Vinnies volunteer to the rescue after shocking puppy ‘donation’

Vinnies volunteer Corrie Johnston has seen some odd donations in her time at the Kingaroy shop, although usually they don’t have a heartbeat. 

 During a Sunday shift, a customer alerted the Vinnies team that she had heard whimpering noises coming from a cooler bag that had been left in the donation crate outside the shop. 

“She bought to the bag to the counter, said ‘look what’s in here’ – it was a tiny two-month Chihuahua puppy!” Corrie said 

“As soon as I lifted the flap, he leapt out of the bag and was instantly wanting to play. 

“As cute as the donation was, it was upsetting to see him abandoned. Just a few minutes later, someone came and threw four big garbage bags full of donations in that bin, imagine if we hadn’t rescued him in time?” 

While a shocking incident, the mysterious donator could not have picked a better Vinnies Queensland shop. 

“I already have three chihuahua puppies at home, so I didn’t have to think about what to do with him - I knew immediately he’d be coming home with me,” she said. 

“My coworkers were telling me to give him a name so naturally we decided on Vinnie. 

“I called my husband and said he needed to come pick up a donation I wanted to take home; I doubt he expected a live puppy!” 

Corrie said Vinnie has settled in very well at home and gets along great with his siblings. 

“I’ve talked about my chihuahuas to a few customers before, I wouldn’t be surprised if whoever donated Vinnie did it with me in mind,” she said. 

“He’s very cheeky and healthy and loves playing with the other dogs. He’s also absolutely spoiled rotten!” 

General Manager – Operations for Vinnies Queensland Drew Eide said unfortunately this wasn’t the first time live animals had been ‘donated’ to Vinnies. 

“In Cairns a few years ago, we had two live kittens left in the donation bin – thankfully the local RSPCA were able to take them in and they survived and were adopted out to happy homes,” he said. 

“We try to do a lot of work around donation education to help our Volunteers, ensuring donations are not broken, damaged, stained or torn. 

“And while the story of Vinnie had a happy ending, we cannot stress enough to please do not donate your pets to Vinnies – all other wonderful donations welcome!”