Fetching Dogs

An Insight Into Insight [Guest Article]

2012-10-01T03:28:00.001-07:00

Tuesday night, SBS Insight aired ‘The Tail End,’ which was supposed to look into why our country is euthanising an estimated quarter of a million dogs and cats each year and who was to blame; the shelters, the public, or whether there are just too many puppies being bred?

The program definitely raised the questions – but did it do enough to explain the problem or even to look into the answers that were given?

All we've heard this week is that, for people not directly involved in animal welfare already, they had no idea what was going on, why the animal organisations couldn't agree with each other, why someone is allowed to have 300 breeding bitches and get away with it, why someone was charged a $900 surrender fee for a cat, and why a couple who said they had looked into puppy farms and knew of the horrors, still bought a puppy that had no doubt come from those conditions?

Let’s first take a look at the complete lack of representation for smaller, local Rescues. Awareness about these rescue groups is very poor. The really bad thing about that, of course, is that these groups can absolutely take some of the pressure off the bigger organisations, such as the RSPCA, if only they were given support. The fact that the RSPCA will not work with these rescue groups is criminal.

On the show, Steve Coleman (representing RSPCA NSW) stated that ten rescue groups had been invited to work out of Rutherford RSPCA and apparently not one had gotten back to them. However, no further information was given on that. Who were those rescue groups? After doing a little digging, we can already confirm that Dog Rescue Newcastle, Puppy Love Rescue, Hunter Animal Rescue, nor Bull Terrier Rescue was invited. These are four of the biggest groups in the area and not one was asked to work with Rutherford RSPCA?

Even if this was true, and not one of the ten rescue groups got back to the RSPCA, why is it acceptable for them to give up working towards that goal? Ten groups, out of hundreds of rescue groups across the country, and the RSPCA throw in the towel.

OR, is it in fact, that they view some smaller groups and animal advocates as aggressive? As someone who is in the animal rescue world, I can definitely say there are some aggressive people, who will fight tooth and nail to get their point across, sometimes at the expense of others. But aggression in this context usually stems from passion and where there are passionate people, there is always going to be criticism about how best to help our companion animals.

One of the criticisms on the show was about the RSPCA’s behavioural tests, which seems to be a huge contributor to their state-wide euthanasia rates (52% of unclaimed dogs and 64% of unclaimed cats). Nathan Barnes, an animal behavioural trainer and former assessor at the RSPCA, now decries the organisation for their kill rates and the methods in which they justify the euthanasia of companion animals. He went on to explain that any dog that may lunge at a rabbit or moving birds, jumps over a fence, reactive, hesitates at a small noise, etc. could be in danger of being euthanised.

According to Nathan, there is a system of points when the dogs are assessed. If a dog shows food aggression, prey drive, hesitation at noises, then those points could all lead to that dog being euthanised – for showing unwanted behaviour in a high-stress environment. Ask yourself this, would your dog pass their assessment? Would your dog have the nerve to be timid at noises or chase a moving bird?

It’s all very well for Mr Coleman to say that the RSPCA has no choice about what they accept into their shelters – and that is absolutely true – but is that supposed to be a justification for poor behavioural assessments? Is the RSPCA not there to help these animals to the best of their ability? And if that is the case, then I bring it back to my earlier question; why are they not working with rescue groups?

You won’t find many people in animal welfare disagreeing with the fact that an animal that’s health has declined so badly that it is cruel to keep it alive, should be euthanised. Euthanasia is all about ending suffering. Killing a dog because it failed a point-based system in a high-stress environment is not euthanasia.

Sadly, the RSPCA aren’t alone in their questionable practices and appalling kill rates.

The Lost Dogs Home in Victoria is one of the worst offenders. Miles Heffernan, who was on the show and worked at the LDH, explained how he had to smuggle a dog out because he was malnourished, he ‘probably wouldn't have made it,’ was food guarding, timid, and was a big dog. No more was said about this on the night, of course, but there should have been a bigger picture drawn here.

A staff member smuggled a dog out of the LDH because otherwise, he would have been killed. And what for? Mainly, it would have been because of his size.

