I saw this in todays paper and though it was a great story!

A POUND pooch called Pippa is credited with saving the life of the woman who plucked her from doggie death row.

Mother of two Angie Waters said the one-year-old staffordshire kelpie cross gave her a "canine kiss of life" when she collapsed on her kitchen floor after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Home alone with the dog the Waters family adopted just 10 months earlier from a Keysborough animal shelter, Ms Waters was eventually roused by Pippa's frantic licking and pawing.

"She was whining and very upset and distressed. It was obvious she knew something was seriously wrong with me," Ms Waters said.

But unable to get an appointment at a nearby medical centre and increasingly disturbed by her dog's concern for her, she went to a chemist where she again collapsed.

Taken by ambulance to hospital, the usually healthy 40-year-old was diagnosed with her potentially fatal aneurysm, a bubble of blood at risk of bursting in her brain.

"I thought I had a headache and rang work to say I wasn't coming in," Ms Waters said.

"It wasn't until after I had collapsed and Pippa was behaving in such a worried and frantic state that I decided to get some medical help.

"There's no doubt she saved my life. If she hadn't been able to get me up off that kitchen floor, who knows what would have happened."

Ms Waters said she believed the dog had saved her life to repay the family.

"She was among a litter of six pups who had been left for dead in an industrial bin and were taken to the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough," Ms Waters said.

"She was the only one of the pups that hadn't been adopted when we visited there with the intention of getting another dog.

"But the other dog didn't bond with us and another woman who was supposed to collect Pippa never turned up, so we took her home with us."

The head of the Alfred hospital's neurosurgery unit, Jeffrey Rosenfeld, said it was well documented that animals could often sense something wrong with their owners.

"There are lots of stories about animals dragging people from danger, and obviously this dog sensed Ms Waters was in trouble and did what she could to help her," Prof Rosenfeld said.

"Pets are part of a family and they sense when one of their members is in trouble.

"If they see something abnormal, like a human on the ground and having breathing troubles, they do what they can."

Ms Waters has spent the past month at the Alfred.

"Pippa has clearly taken a lot from the experience because now she is my constant shadow -- she won't let me out of her sight for a second," she said.

Children Courtney, 12, and Matthew, 9, said their dog was a "champion licker".

"She would definitely wake you up, if she wanted to, by licking you," Matthew said.

The status of the Waters' pet, already a much loved dog, has been elevated to heroine.

"She is living on dog treats and has moved from her own cushion in the lounge to joining us in the marital bed," Ms Waters said.

Laura

Hi There its Jedda, I thought I would send an email to let you know how I am doing. Back in January I was adopted by two parents that needed a sister for their only boy ( Boags) . I am so excited to tell you that I have the best home ever!!!! I have a really big yard to play in and my brother is soooo much fun!! I get taken on walks to the park and even go on holidays to the beach. I am allowed to sleep on the bed, and I get lots of treats. Kids stay often and I just love the cuddles they give me.

I am now able to socialise with cats without chasing them (although they still look good out of the corner of my eye). I am slowly starting to learn some obedience and even a few tricks. Thankyou to all the staff at Keysbourough that helped make my stay as pleasant as they could!! I have attached some photos for you to look at, I am the black dog!! The other is my brother Boags.

Ruby and Daisy were adopted last weekend after I recently lost my 2 cats
They have settled in beautifully, despite a slight dose of cat flu and are now definitely in charge of the place.
Daisy, the tabby is little Miss Independent, while Ruby (the tortoise shell and white) is much more affectionate and follows me around the house where ever I go
thanks for all your help
Cheers, Gayle

Hello all at AAPS. I came in last Sunday and adopted a 1-year-old tabby (her shelter name was Lulu) and I just wanted to drop a quick email to say I'm thrilled with her and she is settling in extremely well. I was going to name her April but the name Olivia popped into my head and stuck. I bought her as (hopefully) a friend for my cat Sophie, and after a few days of hissing and grumbling, Sophie is adjusting well, they've been playing and even settling close to each other on the bed. Not quite at the snuggling together stage yet but I think it's only a matter of time. I'll send a photo and a further update in a few weeks but I just wanted to thank Karen and the rest of the good people at AAPS, Olivia is perfect.

