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For the dogs that arrive at Paws and Claws Animal Shelter in Port Douglas, Australia, the journey to a new home begins with something many of them have never truly known: genuine care, endless patience, and a quiet place to breathe.
In the tropical heat of Far North Queensland, Chris Barber leads a small but incredibly dedicated team. Along with three passionate volunteers, they manage this no-kill shelter with a single-minded focus—preparing animals not just to be “adopted,” but to be truly ready for their forever lives.
Why We Call Them “Shelter Dogs”
Language matters, especially when it comes to our furry friends. Chris has a thoughtful perspective on the words we use to describe animals in transition.
“I don’t like to use the term ‘rescued’ when it comes to the dogs here,” Chris explains. “I call them shelter dogs. ‘Rescued’ is too loaded, and people may view them as damaged. Too often, people blame negative behaviors on the fact that they are ‘rescued,’ when actually our treatment of them could be causing some behaviors. They’re not rescue dogs—they just don’t have a home.”
By shifting the focus away from a “damaged” past, the shelter helps potential owners see the dog standing in front of them: a healthy, vibrant individual ready for a fresh start.
A Sanctuary Built on Community
The stories that bring dogs to Paws and Claws are as varied as the breeds themselves. Some are surrendered by families who can no longer provide care, some have faced neglect, and others are simply lost. One of the most poignant local stories involves a dog left outside a laundromat, waiting patiently for an owner who never returned.
To honor these animals, the community spent 16 years fundraising and dreaming. In August 2022, that dream became a reality with the opening of a state-of-the-art facility. This isn’t just a holding pen; it’s a purpose-built sanctuary.
The facility features:
- A Modern Cattery: A large, air-conditioned indoor area full of toys, climbing frames, and cozy beds.
- Outdoor Sun Zones: Perfect spots for cats to soak up the Queensland sun safely.
- Social Spaces: Locals can even visit for a coffee and spend time with the cats for a small fee that goes directly back into animal care.
The Secret to Success: Patience and Socialization
Many shelters struggle with “return rates”—when an adoption doesn’t work out, and the dog comes back. Nationally, about one in four dogs is returned to shelters. At Paws and Claws, that number is remarkably low: only two returns per 100 adoptions.
How do they do it? They take their time. A dog at Paws and Claws spends an average of six months in care. During this time, they aren’t just waiting; they are growing.
The Paws and Claws “Prep” includes:
- Comprehensive Health Checks: Every dog receives medical treatment and behavioral testing before joining the social groups.
- Human Interaction: Local residents visit daily to take the dogs for walks. This helps the dogs get used to different people and helps the staff understand each dog's unique personality.
- Community Outreaches: Dogs make weekly visits to local care homes. This brings joy to elderly residents while teaching the dogs to be calm and gentle in different environments.
- Nutritious Dining: The dogs enjoy a premium diet, including human-grade beef, fish, and even locally sourced crocodile meat!
Finding the Perfect Match
The team believes that a "forever home" should mean exactly that. To ensure a good fit, the adoption process is thorough and inclusive. It often involves:
- Extended Walks: Potential families spend significant time walking the dog to see how they bond.
- Overnight Stays: A “trial run” helps the family and the pet see how they handle a home environment.
- Expert Guidance: Volunteers like Michelle Syrett, who is training to be a professional dog trainer, help new owners understand how to communicate with their new companions.
A Sustainable Future
Running a world-class shelter requires more than just heart; it requires a smart plan. Rather than relying solely on donations, Paws and Claws has built a sustainable model to keep the lights on and the bowls full.
They support their mission through:
- A Charity Shop: Located in nearby Mossman, selling treasures to fund the animal
- Boarding Services: Providing a safe place for local pets to stay while their owners are away.
- Community Events: Popular trivia nights that bring the town together for a good cause.
- Education: Hosting school visits to teach the next generation about responsible pet ownership and the importance of desexing.
Every Dog Deserves a Second Chance
Chris is realistic about the shelter's limits, noting that they only take in animals they are confident they can rehome. "It’s important that we don’t put all these dogs at risk by overstretching what is possible," he says. This honesty ensures that every animal currently in their care receives 100% of the attention they deserve.
For the team at Paws and Claws, each successful adoption is proof that no dog is "broken." Whether it’s a shy American Bulldog like Freya—who went from aloof to affectionate before finding her family—or Chris’s own dog, Ellie, these animals show us the power of resilience.
In a world that can sometimes move too fast, Paws and Claws reminds us that with a little extra time, a lot of patience, and a community that cares, every dog can find their way home.