The Lost Dogs Home is well known for being a proponent for Breed Specific Legislation in Victoria, which unfairly targets dogs, based on looks alone and euthanises them. The dog could be completely placid, friendly, of a good temperament, and it would still be in danger. Heck, the dog could be a peace ambassador for two warring nations – it wouldn't matter, because that dog is big, strong, and has the potential to hurt someone.

In 2009-2010, their own published statistics reveal that they killed 55.9% of the dogs and cats that came in. That gets even worse when you consider 31.4% were reclaimed. They only rehomed 12.7% of animals they got in. That's just over thirteen thousand animals they killed, in a year. And they made a $2.7m profit.

Is profit the issue here? Have some organisations become so focused on profit that they've forgotten why they got into the animal welfare world to begin with? It’s a harsh question and not one with an easy answer – every group needs to turn a profit to continue but where do you draw the line?

This is especially true for puppy farmers, backyard breeders, and pet shops. These industries are all about profit and greed. Bob Croucher from the Pet Industry Association of Australia, there on the night, claimed that pet stores thoroughly interviewed buyers and that there was no such thing as impulse buys. The PIAA’s mission statement is ‘to represent members and lead the pet industry.’ They are most definitely failing with the latter.

How can an organisation lead the pet industry, when they are enabling puppy farms and impulse buys? How can an organisation claim to be in it for the animals, when they stick them in glass boxes and sell them to whoever comes in with a big wad of cash? Whatever happened to responsible rehoming? Mr Croucher might like to think his member stores match the right dog to the right home but it’s all a load of PR nonsense.

Jacqueline Dalziell did a brilliant job of disproving his claims. She, as most of us have, witnessed many sales of pets in these stores, and none of these supposed ‘procedures’ were implemented. Puppies are left in their boxes, at their crucial development stage (some pet stores have even been found to be selling puppies younger than six weeks), and while their complete lack of care won’t always be immediately noticeable, uninformed buyers will soon figure out the neglect months down the line when their wallet feels the burn for exorbitant vet bills, behaviourists, trainers, etc.

There can’t be much worse for a puppy than being in a glass box all day, unsocialised, spinning in circles because that’s the only enjoyment you get out of life.

Except, there are the puppy farms, where all this happens, and a lot worse too. Matt Hams from Banksia Park Puppies was proud enough of his puppy farming operation that he admitted to having 300 breeding dogs, selling about 30-40 pups a week, and went on to say that if he could breed twice that, he would sell them.

Matt Hams would want to breed over 600 dogs.

And why? Is it to better the breed? No, because he crossbreeds, producing “designer dogs.” Does he breed to give families the best dog they could hope for? No, because he just sells them on to pet stores, where no real responsibility is taken when placing dogs with families. What possible reason could someone have to want to breed over 600 dogs?

It was pointed out on the night how hypocritical puppy farmers are – keeping their breeding dogs and puppies in kennels, away from the family, even though they claim to be producing ‘family dogs.’ So which is it? Are these family pets or not? Why are they being kept in poor conditions with limited staff (sometimes just one or two staff per puppy farm), yet sold as ‘family dogs.’

And what of socialisation at the critical development age? When puppies should be bonding with people, adjusting to the home life, yet they’re confined to their kennels.

Mr Hams claimed to employ ten full time staff. That’s a minimum of 30 dogs per person and we’re not even into the numbers of puppies there. How could these dogs possibly be getting everything they need when their time is split with at least 29 other dogs?

‘The Tail End’ was about confronting the question of why so many dogs are euthanised each year in our country and who is to blame.

Shelters, pounds, Rescues are all there to pick up the pieces once the dog has already been failed but they haven’t caused the problem. Is it true that some of these organisations should run better than they are? Absolutely. But the simple fact of the matter is, these dogs have to come from somewhere to end up there. If the blame should fall anywhere, it should be on these puppy farmers, backyard breeders, and pet stores.

As for the general public – do your research.

Some families have specific needs that they feel is important in a dog they will be bringing into their lives. For these families that wish to adopt, adopting an adult dog is a great option as this dogs behaviour, exercise levels, size and coat are all developed and an ethical rescue will be able to find you a dog that meets your needs.