Thanks again, Jodie Fraser

Mia was adopted in 2004 as a 2 year old female named Snowball. She has been the most wonderful addition to my family. She is the most affectionate, outgoing cat I have ever owned, and within 5 minutes of anyone sittingdown, Mia is on their lap looking for snuggles. She has more front than Myers and is first to greet any new dogs at the door and as I show dogs, there are my 3 here and many others staying overnight which Mia just loves :)

Jet was adopted in 2006 as a 10 week old kitten, as another feline companion, and a friend for Mia. Jet is not as outgoing as Mia when it comes to new people, however, is very bonded to his family and extrememly talkative. Will follow you around everywhere talking until you pick him up and carry him, and of course he always gets his way.

Nikita, the little wolf-like Husky came home with me to become my new canine companion only just over a week ago and I am pleased to report that we are blissfully happy together - a match made in heaven!!

I haven't mastered the technology yet to send in photos but will forward an update as soon as I can.

I started looking at the AAPS adoption site when my feline best friend "Buka" disappeared one day out of the blue after ten years of being together, and inseparable. In my desperation searching for him, I thought there was a chance he may somehow turn up on an adoption site. As the weeks went by with no answers, my grief and sadness deepening, I became acutely aware of how many lost, unwanted, surrendered and abandoned animals there are out there on the streets and in the many pounds and shelters across the country.

I decided that I could at least provide a loving and secure home for one little furry person - and when I saw Nikita's photograph I was immediately drawn to her. Whilst we have lots of dogs in the family I have always had cats and it was a bit of a leap for me to go dog!

But what a wonderful leap! I'm smiling again, and so is she - grinning, laughing. 'Kita is such a devine little personality, the most genteel spirit, sweet-natured, very cuddly, loving and lovely company.

She adapted to her new home and comfortable lifestyle without a single hitch, and we have bonded together like best friends from our first moments together. Straight in the front door, she immediately claimed her dog bed, and within minutes progressed to her spot on the couch, and is perfectly happy to share my bed at night.
She has come out of her shell beautifully already and I look forward to seeing her growing happier still, and more confident as time goes on. She socialises beautifully well with every human or canine she meets, loves a run, loves a game, she is conservative with food - burying treats for later all over the house and garden, and sleeps with a big smile on her face!

I'm so grateful for the good fortune of finding each other - and now couldn't imagine life without her.
I found the conditions at AAPS to be markedly better than those of the other shelters I visited, and found the healthy happy condition of your animals reflects the superior care and treatment they receive. I find it extremely disturbing that so many sheltered animals - beautiful, healthy, helpless animals, are senslessly euthanaised and I want to applaud the 'no-kill' policy at AAPS. Thank God for your organisation and your wonderful staff. Special thanks to Arabella and Sue who took the time out to encourage this adoption
and showed genuine kindness and passion in their approach to their role.

Hello, my name is Buddy and 3 weeks ago I was adopted by Nicole and Brandon (Mummy and Daddy to me!). I just wanted to say hi to my old friends back at the shelter and to tell them not to give up...someday a lovely human will come in and adopt you too! I am very happy in my new home and have settled in very well. Mum and Dad have bought me lots of things and are spoiling me rotten with all their kisses and cuddles. I am surrounded by love all the time.

I recently had my teeth cleaned (unfortunately one had to be extracted), but Mum and Dad said that it was done to keep me healthy and happy and so I wouldn't feel any pain. I know they did it because they care for me and best of all, I get to eat yummy mince for a week until my mouth heals!

I also wanted to thank the lovely humans at the shelter for caring for me when I was in need and doing such a great job for all us furry creatures. Mum and Dad attached some pictures of me because they think I am very beautiful and want to take my picture all the time...but I love the attention!

