Past Guests

If you have adopted a companion animal from the AWL, we would love to hear from you! All our staff and volunteers sincerely care about what happens to these beautiful animals once they leave our care, so drop us a line and share your story!

Email your stories and pictures to pr@awlqld.com.au

Past guests – cats

 

Dora

Hello to the staff and volunteers at Helensvale AWL. In particular, those people who would personally know and have had more direct contact with the cat named Dora which we adopted on Monday 25 January 2010.  We have decided to keep Dora's name because of her "exploratory" nature which became evident from day one. It's only been 2 1/2 days since we adopted Dora but we wanted to share/advise the dramatic progress she has made since arriving home with us.
When we first met Dora it was hard to make contact in the pen because she kept hiding under and inside things.  But we knew she accepted us and we could see she had a lovely nature.

Day 1.  When we released her from the carry cage on arrival home, she bolted for our crockery/glassware cabinet and hid in a cavity underneath it.  We had to empty it of most of its contents in order to move it and get her out.  Realising she was a very timid and frightened cat, we placed her in the laundry with a low flat cardboard box for her to hide in.  Over the next few hours we visited her frequently to talk softly to her and ocasionally pet her.  By late afternoon she had ventured out of the box, was eating and drinking and exhibiting signs of curiosity.  So we felt she was ready to explore a small part of the house.  Which she did most thoroughly!

Day 2.  Dora  spent a quiet first night with no crying or meowing.  She seemed to have slept well when we checked on her next morning and was now showing signs of wishing to explore the house further.  After moving the crockery cabinet closer to the wall and ensuring there was nowhere else she could hide that we couldn't get her out, we opened the sliding door to the rest of the house.  She once again went from room to room, exploring then back to her safe haven (the laundry), then continued exploring more rooms, making several trips back to her safe haven as if getting her bearings.  She identified several hidy holes (under beds and sofas) but continued her exploring.  She has used these as resting places but not to hide from us.

Day 3.  Dora is now quite comfortable in her new home.  She has explored it from one end to the other.  She is eating and sleeping very well and has playtime with new toys combined with a specially made cubby house (a sheet draped over a chair).  Dora has been following us everywhere and will not let us out of her sight.  If one of us leaves the room, she follows to see what is going on.

At this stage we do not intend to let her outside for several weeks until we are satisified that she has bonded well with the household but her progress has been delightfully surprising. Attached are some photos showing Dora is enjoying her new life. Regards, June and Bede

 

 

Ava and Bounty

Little Ava (pictured below left) was adopted in September of last year and after taking her in for a check up with the vet in October we could not resist taking home the little white bundle of joy, Bounty. Both of our feline friends have shown us plenty of love and affection and enjoy each other’s company immensely. Despite Bounty being deaf he is a character and is always looking for a new adventure & Ava is always content watching her new found friend bounce around. Thank you for our new friends :-)

 

 

Ellla

Hi! I thought it was about time I dropped a line to say hi to the amazing people who work at my old home, the AWL. My new name is now Ella - I was adopted just over a year ago as a kitten and I'm now super loved and spoilt by my parents. My new home is at Miami, and I'm allowed out during daytime only - where my favourite pasttime is to sit and watch the neighbour's pet birds. I just watch -  honestly. I'm a well-behaved girl for my parents, talking to them constantly and bringing them tail-less geckos which they really don't seem to appreciate much. My mum volunteers at the shelter once or twice a month to go see my old roomies, (and the pesky noisy dogs too!) but I always make sure she leaves her wallet at home so she doesn't get tempted to adopt ALL of the animals there... I'm pretty happy as a spoilt only child for now :-) Just wanted to say thank-you so much to the wonderful employees at my old home... you do an amazing job. xx Ella. (attached are some pics of my beautiful self - sticking my tongue out like always).

 

  

Redmond

Hi there. We adopted Redmond back in November 09.  He has settled in well and causing all kinds of mischief as you can see! Thank you.

 

Poko

My name is Poko. I have been at my new family in Ipswich for nearly a year now. I have two small dog friends, and a little boy to play with. I love sitting in the sun and following my mum around the garden. I also love watching tv at night and snuggling up on someone's bed.

 

Bond

Hi there. We adopted Bond on 2/8/09 and wanted to give you an update. He is a spoilt little boy as you can see below and we love him soooo much. He has settled in extremely well, we would be lost without him. Thank you for allowing us to adopt our precious little man.

