Caring for Westlake’s vulnerable animals

Fur-Get-Me-Knot is a non-profit organisation helping vulnerable animals in Westlake.

Its team of five women provides care to about 400 dogs and almost 300 cats.

The NPO, which received a Sub-council 20 civic honours award in June, focuses on animals at risk of abuse, burns, parasites, starvation, dogfighting, neglect, and overbreeding.

Many owners are pensioners or unemployed and don't have the means to really care for the animals, says the group’s founder, Julie Marzio.

Twelve years ago, Ms Marzio responded to a Facebook ad for volunteering at a dipping day to rid Westlake pets of ticks and fleas. Her weekly involvement soon turned into a leadership role after the original organiser was injured in a motorbike accident.

Inspired to make a greater impact, Ms Marzio established Fur-Get-Me-Knot in November 2018 and was joined by friends and supporters who shared her passion for animal welfare.

“We will only work with the owners who are prepared to sterilise otherwise we're making healthy dogs to make babies, and that's not our deal. So really we feed 360 dogs and then 285 cats.”

Feeding in Westlake takes place once a week, but due to the sheer volume, the area is split in two sections and each animal receives a meal every second week.

Additional services include sterilisations that are done free through TEARS and the Animal Rescue Organisation every second or third month, monthly annual vaccinations and de-worming three times a year for free. A state vet comes in to do the rabies vaccinations for free, says Ms Marzio.

“I've got a complete census of Westlake. I've got the address, the owner's name and number and what animals they own, when they were last vaccinated and de-wormed.

“We‘re a sort of Pied Piper of Westlake. The animals all know the sound of my vehicle. They howl when they hear it. You hear them barking and howling and just the sheer love that these animals give us, even the cats come running. And seeing an animal that was neglected to a state of improvement, that is the biggest reward.”

Kelly Spence, a veterinary nurse who volunteers with Fur-Get-Me-Knot once a month, administering vaccinations to the pets of Westlake, says the organisation offers a vital service to the Westlake community by providing convenient access to veterinary care, kennels, pet food, and essential treatment.

“It is a privilege to be part of an organisation that is making such a tangible impact on the health and well-being of so many animals,” Ms Spence says.

The organisation welcomes any donations of pet food, but any cat or dog related items including bowls, blankets, dog beds, collars and leads are needed too.

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