Working in an animal shelter means I am lucky enough to play a small part in the rehoming of thousands of animals each year. in 2013 the AWLQ rehomed over 5000 animals and every one of those beuaitful animals had a story to tell.

On Boxing day 2013 one such animal arrived at the AWLQ with a HUGE story to tell. That dogs name was Chester.

Nine month old Chester arrived with an abnomality to his front legs. He was in good condition but it was clear that he had been born with out fully developed front legs which meant as he grew walking would become more difficult.

It was decided as we spent more time with him that he was going to need  a wheelchair to help him get around more easily.

The cost of the wheelchair was $1000 and we put the call out to our social media supporters to ask for their help to cover the cost of his chair.  Remarkably within half an hour we had raised the money and Chester’s chair was on its way.

When the chair arrived from the USA Chester was fitted and with the help of vet nurses he took his first steps. While he was a little wobbly at first he slowly got the feel for it and with a little help from our vet staff he was walking slowly but surely.

Chester’s story has been an amazing example of the kindness and compassion of the community. From his foster carer to our community of online donators,  Chester’s story has touched everyone in a very special way.

In the past fortnight I have been lucky enough to promote the kindness shown to Chester and to highlight the importance of giving dogs like Chester a second chance to a national audience.

Chester and I have appeared on the:

Courier Mail
Channel 10’s The Project
Channel 7’s Sunrise
Nine News
Albert & Logan News
Totally Wild

Chester is getting stronger by the day and soon it will come time to find his forever home. I am so honoured to have met such a charasmatic little dog and I am so looking forwrd to introducing him to his forever family.

Chester and I on Channel 7 Sunrise program

Behind the scenes at our Sunrise shoot
At the Channel 10 Studios for The Project cross