 

 Bonnie (aka Maggie) – ex-SEL cat now living in Brisbane

I just thought I’d let you know how our adopted feline friend is doing. Her pound name was ‘Maggie’. We adopted her in June after her profile on the internet stole my heart. She had been handed into the AWL after being caught in a trap at Worongary. Thanks to the Save Every Life Program, she now has a loving home with us in Brisbane. She’s enjoying being indoors and has become great mates with our existing cat (who was adopted as an adult cat in 2007). We’ve renamed her ‘Bonnie’. She’s the most loving and affectionate cat, despite her history of being caught in a trap. We’ve had absolutely no troubles training her. Plus, she’s so soft and clean from living indoors with us. I hope more and more people will choose to adopt adult cats. Both of our cats were three years old when we adopted them. They make fantastic companions and tend to be more settled than kittens. You can tell they appreciate a loving home! Attached are some recent photos of her. Thank you for saving another life. 

  

Leo

Hi, We recently adopted Leo, a beautiful six-month-old Persian cross domestic tabby.  He was fostered with Jodie when we came in and saw him, my husband chose him and he couldn't have chosen better, he is absolutely lovely and we adore him.  He has settled in really well with us and is a happy little chap, so I thought I would share some photos of him with you.

 

Sammi and Sophie 
Hello we were adopted by our groovy Mum an' Dad last July. I am the tortoiseshell and have been renamed Sammi, the tabby is now called Sophie. We have taken up residence in a lovely home in Arundel and as much as our 'mum an dad' didn't want to, we are terribly spoiled and seemingly have the run of the place and it hasn't been 12 months yet. IToday I was put in my pink cage and taken back to my old stamping ground to have a 'bush tick' removed. It was when I was taken through the doors of the shelter that many fond memories of my time there and the love and care shown to me and my 'sister' came flooding back. With the due care and attention shown to me today it is pleasing to see that nothing has changed at Coombabah.  While my li’l paw is still able to punch away at this keypad,  I want to say to management and all staff  thank you very much for the wonderful job you do. Thank you so much, from my brothers and sisters a big 'meow and woof' to  you all from the bottom of our hearts !!  

Sammi (lil princess) an' Sophie (dora the explorer)

 

 

  Susie 3.8.09

Hello - just wanted to give you a progress update on Susie.  She was very timid at first but seems to be settling in well!  She spent the first week not venturing far from her bedroom (the laundry) only to sit at the corner and watch the goings on.  But she is certainly making herself at home around the place now!  The boy’s bedroom is her favourite hangout as it gets lovely sun through the day.  She is not yet brave enough to venture too far outdoors because of big scary Buddy!  (he looks like a killer as you can see from the photos!)  He is another successful AWL pet!

 So anyway, Susie seems quite happy and content, and we love her so thank you for taking such good care of her for the six months she lived at AWL. You all do a fantastic job!

 

Past guests – dogs

 

Lily

Just wanted to let you and the guys at Coombabah (especially Daren) know that we are so very happy with the adoption of Lily (7 year old fox terrier/jack russell cross we adopted about 3 weeks ago). She has fitted into our family so well, and she is being smothered with love and affection, lots of fun and walks! She is so well behaved and trainable we can not believe that any one would not want her. We are all besotted with her! We just wanted to thank you for the hard work you all do and to encourage the good work of the AWL. My daughter is besotted with Lily as are we all! We are so very happy with her and she's fitted into our family very well. We just took her to our vet to have her next check up and the vet fell in love too! She is such a sweet little dog (until she meets other dogs where upon she turns into an angry rottweiller!) You are welcome to use the pics.... Lily is definitely part of the fabric of the family now and as I work from home as a visual artist she spends most of her days with me in the studio. Thanks for the great job you all do there at AWL, we are spreading the word about the shelters and encouraging others to consider saving an older dog.

 

Odin (aka Pop)

Pop’s first night at his new home went fine and today it’s almost as if he’s lived here his whole life. He’s very tolerant of his new shadow (7mth old lab, Inara)) and they’ve already enjoyed a few good games of “give me back my bone”. We’ve also given Pop a new name, Odin, though he doesn’t know it yet. Thanks for doing a great job rescuing him and giving us the opportunity to meet this lovely boy. I’ve attached a photo taken while he was sussing out the backyard. 

