In the Doghouse
Jewish House in Sydney’s Bondi has built two kennels to house the pets of clients who use the care organisation’s crisis refuge facility.
Rabbi Mendel Kastel, Emma Goodwin, Waverley Mayor Sally Betts, Darcey and Rhonda Forbes Photo: Henry Benjamin
“We built the kennels as part of our program to assist those in need with temporary housing” said Rabbi Mendel Kastel, head of Jewish House.
“When someone becomes homeless, other temporary housing accommodations do not allow for the inclusion of pets. Most pet owners would rather sleep on the streets than abandon their pet” he said.
Waverley Mayor Sally Brett unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. She thanked Jewish House for all the work done to help people “transition into their new life”.
Waverley Mayor Sally Betts visits Lulu currently residing at the Jewish House Dog House
Star of the day was Darcy Forbes, a 13-yr-old terrier-cross who has his own Facebook page.
Because both kennels were occupied, Darcy is being housed and receiving treatment at Sam Kovac’s Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic in St Peters. Vet nurse, Emma Goodwin, brought him over to Bondi for the photo-op and he was very happy to be reunited with his owner, Rhonda Forbes.
Rhonda, 60, a payroll officer by profession, is staying at Jewish House while she seeks employment and more permanent accommodation.
She told J-Wire that a few years ago when she lost her home, she had paid $400 a week to have her two dogs boarded while she slept in her car.
“Jewish House recognises that a pet is an integral part of someone’s life. Sam the Vet, who is sponsoring these kennels, looks after Darcy for free.
“I am desperate for a job so I can find us a home but am afraid my age is against me. I have 24 years payroll experience and I do not want to give up”, she added.
As Rhonda seeks to get her life back on track, Darcy finds himself a guest at Jewish House’s pets’ overflow facility…warm, well-fed and medically attended to thanks to the crisis management at Jewish House.
what a wondeful initiative. We know that victims of family violence are often loath to leave their situation due to the threat to their pet, or the unavailability of a facility for them.
Debbie Wiener
chair, JTAFV inc
What a wonderful story. Once again Jewish House is at the forefront of ‘care’. I hope someone in the Sydney community will offer Rhonda a full-time well paying position as soon as possible, I am sure she would be an excellent addition to their team.