I adopted Rex (I decided to keep his name) on the 7th May 2010 almost 1 month ago. Right away when we saw him sitting in the kennel looking at us not jumping or barking like the othersI was attraced to him. I had acctually come to see another dog at the shelter but saw Rex. I dont know what it was but something inside me said 'he's perfect'. we got him to meet our boy Tank who is a Border Collie X Staffy and is 1 years old too just like Rex. As soon as they met and were let off to play they loved each other. it was like they where brothers that had lost each other.
As soon as we saw them together I wanted him. We went back inside to sign all the papers and he came home with us that day.
It did say he gets car sick but I've taken him in the car with me almost everywhere I go with Tank too and Rex has never gotten sick at all.
When I take Rex to dog obediance and leave Tank behind as he has had his dog obediance classes Tank gets upset. They really love each other and being with each other.
Rex and Tank share a massive bed together in our bedroom at night and sometimes when my partner isnt home or he goes to bed later. Rex and Tank and me all snuggle up on the bed.
Rex just loves to cuddle and kiss you. He is the most sweetest boy.
To Rex's old owners, he is being well cared for and will never be given up again. If you would like to contact me about him the AAPS have all my details. I would love to hear some stories about Rex in the first year of his life before I met him.This about an hour after giving them both a bath so they dont have their collars on.
I want to thank AAPS for helping me find my new boy and Tank a new friend. We love Rex to pieces and would never part with him.

Just wanted to give you an update on Bear.
He is doing really well and has been full of surprises.
As you all know Bear was a very vocal boy. On the Friday night when we came to pick up Bear we were told he had been moved over to the Kennel Cough area due to his noise.
Our car trip home was very noisy and my Wife and I just kept thinking how lucky we were that we live on acreage and don't have neighbours.
Our first surprise was Bears noise stopped after his first night with us.
By his 3rd car trip there was also no noise. The only time he really talks is when I say " on to your bed Bear" he gives us a bit of that Staffy talk ( I think he is protesting ) and off he go's to bed and he's quite.
I think he just wanted to be with people.
He did suffer a bit of seperation anxiety at first so we left him for short periods of time and gradually left him longer and we are now able to go shopping or out for dinner without bear getting stressed
Our second surprise was Bear has had some training. When we met Bear we tried getting him to sit, but he looked at us like we were silly, however when we got him home we discovered he knows sit, drop, stay, go to bed and he is house trained.
Bear also had no history on him when we met him so we weren't sure how he would be with the kids, but he has been fantastic. He never jumps up and if our 2 year old cries he is the first to go over to her and he will lick her and sit with her.
At night time he loves to sit as close to one of us as he can. He will fall asleep with his head on one of the kids laps or sitting on their feet, he just has to be near somebody.
He can be a bit cheeky. If we are not in the room he will get up on the lounge and as soon as we walk in the room he gets down and gets onto his bed and acts all innocent.
He was introduced to my parents Jack Russell and he was really good . He licked it like he was her mother and then fell asleep with his big paws over her little back.
How ever, when out walking he will ignore most dogs but will bark and lunge at others.
Our Shire runs a 8 week course for dogs over 12 months and we are going to take him so we can work on his social skills.
We kept the name Bear because it is Perfect for him. He loves to give big Bear hugs, The kids think those staffy grunts sound like a bear and he will sit and watch us for ages earning him the nick name Stare Bear.
He really is the most adorable dog. Thank you all so much. - Regards Scott and Family.

As promised, please find attached photo's of Quincee in her new home. She continues to make us all smile and has become such a fixture in our life. It's as though she has always been here.

She loves Teddy Bears and gazing out the window from her bed. Quincee had her first off lead romp around one of the paddocks yesterday (I had to be certain that she would come when called before advancing to off lead because of the sheep).

We are loving every minute with her.Regards Sabina

Just thought I would send in this cute photo of Powder and Inka. I got Powder from Keysborough animal shelter in May 2009 and Inka as a kitten this year in February.

