Animal lover and AFLW Carlton player, Gab Pound, has joined RSPCA Victoria as the latest ambassador for all creatures great and small.
After adopting her greyhound cross, Jessie, from an RSPCA Victoria shelter two years ago, Gab is a long-time supporter of the charity and its work to end all cruelty to all animals. With a strong passion for education, Gab's focus as an ambassador will be on the RSPCA Victoria education programs that promote good animal welfare to young people around the state.
Gab has been with Carlton Football Club for four years now and has seen the growth of AFLW from its early days. When Gab considered welcoming a new pet into her busy life as an athlete, the decision to adopt a dog from RSPCA Victoria was an easy choice.
"Adopting Jessie has been adventurous, fulfilling and loving. I highly respect the work that RSPCA Victoria puts into the love and care of animals. I'm excited to be part of such a great organisation and look forward to learning and teaching others about animal care," said Ms Pound.
"Animals have so much love to give and I feel like we have the opportunity to give more back to them."
RSPCA Victoria's Education and Learning Manager, Belinda Marchbank, says that Gab's interest in education is an exciting opportunity for the charity.
"Interacting with and learning about animals from an early age improves young people's compassion, empathy and understanding. The research shows that positive interaction with animals can benefit social and emotional growth of children, and it ensures the next generation has a good grasp on good animal welfare," says Ms Marchbank.
"We are so excited to have Gab onboard to help impart this knowledge to Victorian children. As an elite athlete, Gab is a role model for many young people and will make a real impact as an ambassador for RSPCA Victoria in the community.
"Gab understands the role that animals play in our lives in helping to reduce stress and build resilience - both key traits for successful sportspeople. We are extremely lucky to have her, and her dog Jessie, as part of the RSPCA Victoria family!".
