Crow's Helping Hands

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

What have I been up to?

Well, other than the obvious (work), Dusty and I have been going on some adventures!

This past Saturday we went out to the Annya forest, let’s just say google maps is not reliable when it comes to 4wd tracks through the forest.
We may have gotten a little lost, but that only made the adventure more exciting, 😂 our 3km walk turned into an accidental 5km walk.

Sunday we had planned to walk Sams Loop (6.22km) in Portland with a friend, then we extend the walk to see some extra views, that turned it into a nearly 10km walk, whoops.
I dressed for the cold and then was unpleasantly surprised when the sun came out 😅 but the only thing I regret is my shoe choice!

And when Dusty and I aren’t out and about, then I’m usually laying on the couch, deeply invested in a bloody good book 📖

04/08/2026

7 cases of H5N1 bird flu have now been confirmed in Victoria. All confirmed cases are in Portland (5) and Nelson (2), in the state’s far south west.

Our surveillance is continuing, but we’re asking for community to keep an eye out too. If you see sick or dead wild birds or marine mammals (e.g. seals, dolphins):

✅AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment

✅RECORD what you see and where you saw it.

✅REPORT it to DEECA online or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Find out more: 🔗 agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

04/08/2026

Glenelg Shire Council is urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife following the detection of H5N1 avian influenza in a greater crested tern found in Portland.

The Victorian Government has been preparing for a potential detection, with response arrangements now in place. Teams from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) are conducting surveillance and monitoring, investigating reports, and working with wildlife experts, industry, the Australian Government and other states.

Read the full Council update:
https://www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/News-and-Media-Releases/Detection-of-H5N1-avian-influenza-in-Portland

What to do if you see sick or dead wildlife

🔸AVOID
Contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment.

📷📍RECORD
What you see.
The location.
Photos or videos if it is safe to do so.

☎️💻 REPORT
Clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species.
A single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, bird of prey or marine mammal such as a seal, sea lion or dolphin.

Reports can be made through the Agriculture Victoria https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/H5N1-avian-influenza-H5-bird-flu

or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

Early reporting helps authorities monitor the disease and minimise impacts on wildlife, agriculture and the environment.

04/08/2026

The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria.

A single greater crested tern was found in Portland and was reported on 27 July 2026.

We know many Victorians care deeply about our wildlife and may be concerned about what this means for native bird populations.

If you encounter sick or dead birds or wildlife, do not touch them. Instead, record the exact location, take photos if it is safe to do so, and report it online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Early reports help wildlife and animal health experts monitor disease activity and determine where action may be needed.

Your observations can make a real difference in helping us understand and respond to impacts on Victoria's wildlife.

Find out more: 🔗 agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

29/07/2026

If you’ve used Crow’s Helping Hands recently, I’d really appreciate a quick review 💬
(Reviews are found near the top of the business page just above my posts!)

It only takes a minute and helps more locals discover the support available to them 😁

Honest client feedback helps local people know what to expect and supports my small business more than you’d think!

Enjoy a video of some 4 legged clients from a few months ago that I’ve been missing hanging out with lately 🥺

22/07/2026

Everyone has been keeping me busy with housekeeping services, but I always have time to fit my favourite faces into my schedule! ❤️

I think it’s about time I share a few photos of these cuties 🐶🐈🦜🐟

*All media is shared with consent from owners*

08/07/2026

Just a quick note for everyone who has recently reached out, I’m not a qualified dog trainer. 🐕 I’ve trained my own dog with the help of professional YouTube trainers and a whole buttload of patience, but I’m not certified.

That said, I’d love to be able to point people toward proper, professional trainers who really know their stuff. I already have a few names in mind , but I’d really appreciate recommendations from the communities of Heywood, Portland & Surrounds. 🗺️

I’m looking to build a little network of other pet-care professionals: dog walkers, pet groomers, pet sitters, boarding kennels, group trainers, 1 on 1 trainers, so I can refer clients when I’m unavailable or when they need something outside my scope.

I’d love to connect with others in the industry and collect a range of business cards to pass on to clients who need them.

If you have someone you love & recommend, please share their name below ❤️
I’d really appreciate it and so will my clients!

And remember, I will only ever post about businesses that I know, love, trust & have tried out myself 😁