They get on really well and love snuggling together. They also both get on with my two dogs really well. I often catch Inka or Powder curled up next to one of dogs.They are both lovely cats.
Thanks to everybody at Keysborough Animal shelter. I think you all do a fantastic job.
Amanda

I adopted Rex from Keysborough in March 2006. He was 7 months old and extremely thin and had been given up for adoption because "he grew too big". Well he is a Rhodesian Ridgeback/Mastiff cross so he was hardly going to be a lap dog. From the start he was an affectionate boy, always leaning on me and anyone who stood still too long in the park. Early on in our relationship he would run up to groups of childen in the park, as I think his previous owners must have had children. His new home doesn't. This was heartbreaking for me as he obviously still had memories of his first owners who didn't love him as much as he obviously loved them.

After quite a long "settling in" period Rex has stopped digging up the garden, murdering floor rugs, ripping apart pot plants, and eating scatter cushions, and has become a wonderful, loving companion. Obedience training in Bentleigh on Sunday mornings really helped too. His favourite spot in the whole world is Dendy Park for his early morning walks. He meets his old friends and lots of new ones, and he just loves to run.

Rex is now happy and thriving. I can't imagine life without him as he makes me laugh out loud at his clown antics, and he truly believes he is a lap dog - all 45 kgs of him.

Christine

We just wanted to send you a little message to let you know that our new little puppy that we finally picked up last weekend after a very long wait has settled in very nicely and is loving his new home, his new family and especially his new best friend Pepper!

His name is Zippy and he definitely suits it! He has boundless energy and is keeping Pep in great company and making her very happy. They are inserperable, its exactly the relationship that we wanted for them :)

It has been a real challenge to keep him calm and dry after his little operation and he just wants to run and tumble everywhere, and he is so tiny that no matter how short the grass is its almost as tall as him and after a few weeks on concrete he just wants to run in it but it makes him all wet and sloppy!

He is loving sleeping inside in a bed at night and is taking to house training fairly quickly. He's had a little bit of a cough the last few days but seems to be getting over it now. Zippy's favourite thing to do is chase Pepper through the house yapping and wrestling and chew on everything he can get his little paws on! He is starting to reply to his name and his little face lights up when you call him, especially when its snack time!(Pep has also learnt to come running when you call 'Zippy' in the hope that she can get a snack too :) )

I'd like to thank the lady who helped us when we chose him and was so welcoming and helpful...I'im hopeless with names but I think it was Lynne...(the lady with the broken hand and the big smile)... Thank you, you've made our little family complete :)

Thanks again
Melanie, Alysa, Toby, Pepper & Zippy :)

Boston, our Black Giant Schnauzer, joined our family after being adopted from the amazing people at AAPS in September 2009. Boston only joined our family (of 2 dogs and 1 cat) as 5 days later we were moving back to our 40 acres in NSW. Talk about adding to the chaos of moving - nothing like a 50kg Giant Schnauzer to add to the madness! Nine months later and Boston has settled in amazingly well. He is adored (well, more like ruled by Ruby our brown/black terrier cross!) and Bella, (white cavalier x adopted from Save-A-Dog Scheme) his canine sisters, has learnt to take a good detour around our cat, Kida, and the rest of his human family cannot imagine life without him! He has come a long way from being a dog with no training and no comprehension that human beings actually talked to him! He loves swimming in the stinky dam, travelling in the car, smooching all friends, family and slightly over-whelmed strangers! He has absolutely no idea how large he is and as a consequence occasionally runs into walls and door frames! He is the biggest sook and has the most amazing big brown eyes that melt anyone that looks into them and his fan club grows everytime we take him out or on holidays!

Thankyou to the wonderful staff at AAPS and all the other rescue groups that give these amazing animals a second chance at life!

Kind regards, Kate, Paull, Laura, Ben, Madeline, Ruby, Bella, Boston, Kida, Lindt (RSPCA bunny), fish, chooks and horses!

