Hi to everyone at the animal shelter... Just thought we’d let you know how little Kobi is getting along. We adopted him about 2 months ago. Since we didn’t know the exact date of his birthday he celebrated his 1st birthday on the 14th of August with our other pup! He had a little birthday party with about 6 other puppies and I think he has found himself a lover! He and his new friend Kesha love each other. They sleep, play, eat, play, sleep, play, walk, eat, play... all day! He is most comfortable cuddling up to the three adults in the house, as soon as one gets up he is onto the next! He has put on another kilo since leaving the shelter so now he is not just bones; he has learnt to play with toys and eat treats (not just look at them). We truly are blessed to have found Kobi as he is just the most gentle beautiful little thing and we couldn’t imagine our family without him! Thank you guys so much!

Around two years ago we adopted these two beautiful dogs from your shelter. I just wanted to send you an update.
 Meeka and Jacob have turned out to be the best dogs ever. They had no problems when we bought our baby girl home and they are all now best of friends. The change in their personality over the first few months was drastic. They went from shy and timid and ready to run away to fun, happy and obedient.
They have been the perfect addition to our family and are well looked after and loved.
If you have any information as to why the last owners left them over night at your shelter I would love to know.

Booboo and Cuecue are settling in well in our apartment. They are very affectionate to us and we are happy to have them.
Thanks very much for all the assistance.
 
Paul and Kristina

About two months ago my boyfriend and I adopted a 10 month old Red Heeler x. When he was with you his name was Sidney, we renamed him Riley. He has settled in great and I don't know what we would do without him. When we first got him he was a little timid, especially around men but he is bursting with confidence now! He loves the water which is great as we live near a beach and a creek. He always jumps in to cool off and I can't wait till the summer when I can join him in the water! He often comes with me on the train to visit family and he gets plenty of attention from adoring comuters. He is an extremely smart dog and has taken very well to training, he only wants to please. For the most part he is very well behaved and we have only had a few issues involving him chewing shoes, which we are working through. I want to thank you so much for the great work you are all doing there at the AAPS. It scares me to think that dogs like Riley are so often put down and by no fault of their own. Keep fighting the good fight! You are truely making a difference in the lives of both animals and people. 

Sincerely,
Nina, Pete & Riley 

Nara became a member of the family almost 12 months ago. Having just lost my beloved Ridgeback, I decided to search out a dog soon after Kirra passed away.

I spent many weeks looking on all the rescue websites and found Nara at the AAPS as a 4 month old pup. She had been part of a rescue program from rural NSW. Initially quite a challenge given her enthusiasm for most things, Nara has now settled in beautifully as a family member. She attended puppy school and also frequented a dog day care farm nearby to help her learn to socialise with other dogs. This early socialisation was fantastic and she has grown into a well balanced and good-natured dog.

Here's a recent picture of Nara who starts the day on the beach and enjoys catching up with all her friends for a run and a swim.

We are thrilled with Nara. A big thank-you to AAPS for the support and commitment you show to all the dogs in your care.

Kind regards,
Fran

Cinamon was adopted on the 20th of August by Veronica and Ellen.

Her new name is Candy as she is the most sweet, loveable and smart doggie.

She has a big 13 and ½ year old brother named Tango and a  5 year old Jack Russell X uncle named Sammy whom comes to visit all the time and occasionally stays overnight.

The 2 boys absolutely love Candy to bits

Candy loves going for car rides and going for her walks to the park where she meets all her other friends and they all play like crazy.

Candy got her beautiful pink bed which is placed in our bedroom, where Tango has his heated bed too. She loves her bed but she loves cuddling to her brother Tango and sleeps with him they are both adorable.

We want to thank you all for the hard work you all do and for the way you all  look after all the animals that come into the shelter.

A special thank you to Lisa whom processed Candy’s adoption.Here are photos.

Cheers Veronica 

Back on December 2007, my mother and I adopted a cat who was then known as Puss, 1, from your shelter.  After one look at her I knew that she deserved a proper identity rather than plain old boring Puss so I re named her Leah (after Princess Leia from Starwars but changed the spelling). Leah became not only a household cat but my little shadow, she is very affectionate and would answer with meow, purr and was spoilt rotten with heaps of toys.  She loves human company and will approach any of my friends when they visit and rub against their legs and she loved to seek attention as she too thought that she was a human being.  Leah is a very caring cat, whenever I come home from work after a bad day she would jump on the table and purr into my ear and lick my face.  Even one time when I was sick with flu, Leah came into my bedroom and slept on the floor.  Leah does not like other cats and when I took her to Mums and Dads’s place, their cat Nadia will have staring competitions with Leah.  Blondie their dog would come in between and be a big sister to Nadia.  Leah also loved human food and would attempt to eat everything which I ate, which include Special K, Chicken Pieces, Cheese and her favourite – chickpeas!!!  In fact she was an alarm clock and would meow at 5am and If I did not get out of bed she would go straight to the kitty litter and knock it all over.  One the other side, Leah had a special place in my hear by jumping on my lap which brought back memories of one of my previous cats, Puff –Puff.  Leah’s photo also appeared in the pet section in the  Sunday Herald Sun last year. 

