I thought I'd give you a little update on how Rex has gone in his new home so far.

My partner and I adopted Rex on 5th November as a friend for our existing 'hairy son' Archie (Greyhound X).
I must say we weren't expecting such a smooth transition, Rex is such a lovely and well-mannered boy it was like it was always meant to be! Archie accepted Rex into his backyard and before we knew it they were best friends. Archie loves having a friend to play with and Rex loves the company too.

We all go for walks each evening along the Warburton trail, Rex seems to have a love of horses - always looking excitedly into the paddocks hoping to see one or two.
The only very minor issue with Rex, he is a couch magnet!! He has a tendancy to creep up on to the couch when we've gone to bed and makes a swift move back into his own bed when we wake up!! He's a cheeky monkey. He also has a love of shoes, carefully moving them from room to room where he sees fit (maybe that's another reason we get along so well).

Rex will be completing the GAP assessment in late January too, which we are confident he'll pass with flying colours! He has met lots of doggie friends on his walks and seems to get along well with all sizes. He is very good with children too, our 18mth old niece loves to pat him - he's very gentle and placid.

It's really amazing to see the subtle changes in him since adoption, as he is an ex-racer he has been steadily learning how become a pet dog - playing with toys, playing with Archie and trying new and exciting foods (he seems to enjoy watermelon!). He is a beautiful boy. My partner and I often laugh as he tries to copy his brother barking when we get home from work, Rex sounds more like a jack russell! Not very initimidating guard dog that's for sure!

I have attached a photo of Rex doing what he does best - relaxing!! When we adopted Rex he had quite a few bald patches, they are steadily improving and we think he looks magnificent.

We are so grateful to have the opportunity to give Rex a happy retirement. He is so deserving.

Kind regards,
Sarah

We adopted Basil about a week ago after losing our previous cat of 18 years.

As you can see from the attached picture, he is settling in quite nicely! Although he is
still becoming accustomed to the dog, he has made substantial improvements in just a
week. We're feeling confident that he will sort it all out.

We're so grateful that there are shelters such as yours, although sorry that there is the need.

Thank you for Basil, he will be (and already is) spoiled rotten! : )

Scott and Samantha

My name is Roxy I wanted to say thanks to you and all the staff for helping me find a new home in time for Christmas (Santa found me ok).
I am going to sit up until mid night tonight (New Year eve) and make a big wish and it going to be ..... I wish you a happy New Year, and that all the other dogs and cats I meet at Keysborough found a nice home very soon too My eye is all better now and my new vet DR Joe said if I keep walking around the block I will be skinning in no time, and he said I can still eat mummy's home cooking ........ yummy.

lots of love Roxy Gray

Just wanted to let you know that Gretel is still doing well and enjoying life with us.
She is almost 7 months old now and weighs more than 20 kg (it has been a couple of weeks since her last weigh-in). People we see down the beach all the time say she has grown every time they see her, though luckily this is taller, not wider. She has developed a deep love of playing ball, playing at the beach (not at all frightened of the water), cuddling on the bed in the morning when the alarm goes off and of course eating.
We found some fabulous dog balls that she can’t destroy (most toys last only seconds) and other than the time she dropped one out of the car window on the way to the beach, they have been brilliant.
The beach is where we spend most of our exercise time – twice a day most days. Gretel and Monty play with a huge number of furry friends and chase gulls too. Our old deerhound X, Sage is sadly no longer up to coming for walks, though she and Gretel still cuddle up when Gretel needs someone understanding to sleep with.
Gretel has the enviable belief that everyone must love her (who could not?) so she bounds up and talks to humans and dogs alike. Most of the time it works out fine. On the few occasions she gets rejections, she has not let this worry her – there is always someone else to talk to.
That being said, we are working on her obedience. She waits her turn for dinner and knows she must sit before the back door will be opened for her to come in. She has started to jump for her ball in excitement, but we are discouraging this and she does learn quickly for a young dog.
At Christmas we went to my parents’ place in the country – four more dogs to meet and play with. On the first afternoon she was outside playing chasey with a 45Kg Labrador cross – it was a sight to see and they both had terrific fun. We also introduced her to the delights of walking in the bush and swimming in a dam – if it wasn’t for all the grass seeds it would have been perfect.
A few of weeks before Christmas Gretel had a urinary tract infection – antibiotics saw her right again. Being a black dog, she does not enjoy these hot days, but luckily we have been ‘mostly’ home, so able to keep them all in air conditioned comfort.
I hope that Gretel’s sister Frieda is also doing well, and that her owner has been talked into getting a companion for her. Two dogs is no more bother than one and they do have such fun. I will try to get you a picture from down the beach, but for now here is one taken by Russell this morning, as the dogs queued to get into the cool when he got home.
Warmest regards,
Debbie

