PREVIEW

AssetID: 31356831

Headline: Aussie Dog Guy

Caption: PICTURE SHOWS: Ryan Anderson with dog friend .... A hunky man is on a mission to save neglected dogs. Calling himself Aussie Dog Guy, Ryan Anderson not only works for the RSPCA, but fosters homeless dogs and volunteers at shelters in his free time. The 30-year-old, who describes himself as Crazy Dog Lady Man, says he is "on a mission to protect and improve the lives of neglected, abused and homeless dogs." Ryan enjoys taking pictures of himself and his canine pals - including Nitro, an enormous Alaskan Malamute breed. "I've met many many dogs but he is honestly hands down the biggest dog I've ever come across," he says. Currently he owns just one dog, a Rottweiler called Goose, but explains: "The less dogs I own the more I can foster is my motto." Ryan explains: "I'm originally from the South Coast of New South Wales, but for the past 12 years I've been living and working my way around the country. I currently live in Adelaide, South Australia and my full time job is Animal Welfare Inspector for the RSPCA. As an Inspector, we investigate alleged animal cruelty reports and enforce the Animal Welfare Act. We also help educate the general public about being responsible pet owners. "During my free time, I like to spend it volunteering with various shelters and rescues and promoting rescue dogs as the first option for potential new pet owners. Attending dog charity events, fundraisers, anything dog related gets me out and about. "I also love hanging out with my Rottweiler 'Goose'. We head out in the bush or the beach and exploring remote areas of Australia. We normally have a foster dog or two which comes along for the adventures which is great for getting to know the animal, potentially working on fixing any behavioural issues that it may have and being able to pass on any important information that the potential new owners may need to know. Its a good way to get to know the animals and find the perfect match for new owners. "I started out working in remote Aboriginal communities as an Animal management officer, helping educate and train indigenous rangers to better manage and look after their animal populations. At the time, I wasn't aware of the situation surrounding how many animals were in our pounds and rescues organisations requiring homes and I think through seeing the need for change first hand in both the communities and larger cities, I decided to start using social media to help find these animals homes. The saying "Saving just one dog won't change the world, but for that one dog, the world will change forever", really hit home with me and after rehoming my first foster dog, I was hooked on helping. "The ultimate goal, is to make rescue dogs a thing of the past. I see a future where all dogs have homes and the term 'Rescue' does not apply. If we can promote responsible pet ownership which includes desexing of all pets and also tougher penalties for those who do not comply we could prevent unwanted litters/backyard breeding and ultimately reduce the numbers of animals being put to sleep unnecessarily. "While continuing with my social media and the promotion of rescue dogs, I'm hoping to launch my own business shortly with the idea of donating a percentage of the profits to help smaller rescue groups out with the day to day cost associated with running an animal charity. "I also have a dream to one day have my own rescue organisation/farm to help rehome long term rescue dogs as well as behaviourally challenge dogs. A rescue retreat if you will, that doesn't place time restraints on animals."

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