10/06/2026
We all face pain and hardship, but in our darkest moments, the presence of a pet can be the light. No words, no object, no human gesture really compares.
Thatās why, for people facing financial hardship, the thought of surrendering their pet is unbearable. Because when everything else is uncertain, the love of a pet is not.
āI could never give her up. Iād rather go without myself than rehome my dog.ā
These were the heartfelt words uttered by Maureen when speaking of her beloved Jack Russell, Lissi.
Lissi has been by Maureenās side since she was only 6 weeks old. And this happy little dog supports Maureen in more ways than she could ever know. Facing chronic health conditions, family pressures, financial hardship and mental health challenges, Maureen suffers from bouts of depression where she can retreat from the world for weeks. But Lissi, her precious girl, is always there.
āItās a strange thing. Youād think well, how does a dog help that? Well a dogās companionship does. Sheās been a godsend for me. When Iām having a bad day, I canāt even begin to tell you how much comfort she brings me. Only someone that has had a pet will get it. You donāt have to have a conversation. They're just there and they seem to just pick up on the vibes. My little one is always on me or next to me. Lissi means the world to me. Sheās a constant.ā
Despite living with chronic health conditions, Maureen is supporting four generations of family living in the one household ranging from 2-93 years old ā three of whom are neurodivergent.
Maureenās approach to supporting her family members is marked by patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to fostering their strengths while managing the challenges. And Lissi is right there in the mix. To Maureenās family, sheās so much more than just a pet.
When asked if sheās had to make sacrifices to look after Lissi, Maurine responded: āYes, absolutely.ā Maureen has had to choose between eating or providing food for Lissi, and often puts the wellbeing of her family before her own.
āIāve gotta feed my dog. Iāve gotta feed the people. Iāve got to weigh up what's crucial and make simplified cut back meals in order to get my dog fed. But good pet food doesnāt come cheaply.ā
Being able to access the pet food that Pets Of The Homeless supplies to her community support centre has been āan absolute lifesaverā for Maureen.
If you have ever known the unconditional love and comfort of a four-legged companion and believe that no person should be separated from their pet this winter, you can make a difference.
Buy any SavourLife dry food at Petstock until the 29th of June and SavourLife will donate a 3kg bag of SavourLife Essentials to community partners like us supporting pet parents doing it tough. Buy a bag. Feed a dog in need.
Total donations capped at $250,000 retail value.
āThank you. Itās really needed, itās really appreciated, and it means the world.ā - Maureen. š§”
Image description: Image description: A woman with long hair and a warm smile sits cross-legged on the floor, with an adorable small dog nestled between her legs.
