12 July 2016 | Tennis Queensland

The RSPCA’s fury friend, Nancy (a North Queensland Bullhound Cross Irish Wolfhound) had never been happier after receiving over 2,000 used tennis balls from Tennis Queensland on the first day of the Rod Laver Junior Championships.

As the biggest junior tournament in Australia the Rod Laver Junior Championships invited over 630 players from 13 countries to compete. Across six venues in Brisbane an estimated 2,000 balls were hit over the five days of competition. As a finalist for the Tennis Australia Newcombe Medal, the event showcased excellent tennis played by upcoming juniors. Competing in the junior champs was stand out Alec Braund (Maryborough), as well as 11 year old Australian No.1, Hana Sonton from the Gold Coast (No.2 seed under 12’s).

Junior competitors Kaito Nelson and Jonah Gethin were two of the players who stopped by to welcome RSPCA’s Nancy with a cuddle and a play. When asked what they were most looking forward to in the Rod Laver tournament, 12 year old Jonah Gethin confidently answered, “I’m most excited about winning!”

Tennis Queensland is proud to partner with the RSPCA in working towards their mission to rescue abandoned animals across Queensland. When housing and caring for animals of all shapes and sizes, the RSPCA is faced with several obstacles.

Receiving less than 1% of government funding means that donations are invaluable to the RSPCA.

“Dogs can be with us for any length of time, so any donation whether its funds, balls, or household items like blankets go a very long way,” explains Emma Lagoon of the RSPCA.

Each year over 44,000 animals require assistance, making RSPCA Queensland the leading animal welfare charity re-homing more animals than any other organisation in the southern hemisphere. The RSPCA relies heavily on the community to continue to provide lifesaving services.

“Desexing, vaccinations, microchipping, and other vet treatments are all costs that the RSPCA takes on when we rescue an animal,” explained Emma.

When asked what role the public could play in working towards the RSPCA’s mission, Emma’s response was for owners to keep these wonderful animals in mind.

“Our regional and metro shelters are always at capacity. The public can help by desexing their animals, adopting from our shelters, or by making a financial donation.”

If you would like to contribute to the RSPCA, toys or household items (such as blankets) are welcomed, or you can make a financial donation by visiting the website here.