Sasha.(aka Daisy) 10.1.10 

We adopted Daisy two months ago from the Stapylton Rehoming Centre and renamed her Sasha. She is the happiest, friendliest and smartest puppy we've ever had! She's growing up so quickly, already in her second collar, and has learnt so many commands and tricks. Sasha loves to play fetch, its deffinitly her favourite game, she LOVES her food and gives the best cuddles. We affectionatly call her our little shadow as she is always following us around wherever we go. We love our little baby and are so glad we found her!!  Thanks AWL!

 

Scruffy (aka Scrappy Doo)

Hello! I was formerly known as Scrappy Doo but my name has been slightly altered now to Scruffy! I was first fostered out 6 months ago as I had some health problems and my owners just couldn't give me back they loved me so much! I wanted to let you know how well I’m doing and how much I love my new family & life! My favourite parts of the day are the afternoons when I get taken to the beach for a run; I have a deformed left paw so the beach makes running so much easier and enjoyable for me! I also love Choc drop time after dinner, my parents are teaching me obedience, how to sit and stay! My two best mates are Toby and Romeo, Maltese crosses who live around the corner, and we often walk and play together! AWL has given me the chance to have a new and happy home with people who really love and care for me. Thank you AWL you are such huge hearted, wonderful people! Keep up the fabulous working of making little guys like me so happy! Here's a photo of me at the beach, love Scruffy.

 

Nat (aka Clare) and Jaz (aka Kelly)

Hi everyone, I wanted you to see this picture of me and my best friend, Jaz. She was adopted two years ago and was known as Kelly by you. We play together all the time and have great fun. Jaz has been sad since her last friend passed away and I've made life fun for her again. My mum says I'm a very good girl and clever too! My manners have improved and I can even 'shake' with my paw. We are both very happy and want to thank everyone at the AWL for taking such good care of us and finding us a new home. (I'm the one in the blue collar).  Happy New Year to you all, we sure are having one. Lick, lick from Nat and Jaz

 

 

Nyobie  

Hi AWL! Just wanted to say that we adopted a five-year-old husky called Nyobie, she has settled in well and loves walks to the river and back! She is extremely smart and quite naughty and LOVES to do tricks! She is an attention seeker, hungry for attention and love. She is having a nap now. Bye!

 

Misty

Misty is an absolute delight to have around and well behaved.  All tips to help maintain this are truly appreciated.

 

Bella and Faith 

I am writing a short story for your magazine to thank the AWL of Queensland for your assistance when my husband and I and two dogs recently travelled to North Queensland for a holiday in a caravan. My two dogs (a kelpie called Bella and a Healer x called Faith) were rescued when I was living in NSW. This was 12 years ago and since then they have lived in Victoria for a good part of the time. Four years ago, Bella developed diabetes which I managed well, but the cost was prohibitive.  With my veterinarian's letter buying insulin was something I always had to think about ahead.  Fortunately I found the AWL, and what service you provided.  I could see just how well run your League is.  It is a credit to you. We travelled as far as the Daintree, staying in some wonderful dog-friendly parks.  I must say Queensland leads in providing this service!   We were away nearly six months and I had such a wonderful time walking my two girls on some beautiful beaches.  Shortly after arriving home, Bella (who was starting to lose her sight), had rapid kidney failure and it was time for her to go to the great kennel in the sky.I have enclosed a photograph of them in the van!  Thank you again AWL Queensland.  Other states could take a lesson from you!

  

Hamish

Hi, I just wanted to give a quick update to all your wonderful staff on a puppy we adopted nearly two years ago. He was named Fred at the time but was renamed Hamish. He was listed as a Border Collie x Rough Collie but as the months passed and he never quite grew it quickly became apparent that he is border collie x something small!  Ironically he was my attempt to get a big dog for agility as I had been training and competing with Shetland Sheepdogs and was looking for the different challenge of a larger dog – but topping out at just 10kgs, he never quite got there!!  He is however a divine little dog, looks like an eternal puppy, and is very affectionate, playful, naughty in just the right doses, and very spoilt! And he is proving a great little agility dog despite his miniaturised form. He has just started competing in agility – these links will take you to youtube videos of his first two competitions and I have also attached some photos of him, one by himself, and one with his best friend Lucy, our most recent addition, adopted from Best Friends Rescue.  We have another dog, Lucy – who he adores, and a couple of acres for them to run.  Anyway, thanks for looking after Hamish and letting us adopt him. He is a wonderful addition to our family and is very loved.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJrXnmW4kpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grauyi91taw

 

Molly

Hi there!  I don't know if I spelled it right but we adopted  Molly on Friday 11/12/09 and Aine was the girl who helped us to choose her.  We wanted to send these pictures to her, let her know that Molly is doing fantastic, playing with the kids and us, sleeping like a baby, eating well, and healthy. You are getting pictures of Molly when we brought her home and the day after that.... Thanks a lot! She is lovely!

