The Team

Anne is a Content Writer who calls the remote desert township of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia home.

Anne has worked with Furmentality since its inception. The idea of a charity which feeds pets of people who need hospital care but cannot afford animal boarding or have no-one available to help out at short notice, appealed to her, as a practical way to give back to her local community.

Her personal motto has always been an active one: “Bloom where you are planted”. Short term respite pet feeding and running the autumn, winter and spring Sunday morning Todd Mall markets are activities she enjoys immensely.

Growing up on a South Australian farm, Dorothy ‘Dash’ Cook (she/her) was surrounded by furred, feathered and scaly critters.

She is passionate about the unconditional love and health benefits that other animals give to humans - especially humans who have experienced trauma.

Dash enjoys having a ‘portfolio career’. For 20 years she worked as a print journalist, including at The Age and community newspapers in WA and Victoria, before turning her hand to Ministerial speech-writing and communications. In more recent times she has worked as a communications consultant, massage therapist, and aged-care and NDIS support worker, and is studying for a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.

Dash lives in regional Victoria with her canine friend Wilbur, two chooks and countless kangaroos. 

Hi, I am a remote area nurse working in a remote aboriginal community in Central Australia.

Some years ago, I was the Chairman of Fauna Rescue of South Australia where we coordinated and cared for all types of animals including ducks, magpies, shrikes and eagles.Over the years I have seen terrible cases of animal cruelty mainly in dogs but also cats, pigs and horses.I have a passion for improving the plight of these animals and to educate the owners of many of these animals. In the community we have educational material that is placed on community notice boards and we help with food for the animals and support for the owners eg if a community member has an appointment in hospital we will care for the animal by feeding it and making sure that it is safe by visiting their homes.

We actively support individuals who provide shelter and care for stray or injured animals. We encourage them to seek veterinary assistance when necessary, assist in rehoming some of the animals, and provide bags of dog food.

I firmly believe that when animals are cared for the lives and health of people improve. This is well documented.

I’m in this organisation because I think we can make a difference in the quality of life for both the animals and owners which will result in positive health benefits.

Animals have been an essential component in my life and I have always had dogs and cats as pets until moving into a retirement apartment.

The first few years of my emigration to Australia from the Czech Republic with my family were particularly hard. The stress of starting life in a new country with 2 young children, learning a new language and re-establishing my career were very big challenges.

One day a stray dog called Bafala wandered into our life. This scrawny little dog moved into our home and into our hearts. He made our transition into Australian life just that much easier.

Many dogs and cats followed over the years – all much-loved members of our family.

Life After Code: Adventures of a Retired Electronics Software Author

Retirement: the word itself conjures up images of relaxation, peaceful mornings, and time spent doing the things we love. But for me, a retired electronics software author, it's been more about slowing down and rediscovering the things that bring me joy.

A Love for Animals—Especially Border Collies

I've always had a soft spot for animals. Well, most animals. I must admit, I'm not too keen on the ones that cause discomfort, injury, or pain. But give me a playful, energetic Border Collie, and I'm in my happy place.

These intelligent, loyal dogs have a magical way of making every day a little brighter. Whether it's a game of fetch or simply spending time together, Border Collies infuse my day with energy and purpose. It's a reminder that life is best when shared with creatures that make us smile.

The World of Websites

Even though I've bid farewell to the world of software development, my passion for technology hasn't dimmed. Websites have become a new playground for creativity. There's something deeply satisfying about building and tweaking a site, much like crafting code back in the day.

Web development allows me to stay connected to the tech world, yet with the freedom to experiment and explore. Whether it's a personal project or assisting a friend, there's always something new to learn and discover.

Tinkering with Electronics

Hey there! So, you know how sometimes we get stuck in old habits? Well, for me, tinkering with electronics is one of those habits that just won't die. But guess what? Retirement has given me the luxury of time—time to take apart gadgets, figure out how they work, and sometimes even make them better!

It's like solving a puzzle, and the joy of getting something to work again is just incredible. My shed has become my little workshop, filled with tools, bits, and bobs, and a few unfinished projects waiting for inspiration to strike.

The Joy of the Shed

Speaking of the shed, it’s not just a workspace—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where I can lose track of time, totally engrossed in a project or just enjoying the creative process.

There’s something so peaceful about working with your hands, whether it’s fixing something old or building something new. It’s a place where electronics, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia come together in perfect harmony.

Finding Balance

Retirement isn’t about stopping—it’s about changing gears. For me, it’s been a chance to dive deeper into the things I love: animals, technology, and hands-on projects.

Life after code is a mix of the familiar and the new. It's proof that passions don't fade away—they just evolve. And as long as I have Border Collies to play with, websites to build, and gadgets to tinker with, I'll be happily busy.

I love animals – ALL animals – so much so that I am a vegan. I am a psychiatrist working in Alice Springs with outreach to some of the most remote aboriginal communities in Australia.

No matter our age, we all experience mental anguish at some time in our lives with some of us suffering ongoing mental illness. Research has shown, and I have seen first-hand, the powerful positive effects animals have on our lives; – from teaching us compassion, care, & responsibility to staving off loneliness, improving depression and decreasing anxiety as well as being a ‘ready made family’.

With Furmentality I hope to highlight these positives with the ultimate aim of hospitals and health organisations incorporating animals into their general management plans.

My camp dog, Lana Banana, the ‘pin up girl’ of our organisation visits patients on the wards and outpatient clinics. She delights everyone she meets and is a big hit with Aboriginal patients, especially when they hear she’s from the Finke community. I couldn’t ask for a better co-therapist.