If they are unable to find such a dog, or they are set on a puppy, then the benefits of a purebred dog are of course, the predictability. Researching various breed traits and deciding on a breed that suits your family is imperative, as is ensuring the breeder you are purchasing from is registered with your state canine control and is carrying out all recommended genetic health tests for the breed.

A great breeder is just like a great rescue – they are in it for the dogs, not money, and will want to ensure that you are an appropriate owner for one of their pups. If the extent of their questioning of you is ‘When can you pick him up?’ – run a mile! You want a breeder who cares enough to question you, and support you long after you have picked up your puppy.

No dog should be bred for profit. No dog should miss out on the chance to develop proper social and behavioural skills. No dog should be outcast from a family environment and used as a breeding machine for the best part of their lives.

This article was written by the people behind Who's The Bully, a group dedicated to highlighting the positives of Bull Breeds and dispelling a lot of myths surrounding them.

Igloo

2012-09-24T02:57:00.000-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: Staffy x Bull Arab
Age: 14 weeks old
Colour: Black/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Igloo is near Bulli.

Personality
Little Igloo had a rough first few weeks in care battling an infection she contracted while at the animal shelter. She has made a full recovery now and you would never know she's had a tough start.

Igloo is fast becoming a well behaved pup. She readily learns what is expected of her and with consistent training will become a wonderful family member.Igloo is very food and people focussed so will be a joy to train. She gets along well with my small children and other dogs, and while Igloo did happen to have her mouth wrapped around my pet lorikeet the first time they met, she has since learnt to leave the bird alone.

Even though she is a wonderful pup, she is still a pup so expect the usual things that go along with puppies, like missing shoes etc. Though as a bonus she's almost 100% toilet trained already.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Igloo, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Sirius

2012-09-10T03:39:00.001-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 9 weeks old
Colour: Black/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Sirius is near Chatswood.

Personality
Sirius is a typical friendly, happy-go-lucky, playful pup, with all the cuteness and snuggles that come with being so cute and snuggly. Being so young, it's hard to give a proper write-up for him, but he's had a lot of socialisation and will continue his training while in care.

More to come as Sirius grows.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Sirius, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Oberon

2012-09-10T03:34:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 9 weeks old
Colour: Black/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Oberon is near Narellan.

Personality
Oberon is a typical friendly, happy-go-lucky, playful pup, with all the cuteness and snuggles that come with being so cute and snuggly. Being so young, it's hard to give a proper write-up for him, but he's had a lot of socialisation and will continue his training while in care.

More to come as Oberon grows.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Oberon, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Mercury

2012-09-10T03:27:00.001-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 9 weeks old
Colour: Brindle/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Mercury is near Chatswood.

Personality
Mercury is a typical friendly, happy-go-lucky, playful pup, with all the cuteness and snuggles that come with being so cute and snuggly. Being so young, it's hard to give a proper write-up for him, but he's had a lot of socialisation and will continue his training while in care.

More to come as Mercury grows.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Mercury, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Aquaria

2012-09-10T03:20:00.001-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 9 weeks old
Colour: Black/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Aquaria is near Chatswood.

Personality
Aquaria is a typical friendly, happy-go-lucky, playful pup, with all the cuteness and snuggles that come with being so cute and snuggly. Being so young, it's hard to give a proper write-up for her, but she's had a lot of socialisation and will continue her training while in care.

More to come as Aquaria grows.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Aquaria, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Triton

2012-09-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 9 weeks old
Colour: Brindle/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Triton is near Narellan.

Personality
Triton is a typical friendly, happy-go-lucky, playful pup, with all the cuteness and snuggles that come with being so cute and snuggly. Being so young, it's hard to give a proper write-up for him, but he's had a lot of socialisation and will continue his training while in care.

More to come as Triton grows.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Triton, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Icarus

2012-09-10T03:06:00.001-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 9 weeks old
Colour: Tan/Black
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Icarus is near Mascot.