I got my beautiful 2 year old Rotti from AAPS back in December ’07. His name was Humphrey but after a few days at home it was agreed the name just didn’t fit so he was changed to Boofy. He was very nervous to begin with at home and would have bad nightmares most nights. But after lots of love and affection he soon came to feel comfortable at home and although he has the odd nightmare he knows a cuddle is never far away. His favourite things are laying in the sun on his back, swimming in the lake and a good scratch. He has become such an important part of our family he comes every where with us. Although Boofy still acts like a puppy and forgets how big he is when he gets excited, normally ending in someone on their back laughing while he tries to lick you to death, he is so loving and loyal I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend. Boofy is great with my little brothers (6 and 3 years) and so gentle; he doesn’t even mind the odd sticky finger in his ear. When Boofy has had enough he just goes to his bed and goes to sleep.

He always impresses us with how sweet and loving he is. He is great with other dogs even though puppies scare the heck out of him so he hides behind mum. He has never tried to run away even when the gate was accidentally left open. He always goes to bed at night when asked, of course after he has gone around to everyone for a cuddle good night. Boofy loves his walks and is so fit and healthy he often gets complements when he is out and about.

I just wanted to say thank you to the shelter for giving me my best friend.

About 15 months ago I decided to attend the shelter to see if you had a dog that would suit my partner. I was not expecting to fall in love with our Blue healer Diesel ( Dilion was his pound name ) After letting go of my fear of dogs, I began to train Diesel with the help of my partner. Then we taught the kids (I have 4 children ) how to interact with DIesel and still remain in control.
Two months later, it was another trip to the shelter, where I could not go past our second Blue Healer, Argus ( pound name Authur ) After alot of 'groveling' to my partner, we picked up Argus the next day. We were told if we could handle Diesel ( Dilion ) Argus (Authur ) would be a walk in the park.

Diesel and Argus are now a very important family member to our house hold. Getting our two male Blue Healers ( despite the fights they have had ) was the best thing. Our dogs attempt to sleep on our bed. They think they are 'lap dogs'. Their favorite activity is going to the river for a swim ( although Argus cant really swim.. look more like a kangaroo fighting a huge wave at the beach ) Chasing a ball ( Diesel can pull a ball/toy out of thin air.. no matter how many we take off him, he always finds another ) Ridding on the back of the ute, which is a noisey trip. They just love anything that involves them being dogs and being with us.
Thank you so much for our wonderful loyal family dogs. Blue healers dont always have the best reputation for family dogs.. I believe they are the best dogs a family could have in their life.

We were adopted from AAPS in mid June by our new owners. Our names were Sally and Rosie, but our owners decided to rename us. At first we were somewhat confused, but now we love and respond very well to our new names, Macey and Belle. We are Whippet X and our new owners suspect the X is something that is quite hyperactive. Belle just adores her mummy, Macey and follows her around everywhere.
We have settled in very well in our new home, in fact we are very spoiled. We love company! In fact, at first we were not content to share our owners and sought attention from the same person. We enjoy nothing more than cuddles on the couch of an evening or curling up on our own couch or the beanbag. We love to get out for a long walk and enjoy running off our leads at the dog park or for an extra treat, fossicking along the beach. At first our owners were worried about us being off of our leads, but we have shown them that we can be trusted.

We love company and get extremely excited when our owners get home from work so much so that we jump all over them. Our owners are trying to discourage this behaviour. We eat very well, and our owners have likened Macey to a vacuum when it comes to eating and may have put on a little bit of weight... We are learning how to sit at roads when out on walks and have learnt how to ‘shake’ before receiving food.
We have made new friends with other dogs in the family and are well liked by the children we are around; we get along pretty well with them too. We have had a successful sleepover at our grandparents. He was quite impressed with our behaviour, so much so that he has adopted a new playmate for us from AAPS. His name is Parker and he’s a terrier X and already settled in, after only one day!

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