Sadly, we had to re-home Leah because Dad developed eczema from her dander from his regular visits to my place. She used to sleep under the nandina bush which contained many pollens causing allergies.  After being tested Dad asked that we re-home Leah.  Leah was very lucky because her new owner, is their local vet, so she is in good  hands. Nadia, 5 still lives with Mum and Dad but she spends most of her time in the garage and Mum attends to her needs. 

Leah loves her new home and she sits on her new owners lap whilst they watch TV.

Thank you, Kind regards, Kathy

I would like to thank you very much for your assistance way back on December 10 1984 when we adopted Teena, from your shelter.  Teena was just a puppy and we were told that she was half LabxGerman Shepherd, at the time.  One of the Adoption Officers also suggested Tina and we all agreed on the name and changed the spelling to Teena.  She was named after former Young Talent Time Favourite, Tina Arena, and she gave us a lot of love an affection. 

During her early years, Teena loved to play – she would jump and bite our ankles, pull our hair or step in her own poo and jump on us, she would even sleep in our flowerbed.  One thing she did was that she tried to heard our other dog, Sheba, then 14 around as if she was a sheep. Sheba was a golden Labrador and being old all she was interested in was food, whilst Teena was full of beans and loved to run races around the back garden, she was so excited that she would spend time by the gate and bark her head off. She would jump on the gate with her two front paws over the gate and make such a racket that we received mail saying “scared of dog”.  The other thing she did was pull on the lead, she was so strong that Dad would not let either Mum or I take her, once they were off Teena would take Dad for a walk pull him every direction and even make him run – but she would get excited when other dogs were around that she would get on her two back legs.  After we lost Sheba at 15, in 1986 and Puff-Puff (2 months before at 14), Teena took ownership of our back garden, our cats Candy would occupy the front garden and later the garage (prior to her death at 12, in 1989) and it was left to the other cat Mandy and Teena to become friends – their friendship lasted over a decade throughout the 90s, and they would sleep together, and compete for affection.  Teena was like a bodyguard, if the door bell rang at night, she would run to the front door and bark. Sadly in 2000 just one month prior to the 2000 Olympics, Teena’s health deteriorated, her back legs would fail and she would have difficulty going to the toilet and would do her business inside, on August 8, that year, at the age of 16, our beloved Teena died peacefully.  Mandy. 14 was very upset when Teena died and would  sit and roll in the spot where Teena used to sit. Dad received a few sympathy calls and a few cards on his loss however one month later, they got a puppy Blondie, now 11.  Mandy, 19 succumbed to cancer on October 9, 2005.

I also read about BooBoo and Cue Cue who have also got homes too, and am really hoping that Milly and Chloe get homes, as they have been at your shelter for a very long time. 

Photo of Teena (left) and Sheba around 1986.

Thank you,

I have attached a photo of Teena, God bless her,

Kind regards

Kathy

I just wanted to share the story of my dog Mac. I adopted Mac at the end of February this year. At first he was very quiet and liked to keep to himself. Each time I would get home from work he would greet me a little more excited each time till eventually when he greeted me he would explode with excitement! Since he has settled in we do everything together and Mac insists that he has at least one walk a day. He is now almost 15 years but at the park is often mistaken as a puppy. Adopting my Golden Oldie Mac was one of the best decisions I have made, he gives me so much enjoyment. I love Mac and I am grateful to have him my life.
From Sarah

I adopted Millie (nee Layla) last month and she has settled in very well, although the other residents are still a little wary. The picture attached shows Millie's favourite position-rolled over on her back, chin stretched up, so you can scratch her. She loves being brushed, too. She is a sweet, gentle cat, and I am blessed to have her with me.
Thank you so much

We just wanted to update you on Dolly’s status since we got her on Saturday.

She’s the perfect cat, super affectionate, cuddly and very relaxed. Within 3 hours of arriving home- Dolly had made herself at home on the couch and hasn’t strayed far since- except to rub her head people’s legs when they’re cooking in the kitchen. She’s constantly purring, and hopefully putting on weight with Science Diet and canned food you recommended.

