West Coast Eagle and RSPCA WA ambassador Courtney Rowley took a quick break from training recently to enjoy some puppy cuddles, all in the name of animal welfare.
The love and kisses from 11-week-old brothers Jatz and Ritz were the midfielder's reward for helping RSPCA WA's major fundraising day coming up this Thursday, 2 October.
For 24 hours only, donations to RSPCA WA will be doubled as part of the Give to Get Them Home campaign – all thanks to generous businesses and individuals who have pledged to match the tally, dollar for dollar.
Rowley said she was thrilled to be able help spread the word about a cause that's so close to her heart.
"It's heartbreaking to think of any animal suffering, so I'm really happy to help however I can," she said.
"I've always loved animals — my golden retriever Winston is one of my best mates — so supporting RSPCA WA and the incredible work they do as an ambassador was an easy decision to make."
Brothers Jatz and Ritz were just six weeks old when they came into RSPCA WA's care after their owner — struggling with poor health — reached out for help.
They arrived dehydrated and hypothermic and struggled to gain weight.
RSPCA WA spokesperson Lou Rowe said the puppies are healthy and playful now, but it's taken a lot of work from vet and other staff, and support from foster carers.
"This is where people's generous donations go - to help pups like Jatz and Ritz receive medication, vaccinations, regular checkups, supplies for foster carers, sterilisation, and microchipping," she said.
"They are just two of the more than 2,000 animals that come through our doors each year.
"Every single one of them needs a soft bed to sleep in and a safe place to stay and almost all of them need vet treatment, medication, surgery or support from our behaviour team.
"Last year, each of our animals spent an average of 61 days in care - the costs add up very quickly."
Ms Rowe thanked the AFLW star for getting behind the Give to Get Them Home appeal.
"Courtney's been supporting us for around a year now and it's always heartening to see our local sporting heroes using their platform to speak up for animals," she said.
Donations can be made at rspcagivingday.com or by phoning (08) 9209 9311.
RSPCA WA thanks the generous corporate and individual sponsors who have pledged to match donations including Royal Canin, Peter Alexander, Bravecto, FTI Consulting, and Buildcom Construction.
