LAST week started with a “heartbreaking announcement” from Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue Inc. Money had gone missing from the organisation. Police had become involved, but with 30 dogs in their care, and only $200 left in their account, they faced a difficult path forward. It was a devastating blow for the volunteer-run organisation.
“It looked terrible,” said founder Erin Shaw. “But we thought the best thing to do was to be transparent. We wanted to do this for all our foster carers who put so much into caring for these dogs. They deserved to know the truth.”
Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue Inc was founded in 2021 by Shaw who saw a gap in the rescue market that she believed needed addressing. “I had seen other rescues and been involved in other rescues and felt I would like to start a rescue that had a different approach,” said Shaw. “I wanted it to be community minded. To be all about the dogs.”
Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue Inc is no small feat, with dogs transported from high-kill shelters in Victoria and New South Wales, vetted, fostered out to a band of volunteer foster carers, and eventually adopted out. “It is a big undertaking,” said Shaw. “To vet the rescues alone is nearly $1000 per dog, so we need considerable resources to be able to carry on.”
When the organisation announced their predicament on social media, it didn’t take long for the public to respond. Only days later, the rescue had been flooded with financial support, and their bank account had swelled from just $200 to around $13,000 as of Monday 26 May.
Just days after their devastating announcement, they were able to hit social media again with a new message: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts”. “We are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and generosity we’ve received,” said the post. “Your compassion has not only eased the financial burden but has also uplifted our spirits. In moments like these, our faith in humanity is powerfully restored by the strength and unity of our community. “Because of you, what were once heartbroken and anxious faces now carry hope and gratitude.”
Mornington Peninsula Dog Rescue Inc will be holding an adoption day on Saturday 31 May between 10am to 2pm at Peto Mornington, HomeCo Peninsula, corner of Bungower Road and Nepean Highway, Mornington. Mainly large breed, family friendly, and dog friendly dogs will be available for adoption.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 May 2025
