Schnauzerfest Goes Global

During the 2017 Schnauzerfest weekend, I received a message of support from a rescue group in Australia. They’d been watching Schnauzerfest grow for a couple of years and made a suggestion for partnering up and having Schnauzerfest Australia happen in 2018. I sat on the idea for a few weeks, thinking it through and wondering if we should. It was an exciting invitation, not least because Australia has huge problems with puppy farming. I knew that this could be an opportunity to educate, fundraise and bring great awareness to the campaign there to end the abuses in the breeding industry.

But, one thing that’s of utmost importance for me is to make sure that any fundraising I’m a part of, directly helps the dogs and goes only to legitimate rescues who will use the money wisely.  We’d hope this would be automatic I know, but rescue work is as vulnerable to bad apples and exploitation of people and animals as any other side of the pet business. There are plenty of far from legitimate rescues out there, and a good amount of my time these days is spent digging into this area. So while the idea of an Australian link up was exciting, I had to do my research and thinking before I would agree.

After waiting on me for a couple of months, Meghan contacted me again during the emergency efforts we engaged with to help little puppy farm rescue, River in December. By then I’d had time to discuss with Kate and other trusted friends who make Schnauzerfest happen, and done some background work and I agreed! We were on, 2018 would see Schnauzerfest Australia happen.

Since then behind the scenes much has been going on to be ready today to officially launch Schnauzerfest Australia.

Following our UK model, fundraising will be going to 3 schnauzer rescue groups who all take in and provide vital veterinary care, love, attention and sanctuary to dogs who are saved from bad backgrounds, including puppy factories and backyard breeders.

Schnauzer Rescue NSW – Run by the Schnauzer Club of NSW Inc this group rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes Schnauzers in need, in the belief that “if you breed, you rescue”. More details can be found HERE

Schnauzer Rescue QLD – This group helps schnauzers of all sizes or schnauzer crosses that find themselves looking for a new home and connects new owners with these beautiful lost souls. More details can be found HERE

I’m excited at this development in the Schnauzerfest story and know that across the world, we truly have a wonderful Schnauzerfest family. One that’s expanding and along with that, the help we together can give to dogs who need it the most.

If you’d like to follow the Schnauzerfest Australia journey, everything will be coordinated from THIS Facebook page, so be sure to give it a follow now so you don’t miss a thing. Events will be appearing soon.