Sad News

[Steve]

For those of you who have been following the story of Gary and Banjo and for those who had the chance to meet Gary at last years awards evening it is with regret that today Gary lost his best mate.

RIP Banjo and how very very sad for Gary.

A reminder. The press release

19 March 2011

Helping people and their pets in crisis

When disaster strikes – whether it be an earthquake, flood, fire or a tragic and unforseen accident – looking after human survivors are priority and often times the needs associated with their pets are overlooked.

But a dedicated group of volunteers are helping to make a difference for fellow pet owners and their animals through PACERS, a national charity initiated by the Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA). The organisation’s aim is to ensure the pets are receiving the best of care and their owners don’t feel overwhelmed and needing to surrender, neglect or have them suffer in any way when things get tough.

“We offer pet owners a safety net if things go wrong unexpectedly, including personal hardship and natural disasters (such as the Queensland and Victoria floods),” said Julie Nelson, CEO of MDBA PACERS. “A very large part of what we do is about the pet owners in the belief that if we help and support the owners, their pets will benefit the most.”

The PACERS philosophy proved true with Gary Prichard of Albury, NSW who became nearly quadriplegic following a car accident in April last year and could no longer care for his beloved five-year-old dog, Banjo.

Gary suffered severe spinal damage with multiple fractures to the back and neck vertebrae and artery dissection. He initially lay flat on his back for two months in a Melbourne hospital, where he learned he might not be able to get from bed to a wheelchair without assistance.

Fear for Banjo’s future

But Gary was most concerned about Banjo's future, fearing he would never be able to care for him again. “Banjo had experienced a bad start in life,” said Gary. “He was handed in to the Albury pound as a puppy in such a bad condition that the vet almost put him down.”

At four months old, Banjo went to Albury Dog Rescue where he was adopted by Gary and became the best of buddies. After the accident, Banjo was moved from pillar to post. Gary became particularly anxious after a well-meaning friend who was looking after his affairs suggested the best thing for Banjo would be to have him euthanised.

“I wasn’t going to let this happen,” said Gary.

That's when a plea for help brought Chris Lythollous, a PACERS foster carer from Albury, into his and Banjo's lives. Chris’ compassion for her fellow humans and enthusiastic attitude towards the care of dogs created a situation where Banjo became the focal point of Gary's recovery, explained Julie.

“When I was in hospital in Melbourne, Chris sent me photos and e-mails about Banjo,” said Gary. “When I moved back to Albury hospital, she went out of her way to regularly visit me with Banjo during the three or more months I was there.”

During this time, Gary progressed from bed to wheelchair to walking frame to crutches. Towards the end of his stay in hospital, Chris and her partner Shane took Gary and Banjo to the local off-leash park so Gary could watch Banjo play.

“When I was finally able to return home, Chris first brought Banjo for day visits, then sleepovers, and it was not long before he was home for good,” said Gary.

When Banjo returned home, Chris then provided various bedding items and new food and water bowls for him, while Shane helped out with several jobs around the house.

Gary still gets emotional when he talks about the impact Chris has had on his life in allowing his love and care for Banjo to be able to positively impact on his recovery. “She is an inspiration,” said Gary. “She is a pure ball of positive energy and a beacon of light.”

MDBA PACERS Awards

And if ever Chris was to be in such desperate need, there will be PACERS and a foster carer waiting in the wings to help bring her and her animals through, said Julie. “All of our foster carers are special people who put themselves out in this way to help a fellow pet owner and our gratitude for them in doing that can’t be overstated.”

Last night, Chris was presented the MDBA PACERS Award for Outstanding Service of the Year at the annual MDBA Awards, held at the Jika International in Melbourne.

Humbled by the award, Chris said she did “nothing out of the ordinary” and that she owed a lot of her dedication to helping Banjo and Gary to the great support she received from the PACERS team.

“I would hope that someone would support anyone in the same position and help them to keep their animals,” said Chris.

PACERS services

PACERS provides foster carers for animals whose owners are temporarily homeless, ill or who have suffered accidents, but it also helps out with walking or cleaning to ensure the animals stay at home if that’s the best solution.

