belinda Russo said the shelter’s policy overhaul took away the ‘death row’ pressure placed on would-be pet owners.

“GAWS has a total of 87 pens waiting for animal lovers to sponsor to help us build a ‘no kill’ future,” she said.

Sponsors can have their name or company logo placed on the pen to recognise their contribution.

anthea.cannon@geelongadvertiser.com.au