‘I RUN AN ORPHANAGE FOR DOGS!'

RITA’S CHARITY IS ENSURING THAT NO POOCH IS LEFT BEHIND

- Megan Rowe

More than a decade has passed since Rita Lynd found 9-year-old boxer dog, Hannah, howling by her deceased owner’s side.

The retired canine behaviorist says that she will carry the scars of that heartbreaking moment to the grave. Rita had called in to check on her dear friend, John, and was shocked to find him dead with his brindle boxer by his side.

“John had been dead for four days and Hannah was traumatised,” she tells New Idea. “Trying to get her away from John was heartbreaking. I took her home and sat up every night with her while she howled and howled – it’s a place I try not to go back to mentally.”

As Rita struggled to sleep for weeks afterwards, she made a heartfelt promise to distraught dog Hannah. She assured the dog she would work day and night to raise enough money to set up a foundation for future orphaned dogs that outlive their owners, just like her.

Sadly, pooch Hannah passed away three years later, but thanks to Rita and a band of volunteers, her name will live on forever in the not-for-profit Hannah Foundation Inc.