Lort Smith stands by our promise of never giving up on an animal capable of being rehomed.

This promise was proven right when, after 454 days waiting to be adopted, Tessa our five year-old Staffy cross bull mastiff found her new forever home.

Tessa was the hero of a successful online social media campaign launched by Lort Smith back in July this year. The story of Tessa touched many hearts and she was in foster care with one of Lort Smith’s star volunteers – Kaye, who was also the finalist for Volunteer of the Year in the Pet Insurance Australia Companion Animal Rescue Awards.

The organisation’s ability to never give up on an animal is only possible due to the support of our many extraordinary and committed volunteers.

Lort Smith Head of Hospital, Dr David Cunliffe said, “Kaye has been a volunteer with Lort Smith for the last eight years. She supports the operations of the Adoption Centre in the laundry and kennels, is a foster carer and sits on our Volunteer Advisory Committee.

“If you’ve followed Tessa’s story, you might already know Kaye – she was Tessa’s foster carer for more than a year while she was waiting for her new home. Kaye helped Tessa come out of her shell and gain confidence, ensuring she had the best possible chance to be adopted.”

“This story is one of hope and success due to the commitment of Lort Smith and our volunteers who believe in finding homes for every animal and never giving up!” he said.

As the largest and busiest not-for-profit animal hospital in Australia Lort Smith has been a Melbourne institution serving the community for 85 years.

The organisation is reliant on donations from the community and the pay it forward approach of full fee paying clients of our animal hospital.

Learn more about the Pet Insurance Australia Companion Animal Rescue Awards.