Just to tell you how our Kelpie, Max, is going. Adopted in November 2010 at 19 months he was very subdued and calm for a Kelpie. Having lost our loved Kelpie, Sally, in September 2010 (who had been highly active and excitable during her 12 and a half years), we were surprised at how laid back he was. However, 12 months down the track he has matured into a strong and confident dog. Things that he couldn't do (or didn't know about) are now a distant memory. At first he couldn't jump into the car and had to be lifted in; didn't sniff at anything on a walk and therefore did his business on the run - all of which led us to think that he may have been owned by a fitness fanatic who, even tho he had instilled obedience training, had little time for the basic doggy things in life. He also didn't bark and grass seemed at first to be unfamiliar underfoot. We were told that he had been largely kept inside. He seemed quite anxious and would not let us out of his sight, but, gradually, he has extended his world, enjoying daily bush/ beach walks, car trips/holidays, and obedience training. He is now a very affectionate, handsome and relaxed boy who charms everyone he meets. We love him to bits. Have attached a pic.

Thank you for all the hard work you do at the Shelter.

I adopted Cheeky (now renamed Pushka) on 17/12/11. After a worrying start for both of us - he ate very little during the first week, he has now come to the conclusion he's in a pretty good place. He accepts the presence of my other cat, and vice versa.

Pushka has apparently spent all of his 12+ years in a flat or unit and so will obviously remain an indoor cat, but very gradually with the assistance of a car harness, I am introducing him to the occasional wonders of my rambling garden . . . but in baby steps and in tune with his mood and confidence. However his most favourite occupation is sitting safely behind my security door watching a young crow dismantle my potted native orchids on the back porch - a daily event.

He is a beaut cat and like so many others, deserves a second chance.

Kind regards,

Robyn

We adopted Tiny a Neapolitan Mastiff X back in October. When we got her she was shy, didn't play much & barely moved her tail.

Oh how things have changed.

While a bit nervous at first Tiny has settled into her new home. She now wags her tail constantly, loves meeting new people and has even figured out how to play fetch.

Tiny loves nothing more then to sit on the floor chewing one of her many squeaky toys and loves to show them off to whoever is nearby.

She is such a sweet and gentle girl. Thank you so much for looking after her and helping us adopt her. She is the perfect dog for us.
Love Kimberley, Ross and Tiny

It has been just on a year since we adopted Tom and Maggie and we are very grateful to you for rescuing these gorgeous kids. I can't imagine life without them so THANK YOU for all your good work.
Though we are not sure if they are brother and sister or husband and wife, they are still very much in love with each other and now with us. Tom is so affectionate, he melts my heart and Maggie is that funny and intelligent, I expect to see her sitting on the couch with her legs crossed reading the paper when I get home. Gorgeous little girl. You make a difference in people's lives as well as saving furry ones. We love and adore them!

Many thanks from Matt and Shayne, Maggie and Tom

I adopted a 7year old cat on the 3rd of January and was asked to send through some photos and update of her progress by Sophie whom I saw whilst there and believe is a volunteer there. I apologise for sending through so many but it was so hard to choose!
KC has settled in beautifully even though it has only been 7 days, she has become accustomed to sleeping on my bed from the first night and has stopped following me everywhere, feeling very relaxed just settling in her new bed or on the sofa. I have renamed her Eartha after Eartha Kit and funnily enough when the name was spoken to her she nodded her head and smiled, I guess she likes it too. I have attached some photos of her and as you will see she is a very happy lady. It has been 4 years since I have had the pleasure of an animal in the house and I now know what I have been missing, the unconditional love and adoration from an animal, the joy of making an animal feel secure and the love that can be given to these most precious beings.
I thank the AAPS for allowing me to adopt such a gorgeous creature.
Regards,
Vanessa

We had been looking for a new addition to the family ever since our wonderful baby Bazza had to be put down in March 2011.

