THREE Windsor pet rescue associations have received free bottles of pet shampoo to help get their dogs looking and smelling their best in preparation for adoption.
Pound Rescue Inc and Acacia Strays have each received 72 bottles of shampoo, while AWL NSW Hawkesbury Valley received 60 bottles, through a nationwide scheme by Frontline Pet Care, PetRescue and Petstock to deliver 21,000 bottles to rescues around the country.
Debra Moodie, founding committee member and treasurer of Pound Rescue in Windsor - a not-for-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes death-row dogs and cats from pounds - said the free bottles of shampoo would make dogs more attractive for adoption.
"Looking their best for a meet and greet is always a bonus," said Ms Moodie, adding that her organisation relied on donations for purchases like food, bedding, leads and collars.
"Having the shampoo donated is a big plus because it's a luxury item that we often have to go without."
Ms Moodie - who organises the release of animals from pounds and also foster-cares for them and organises transport, vet work, training days, meet and greets, and adoptions - said her message to potential pet-owners would be to "adopt don't shop".
"There are so many beautiful rescue animals waiting to get their second chance at a long and happy life. So many discarded pets through no fault of their own end up in the pound system," she said.
"We find that 90 per cent are ready to go to a new home straight away. A small 10 per cent may need some form of training and socialisation.
"With this in mind reaching out to rescue groups such as Pound Rescue Inc is the best way to find your new family member, because a rescue group will match you up with a dog suited to your situation.
"Pound Rescue Inc will organise a meet and greet and give a trial period and offer training as part of the adoption process.
"We give full support to ensure that the adoption is a successful one."
One of the many dogs available for adoption through Pound Rescue is Prince, who was saved from Nambucca Pound and is a 12-month-old Kelpie-cross.
"Prince we call Mr Social because he's an outgoing friendly boy. He's handsome and confidant and views the world as a fun place," said Ms Moodie.
"Prince is great to have around and there's usually never a dull moment when he is. Prince would love a home with a doggie friend to keep him company and have lots of play time."
Prince would need room to run and daily exercise. He would reach his full potential with a family that continued his training.