Thanks again with all your help on the weekend- we’re very happy with our new family member.

Kind regards,
Renata and Celia

We've adopted Cheeba (formerly Casper) back in August and she is already part of the family.

Despite her being two times smaller than our other male cat Simba, she manages to dominate and does all the chasing around the house. (As any other female would).

I'd like to thank shelter staff lady Karen (or Carol, sorry but I can't remember for certain) for her advice and patience in helping me.

You guys are doing an amazing job of giving these lovely animals a second chance.

Best Regards,
Andrew, Vika, Simba & Cheeba

I just wanted to drop you a quick line to let you know how Dog No. 31791, a bull arab x staghound now known as Panda, has become the absolute joy of my life.

I actually went to the shelter back in May to look at adult dogs, because I didn't want the headache of a new puppy. But then I walked past the pen where Panda and her brother were being kept at just 3 months old, and we locked eyes. I knew then that I was gone - hook, line and sinker. The rest, as they say, is history.

Although she did turn my world upside down for a while, as all new puppies do, she was far from the headache I was expecting. From the very start she was a very laid-back, easy going puppy, who had a love for everyone and a very happy outlook on life. She is so friendly that everyone who meets her loves her straight away. And, now just turned 7 months old, she is developing into a very obedient, well-mannered girl too. She has such a sunny disposition that I'm sure she has made me a better person. I now find myself smiling and saying hello to perfect strangers on the street now, even when Panda isn't with me, because that's what she does all the time (yes, she actually smiles!).

I had no idea what I was getting when I brought her home (I had to google both bull arabs and staghounds because I didn't have a clue what either of them looked like). But through some fortunate twist of fate what I got was a best friend. I don't know how I ever lived without her. Thank you so much for taking her in and making it possible for us to meet.

I have attached a photo so you can see how big she's grown and what a pampered life she's living now.

Could I ask a favour? - do you keep records and the photos that you take of the dogs you re-home? I didn't take many photos of Panda when I first brought her home so don't have many of her as a beautiful tiny little pup. But I do recall seeing one of her on your website that I would LOVE to get a copy of if you do keep them.

I would also love to know, and this might be just wishful thinking, whether you have heard of what happened to her brothers and sisters. She was one of 4 (one mostly white, like her, and two brindle). She has such a lovely nature I often wonder whether her siblings are bringing as much joy as she is.

Thanks again, and keep up the good work. I will have to bring Panda back for a visit one day.

Kind Regards
Samantha

Tiny and Truffle have now been with us for over 8 months, so I thought it was time you were sent an update on how they are doing!

They are both doing fantastically well. Tiny finally settled into eating a normal, regular cat diet. I can't tell you what a relief that was. It was so weird, like she just woke up one day and decided to start eating properly! She is now a very healthy size and weight, we my have to change her name again! The poor sweetheart must have been so unsettled by the whole upheaval in her life.

They are both a delight to share our lives with, have barely missed a night curling up on the bed since we adopted them, and constantly entertain us with their antics. Truffle is such a lap cat, and trots around the house following Mark just waiting for the moment he sits down so that he can snare a lap. He just craves company.

Mark has suggested that Tiny suffers from cuteitis! She is so adorable, loves to snuggle under the doona and gets in these funny moods where she follows us around and literally flops at our feet insisting on a belly rub. If one is not forthcoming, she gets up and repeats the process until she gets the desired attention!

They are indoor cats, but we have an enclosed verandah area which they can access for some outdoor time. Tiny worked out the cat door in no time at all, but Truffle still prefers to stare forlornly through the glass door until we let him back in.

I've attached some photos. Amongst all the heartbreak of the work you do, I hope these bring a smile to your face. It feels so good to be able to give them a lifetime home, I just wish we could do it for all of them.

Kind Regards,Tanya

By way of update (a year later), Toby (or To-to, as our little boy calls him) is doing well and is a much loved member of our family.

He’s fattened up and calmed down and we get so many compliments on what a lovely dog he is as he does the rounds getting pats from everyone, everywhere we go.

We tell people he’s our “bargain bin dog” because we got him for “$100 plus postage and handling” but he’s the best dog in the world (Alice won’t mind me saying!).

I like to think he’s a bit of a “poster-dog” for adopting dogs from shelters, especially older males who a lot of people seem to dismiss.

Toby responded extremely well to training. We felt like there was a good dog inside that had always been waiting to come out. I really encourage people I meet to get professional help (like we did) because some problems are so easy to fix.

He and our female GSP, Alice, are good buddies.