Personality
Icarus is thicker and a fair amount larger than Styx. They weighed in at 3.7 and 4kilos at the vet last week, but I think Icarus will definitely be a bigger dog. They are both growing like weeds!

So far Icarus has learned to sit for food, and do not jump up to get meals, but wait patiently, which I think is pretty impressive for a young pup! His housetraining is improving and he is peeing and pooing more outside now.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Icarus, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Styx

2012-09-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed
Age: 9 weeks old
Colour: Brindle/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Styx is near Mascot.

Personality
Styx is quite human focused. He's a little cheeky character, and wiggles and worms around but loves to snuggle up for a nap too. Styx was a little bit nippy at first but now rarely tries to nip. He's been very responsive to correction.

Styx is currently being crate trained and is so far doing very well. He has a lot of energy, adventurous, and very playful. He's make a great companion to an active family.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Styx, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Cameo

2012-09-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: Staffy x
Age: 6 Months Old
Colour: Tan/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Cameo is near Sutherland.

Personality
Cameo is an eager to please, sweet soft dog that learns quickly and craves affection. She is very focused on her people and constantly seeking to be a 'good girl', looking for direction and picking up new things quickly.

She is very food motivated which makes training a breeze. She is toilet trained, crate trained, can sit, drop, wait for her food and walk well on the lead 90% of the time (and that 10% is easily fixed with a quick pop on the lead!)

Cameo is still learning how to play more gently with other dogs and would require initial supervision if going to a home with another dog. She is very cat friendly, easily walking in to a foster home with two cats and paying them no mind whatsoever. She is not a very energetic or active dog and will cope well with a short walk per day.

More to come as Cameo settles into care.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Cameo, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Kilo

2012-09-10T00:44:00.002-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: Kelpie
Age: 10 Months Old
Colour: Red/Tan
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Kilo is near Richmond.

Personality
Kilo is really clever, considering she arrived as a nervous little bundle, she has come right out of her shell and with appropriate training by someone with experience, I think she would be such a wonderful faithful companion. She can get over excited really quickly but then calmed just as quick if you just touch her.

One on one she is really easy to keep calm, treat and train but she gets a bit overwhelmed with the other dogs there and jumps around being an idiot. She still has very sharp teeth and is enjoying destroying things, she is a bit nippy when not kept calm, as in she will bite your fingers to get a treat or even just nip your fingers to try and get attention - but we are working on this.

Gets along with the cats, she's pretty much the same as Zucchini in the way of, if they ignore her she will ignore them... or chase them and bark if they aren't playing nice. Recall is really really good, only time she won't come straight to you is if she is scared. I don't mean to scare her but sometimes my shout out to come must be a bit deep. I just heighten my tone and she wiggles her bum all the way to you.... so she is quite sensitive.

Kilo is best suited in a home where the family have the time to train her as she can get over excited and bored easily... however she is just so smart and picks things up really quickly.

Kilo is currently being housetrained, crate trained, and lead trained. She is good on the lead surprisingly, considering I was the first to ever put her on one.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Kilo, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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A Very Fetching Trivia Night Part II: The Return

2012-09-03T00:35:00.001-07:00

Less than a year ago, Fetching Dogs established itself as a fully fledged Rescue Group.

It's been one heck of an adventure and we have been astounded by the support we have received, and that support was evident when putting together our sequel event A Very Fetching Trivia Night Part II: The Return.

We promised in the posters that this year would be bigger and better and, thanks in part to all of you, that's become a fact. Because of all the support we received, we were able to raise double the amount we raised last year, giving us a total of just over $8000 - which goes directly back into our rescuing and rehoming efforts.

The night was once again hosted by the notorious Portia Turbo, who was as fabulous as ever. We had a range of awesome auction and trivia prizes, all donated by some very generous businesses and people, and we made sure everyone went home with a Fetching Dogs Doggie Bag, which had a lot of our supporters' business details, plus some little goodies for their own dogs.

For those that know us, we won't need to explain, but we don't just do Trivia - we fit in as many mini-games as we possibly can. There were coin rolls, quizzes to see who knew Fetching Dogs as well as they thought they did, paper airplanes (you need to redeem yourself next year, Greg, that's two years in a row you've had an epic fail)...