After the Queensland and Victoria floods, PACERS organised crates and cages, first aid equipment and animal feeds. The organisation also provided fencing and penning – whatever that was needed quickly to contain and keep animals safe, well and with their owners, so they had one thing less to worry about while trying to cope with the tragedy.

“When people all around are grieving for their friends and family, those who are grieving for pets often have no way to verbalise how they are feeling and their loss can be trivialised by many in the community,” said Julie. “PACERS provides bereavement counselling via phone and in person for those who are suffering due to the loss of their pet. We are still getting calls via counsellors for help post Victorian bushfires."

Because many people were afraid to go to work and leave their animals at home on high fire danger days, PACERS set up carers who would babysit their pets on these days between work hours.

“Simple things sometimes makes a huge difference and just being able to supply a penned area and food, as well as a shoulder to cry on, makes a lot of difference,” said Julie.

PACERS in need of funds

Julie thanked all the businesses that support PACERS through donations of services and supplies.

“With the generous help of Eukanuba we have been able to help feed thousands of cats and dogs whose owners have hit hard times and provide donations of food to over 20 private canine rescue organisations,” she said.

For further information about MDBA PACERS or to donate, please contact [email protected] or 02 6927 6707.

For more information

For more information or media interviews, please contact:

Julie Nelson

CEO of MDBA

Tel 02 6927 6707

Mob 0427 015 152

Email [email protected]

Discover more at www.mdbapacers.org.au

_______________________________

[Cody]

Sorry to hear about Banjo.

[ari.g]

Oh RIP Banjo

[Bisart Dobes]

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Gary at the Awards Dinner - what an inspiration he is. Over the course of the night it was clear that Banjo was his world - how devestating for him. My heart goes out to him in full.

[harley]

Rest in peace Banjo

Poor Gary

[Perry's Mum]

Poor Gary - I hope he will be able to have another dog.

[Kirislin]

Oh how sad, Banjo wouldn't have been old, do you know what happened? Poor Gary I hope he has support now, he'd be very distraught I imagine.

[Guest Ams]

My sincere condolences and big to Gary. Run free Banjo

[Keira&Phoenix]

I hadn't read the story but what an inspiration and how sad for Gary and Banjo that Banjo has passed on RIP Banjo May you run free peacefully while you wait for Gary to join you.

[Rottisliebe]

Need to post under the correct person

Edited August 3, 2011 by Rottisliebe

[grumpette]

There was not a dry eye on the room when Gary told his, Banjo and Chris's story but we all went away that night determined to make that extra effort because we saw the huge impact helping others in their time of need had.

RIP Banjo. Watch over Gary during this time of great sorrow and give him strength until another special soul comes into his life.

That is better :D

[Aztec Gold]

RIP Banjo Poor Gary

[MadWoofter]

Oh no poor Gary. RIP Banjo

[Snowysal]

Oh no, this is just such a cruel blow - RIP Banjo and may you find some solace in the joy he brought you Gary.

[corrie]

Sending deepest condolences and thoughts to Gary.

Also thoughts to the family that cared for Banjo whilst Gary was in hospital.

RIP Banjo.

[Steve]

Banjo died of bloat and as terrible as it is I thank God he waited until Gary was back to normal and more able to cope with this disaster.I truly dont know that the outcome of Gary's accident would have been as good if it happened when Gary was still in hospital.

[flatchat]

So very sad!!! Run free at the Bridge little man!! My thoughts are with Gary at such a sad time.

[Kirislin]

Bloat!!! I know it's supposed to be common in deep chested breeds but I have never heard of it in a whippet and I've had them for close to 30 years now.

[White Shepherd mom]

After all that Gary has been through, it's just not fair.

My condolences Gary and to Chris who I am sure will also be affected.

Rest in Peace Banjo, your job here is done.

[Steve]

Bloat!!! I know it's supposed to be common in deep chested breeds but I have never heard of it in a whippet and I've had them for close to 30 years now.

Banjo was a greyhound