Syrus

Our Friendship Started that day on the 5th Feb 2006.  He has made everyday Brighter for both of us...He gives me his unconditional love and trust... His caring and true friendship... Syrus, my friend, you are a beautiful gift to my life...

  

Milo

Hi AWL, my name is Milo and I was adopted from the Coombabah Rehoming Centre in June 2009. I love my new family, and have lots of human and doggy friends I get to visit and play with. In this photo I have just turned 1 year old. I would like to wish the staff and volunteers from the AWL locations, a wonderful festive season and thank you for all your hard work and dedication, looking after abandoned and stray animals. Regards, Milo

Mate (aka Gordon)

Having seen the latest edition of Paws & Claws, I noticed the picture of my dog, Mate (Gordon when he was with you).  I thought it might be a good time to send you a recent photo of him so you can see how healthy and happy he is now.  We like the Coolie breed so much we adopted another one as company.  Mate’s favourite activities are a walk through the bush and a trip to the beach and chasing a ball 24 hours a day.  Thank you for looking after him and allowing us to adopt this beautiful boy.

Sara 

 Sara was adopted by one of the AWL’s best supporters, and is now earning her keep as a drug detection dog. So, for those who think shelter dogs are ‘damaged goods,’ think again. Your next rescue dog could change your life – for the better!

Jack (aka Jackson) and Jilly (Aka Skye)

Just thought I would drop a quick line to you and let you know about two dogs that we adopted from you.  We adopted Jack (aka Jackson) in April 2008 and then Jilly (aka Skye) in August 2009.  Jack the black Lab was definitely a challenge as he was 10 months old at the time of his adoption and a bit out of control.  He is now a best friend to myself and my two young children and very much a big part of our family.  Jilly, a beautiful golden retriever, has also settled in very well and her and Jack are best buddies.  We adopted Jack and Jilly after losing two beloved old dogs and at the time were not sure whether getting more dogs was a good idea but these two beautiful dogs are now a big part of our family.  They adore me and the children we adore them just as much and can now not imagine our lives without them both and want to say a big thank you to AWL for having these two special dogs and allowing us to adopt them and bring them into our home.

  

Joe

Hello, I am the owner of Joe we bought him a few months ago. My name is Jake. A lady asked me to email about him and for me to tell her how Joe is going. He is the best dog someone could ever have he can fetch, sit, roll over and shake (I taught him all of those tricks). He has settled in really well and doesn’t dig holes or any of that other bad stuff. I've attached a picture of him. Hope you like it. Thanks, Jake and Joe.