[Epic Fail.]

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along on the night. We're not going to lie, to have 145 people come along, when last year we had 90 people, was a bit of a surprise, and we count ourselves very lucky to have such enthusiastic and passionate supporters. Also, you all like a bit of a laugh so that's a bonus in our books! Not to mention the fact that $3000 of the total amount raised was actually given, by you, on the night.

Another huge thanks goes out to all the businesses and individuals who donated things for our auction and trivia prizes. You've all been so incredibly generous and to have you rallying to give more and more for these dogs is heartwarming. And mucho gracias to the Toongabbie Sports Club for donating the room and helping us get everything organised!

Again, thank you so much, to everyone who came along and to those who donated:

Burns Pet Foods
Command Australia

Feathered Friends

Dolci D'oro

FleetPartners Pty Ltd
Janelle Wyatt

Jenny Napa

Just Pets

Love'em

MasterPet

Mecca Personal Training
Merryn Mackay

Paws for Life

Pendle Hill Meat Market (Yummi Pet Treats)

Pet Sitters Australia

PETdirect

Pets1

Prosperion Pty Ltd

Silver Spectrum Hair Design

Sonja Ractivand

Suncorp Bank
Toongabbie Sports & Bowling Club

Valarie Cheers
Vampressa Flora

Waggy Dog Bakehouse

Wags & Whiskas Total Pet Care

Wags a Lot

Watherbeeta

World 4 Pets

So a big cheers to you all and here's to next year's A Very Fetching Trivia Night Part III: The Revenge.

Fallow

2012-09-02T03:28:00.001-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: Crossbreed (Probably Boxer x)
Age: 11 weeks old
Colour: Fawn
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Fallow is near Botany.

Personality
Fallow is a very sweet, friendly (but shy) pup, who had a bit of a rough start to life. She has come such a long way in just the four weeks we have had her and, like her siblings, is gaining confidence by the day.

It does appear that Fallow did not have much human contact before we rescued her, which has resulted in her lacking confidence with strangers, so any potential adopters need to know that he will not be the typical fearless pup - but that cheeky, playful side will come out after a short period. We have been working with them all to boost their confidence and socialising them, and they have come along really well.

Photos
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Radical

2012-09-02T03:26:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed (Probably Boxer x)
Age: 11 weeks old
Colour: Fawn
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Radical is near Botany.

Personality
Radical is a very sweet, friendly (but shy) pup, who had a bit of a rough start to life. He has come such a long way in just the four weeks we have had him and, like his siblings, is gaining confidence by the day.

It does appear that Radical did not have much human contact before we rescued him, which has resulted in him lacking confidence with strangers, so any potential adopters need to know that he will not be the typical fearless pup - but that cheeky, playful side will come out after a short period. We have been working with them all to boost their confidence and socialising them, and they have come along really well.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Radical, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Grey

2012-09-02T03:23:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed (Probably Boxer x)
Age: 11 weeks old
Colour: Fawn
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Grey is near Botany.

Personality
Grey is a very sweet, friendly (but shy) pup, who had a bit of a rough start to life. He has come such a long way in just the four weeks we have had him and, like his siblings, is gaining confidence by the day.

It does appear that Grey did not have much human contact before we rescued him, which has resulted in him lacking confidence with strangers, so any potential adopters need to know that he will not be the typical fearless pup - but that cheeky, playful side will come out after a short period. We have been working with them all to boost their confidence and socialising them, and they have come along really well.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Grey, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Denim

2012-09-02T03:19:00.002-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed (Probably Boxer x)
Age: 11 weeks old
Colour: Fawn/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Denim is near Botany.

Personality
Denim is a very sweet, friendly (but shy) pup, who had a bit of a rough start to life. He has come such a long way in just the four weeks we have had him and, like his siblings, is gaining confidence by the day.

