This is Orco our new black and white guinea pig from Keysborough Shelter. Orco is a good little guinea pig; he has settled in well. Orco comes when he's called and loves following his girlfriend Francine around everywhere! Orco loves to eat anything and everything; he loves making noises with his little squeak when I go to feed him and runs around underneath the cage.

Orco obviously has come from very loving people at the shelter especially Larissa. Larrisa has looked after Orco amazingly before we got him. She has done so much for us; not only has she helped us with his needs but also tips forthe rabbits. Thank you so much Larrisa for everything you have done for Orco and us. We appreiate it so much.

Just wanted to give you a update on Sharni who was Previously named Tarney who was 6 months old when I got her. I adopted Sharni in early March and the moment I saw her I knew that it was meant to be. I remember when I bought my dog down a 2 year old jack russell to meet her hoping that they would become best of mates as I had my heart set on Sharni.

I took her down that moring; it was stormy and raining at the time. I remember we put them together and they didnt seem to be that intrested in each other but they got along so I decided to get her. As I was signing the adoption papers in the waiting room they starting wrestling and playing like best of buddies; thats when I knew that it was meant to be. I couldn't get them away from each other for a whole week; they loved the company of each other and they are the best of friends now!

Sharni loves the beach and she loves to pick up seaweed and all sorts of weird things. She loves to play and destroy all her toys; they never last very long but we are working on that one. I also have started training with her as she is a bit shy and nervous around other dogs but she is getting there. We go to puppy school once a week and she plays with her other puppy friends. Sharni has settled in really well. Ii couldn't have asked for anything more! She is the most cutest and adorable dog ever. The photos are of Sharni at the beach and Sharni and Cassie my other dog who are best of friends! Thank you aaps

In February, 2009, after reading an article in the Herald Sun about all the abandoned dogs and cats, I decided it was time to give another cat a home. I wanted a senior cat, as I already have a ten year old boy “Clyde” (tabby and white), who I also purchased from the shelter back in 2000, along with his mother. Clyde is very sociable, and loves his cuddles and smooches. A year ago Clyde’s mother “Bonnie” passed away from cancer.

Clyde has become lazy since Bonnie died, he hasn’t got anyone to chase around the house now!! I checked the shelter’s website and saw 9 year old ‘Maisie” (black and white). I attended the shelter on two occasions. Both times, Maisie was hiding in a basket, away from the other cats, and would not come out for a pat or a cuddle. She appeared very timid, but I fell in love with her. ‘Maisie”, now called ‘Macy”, lived in my ten year old daughter’s room for the first two weeks, and has made this room her permanent home. Within a few days Macy began sleeping on the bed at night, playing with her toy, and coming up for a pat. ‘Clyde’, who is very sociable and great with other cats, was excited to have some new company, but after Macy taking swipes at him and eventually attacking him, he is now on his guard whenever he sees her. Luckily we have a two storey house.

Macy has now ventured out of the bedroom and has made the second storey her territory. She wanders around from bedroom to bedroom, and spends most of the day sleeping on my bed. “Clyde” now lives downstairs, and when he’s game enough, he ventures upstairs, much to Macy’s disgust and she begins hissing at him. (I suspect Macy does not like other cats and that was why she hid in the basket in the cat shelter). Macy has now gained some confidence and when “Clyde“ is sleeping, she ventures downstairs to the study, exploring the unfamiliar surroundings. Macy is definitely not a lap cat, but enjoys company and being patted on the side of her face. Macy loves to have a play before bedtime and waits at my daughter’s bedroom door in the morning for her tin food. She eats well, enjoying the “Royal Canin’ dry food during the day. I suspect Macy wasn’t given much attention in her previous home, but overall she has settled in well, and can now live out her senior years in a warm, comfy home. I would like to commend the shelter on the fantastic job they do. Without the shelter, Clyde and Macy would not be here today.