Hi my names Monty I was adopted in November 2009 and I am very happy . Mum sometimes volunteers at the shelter and its taken ages to write to you . I love my friend Cuddles and I love shoes. I snore when I sleep and I sleep wherever I feel like. I am a bit like a dog always following mum around the house. I am very well loved and thank you for finding me a home. My parents are very very happy
regards Monty ( and Julia)

As you can see by my picture i'm doing great. I'm very relaxed and have the best of everything i could ask for no more. I have a funny side to me too where i hide then pounce on my ping pong balls and chase them through the house. I also like soft drink bottle lies- they slide across the floor really easily, a paper ball is good too. If i can hit it and it moves then it's for me. I love my scratching post it smells so good with cat nip on it i lick it, rub my face all over it then attack it. I hide next to it hoping it doesn't know i'm there my ears go back, my eyes open wide twitching my head then i pounce, it's never seen me coming yet and i give it an almighty scratch. My life is good Mary, thank you for saving me and giving my mum the chance to adopt me. I'm one spoilt crazy boy. Love Simba xxx

We would love to update you on our beautiful cat Cleopatra (aka tag 13744), who was adopted from the shelter on 17/4/05 when she was 4 years old. She has been a part of our family for 5 years now and is a distinguished 9 years of age.

My husband and I were not far off moving into our first house when we decided to have a look at the cats in the animal shelter just for fun. We planned on adopting a cat once we moved into our place and wanted to check out the shelter so we knew what to expect when we eventually were ready to adopt. We walked through the cat enclosure and saw a long haired black cat sitting in her pen, right up against the wire. I bent down to talk to her and say hello but she hissed at me, and we moved onto the next cage not wanting to upset her. About 4 weeks later we came back to the shelter to actually go through with an adoption. There was the same cranky cat sitting in the same pen. I bent down to her again and said "Hello again Miss Grumpy". This time though she gave me such a sad look as if to say "I'm so sorry! I messed up last time! I'm really very nice!" and she proceeded to rub up against the wire and purr at me. I was sold, and I knew she was meant to come home with us.

I think what we first mistook for "grumpiness" was actually fear. For the first year or two that she was with us, she was so timid and flighty. The littlest noise would make her jump, she didn't really like too much of a pat, and she definitely would never dare to sit with us. If one of us picked up a mop or a broom to do some housework she would run and hide. When my husband wore his work boots, she would also cower. Not much was known about her history other than she came to the shelter as a stray. I don't know whether perhaps she was beaten or mistreated in some way, which breaks my heart. As the years have gone by she has mellowed and is much more relaxed. She loves a pat and an ear scratch, she is happy to snuggle on our bed with us and will meow in protest to us if she feels we are taking up too much room in "her" bed. When I was pregnant with our son, I was sick with various complications and put on bed rest for a large part of the pregnancy. There was no better friend to have than Cleo, who became my shadow. She sat with me, she slept with me, she followed me around. I have no doubt she knew I needed some extra looking after.

I just wanted to thank all the shelter staff for the great work you do, and to thank you for looking after our Cleo for us until she found us. She is one happy and loved girl who always has a place in our home and in our hearts.

We thought it was about time we gave an update on a pup we adopted from you early in may. Harry (previously known as Murphy) has fitted in beautifully. Our other dog Kia wasn't too sure about Harry when he first arrived, he was fun for a few hours but then she started wondering why he wasn't going home. Harry learned very quickly when enough was enough and Kia soon realised that he was alot of fun to have around. They have since become best of pals as you can see in the photo (Harry is the darker dog), and spend hours every day playing.
Harry is fast growing but still has a long way to go before he grows into those feet. He has changed a fair bit in the time we have had him and and one stage put on 4 kilos in 2 weeks (and not an ounce of fat!). It is really hard to pick his breeding, it's interesting hearing everyones opinions/ suggestions and we look forward to see what he grows into.
Thankyou for giving us the opportunity to adopt such a beautiful dog,

Mick and Jean

We got Dahlia(the black cat) at 3mnths, about a year later we got Nook (the white cat) at about 3mnths. Took a few weeks untill they got along, Then they became best friends! After about a year we got Max, a big Rotty pup, He is very gentle but protective. He is now about 11 mnths and over 40KG. They all get along, but Dahlia and Max clash a bit. Nook and Max play together like brothers. They make it work some how. They have all been together for about 6mnths now and we thankyou for our pets, a nice pic shows all!!!!

Hello to all the wonderful staff at AAPS,

It's been 5 delightful months since we adopted the gorgeous jack russells sisters that were a feature in the Herald Sun. (january)
My life has always been further enriched by the company of a little dog and these two are bundles are no exception! They have endless energy, coupled with different personalities, and are a pure joy to everyone they meet!

