From Crisis to Care
How one small dog reminds us why AWLQ’s work matters more than ever! When Lulu arrived at the Animal Welfare League Queensland’s (AWLQ) Community Vet Clinic, it was clear that she had been suffering in silence for far too long. The two-year-old French Bulldog was in agony—her skin inflamed, her ears so badly infected she could barely hear. Her gentle eyes looked at us pleadingly. Beneath her sweet, expressive face was a world of silent discomfort that had gone untreated for a long time. Veterinarians quickly diagnosed her with chronic ear infections and severe aural haematomas—painful blood blisters that had built up inside both ears. The prognosis was grim. If she was to live without pain, Lulu needed emergency surgery to remove both her ear canals. It was a high-risk procedure, rarely done on both sides at once—especially in brachycephalic breeds like Lulu, who already struggle with breathing and recovery. But Lulu didn’t have the luxury of time. She needed relief. She needed a miracle. And thanks to AWLQ—and the generosity of the community—that miracle arrived. Dr. Ali, one of AWLQ’s senior shelter veterinarians, performed the delicate, three-hour surgery. It cost the organisation thousands and when many shelters wouldn’t have attempted such a complicated surgery, Dr Ali knew knew she could help her. And Lulu pulled through. She is now healing, pain-free, and rediscovering the joy of simply being a dog. And she’s been adopted! Lulu’s story is heart-wrenching, but sadly, not unusual. Every year, AWLQ steps in to provide urgent medical care, rehabilitation, and safe shelter to thousands of animals just like Lulu—animals who have nowhere else to turn. Our work is driven by compassion and grounded in the belief that no animal should suffer unnecessarily. Yet this work doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people like you care. Unlike many services, AWLQ receives no government funding for our vital animal welfare programs. Everything we do—from lifesaving surgeries to rehoming thousands of pets—is made possible through the generosity of our community. Every donation, no matter the size, is a lifeline for animals in crisis. WHY THE WINTER APPEAL MATTERS It’s been a tough year already. AWLQ has dealt with an emergency evacuation of nearly 300 animals due to Cyclone Alfred, devastating outbreaks of parvovirus and panleukopenia, which forced temporary closures of our Community Vet Clinics and Rehoming Centres, and more animals are being surrendered to us as the cost of living crisis continues. As the colder months settle in, the demand for our services grows. Winter is a particularly tough time for vulnerable animals—especially those abandoned, injured, or living in unfit conditions. The costs of veterinary care, food, shelter, and rehabilitation don’t pause because the temperature drops. In fact, they often rise. That’s why our annual Winter Appeal is so critical. Donations made before June 30 not only help save lives like Lulu’s—they ensure AWLQ can keep its doors open to the next animal in need, and the next after that. We know there will be more Lulus. More silent sufferers. More lives hanging in the balance. A FUTURE FULL OF SECOND CHANCES Lulu may no longer have ears, but she hears love in every touch, every cuddle, every gentle word from the team that saved her. She is living proof that hope can be restored—and that healing is always possible. Her second chance was made possible not by luck, but by the compassion of a community that refused to look away and by a dedicated team who go above and beyond to help animals in need. This winter, we invite you to stand with us. To be part of something bigger. To give the gift of healing, safety, and love to animals who have nobody else. Because from crisis to care, we’ll always be there. And with your help, we always can be. Dr Ali.