I would like to send you some news about the 2 kittens my husband and I adopted in March this year. Of course they did not have any names at the time and they were known as a Tabby 4 months old (ref 19179) and a grey tabby 3 months old (ref 19137). They are now respectively Thug (who is the contrary of a thug by the way, and very very affectionate) and Mister Gris (who we like to think as a botanist as he always seems to be collecting all sorts of branches and plants from outside as a collection he keeps inside!!!).

We would like to thank the staff of the animal shelter for being so nice and helpful and for also taking care of all the animals there. My kittens are doing very well as you can see from the pictures and are absolutely adorables!! Of course, they are receiving a lot of love and attention as they deserve it.

Again many thanks for being so helpful, I came about 3 times before adopting the kittens and people must have been fed up to see me by the end but that was worth it. Please also thank Fiona as she was the lady I saw last when I finally made my choice. The reason it was so hard is because they were all so cute and loving...I could not choose and I would have probably taken them all if I could. Take care and best regards, Marika and Liam

I have settled into my new house very well. When I first came home lots of people came just to see me. I even got a bag of biscuits as a present and dried pigs ears...wow what a treat. I have a big brother Odo, he is black and white and very tall. I have my own little bed and at night I sleep with Odo and mum in her bed. I have lots of toys and 3 cats to play with as well. Odo and I went for a drive to meet my new vet and have our toe nails cut. I liked that because we got a biscuit for being good. As you know my little legs have arthritis (I am 10 years old after all) so I can stay inside all day if I want to and play or sleep or run round in my big back yard. I love my walks but we don't go when it rains because I run to my bed.

At first I didn't like the food. My mum cooks us veggies sometimes but now I like them and have stopped spitting them on the floor.
Our kitchen bench is good. It took everyone awhile to work out even little dogs can jump when you leave a little table near the bench. I sit with my mum on the chair at the kitchen table all the time or lay on my little bed next to her and I'm a good watch dog. When anyone comes to the door Odo has taught me to bark really loud.
I have sent you a photo of myself because I am the cutest boy, oh and one of Odo and me. Odo is the big one remember and I'm the cute tan guy sitting on mums lap.
I loved my stay at Keysborough shelter and being with you all. I hope everyone is doing well.
Better be going because it is dinner time.

Lots of puppy hugs and kisses to everyone.
Love Abet (pound name Tyson)

My husband & I adopted Bruce the 18 month old Gold Lab last Saturday so I thought I would send you a quick update.

He is absolutely beautiful & such a good boy & loving his new home. We have taken some photos of him Saturday night but they’re a little blurry so once we have some better ones I’ll email them to you.

Also letting you know that he visited the vet yesterday & has had his heart worm shot.
Kind regards, Kay

I adopted Honey and Mattie (Bella and Charlotte) on August 14th 08 and just wanted to show you how they're doing 9 months on.

I remember the day I adopted them I was asked if I would be letting them sleep inside. When I said they'd sleep in my bed with me, the lady told me she didn't think they'd want to do that but they have, every single night since I got them and a lot of the time it's hard to get them up! Honey snores like a train half the time and I think it's got to be love when you reach the point where you think it's cute!

I've attached a 'before' photo and a couple of photo's of them now.

Thanks so much for helping me find my princesses! Rachael

(The Day After I Adopted The Girls)

I just thought that I would give you a little update on our cat Buddy.

We adopted Buddy back in April 2007 (then named Caspar) when he was approx 7mths

We originally were looking for an older cat, but something about Buddy caught my husbands eye, he was friendly but not super cuddly and real ‘boy’.

So we took him home where he preceded to stroll out of the cat box and around the house, cats I have had in the past would always hide for awhile but not him. nothing at all fazes Buddy.

Buddy likes to think of himself as ‘too cool for school’ he has destroyed blinds, toilet rolls, my legs if I don’t feed him early enough!! J good thing we love him!

He now has 2 White German Shepherd friends to keep him company, they all love to stir each other up and Buddy gives as good or better than he gets! The dogs think he is great fun, however some days he gets what we call “an attack of the crazies” to which he will pounce on the sleeping dogs and start biting their necks!