Thank you for making the lives of fellow humans and the furry kind, much richer and filled with adventure.

Cheers,
Phyllis, Paul, Rosie and Coco

p.s Here is a poem I would like to share with you :)

Rosie and Coco give me endless pleasure,
Their glossy dark eyes,
Warm bodies and gentle breathing as they curl up and sleep

I can't stop looking at them

I wonder if they know the joy
they have brought into my world?

We adopted Roxy the Mini fox terrier 12 week old puppy just over a week ago we decided to keep her name as we thought it suited her she has settled in so well and loves her new home.
We were a bit worried about our 2 cats Casper and Katie which we already have but they love her very much she is so loveable they all get on fine especially the female cat Katie .Roxy is so intelligent she already sits when told and we are looking forward to bring her to puppy school shortly
We are so happy with her she is my little companion and follows me everywhere
I would like to thank the nice lady who introduced us to Roxy she had so much patience testing roxy how she would be with cats before we decide to buy her sorry didn't get her name you have made a little puppy very happy and my husband and myself will treasure her and spoil her for many years to come.

Regards
Brian and Cathy

I adopted 4 month old Pipsqueak (Cherry) 3 weeks ago from the Keysborough Animal Shelter. I was looking for a friend for my other furry critter, Flea.
Upon entering the shelter I instantly fell in love with a little ginger kitten who kept coming up to the fence for a tickle and a pat. I was told Pipsqueak was a shy little thing but she allowed me to cuddle her - I think she fell in love with me too! (She has since dropped this ‘shy’ characteristic and instead is quite cheeky and adventurous.)
Pipsqueak and Flea have become best friends and spend many hours of the day playing games and cuddling up on the couch together. It makes leaving the house a lot easier as I know they have each other as company.
I would like to thank all the staff at the animal shelter for providing so much love and support to my furry baby whilst she was in you care. You have certainly brought a lot of happiness into my home.

We adopted “Huggy” from the shelter in February and renamed him Sancho on the
drive home. That was just his name! He obviously had very little experience
of anything, everything was new to him including cuddles and other cats. He
soon decided that he loved both but then his mate, Victor, was suddenly taken
from us.

So we found ourselves looking for another friend for everyone and it was very
difficult; we just couldn’t find the right lively young chap who would happily
chase Sancho up and down the stairs, as well as stop for the occasional pat and
play with us. But then one day, we came across young Barry who pretty much
said “the search is over, folks” with one tiny meow and a big kiss. We even
liked the name!

So here they are – Sancho is now teaching Barry everything he knows (lord help
us!) and they both enjoy running up and down the stairs with occasional breaks
for pats (and photos). Thanks for everything,Stephanie and Felix

Evie is still doing really well, and does 10k runs with me off lead 3 times a week! The other days she just goes swimming with the ducks and swans at the lake (luckily she hasn’t caught one). She did her shoulder a month back and had to stay at the vets over night, which she hated! I reckon she thought we were dumping her like at the shelter as she was very worked up. But the next day she was good as gold. She sees Ella (her cousin) twice a week for ball time in the paddocks and gets bossed around but loves the play time all the same.

She’s still very timid and scared of my sisters Pomeranians (god only knows why!!), but only at our house, not their house. My Dad has really taken a shine to her and pops over all the time to see her. So luckily she has two sets of grandparents who are happy to baby sit anytime. Most days she spends asleep in our bed after her run, as it’s quite cold out in winter. In spring she can go stay with Ella some days while we all work.

Anyway, just thought I’d let you know she really has turned out to be a very loyal, smart and loving dog and we will always love her to bits and care for her like a person! Even when she chews my boots.

I'm not sure if you will remember me, but my family adopted the gorgeous woofers Zapp and Ruby. We kept there original names as that is what their names are!

Well it has been 3 months now and it has been the happiest 3 months. It's like they have always been here.

I'll start with Ruby. Ruby....where do i start with her? She is such a funny girl. She loves her hugs and she literally puts her arms around your neck (i know there her legs, but i still call them arms...lol). She likes to put her face right up close to you. She likes it when we talk against her face...hahaha. Ruby is very affectionate and loving. She loves her Dad! She gets into lots of mischief. Ruby loves her walks and the near mention of the word she is waiting at the front door. She is very adventurous!! She is doing fantastically!

