Tales from Australia CAN
Our latest Tales
CANA’s pet friendly business policy benefits Eastern Innovation, their clients and pets
Posted: June 2024
Eastern Innovation (EI) is a co-working space in south-east Melbourne with suites, labs and offices for more than 40 future-focused businesses. The company became a CANA Pets in Business partner in 2022.
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Peanut the office dog at Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania
Posted: June 2024
Alexandra Bray is a self-proclaimed dog-obsessed individual and working with Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania as the marketing and development manager probably shows that!
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Tales, the official blog of Australia CAN, is full of news from our network, updates on our advocacy efforts and heartwarming stories that celebrate the human-animal bond. Please enter your email address above so we can let you know when a new Tale has been published, and also occasionally send out other important announcements. Thanks for staying in touch!
Please note: Some images used in Tales and on our social media may be stock images and not the individuals named in the article. Names may be changed to protect privacy of individuals. Generative AI may be used to modify image backgrounds for aesthetic purposes.
A heart for every dog: Dekota’s foster story
Posted: November 2025
For Dekota Mark, fostering for Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania began as a way to give back. It has become a source of connection, purpose and a constant reminder of the difference one household can make in a dog’s life.
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Meet Hans: The veteran foster carer giving Tassie dogs their second chance
Posted: November 2025
For more than 30 years, Hans Hermans has volunteered with Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, becoming the organisation’s longest-serving foster carer. In that time, he’s opened his home to countless dogs, giving each one the stability, confidence and love they needed to thrive in their adoptive home.
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Meet Kate, the foster carer (and cat doula!) giving Adelaide’s rescue cats a second chance
Posted: November 2025
Kate O’Leary has fostered countless felines through Ginger Ninja Rescue, including Potato, a disabled kitten who became her beloved foster fail. Today, he helps welcome every new foster while Kate and her daughters continue giving vulnerable cats a safe place to heal.
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The Man Behind 138 Wagging Tails: Andrew’s Foster Story
Posted: November 2025
Through Scruffer Lovers, Adelaide carer Andrew Hutton has fostered more than a hundred dogs, guiding them from fear to confidence. With the help of his ‘foster failure’ Kelpie cross, Kiani, Andrew says fostering has been life-changing for both the dogs he supports and for himself.
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CANA Member SAFE Inc Appoints Grant Robb as Interim CEO
Posted: November 2025
Companion Animal Network Australia’s member SAFE Inc, a leading foster-based animal rescue organisation based in WA, is pleased to announce the appointment of Grant Robb as Interim CEO.
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Zelda the Paw-fessional Greeter
Posted: September 2025
Zelda is one of PetSure’s favourite four-legged staff members, always ready to greet everyone and brighten the workday.
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Peter keeps the peace at Lyka’s dog-friendly office
Posted: September 2025
Meet Peter, Lyka Pet Food’s unofficial ‘Chief Fun Police’ – a five-year-old short-haired Brussels Griffon with a big personality who runs a tight ship around the office.
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Maddy’s moments that matter with Teddy and Sultan
Posted: August 2025
As part of Loneliness Awareness Week 2025, young Maddy Willsher shares how her four-legged companions, Sultan and Teddy, have brought comfort, connection and daily joy into her life during times of isolation and challenge.
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Meet Charli, Chief Cuddle Officer
Posted: July 2025
Charli the Cavoodle may not be on the payroll of recruitment agency People2People, but she certainly earns her keep through cuddles, calm energy and lunchtime strolls.
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Chalky brings pawsitivity to the office
Posted: June 2025
Julie Jensen works at Pepperit, a marketing agency in Newcastle NSW, and brings her dog Chalky into the office a couple of days a week. While Chalky may not contribute much to the team’s campaigns or strategy meetings, his impact is undeniable.
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Benji the physiotherapy assistant
Posted: June 2025
Director and physiotherapist Deb Mooney from Inspired Physiotherapy* in Sydney has been bringing her dog, Benji, to work since he was 13 weeks old. Now nearly two years old, the friendly German Shorthaired Pointer has become a beloved part of the team, bringing comfort, companionship and a healthy dose of distraction to clients recovering from injury.
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Denise’s childhood dream becomes a lifelong commitment to dogs
Posted: May 2025
At just five years old, Denise Bower knew exactly what she wanted in life: to own a Dogs’ Home. While the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania had already been established in 1950, Denise’s passion for helping dogs only grew stronger with time, and she’s been turning that childhood dream into a lifetime of service ever since.
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From pool to paws, Maddie finds joy caring for rescue cats
Posted: May 2025
Maddie McTernan may be best known as a Paralympic silver medalist, but outside the pool, the Gold Coast local is just as dedicated to helping animals in need.
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Jocelyn’s lifetime of giving back, one stitch at a time
Posted: May 2025
When Jocelyn Sellers made a promise to herself at age 60 to give back to animals in need, she meant it. Twenty-nine years later and now approaching her 88th birthday, Jocelyn is Lort Smith Animal Hospital’s longest-serving volunteer, and her dedication is as unwavering as ever.
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Jean’s volunteer journey, helping pets and people one load at a time
Posted: May 2025
Jean Ford migrated to Australia from the United Kingdom in 1988 with her husband, two children, and their dog Jackie—bringing with her a lifelong love of animals that led her to become a dedicated volunteer at Lort Smith Animal Hospital.
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Monty wins hearts at home and in the office
Posted: September 2024
Kate Kelly is the manager for Hula Bar and Restaurant in Karratha WA where a fundraiser for SAFE Inc earlier this year led to the adoption of a kitten named Monty. Little did anyone know how quicky he would win hearts at home and the business.
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Maz is delighted to have Happy at work at Triple M
Posted: August 2024
Maz Compton, the lively Breakfast Host on Triple M Central Coast (NSW), enjoys bringing her furry sidekick, Happy, to Triple M’s pet friendly office.
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Sheila and Sookie find a second chance at love at the perfect time thanks to SAFE Inc
Posted: July 2024
Sheila Markwick is 85 years old, legally blind due to macular degeneration and lives in a pet-friendly retirement village in Exmouth, WA. Sadly, her beloved Jack Russell, Rosie, passed away not too long ago, leaving a profound emptiness in her heart and home.
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Animals bring a special kind of love into aged care
Posted: July 2024
Tara Trevanion is the General Manager of BUPA Aged Care in New Farm, a modern aged care home situated near the beautiful Brisbane River and Brisbane CBD, featuring open and shaded courtyards and gardens for families, friends and pets to enjoy each other’s company.
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Snug Village staff and residents embrace pets and joy
Posted: July 2024
At Snug Village in Tasmania, the presence of animals is not just a policy — it’s a testament to the love and care that the staff provide, ensuring that every resident feels at home, surrounded by the warmth and companionship of furry and feathered friends.
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