From good girl to grape
In 2012, a two-year-old dog was about to be euthanised at a Victorian pound. Her fate changed when Victorian Dog Rescue Group – the state’s first rural animal rescue organisation – stepped in. The dog was brought to Melbourne where she was fostered and then adopted by Kitty, an employee at Mount Avoca Winery. Hanami quickly became the winery’s “unofficial wine dog”, often seen by Kitty’s side at the cellar door or in promotional shots. In 2019, the dog’s role became even more important when Kitty fled an abusive relationship. Hanami never left her side. At over 10 years old Hanami became Kitty’s registered assistance dog, helping her manage PTSD. “Without Hanami, I probably wouldn’t still be here today,” Kitty said. “People sometimes say to me, ‘Oh, it’s so great you saved her.’ The truth is, Hanami saved me.” In August last year, Hanami died in Kitty’s arms. To honour her memory, Mount Avoca is raising funds for Victorian Dog Rescue Group. Rescue groups like these receive no government funding and face rehoming costs of up to $2000 for each animal. Mount Avoca is currently selling Hanami’s Gift wine packs at a discounted price, with all proceeds going to help save the thousands of dogs euthanised in Australia each year. - Emma Sudano, Herald Sun.
You can read more about Hanami's story here
100% of proceeds go to Victorian Dog Recuse Group