So put simply he has definitely settled in well, and I couldn’t recommend or commend AAPS on their hard work any more highly. We are glad we found him, as crazy as he is he is great entertainment and a lovely cat!

Thanks, Alana

DAISY GREYHOUND - Adopted 2/5/09

A note to let you know how well Daisy has settled into our home.
Thank you to all that have cared for her in the time she was with you at the shelter.

She truly is a beautiful soul, and has become my shadow as she glides around beside me. Who would have thought that a larger dog could be so gentle and delicate. Not to say that she doesnt have a mischievous streak, sneaking into our 4yr olds room to nose around and borrow one of his teddy's to take back to her own bed. We've 1/2 solved this issue by Jack proudly using his pocket money to buy her a small teddy dog of her own.

I can thoroughly recommend a Greyhound to any family, her patience and obedience is staggering and her gentle nature brings a relaxing atmosphere to our home. You cant beat the feeling you get when coming home and having this lovely girl excitedly racing up to you with a big smile for her cuddles and pats. As much as she loves her daily walks, proudly trotting along and taking in the sights, about 40 minutes is more than enough and she's happy to come home and have a 2 hour nap.

Thank you again, our little family now feels complete.

Kindest regards
Nel, Chris, Jack & Daisy

Just a note to let you know that Venus whom we adopted on the 07-05-09 has settled into our family beautifully. She is a loving playful and obedient girl, and seems to be very happy.
She has already mastered sit, stay and come even when in the leash free park. We're working on drop and heel next.
She sleeps happily on the foot of my sons bed and gets plenty of love and exercise. She never barks at other dogs and gets on well with my partners dogs also.
She has brought much joy into our lives and is a wonderful companion. We'll send some pictures soon.

Thanks for allowing us to take this lovely girl home with us

Kind Regards

David and Nick Fontana ( and Venus too)

Just wanted to let you know that the three now incredibally active devon cats we adopted from you ,after seeing them in the Sun newspaper a few months ago have settled in far better than we could have ever hoped..and they have become very fit and healthy.

They no longer sleep all day in a pile but have very active lives and sprint around with the younger cat we already had. It is not unusual to find a different cat in each room through out the day. We can no longer have anything breakable on the shelves etc as that is just inviting a visit from them ........ nothing is too high.

There appetite has slowed down (thankgoodness) and they will leave food in the bowl for at least ½ an hour !! before the plate is totally cleaned!! After a bath when they first arrived they almost turned into different coloured cats (much lighter) and Ezmays skin condition has not come back ..it is healthy pink and clear.

And the only hiccup in their pamperd lives is the pesky dogs that they despise and can not tolerate and I do not think that will change. But otherwise they are a joy and make everyone that comes here feel so at home with there welcome .....I am afraid they have decided if you are not a cat person do not enter through the front door ha ha as they WILL not leave you alone with out a greeting.

Again your work saving and rehoming all these animals is so valued ...as we can attest ..they have improved our lives beyond imagination with there un reserved love and companionship ....thank you again for allowing us this chance to share these cats remaining years. They give far more than they take

Lyn and KIm

Dear Keysborough Animal Shelter,

We adopted Puffy (who we have now named Willow) on the 20th of May 2009. He has been very happy living here with us. Willow walks around the house talking to us in cat language. He is very playful and cute, and at the moment his favorite sleeping place is in the shoes closet and on the desk chair. Also, he purrs all the time!

From Piper
Age:9

On the 20th of May 2009 my family & I adopted puffy which we now call Willow. He is always in the mood to play around & loves to show off his stomach. He is six month's old and loves our other cat Licorice, he is always doing something and loves toys. As soon as he came out of his box he ran straight to a hiding place away from the cat he saw. He is loving it here and he loves to sleep on my snake which is on my bed and he purrs very loudly all the time. I love him, he loves me and we're always playing!

From Ethan
Age:11

I thought I would write to you to tell you all about my new home and the people who are now my new pack. After leaving home I was a little scared and very patient in their car watching the journey with my head out their car window sniffing freedom but not knowing where I was going. I thought I was only having a small trip out and then back again but I soon found out after a few days this was really going to be my new lease of life.

