Page 16 - DoggieRescue E-Magazine January 2022

16 JANUARY 2022 DOGGIERESCUE.COM MAGAZINE

Andrew with
a friend at
Drummoyne

“ Stimpy”
“ Sparkle” “ Russell”

KIM BERNOTAS Kim pictured
in Drummoyne
2005. Inset is
Seventeen years ago, I answered an a photo of
ad for volunteer dog walkers at Doggie Wolfie &
Rescue that changed my life. Luckily, I Amber
had a station wagon so I became further
involved, transporting dogs for the public to meet,
walk and for adoption appointments. I continued to
volunteer when DoggieRescue moved to a shopfront
in Harbord and then Drummoyne. My husband
Andrew used to join me in the early days, often doing
odd jobs. We fostered a few dogs and I was taking
photos of the dogs during my shifts. Two of our
beautiful little dogs, Amber and Wolfie, were adopted
from DoggieRescue.

In 2008 when DoggieRescue settled at its current
premises in Ingleside, I began taking photos of the
dogs on a weekly basis for the magazine and DR
website. Everyone takes photos on their mobiles now
and we have professional photographers, but I still
enjoy my visits to meet and photograph the new dogs
and I especially look forward to cuddles with my
special mate Russell, who is one of Monika's own “ I highly recommend volunteering; I've met many lovely
dogs. I also proofread this wonderful magazine, people over the years and it has been so rewarding to
which is a bonus because I get to read it first! spend time with the dogs and discover their unique
personalities and it's heart-warming to see them find
Over the years things have changed from mainly their own special families and forever homes.” Kim
small dogs "white fluffies", foxies and Jack Russells
to Staffy crosses, Bull Arabs and bigger dogs, more Thank you, Kim, for your dedication to the animals
yards have been built to accommodate the bigger and your contribution to the building of Doggie
dogs, countless volunteers and kennel hands have
been involved but one person remains constant - Rescue over the past seventeen years. Your story
reminds us of all the varying ways one can contribute
Monika - who has been there for all the ups and to the ongoing success of Monika’s vision and how a
downs. I was pleased to see Monika recognised with simple beginning often leads to great things and even
an OAM. So many thousands of animals have had a the adoption of furry friends. We all look forward to
second chance because of Monika's hard work, your continued contribution.
compassion and dedication.