Snoop

Hi everyone, I know you guys must get many heartbreaking stories, so I just wanted to lift your spirits around Christmas & know that some stories have a happy ending. I just thought I'd give you a brief update on Snoop, who joined our family on 31st May 2008.
Snoop is such a beautiful, well mannered, & gentle soul that we just can't imagine anyone leaving him & he immediately became one of our family. Thank goodness you guys had him & showed him to us! He's extremely intelligent, highly energetic & totally devoted to his "Dad" (Ray, my father-in-law. He lives with us & chose Snoop as a companion).
Snoop is such a loving dawg- he LURVES his cuddles, nuzzling you for more, More, MORE!!! When Ray goes away on a trip, Snoop certainly pines for him & the instant he returns, Snoopy springs up to give him a big hug (hard to picture, but Ray bends down, hugs Snoop & Snoop has his head over Ray's shoulders- rather cute!). You can just see the delight in Snoopy's eyes on Ray's return & he jumps about.
He gets really excited when we say "beach" & runs to the rear of the car to let him in. At the beach, he is fixated on me to run & we giggle at how we stares at me, licking his lips, legs firmly dug in & ready to start, daring me to sprint along the water so he can chase me. We've never been able to tire him out- he always has plenty of energy & even when I'm tuckered & stares at my back.... willing me to run along the beach one more time. He has this funny, joyful way of basically throwing himself on his side in the sand & rolling over, growling with ecstasy. He then sits up, covered head to toe in sand, with this pleased look on his face, almost as if he's laughing at how funny he is. Our boys then call him "Camou-Snoop". 
Snoop loves it when the boys finish school & come home to romp around the yard. When our boys are playing in the front yard with the neighbours, we see Snoop galavanting round, as though he's one of the gang, with his tail up like a flag of happiness. We've often wondered about Snoop's life before he was brought to you kind people at the refuge. He's the most obedient dog (shakes hands, does high five's & high ten!, rolls over, ALWAYS comes when called & seems almost hurt when you say "no!"), is gentle with everyone, although seems unsure of small children & some men. He growls if someone comes to the door that he doesn't know, but quickly comes for a pat (& more...& MORE pats, please!) when introduced to the visitor. 
He's friendly with other dogs, afraid of grasshoppers (what a whimp!), and slinks away, tail between his legs when the neighbour's territorial Silky Terrier darts across the road to nip at his heels (oh, the shame!). He answers to Snoopy, Snoop, Snoop-Dawg, or Schoopy-doopy-doopy-doop (when you're scratching his belly or ears).
Snoop likes the beach ("did someone say BEACH!!!???"), running... (anywhere/anytime!), swimming in calm waters fetching sticks...or LOGS!, tummy rubs & scratches behind the ears. He loves his chair in the evening, after being fed, bones from the butcher & any scraps he can beg for when we have a BBQ. He loves romping thru the waters edge at the beach, but doesn't like the rough surf. He doesn’t seem to like being called for a bath, but loves it once he has the warm water on his body & goes mental while crying him & afterwards...VERY funny!
He loves his "Pa" (Ray) & is devoted to him. He loves the boys- they're his clan brothers , & he loves me because I'm like the beta male, the "2IC" if you will. He's scared of my wife (in a joking way), because she won't let him upstairs because he drops hair everywhere. The males of the household let him up when she's not looking (snigger).
He DOESN'T like...Pee-wee's (they steal his food & he goes ballistic!), being put out at night in winter, being put out FULL STOP!, water in his ears (from the surf), nippy, aggro dogs andcouncil electricity meter-readers. So, to you kind-hearted people who put up with so much heartache & sorrow over the Festive Season, know that Snoopy at least has found a happy life.
We love him dearly & treat him as one of the family (probably why he started to get a bit fat, so we've had to put a stop to so many treats!). He's a kind-hearted, , gentle, fun character to have around our home & wins the hearts of all those he is introduced to. Thank you for looking after Snoop during his stay. We can only wonder if he had imagined what his fate would be, but he certainly seems to be enjoying life now.  A Merry Christmas to all of you & thanks for all the hard work that you do for those animals that have lost their way! Cheers, Andrew.

  

Jack

Hi we are the proud owners of a 4 year old puppy called Jack.  My first puppy (Snowy) had cancer after 14 years and I grieved for a year. On the first anniversay of  his passing away, I was transferring photos to my new phone and I told my husband that I was so sad in my heart - I said I have all this love to give and I miss him - so Joe said you are ready for another dog and we went to Staplyton AWL and found Jack there. He is just beautiful.  At first he was a bit shy and standoffish but now heis social and a great companion.  He just needed love and attention and he is blossoming!!! My husband is starting to understand how dogs can be like your kids. It's his first doggy ever x x We call him Jackie Chan because he can jump high and leap so he is a stunt dog Jackie Chan LOL.  Thanks to all the hard workers at AWL you do a tremendous job.  We try to remember to add a dog food each time we shop and we encourage others to go save a life at the pound!!! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 
Sending hugs and kisses to your staff and animals xoxoxox

Zak (aka Rusty)

Just an update on our family's adoption of Zak(was Rasty) mareema sheepdog from AWL. We adopted Zak 6/5/04 at six months old and our German Shepard Indi  8 months (later from a local notice board). We love our dogs and they in return look after us in countless ways. Zak and Indi are best buds but have completely different  personalities works out to be a great balance though. As you can see Zak loves to get really dirty when ever  he  gets a chance!   Our Christmas wish is that anyone who wants a pet for Xmas comes to the AWL first! Happy Holiday's and and a big thanks  to all the AWL staff. 

 

 

 

Elise (aka Bumper)

A few weeks ago I adopted a Jack Russell. I thought 'Who would take on an animal that was seven years old and totally blind?' This is one of the best decisions I have made. Her name is Elise and it was only a matter of a couple of days before she completely bonded and knew exactly where everything was. Now she rules; trotting at a good pace through the house and yard without a problem. We cover two blocks on our evening walk and I have trouble keeping up with her. I have to keep reminding myself that she can't see. My new best friend is very special. Not just because she is blind. I would urge people to give consideration to adopting an animal with a disability and share the joy they can also offer.