One the journey home we stopped off and they brought me my new bed as they said they need to check how big I was in reality to get the correct comfy bed...you will see from the photo they took of me whilst asleep. When I got there I was greeted by Scooter the next door neighbors pooch, man he is small looks like a thug but is a cheeky soft old man with one eye. We are the best of buddy's now and we play together in the back shared yard but I hate it when I am in the private yard as I can't get to see the old boy. I am not bothered by small dogs as you know! But big dogs that another story. I still show them whose boss by my big bark!!!

So my new pack leaders are Darren and Lisa, I have to obey rules that I know like sit down, wait, walk, heel but I like to wind them up sometimes by playing ignorant but hey that is in my nature hahahah. They love me I know but sometimes you can't obey every rule when I have had so many people in my past tell me differently....they are patient with me....Daz and Lisa, will be bringing me over in the next few weeks for more obedience training! So, I will not be able to get away with much then will I?

I am not allowed in their bedroom, out of bounds unless they ask me in on Sundays occasionally but I became quite partial to their comfy bed. I did not get away with that for long, but I am being good now and stay sat at the door waiting for them. I did become a little partial to the sofa but now I have decided I do love my bed..and besides that they cover the sofa over and pile the pillows up to deter me from getting up there. It works so I don't bother now, besides my bed is comfy anyway...spoilt really!

Darren and Lisa take it in turns to takes me in the mornings and night times. Lisa is usually the early riser at 6am, I am waiting patiently at their bedroom door waiting for my walk. Lisa is the chirpy one in the morning, takes me down to the beach and we walk and run. Darren is the one that takes me for runs when he gets home in the evening. During the day, I am out in the big yard with my bed and water and food; I love it it out there as I have my bones that are not allowed in the house as I found out a week ago.

I showed them the other side of me last week, I was walking along in the dark whilst both of them were walking with me, I sniffed a possum and grabbed it out the bush....which they displayed quite clearly they were not happy with me, I was taken straight home and had to go to my bed! I love the possums in the area, their are so many at the moment in their trees in the back yard, not so many in front yard....I chased a cat too but the cat was too fast darn it. Daz and Lisa know it is human nature but..... I am good other than that!!

I love being here, I get the best dried food and lots of water. I get a stew at the weekend to start building my muscles up and plenty of walks....I am getting taught different rules and I still have separation anxiety but we are dealing with that too. I sort of know now I am not going to be given away again but it is still in the back of my mind I will get left again by my owners. They are die hard people; I know I will be in their family pack until the day comes when I can't go on any longer. Ok, little bit deep but you know what I mean...

Anyway all my happy trainers and carers at Keysborough.....I will see you soon....Take note my new partial place is not only my bed but infront of the roaring fire at the moment. See the pictures....peace out and thanks again for finding me a new home! Carry on with the hard work!!! You all have hearts of gold.....Kugar xxxxxxx

My name is MiuMiu (Tag number 19202). You may not remember me because when I was at AAPS I didn’t have a name. I was 8 months old in a big room of kittens when a young lady laid eyes on me and fell in love. She picked me up and took me home. I don’t blame her really coz I’m SOOO beautiful and irresistible after all. I was named ‘MiuMiu’ because of my beautiful designer Tabby-Torti markings on my coat.

I have the run of the house with two scratchy poles and lots and lots of toys to play with. After my dinner I feel very happy and have quality play-time with my entourage. I also love playing soccer with my many toys.

One of my favourite past times is looking out of the window. There is just so much to see! I have a large garden that I love to explore. Sometimes I like to tease my friend (the dog next door) by walking up and down my side of the garden fence. Cats Rule! I just thought I would drop all you guys at AAPS a line and let you know what a wonderful time I’m having and wish all my many friends at AAPS well at finding a good home.

Written on behalf of MiuMiu by owner Evendrani

I am writing to you about my maltese I adopted a few months back. He is a delight and we all love him very much. He is a great pal for our aussie bulldogX "abby"; his name was Prince but we have renamed him Doug.

