The creator of a community dog treat box that was repeatedly misused is attempting to renew the initiative with the help of some locals.
Aura resident Melissa Swanepoel stopped operating her Good Dog Box, which she had filled with treats near her family home for three years, in October because it was exploited.
“We have had theft of the actual treat jars, very often soon after I had filled them up,” she told Sunshine Coast News.
“The first year, people enjoyed it and used it and we had no issues. In the second year, we had a bit of breakage and had to replace jars but that’s to be expected with regular usage. This last year, we have continued to experience theft of full treat jars.
“It’s not just the cost of constantly replacing treats but also the cost of finding and replacing with new containers each time.”
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The final straw appeared to come in early October, when two full jars were stolen just after they were re-filled.
“It’s really frustrating when you try to do something nice and people ruin it for others,” she said.
“It’s not taking too many, it’s taking all the treats.
“Sadly, in these economic times I cannot afford to personally carry the cost of continually replacing these losses.”
Ms Swanepoel announced on social media that the initiative had come to an end.
But she decided to revive it about a week later after seeing pictures of apparently disappointed dogs.
“My heart can’t handle photos like this,” she said via social media.
“After chatting with some of our regulars, we decided that we could restart this if people wouldn’t mind helping to donate a bag of treats or some containers.”
Many locals were quick to the cause, declaring that they would help fill the jars.
“I am so happy to drop around a bag of treats weekly to help,” Jacky McDonald said.
“I would love to donate,” Arianne Mallard said.
“Will drop some in Monday, thank you so much for restarting it,” Diane Roughsedge said.
Ms Swanepoel was unsure if the campaign would be successful but she was optimistic.
“I restarted the box after many messages in Facebook and people stopping by our place to chat with us. We have (also) had a few donations to try and help,” she said.
“I don’t have much faith in all people but will try educate where I can if I see misuse. But people will be people and I will try to leverage the community if it is being misused.
“Let’s hope for the best I guess.”
She revealed why she started the Good Dog Box in the first instance.
“It was a little idea I brought to life when we moved into our home in Baringa,” she said.
“We are on a busy pedestrian footpath to the children’s forest park and dog park and I thought it would be nice to do something for the community.
“The Good Dog Box is a treat bin that has four separate containers filled with treats to cater to various dog allergies and likes. When people pass by, they can stop with their dogs, give a treat and enjoy a moment.”
Ms Swanepoel, who has two dogs of her own, said the community’s reaction to the box had been generally positive.
“(It) allows us to meet so many wonderful people in our area,” she said.
“One little girl stops to get her dog a treat every afternoon as she walks home from school, many grandparents love to bring their grandchildren around, we have a gorgeous dog named Rusty doing new tricks for us every time he gets a treat, we also have beautiful Winnie, who runs up every day and knocks the lid off the bin waiting for her owners to give her a treat.
“We also have many dogs who make their owners walk past our house so they can get their daily treat.”
When locals found out the treat box was being misused, they expressed their dismay via social media.
“That’s so sad. What has this world come to?” Simone Knight said.
“Always a few selfish individuals that just don’t care and will ruin it for the majority that do the right thing,” Ian Harby said.