It does appear that Denim did not have much human contact before we rescued him, which has resulted in him lacking confidence with strangers, so any potential adopters need to know that he will not be the typical fearless pup - but that cheeky, playful side will come out after a short period. We have been working with them all to boost their confidence and socialising them, and they have come along really well.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Denim, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Bondi

2012-09-02T03:15:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Crossbreed (Probably Boxer x)
Age: 11 weeks old
Colour: Fawn
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Bondi is near Botany.

Personality
Bondi is a very sweet, friendly (but shy) pup, who had a bit of a rough start to life. He has come such a long way in just the four weeks we have had him and, like his siblings, is gaining confidence by the day.

It does appear that Bondi did not have much human contact before we rescued him, which has resulted in him lacking confidence with strangers, so any potential adopters need to know that he will not be the typical fearless pup - but that cheeky, playful side will come out after a short period. We have been working with them all to boost their confidence and socialising them, and they have come along really well.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Bondi, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Zucchini

2012-09-01T04:50:00.001-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: German Shepherd x
Age: 4-5 years old
Colour: Black/Cream
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Zucchini is near Richmond.

Personality
Zucchini loves human attention and is just really calm, she doesn't get hypo and definitely prefers people over any other animal, just likes to be by yourside getting a pat.

She is fine with the cats unless they swipe at her or take off, she can sit next to one and be fed treats with them. If they swipe, she will chase them but hasn't harmed them or looked like she would. She loves my older son, wary of my younger son as he is a bit excitable and unpredictable. But even if he surprises her, she's fine, and doesn't react other than move away.

She isn't quite housetrained yet, but getting there. Knows basic commands such as sit, but won't stay yet. Follows house rules and is really smart getting things quickly, like not bolting through the back door when we go in or out etc. Doesn't bark... unless the cat deserves it.

Zucchini loves tummy rubs and one on one time more than anything. She can be a bit rough taking treats but we are working on that, she has improved dramatically considering she was almost taking off my fingers when she arrived. Treat time is probably the only time she can get over excited so I am making it a calm experience.

She's wonderful on the lead, but takes off when off leash. When she first arrived she was trying to dart out the front door or gate whenever someone opened it but we have got her behaving now, she just sits back.... however yesterday she tried to just follow me out the front door and I have no doubt she would have bolted to go and have some fun, so some secure fencing and home is a must for when she is settling in.

Zucchini loves the crate and I can close the door and leave her for ages chewing a bone or just chilling.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Zucchini, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Indigo

2012-09-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

Sex: Indigo
Breed: Staffy x
Age: 6 months old
Colour: Brindle/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Indigo is near Caringbah.

Personality
Indigo is the sweetest girl you'll meet this side of Sydney (Carinbah side, of course). She can be shy to begin with but she's affectionate, friendly, and has a very sweet nature to go with that very sweet face.

More to come as Indigo settles into care.

Contact Information
Indigo is not available for adoption at this point. This profile serves as a way of updating her progress as she settles into care.

Photos
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Cobalt

2012-09-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Medium Crossbreed
Age: 18 months old
Colour: Tri Colour
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Cobalt is near Menai.

Personality
Cobalt is a bit shy at first but after a few cuddles, quickly becomes comfortable and offers lots of kisses. He loves human attention, always greets you with wag of his tail and his nose right under your hand.

At his current foster home he gets along well with another dog - a large Labrador - with a love for a good wrestle and play. He is an explorer and quite an acrobat and is more than happy to sleep outside in his kennel or on the lawn on a sunny day.

Cobalt is well suited to be either an indoor or outdoor dog as long as he can play regularly and get some exercise. He needs some lead training and basic discipline but learns very quickly. When working around the house or around the yard he is always at your side.

With his floppy ear, you can't help fall for his charm..

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Cobalt, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Miso

2012-08-29T21:51:00.002-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: American Staffy x
Age: 16 weeks old
Colour: Brown/White
Hair: Short

Notes
Miso is not available for interstate adoption.

Location
Miso is near Botany.

Personality
Miso is an adorable little pup, who has come a long way over the past few weeks. She is very friendly, loves her games of chase and bitey-face with dogs of all sizes, but also likes to have her regular naps. She's very affectionate and loves nothing more than laying with you on the sofa, watching some Scooby Doo, and pushing her face into yours - getting as close as she possibly can.