He loves waking you up in the morning by giving you plenty of kisses. He is always up for a bellyrub and a good pat. He is a beautiful little fella.

These are our adopted pets. (THEY REALLY HAVE BLENDED IN.) we are never returning them.

This is Ivy.

We adopted this beagle last year in July she has really blended in with Ruby our Chocolate Labrador we are not ready to let of the lead but when we go to the beach we tie a bad full of sand to her 2 slow her down.

This is Storm.

We adopted her in March; we have proudly given her the new name Machera. Her nickname is Adventure Cat because she has already climbed trees and ran across the road.

This is Luella.

We adopted her with Storm in March and we proudly gave her the name of Bonnie (she is the pretty one). She is very quiet and loves to go on your lap. From Lili.

We welcomed Max (white with brown ears) into our family only a couple of days ago and has settled in really well. Millie now has her forever friend, which has taken several dates to find and now that she has found Max they have hit it off like a house on fire. They love each other heaps which is really beautiful and you can watch them snuggling into each other and kissing each other on the nose. Max is very friendly and loves lots of cuddles. Millie has no problems sharing her food or home with Max.

Millie and Max live with our two dogs Bobby & Holly (both adopted from AAPS) Sophie, Simba & Sha-Mia our three lovely cats and three gold fish. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at AAPS.

We would like to give you an update on Daisy and thank you for all you did for Daisy and us. Daisy settled in beautifully right from the beginning. She chose where she would prefer to sleep and the nooks she would doze in through the days. Also, she had no trouble using the dog door which gives her 24hour access to the back yard.
She loves to explore and patrol the garden and has a hearty appetite. She is really well behaved and housetrained and loves nothing better than to snuggle up on the couch with me while I'm reading. She also loves to go for walks and explore the neighbourhood each day.

Daisy is socially welcoming and gentle with visitors of all ages and everyone who meets her loves her. We are so pleased with this adoption and realise we have a treasure. Thank you to all at AAPS for the wonderful work you do. Kind regards, Jo

We just wanted to let you know that the 2 x 12 year old Burmese that
we picked up last weekend have made themselves completely at home with
us. They are presently asleep on our bed.

Gato formerly known as Julie (top) and Neko formerly known as Lily
(above) (that is Spanish for Cat and Japanese for Cat) have already
enriched our lives and will continue to do so for a very long time we
hope.

Gato is very happy and adventurous but Neko is a little scared and a
little intimidated when you tower over her but when down on her level
just loves to have a cuddle. Hopefully that may change a little when
she is completely use to her new surroundings. They have a small
secure backyard to sun themselves in in the summer but are unused to
the outside at the moment.

Thank you for looking after them between there last owners and
ourselves.Attached is a couple of snaps from earlier in the week on those
glorious sunny days we had.

Rosemary and Peter

Just a note and a few photos to let you know just how well our new family members are going. I am sure they both think they have died and gone to heaven. They are simply loving being here with us and have settled in so well so quickly.

Shorty is such a lovely dog and learning very quickly and Jordan? Well how could anyone resist him he is so adorable? We have made the decision to change Shorty's name to something more befitting such a beautiful dog and as it was Arrabella who was responsible for us bringing her home what better than Bella or Belle. For the moment we are calling her "Shorty Belle" in the hope that she will gradually get used to it. They travelled home without any problems and both went to sleep on the back seat but how did they know when we turned off the highway and got closer to home?

Both sat up looking out the windows. On the Friday we showed them around but kept one of them on a leash all the time "just in case". The one running free just went beserk racing around the house and garden. We have 9 steep steps leading up on to our verandah and Jordan was leaping up them only touching 2 or 3. They were both frightened of the horses and the cows but soon settled down with the horses. Cows are talking a bit longer as they are terrified of this strange barking mop. Late Saturday afternoon we took them for their first walk down to the dam but wanted to keep a close eye on Shorty as we didn't want her to go in the water when it was so cold.

