We first met Monika Biernacki in August last year, having been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to animal welfare for her work as the founder of the charity, Monika’s Doggie Rescue. Nine months later, we thought it imperative to catch up with Monika and find out what is happening with rescue pets right now, as the stories of a surge in abandoned animals is frightening.
What impacts has the pandemic had on rescue pets?
There have been some huge changes. The surge in pet ownership that took place with Covid’s prolonged lockdowns and work from home mandates is now giving way to a general return to normal life. While this would seem fantastic, the sad reality for rescue dogs, cats and other animals has been an enormous outflow of pets that are no longer wanted. Certainly, that’s what we’re experienc- ing. It’s just overwhelming, and so many lovely animals are now in need of a home.
Is there something in particular that resulted in so many pets being abandoned? A lot of people made an emotive decision during Covid to become pet owners, thinking perhaps they’d be forever working from home. It hasn’t eventuated. Unfortunately for the animals, not only are a large number of people returning to work, but most of these owners didn’t also transition their dogs and get them comfortable with being left unattended for hours at a time. This means the dogs are often simply unable to cope, causing behavioural issues, separation anxiety and other difficulties. These animals very quickly find themselves in the pound.
How can behavioural issues best be treated to avoid the crisis we’re now seeing?
I can’t stress training enough, but a lot of new dog owners don’t commit to dog training, they don’t even consider it. Or, if they do, they bring a trainer in once behavioural issues have taken hold, and they expect instant fixes. Our society is so driven by things being instant. Even when people take their pets to the vet with separation anxiety, for instance, what invariably happens? The vet prescribes pills, anti-anxiety medication. Again, we’re so drawn in by the idea of an instant fix, but here’s the thing, it doesn’t work like that. It’s not how to solve these issues. A medicated quick fix can only work if combined with ongoing, time-consuming training. People don’t have the time, the commitment, or the inclination. And that’s a problem.
If a family is considering adopting a rescue dog, what should they seriously think through before committing?
The best thing to do is first come in and have a look. We have classifications on our dogs, and we have child-friendly dogs that have been assessed with professional trainers, so they’re definitely worth looking at if you’re considering a dog for the family. It’s so important to be truly committed too, to know that dog ownership comes with hard work, dedication to toilet-train the dog, lead-train the dog, give it basic obedience. But when you do make the time the rewards are immense.
Finally, has the Queen been in touch lately?
No, not lately. But I have got the medal, so that’s nice.
For many years Monika and a group of volunteers have been rescuing pets from death row and re- homing them with permanent and loving owners.
Visit www.doggierescue.com to find out how you can assist, call 02 9486 3133 if you are interested in adopting a rescue or go to the Ingleside Shelter at 2 McCowan Road Ingleside and meet the animals firsthand.