Being the runt of the litter, Miso is considerably smaller than her siblings (who have all been adopted) but this doesn't hold her back. She can be bossy at times, chasing the adult Staffies around if they try and steal her toys. Miso benefits a lot from other dogs so a family with at least one other dog is preferred. She is currently being leash-trained, is crate-trained, and 98% housetrained.

Suffice to say, Miso is just a superstar. She'll make some family very, very happy.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Miso, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Bamboo

2012-07-31T04:06:00.001-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: Boxer x Staffy
Age: 18 Months Old
Colour: Tan/Black
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Bamboo is near Botany.

Personality
Bamboo is a beautiful natured (and looking) girl, who is actually on the smaller side of medium. She has shown herself to be very friendly, with other dogs, and a good Mum to her pups. They were all left with no options at a shelter but is now safe and loving all the attention.

Bamboo was very underweight, given everything she could to her pups, but is now up to a healthy weight. Suffice to say, this girl loves her food, but she is also very obedient, knows how to sit, and just loves being with people.

It looks like, prior to coming into care, Bam never had much socialising with other dogs. While she's the friendliest dog in the world and loves to play, she does still need to learn proper etiquette - and maybe a bit less of poking dogs in the eye when she first meets them. Regardless, she loves to play and snuggle with other dogs, from Pugs to AmStaffs, she's not picky.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Bamboo, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Caprica

2012-07-31T03:53:00.001-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: Staffy x
Age: 2 years old
Colour: Light Brindle/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Caprica is near Botany.

Personality
Caprica is a beautiful, affectionate girl, who loves playing, running, and generally being a bit of an idiot. She really does love life and almost always has a smile on her face (until you get the camera out, of course). She is very people/kids friendly and gets on great with other dogs.

Caprica is housetrained, crate trained, currently being leash trained (she's 85% of the way there), and will basically be your best friend if you've got some treats! She's very responsive to training and would do well at obedience classes. Caprica will need a somewhat active family but, most importantly, she will just need a family that will keep the cuddles coming.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Caprica, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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Bourbon

2012-07-31T03:42:00.000-07:00

Sex: Male
Breed: Staffy x
Age: 5 months old
Colour: Black/White
Hair: Short

Notes
Bourbon has been adopted.

Location
Bourbon is near Cronulla.

Personality
Bourbon absolutely loves human attention, he is a big sook who loves giving and receiving lots of hugs! He isn’t big on toys as he would much prefer to play games with people or other dogs.

He loves his morning walks! We have been working on lead training him and he has come a long way since he first came in to our home, he is great off a leash as he won’t leave your side, but with a leash he gets quite tangled and will wrap you up with the leash. He has learnt how to sit and he is almost there with learning how to shake, he understands ‘No’ and ‘outside’ and is very obedient to those commands.

Bourbon is 90% toilet trained; he will go to the toilet outside on grass but every now and then will have an accident. This beautiful boy is eager to please and just loves hugs.

Anyone who adopts this smoochy-pants will be repaid with a loyal, loving and happy companion! It has been so great having him in our home and will be sad to see him go but we are so looking forward to giving him to a happy loving home..

Photos
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Smirnoff

2012-07-31T03:32:00.000-07:00

Sex: Female
Breed: American Staffy x
Age: 2 years old
Colour: Black/White
Hair: Short

Medical Notes
None.

Location
Smirnoff is near Sutherland.

Personality
Smirnoff is a very obedient and affectionate girl, who is eager to please. She loves snuggling and cuddling, running and playing. She knows how to sit and has good recall, and has already shown herself to be a very friendly, happy girl. She does need further leash work, which she will receive while in care, but generally does not use her strength when out walking.

She's very friendly with people, placid and gentle around young kids and babies. Smirnoff is not recommended for cats and is not a fan of very vocal small dogs but does warm up to them if they can calm down. She's a very loyal girl who just wants some love and attention.

Contact Information
If you'd like to adopt Smirnoff, please complete our Adoption Enquiry.

Photos
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