First up Jordan took off and discovered the joys of rolling in fresh horse manure. Ever seen a green SHIT Zu? Little monkey although that wasn't what we called him!! Then they both raced around and round the dam like a pair of demented greyhounds then suddenly "SPLASH" and Jordan was in. I thought he may have jumped in accidently not knowing what it was but no sooner has he climbed out than he was back in again. I panicked as he swum out where it was deep and told Larry to be ready to resue him. ha!ha! No need though, he swims like a spaniel with his little ears acting as floaties. So there we had one soaking wet Jordan and nearly 5pm and freezing cold. Smart little cookie raced up to the laundry by himself into where his bed is and rolled and rolled in his bed trying to get himself dry. Of course I dried him off with towels which he loved and then it was inside and under the hairdryer. What a dear little character he is, you just have to love him.

That night he was totally exhausted. I picked him up when he was asleep and held him like a baby and he didn't even wake up. (Well maybe one eye) Every evening he is already in the routine of jumping up on the shoe box outside while I try and rub off the worst spots and dry the mud off his tummy and paws and pick out the grass seeds. I sit down alongside him to do it and he climbs on my knee and snuggles in. Of course then I have to rub Shorty down as well so she is getting attention too. She is coming along so well with her training on the leash.

Doesn't pull anymore and just walks calmly alongside and comes pretty much immediately on command even when she is across the paddock. Now she has had heaps of exercise she is contented to spend most of the day just sitting with one of us and loves to "help" Larry down in his shed. Jordan too is coming and sitting on command. I bought Jordan a squeaky toy which he treasures as HIS and buries it each time he has finished with it so Shorty can't get it, he is such a quietly territorial little fellow. I bought a tennis ball and thrower for Shorty but all she wants to do is bury the ball. What a beautiful pair they are and we already love them very much.

I thought I'd send in an update on Joely, now that she has been with me for a little while.
I really have found the perfect cat! I had my reservations about bringing a pet into my small home, but Joely is very happy, and so am I. When we got back from the shelter Joely took a quick look around and immediately claimed the place (and me) as her own. She had rubbed all the furniture and climbed into my lap within about half an hour. On that first night she followed me to bed and slept at my feet, which she has done every night since (only now she usually makes her way to my pillow by morning).

I've never had an indoors-only cat before, so I was concerned about her not being able to go outside, but she seems fine with the situation. She is curious when she sees birds go past the window, and has made a couple of, well, "ambles" toward the door when it's left open, but there have been no crazy attempts to escape. After all, she has good food, lots of warm sleeping spots, a clean tray, and a doting human-servant - why go out??

Joely is a quiet cat which suits me perfectly, and she is incredibly affectionate. She has claimed the armchair as her favourite spot, but whenever possible she will climb into my lap and cuddle. As I type she is laying across my arms (she resents sharing my attention with the laptop!)

Of course she has her 'cat' moments too. She is not so keen on having lots of visitors around, especially when the wine & music start up. And we're still working on the concept that the couch and the scratching post are not interchangable.

But Joely is just a gorgeous little pussycat, I have absolutely fallen in love with her! And if her purrs are anything to go by, she is very happy too. Karen

My husband and I adopted Rusty the eight year old kelpie, from your shelter about two weeks ago. We are just letting you know that he is settling in extremely well and we (especially me) are over the moon with how good he is. Rusty is the most rewarding dog, so obedient and willing to please. He comes when called – immediately, virtually never barks, he’s happy to lie quietly in the house when we like him to be quiet, but he loves to play and run when we take him out for a walk. He’s a top dog and great hiking companion, in fact just just an great companion. He’s learned very quickly what we do and don’t want him to do and tries to obey our commands when he’s not quite sure what we want him to do.

We try to make it clear.
Everyone’s fallen in love with our new older gentleman. Rusty has bonded beautifully to us and you can see that he’s devoted to his people. If he’s this good after only 2 weeks, I’m very much looking forward to seeing how the doggie-human relationship develops over the next few years.
Thanks guys, for a most spunky, intelligent, obedient and georgous natured dog.

Clare and Adam

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