The effort and patience we had to give (like when he wasn’t house trained, and was too anxious to be left on the other side of a door, and when we realised he had a habit of bolting at top speed on being let off leash) has been repaid over a million times with what he has given. He has such good humour and is so eager to please.

Anyway, we could probably fill a book about all the things we love about Toby. We just wanted to let you know that he is in a good place with us and thank you for looking after him before he came to us. Natasha

Almost 12 months ago now we adopted Bonnie and Bailey, a pair of Cocker Spaniels from the animal shelter. As they were 8 and 7 respectively we decided to keep their original names as that is what they had become used to. We were originally going to go out and "have a look", however as was expected we ended up bringing them home with us.

While Cocker Spaniels are meant to be around 13kg, Bonnie at the time of adoption was almost 21kg and Bailey was a whopping 30kg. This made for an interesting start, as while Bonnie would love to run around and play, she tired out quite quickly, and when she slept she used to snore horribly. Bailey was a bigger concern as he wasn't really one for moving and preferred to sit and guard objects that took his fancy (this would range from the bed to old socks). Taking them for walks was interesting as they only made it about 15 minutes at a time before they were exhausted.

We put them on a diet as soon as they got home and eased them in to exercise, with walks in the park and playing outside and we are pleased to report that in the last 12 months Bonnie has lost 7kg and Bailey has lost 10kg. Bonnie, while she still has a genetic breathing problem, doesn't snore nearly as much and loves chasing the ball and going for walks. Bailey, while he is still overweight, is much more social and adores going for walks now. Its funny having an overweight dog and watching them lose weight, things like climbing up on the sofa (which is not a regularly celebrated milestone) is seen as an achievement and only recently has Bailey decided that he can do it. We are hoping that in the next 12 months we can get his weight down to match that of Bonnie and hoping that he will be able to give Bonnie a run for her money chasing the ball.

Both dogs have made a wonderful addition to our home and whenever possible have come travelling with us be it somewhere in the city or to the country. They are EXTREMELY excited to see us when we get home and Bonnie especially always tries to sneak a ball game in, no matter what time of the day it is.

We would recommend to anyone looking to get a dog, that if you are considering it, adopting is a wonderful thing to do and you really do get a lot of enjoyment out of it. We want to thank the staff at the AAPS for their help when we originally got them, the free trip back to the vet in the first week after a kennel cough scare only to find out it was just how Bonnie is, was a huge relief to new parents.

Sincerely,

Ross and Jackie

PS The photo is of Bonnie (Black) and Bailey (Caramel) after their most recent haircut.

Baxter and Molly

Just thought I would send you a couple of photos of the puppies – have to send one by one otherwise too much in one go. They have settled in well and seem to be happy. They are walking me in the mornings and afternoons; are nearly toilet trained during the day as long as it is not raining! Nearly toilet trained at night ... as long as it is not raining. However, I would never feel confident about leaving them alone inside!! There have been many accidents! I m sure they both have some Schnauzer in them – they bark like our neighbours dog and seem fairly intelligent. Molly is very inquisitive and can certainly escape from most confinements even if it means getting over metre high obstacles – she will find a way. Baxter is still a little more cautious about most things and can be timid so I wonder what went on in his early life.

We are certainly very fond of the puppies and are enjoying their company. Thanks again for your ‘heads up’.

Just over a week ago, my best friend and companion of over 11 years gracefully left this World. His name was Harley and in March 2000 whilst visiting your Keysborough Shelter, I met and fell in love with him.

I always considered myself blessed to have had Harley in my life and his loss has turned my home into a lonely house. However, I know that there is another four legged friend in need of a good home, so I shall soon be visiting you in my search for another friend and companion.

Kind Regards,

Sylvia.

I'm writing/emailing on behalf of my parents who adopted Holly, a female chocolate brown border collie, last weekend.
I just wanted to let you know that Holly has settled in well in her new home.
She is enjoying going for daily walks, playing her kong and going for rides in the car to visit family and other dogs. 
She has been great with other dogs and with everyone she has met, although she does get very excited with new faces.
She will start her obediance training this Sunday, which my mother is very much looking forward to. 
I've attached a photo to let you see for yourself how happy Holly looks. 
 
Thanks for the great work you do,
 
Sarah

Just wanted to write with an update on Polly (previously Taffy), who we adopted from AAPS in mid 2009.She is a beautiful girl and gets along well with our other cats, but has a special admirer in our Kelpie cross, Kaya.

Understandably cautious after her start in life, Polly finally decided a couple of months ago to start sitting on our laps, which was a momentous occasion in our eyes!She is full of personality and also a great little playmate for our young daughter.

