Denise’s childhood dream becomes a lifelong commitment to dogs

Denise’s commitment was solidified when she met Joan Gladys Rawson B.E.M, the organisation’s trailblazing founder.

“From the humblest of beginnings, Miss Rawson’s tenacity gripped hold and there’s been no letting go!” she recalls. “There was a pull from a very early age. Dogs in need attracted me to the Dogs’ Homes, and Miss Rawson was waiting.”

Denise became a Director of Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania in 1977 and has held multiple leadership roles over the decades, including Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President. She was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2014.

Denise has also been hands-on in organising fundraising events like the Annual Button Day, coordinating midyear and Christmas appeals, managing the Canine Commendation Awards, and producing the annual calendar featuring hundreds of adopted dogs each year.

“In these roles, I always received help and support from other volunteers,” she says. “A team effort, supporting one another in working for the dogs in our care.”

Denise has worked to support the building and upgrades of the Dogs’ Homes located at Burnie, Devonport, Hobart and Launceston, and her greatest joy remains seeing dogs find loving, permanent homes.

“It is in giving we receive and every dog we help, every improvement made at the Dogs’ Homes – either in direct care for the dogs, improvements to the Homes or working with others to help dogs – is a joy!” she says.

What makes the Dogs’ Homes community so special for Denise is its shared devotion.

“Some of our staff and volunteers have served Tasmania’s beautiful dogs for decades,” she says. “We’ve walked together in good and difficult times. When facing challenges, we always ask, ‘What’s best for the dog?’ We work together to make that happen, year after year.”

Even after decades of service, Denise remains motivated by one clear reason: “Dogs still needing help.”

While awareness around animal welfare has grown, Denise acknowledges there’s still much to be done. “We want to be the best friends to dogs in Tasmania and that means every dog.”

Also, Denise believes the impact of volunteering, especially over the long term, extends well beyond the individual.

“If you feel passionate about a particular cause, do what you can for as long as you feel you are meant to contribute,” she says. “A benefit to the organisation is us having a background of understanding and experiences to call on as we continue to go forward doing our best for the dogs who need us.”