Having scoured your website for 6-8 weeks, Dad called me in to the computer to show me “Hughie”. Hughie was a 10 month old Kelpie X Labrador and he was such a beautiful, buttery colour and had that big “Nice to meet you” Puppy grin on his face, Dad said to me. “I think you need to go down and meet Hughie today, he looks like he’d fit right in with us.”

I got to the shelter right on opening time and, after wandering around the shelter trying to find him, I stumbled across Hughie’s pen. He had a rope toy in his mouth and practically danced for me while I was waiting to be let in to meet him and when I did walk in to the pen, he promptly jumped up and lent his paws on my shoulders while he licked my face silly! (Something he still does on a daily basis when I get home from work!)
I called Dad and described Hughie to him, personality and all… after a minor worry about longish, pale fur… it was settled, because I definitely wasn’t leaving him there!! When I walked out of the pen I told him I’d be back, but I think he’d heard that before, because he looked so sad. Needless to say, I was back at 3pm sharp to pick him up and take him home with me.

Hughie had been returned to the shelter once or twice from unsuitable homes and was a little unsure of the rest of the household, not me though, I’d gone back to get him and he wasn’t letting me out of his sight!! Once we were home he followed me everywhere and, much to Nanny’s dismay, found his new bed, happened to be my bed!! We now have a pillow between us to decipher which side of the bed belongs to who!!! (Even so, I do quite often wake up with him breathing in my ear!!)
Hughie now has his best friend Dusty by his side during the day and together they run and play ball in the backyard and enjoy getting out in the car, running to the front door any time you jingle the keys at them. Hughie especially loves visitors to the house and gets VERY excited anytime someone knocks on the door. (He’s an awesome doorbell!!)

None of us could imagine our lives without Hughie in it… especially Dusty :D Thanks so much to everyone who works at the shelter, we’ve been “Dog” people for years and we met so many dogs that were equally as beautiful and in need of a loving home. Now having Hughie for almost a year, we would definitely not hesitate in adopting another wonderful fur-baby from the Shelter!!

Just wanted to let you know how Jess is going. I adopted her (or vice-versa) on 2 January and she is just the most lovely dog! As you can see, she’s made herself very much at home and whoever raised her did a great job of training her, she’s so great in the house and even loves to jump in the pool when its hot (see attachment). She pulls a little on our walks outside of the house (as well as wanting to chase anything that moves, but that’s due to her breed) but is learning fast and we’re going to obedience classes when they start in Feb, mostly to train me!

I’m very lucky to have her, thank you so much for all your help and the great things you all do.

Best regards
Leonie

We adopted Zoe, a gorgeous 11 month old border collie from
you in October this year. Just thought we'd let you know how
she is getting on.
When Zoe first came to us she was a sweet natured girl but
had many bad habits including jumping, 'mouthing' and
digging. She was timid, not well socialized and did not walk
well on-lead.
Two months later she has blossomed into a fantastic dog who
no longer jumps or mouths. She started obedience school a
few weeks ago which she loves. Her on-lead behavior is now
very good and she socializes well with other dogs. We are
still working on the digging! She has gained a lot of
confidence with people and has a delightful and inquisitive
nature. Everyone comments on what a lovely girl she is. She
has lots of energy and loves walks,cooling off in the water,
and having cuddles and a belly rub!
Here is a photo of her having a snooze on her bed
surrounded by her favorite toys. Big thanks to everyone at
the AAPS for looking after her, especially to Lisa who
helped us find her. We are really really happy with
her.