Zapp, oh my goodness he is such a beautiful boy. He is definately a mamma's boy. He is still afraid of loud noises. He is slowly forming a bond with his dad. Some days he will sit on his knee, other days he won't go near him. If i'm not around he'll happily go to his dad! His human brother on the other hand is not so lucky and has had his heart broken and jumped on by Zapp! Zachary wants him but Zapp isn't feeling the same way. Sometimes Zappy will let him pat him. He will even sit on his knee providing no one else is around. But we know it will take time and we have all the time in the world. Zapp loves his walks and playing fetch with the ball. Zappy isn't as adventurous as Ruby, but on our walks he will explore with caution.

They are no longer outside dogs...hahaha. During the day they walk in and outside providing someone is home. If we go out they stay in the backyard. Majority of the times we take them in the car with us. Ruby is quite afraid in the car so we are slowly getting her use to car rides so we can travel further with them in the car. Every night they sleep with us. Brian (Dad) can't believe that he lets them sleep with us as he was always quite against it. He can't resist them, cos they are just too cute!
Ruby either sleeps in between us, on top of my pillow! or at the bottom of the bed. Zappy always sleeps next to me curled up under the blanket. He only comes out if he gets too hot!!

While i am writing this they are both lying either side of me on the couch sleeping. This is definately there home. I'm always saying that they are the babies that i didn't have. Our babies were reincartnated into Zapp and Ruby :) and we love it!!!!

Thankyou so much for helping Zapp and Ruby find there way home.

Just wanted to drop a line to let you know how Lola's doing! We are delighted with her, although her name has changed to Daphne (which suits her just fine when food is involved!!!). There was a bit of upset with the dogs at first, but they quickly got over it. Now all three of them line up for treats whenever i'm in the kitchen! Thank you for bringing her into our lives, we couldnt be happier! I want to give a particular thank you to Sue and Arabella, the time you took "cat testing" my dogs was much appreciated, as was the extra time you spent with Toby. I'm sure your diligence has had a part to play in how well this has all turned out. Thank you again, I hope her pic shows how happy she is xxx

I recently adopted one of your 16 month old cats. His name was Spike. I've called him Jones.

I week earlier I had the sad and tragic experience of finding my 9 year old companion (Kitty) dead at the end of my bed. :-(

My friends had many conflicting opinions about getting a new cat. "You need to wait longer...", "Get one just the same...", "No, it needs to be different...", "Get another one immediately...".

It was a very difficult week after the loss of my beloved. But by the Wednesday I had decided I would get another cat, I'd rescue one from a shelter. I did a whole heap of research on the internet and found kitties I liked, made up my mind to go look on the Saturday. No expectations though, just see what it felt like. When I came to AAPS, I saw Spike aka Jones, first thing. He was sitting on the highest most perch, watching me walk down the isle.

"Look at him!" I said to my friend pointing, "He's beautiful!"

Spike had caught my eye, and me his.I hurried the attendant along, having to disinfect my hands, pushed past finally and went over to Jones. As I reached out, he jumped into my arms and hopped onto my shoulders.

After a very short time, I knew I had been chosen.

Signing the adoption papers was full of bittersweet joy, my Kitty was really gone. I was replacing him. I burst into tears, again. But coming back to Jones in his pen brought a smile to my face. The attendant brought out a travel box, which he hopped straight into, as if he knew we were going. The trip home was easy.

Our first night together was happy and sad for me. Sad for my loss, but happy as I realised I would now have the honour of getting to know this new furry friend. Our time since then has been just wonderful. He is the most affectionate cat I've ever met, even more so than my darling Kitty (a home-birth kitten).

I feel wonderful for saving a cat from a shelter, giving him a new home full of love. It's such a joy to have him come to me when I get home form a hard days work. Troubles melt away with each little purr. I look forward to many years of cuddles and pats with my new mate Jones.

Thank you AAPS.

Attached is a photo of Chloe. She is sitting in her favourite position on the stairs (where she can see everything that goes on in the house!).

We picked up "Prescious" from your animal shelter about a year and a half ago, and she is a much loved part of our family now. She's a beautiful young girl.

Check out the picture :) - here she is using the laptop.

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