Congrats on all the wonderful work you do at the shelter. Regards, Sarah and David

In April this year we adopted Sarah, a staffy x kelpie from your shelter. She was surrended twice to the shelter (not sure why) but I just wanted to send you an update.

Sarah has settled in wonderfully with her new family and has found a best friend in Harry the Jack Russell.

Even though she is a larger dog, she still wants to be a lapdog and is often found fast asleep on my sons lap or even his bed. She has done fantastic at dog training and has moved up class with great comments from the trainers.
She has been the perfect addition to our family and is well loved.

Sarah would like to thank all the staff at the shelter for looking after her during her time there.

Best Regards, Steve 

Hi my name is Max and I was adopted 2 months ago. I spent my life in the back of a factory and my life certainly is different now. I live on 5 acres and love to roll around in the grass and go for a run. I love to play with my squeaky toys and I am very spoilt. I don't like being by myself and I am always under my Dads' feet He is my best friend (Mum is too). Thank you Animal Protection Society for looking after me until I found my dream home.

We adopted Tia only 3 weeks ago and although she has chewed through the trampoline net, helps me get the washing off the line (especially when I am not there) and has a particular liking for the kids shoes - we love her. We have renamed her KEIRA and she responds to her name naturally. She has been on daily walks to Birdsland Lake Park (has to have a lie-down on the home stretch), has met many new doggie friends and has even had a visit to the school gate. She has heaps of energy which fits well with us having 3 younger aged children. We lost our beloved do Bella after 11 years (and yes we got her from the Keysborough Animal Shelter all those years ago) so were adamant to find our next new family member from an animal shelter. Thank goodness I saw her little photo on the door as we were walking out - as soon as we walked out to the back kennels I knew we had to have her!! She gets heaps of love and affection although I am trying to stop her hopping into bed with the kids in the morning !! She has been a great addition to our family and we look forward to many many years together.

To the previous owners - thank you for what training you did,-she is so well behaved,she is loved and well looked after and most of all happy !! Regards, NICOLE

We recently adopted a gorgeous Rotti X from the AAPS called Boof. We've had him for a month now and we already can't imagine our lives without him. He is such a friendly, affectionate, obedient dog it's hard to imagine he was once on a euthanasia list at another pound. We are so grateful that the AAPS saved him and gave him another chance at having a family that loves him, and also for giving us the chance to meet him! He definately deserves it, he is the best dog. Thankyou again everyone at the AAPS, especially Nicky, for helping us find the perfect dog for us.

A month ago I adopted Myxa now "Chika" the Chihuahua at eight years of age into my home with two previously adopted cats Kenji and Miko (Cat Protection Society). This timid , underweight and submissive little girl has now become a fully integrated and much loved part of our three species family. Chika is very slow to put on weight but has had a lot to deal with , being spade at the ripe ol' age of eight, having rotten teeth removed and coming to a new home. Day by day the cats and Chika are becoming more comfortable with each other I was ecstatic the other day as a cat and Chika both sat on my extended legs together in harmony . Chika eats most when a cat walks past as she is very protective of her uneaten food....she seems to value it as if she were stashing it away for a rainy day, tucking roast chicken in her bed. I hope as she realises the second part of her life will be filled with love, comfort , food and security that she will stop stashing her food and start eating a little more of it.
Chika is getting more and more lively and boisterous with each moment and is very keen on going for walks. Initially she was very overwhelmed by the ocean and in particular the incoming waves but as we walk on the beach together she becomes increasingly at peace with this wonderful environment.
Chika spends time with my extended family and loves coming in the car with me for trips, I always bring her security items which help her feel secure.
Thanks you for all your wonderful work at the shelter and we hope to keep you up to date with Chikas magnificent journey into health and happiness.

PS - Don't worry .....I do not put demeaning hats on animals , in this photo all Christmas silliness was added in photo post production !!! xx

We found Cous Cous at your animal shelter 2 years ago. He tilited his head to one side and meowed at us as we walked past him, and then as soon as my sister knelt down he jumped onto her lap and settled down for a cuddle.

He was very timid at first, but has gotten use to our dog and chickens and now has the run of the house. We soon discovered his extremely playful and curious side; although not a kitten anymore he still entertains us with his games of hide and seek and chasey!

He loves going off on adventures during the day and playing with his cat-friend from down the street. He also is very helpful when it comes to household jobs, he watches attentively whenever there is work to be done! Then at night he snuggles up on my bed.

We are so grateful to have Cous Cous in our lives; we know we chose the right cat for us. Thank you making it possible!

Danni and Eloise

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