We adopted a dog from the AAPS in May this year and justed wanted to let you know how well she is fitting in with our family. We have called her Wynnie which is welsh for white since she is white with spots. She is a lovely happy girl, who just loves a pat. She has a heap of energy which she has used to re decorate some of our garden but most of it is used playing with us or our 7 year old mini labradoodle Stoli. We bought Wynnie to keep Stoli comany and they play so well together, albiet very loudly. She finds new ways to engage him and get him to play and he has got more energy since she arrived. When they are not together they do miss each other especially Wynnie, she gets very excited when Stoli returns from a car trip or walk. She is always keen to meet new people and dogs and is taking up the role of watch dog for our adult and baby chickens. Wynnie is going to puppy classes and is now in second grade. We are working hard on calming her hightened energy and desire to chase cars and ankles. All in all she is a happy little girl who is loved by all our family.

Cheers Janicke and Tim

We adopted Cinnamon, now known as Cinder, in July this year, but it feels like we've always had her in our lives and can't imagine life without her! She's settled in really well to our routine, and has gotten exponentially stronger with all the walking, running and general playing she's been doing. The birds that flutter into our yard have gotten quite wary once they've realised just how high she can jump now! Her favourite time of day is still her walk where she gets to go sniffing things. Although, for such an energetic dog, she seems just as happy to spend her time cuddling up to us on the couch.

Her doggy socialisation is going well, she's met many of the dogs in our area on her walks. She's done so well that she even had a (supervised) meet and greet with her doggy 'cousins' where she gave all the right signals and treated them very gently. Although, she did get a bit confused when one flipped onto their back for a belly rub from one of 'her' people. However, we're still very proud of her progress :)

Cinder is beloved by all who meet her, being dubbed the BFG (as in Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant). Even the postie comments to me about how friendly and sweet she is when he drops parcels off, where lots of other dogs make him very uncomfortable! Thank you so much for taking such good care of her during her time of need, there's no way she could have stayed so sweet if you all hadn't taken the time to give her the cuddles she needed (and I know she needs lots!) She absolutely loved coming back to visit you all during the underdog training sessions, bouncing around to see which of her friends were there.

We have so many photos of her, but I can imagine just how many you get of people happy with their new babies, so I narrowed it down to a pic of her during nap time on Tony's lap - attached.

Thanks again,
Jodi & Tony

I just want to update you with a previous Shepard you had called Pippa, She was a fully grown puppy and we have renamed her Jessie as she never came when we called her by her previous name but she seems to like her new name and she loves her new home.
She came to us a very timid girl around people but around other dogs she was very aggressive.
Since she came to our family she has just finished dog obedience training and has passed and is learning to socialise with other dogs which when we first started we had to muzzle her but now she just needs to wear a yellow bandana to warn other people she may be a bit flighty or nasty but has improved heaps since her first lot of lessons which had to be done from afar. Jessie is an important part of our family. She loves walks and loves playing in water, but her favourite would have to be going in the car to dog obedience. her tail wags faster and faster the closer we get to the training grounds.
She can be a bit naughty at times by digging around the backyard but the love we get out of her more than compensates for a “few holes” in the yard. She has a favourite spot under the Banana tree...she does not particularly like cats she is friendly with them unless they move.. if they move or give flight she turns into a greyhound and gives chase...but we will keep working on that.. she is worth the effort... It was about this time I said when she came to our family that I would keep you all informed as to how she is travelling and I thought we have had her just over a year now and will let you all how she has been going I will try and send you another update towards next christmas if you wish so you can see how she is going? Thanks for allowing her into our lives, Sue

Just thought you might like to hear from one of your little ones. Do you remember Bear? (last two attachments) Who is now Lancer.

We are thankful every day that he came to us. He has the most wonderful loving nature and is very, very loyal to both my husband and myself. He is never very far from either one of us. Our other dog Watson turned 17 last week and he is very protective of him in his aging years. The people down the park just love him when he goes up for a chat. Those teeth get them every time.

We have quite a long drive way and our neighbors get a good laugh at Maggie our Burmese cat and Lancer trotting down with us to get the mail. Those two are inseparable. At times we don't know who is the worse in teasing one another. They play and sleep together all the time.

I do hope this finds you well and you are able to place those who come to you to good homes.

Our thanks again we are very much indebted to you.

Peta

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