The Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge is trying to build an animal hospital at its Sippy Downs base.

The refuge is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary year next January and hopes to get the project off the ground by then.

A block building is proposed, with a tin roof of about 240sqm, and they are hoping that a local builder or builders may champion the cause.

I received an email from one of the refuge’s committee men, Mark Farrelly, who has got a couple of prices in and is eternally grateful for what has been offered, and the consultants who have pitched in to get it to tender stage.

But, of course, the more help he can get the better off they will be.

So if you are a builder on the Coast with a bit of time or resources on hand, give Mark a call on 5493 3411.

I guarantee you won’t be sorry. In fact if you have some time and haven’t seen the refuge, I advise you to go and have a look as they do a truly wonderful job.

He also told me they are going to start a $25 buy-a-block fundraiser, which is open to anyone who would like to help, to help offset the costs.

Now if you aren’t an animal lover I am supposing you will probably disregard this column. But if you do have a pet but are not sure whether you want to help or not, please read on as hopefully by the end of this column at the very least you may be the proud owner of at least one of the 2500 blocks they need to build a facility to ensure a healthy and happy life for their boarders.

The facility will not only care for those animals arriving with problems, it will also make sure long-term residents have the best possible care.

I thought it would be appropriate to share this email I received the other day about pets, in particular dogs.

The story was about a family that had to take their dog to the vet because he wasn’t well.

It was discovered that he was dying of cancer and the best the vet could do was suggest euthanasia, so the family went home and came back the next day to say goodbye to their beloved pet.

As the family sat around and the dog slipped away, one of the adults wondered out loud why dogs’ lives are shorter than humans’.

Their young son, eerily calm, replied: “I know why. People are born so they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being nice. Well dogs already know how to do that so they don’t have to live as long.”

The email then went on to say that if a dog was a teacher you would learn things like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

• Never pass up an opportunity to go for a joy ride. Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

• Take naps, stretch before rising and run romp and play daily.

• Thrive on attention and let people touch you, but avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, lie on your back on the grass. On hot days drink lots of water and lie under a tree.

• When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

• Be loyal and never pretend to be something you’re not.

• If you want what lies buried, dig until you find it.

• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

• Enjoy every moment of every day.

I think that is all pretty good advice and something that comes naturally to our four- legged companions – no baggage, no agendas, just loyalty, pure and simple.

So if you can help, give Mark a call or simply pay a visit to the refuge and see what the devoted volunteers have already achieved and what they hope to.