 

Tommy

Thought you might like to see how Tommy is doing. Whilst it is very (and I mean very) early days into his adoption, like day 4, he has settled into his new home and family quickly and with ease. He is already responding to commands like sit and stay (briefly), and grasps the opportunity to play fetch whether it's a ball, toy or stick. I thought I detected a reasonable degree of intelligence with Tommy when my son and I were inspecting the well cared for animals at the AWL (a credit to you all), but I have to say he is one hell of a smart boy. At 10 months old he displays an intelligence and awareness beyond his years. Having been at the AWL for 4 months, he is making every minute count making up for lost time checking out his new environment, discovering that small Argentine ants bite when sniffed and large palms fronds are great to drag around the yard. And there's still so much more to learn. Tommy is pictured here with his favourite new toy which is a stuffed squeaky monkey that he uses a pillow. (Now you've got to agree....that's one hell of a fierce looking 'man's dog').  He has has developed a 'Killer Nature' ...as seen in his photo having trapped and pinned down under his head, his Squeaky Monkey - only moments before he had been savagely beating the floor with his red Squeaky Padded Bone.  (At great risk I employed stealth and cunning to get this photo for fear that I may disturb him sparking him into a frenzy of activity.......again).  
Of course I'm only joking, he's a brilliant dog and has settled in with my wife, son and I with amazing ease. He is truly at home.

 

Rusty and Rosie

Hello, we thought you might like to know how we're doing since we've been adopted. Rusty (on the right) - previously known as Tank - was rehomed at 7 weeks and was a very playful, active dog.  After a year, we decided perhaps he could do with some company and adopted Rosie. She soon taught him some good manners and now they play happily together. We've had Rusty 4 years and Rosie 3 and can't imagine life without them. Unfortunately Rosie's had a few problems with her back legs but thanks to some swimming lessons at a hydrotherapy pool in Yatala, she has managed to avoid an operation and is now fairing much better. Thanks to the AWL for giving us the opportunity of having such loving dogs - who knows what would have happened to them if you hadn't been there. Steph

 

Sophie

Hello AWL! Here are some recent photos of 'Sophie Bronte Apolakiatis' who used to be Brony.  We adopted Sophie in June from Coombabah where she captured our hearts.  She is becoming a very big girl who now weighs 30kgs!  We are waiting excitingly to see how big she will become! At 7 months she is a lovely girl who greets us every morning with a huge amount of kisses!!  She loves going to the dog park where she socialises with all the dogs and has a boyfriend called 'Jasper'.  Sophie is learning to complete the obstacle course at the park and loves running up and down the ramp.  We thank you all very much for bringing this beautiful girl into our lives.
 

 

 

Pip
Dear Tarren, Dianne and crew, 
Just a quick note to say THANK YOU for allowing me to adopt you precious boy 'Pip' and to let you know that he has settled in well.  What a chilled out little guy.  He is eating anything and everything, completely ignoring the cats, sleeping as if glued to my chest and I have just about drowned in kisses.  He has a "forever" home.  Thank you for all you have done for him so far, I promise you I will keep up the good work.  I will send photos of his progress and perhaps visit on occasion if that's o.k.  Love your work!

 

Shay

Hi, I adopted Shay my gorgeous border collie early January this year, she is 9yrs old next month and you would never think it. She loves the water, swimming at the beach is so much fun. We walk the neighbourhood every afternoon & chat to all we see, Shay is such a gentle lady everyone we meet falls in love with her. I really thank the day she was listed as a golden oldie because we were meant to be together.

 

 

Jesse

We adopted Jesse from the AWL about four years ago. He was a stray, so nothing was known about him, just that he was about 10 months old and a cross between a Husky, German Shepherd and Kelpie. I was looking for a dog which looked like a German Shepherd, but smaller, and here was my perfect choice. His best girl friend lives the other side of the park and was also from the AWL. He enjoys going to the beach up at The Spit, and one day when the beach was full of people and dogs a couple said that out of all the dogs on the beach he'd be their choice if they could have a dog. That was some accolade! He makes a lovely addition to our family. We also adopted a guinea pig, Chomper, and as you can see from the photo they are good friends and play together. He throws her the ball but sadly she doesn't know what to do with it! He is a gentle dog and has picked up a budgerigar and pet rat at the park which had escaped from their homes, and both were unharmed.  After four years he is finally coming back when he's called.... when he wants to!

 

Sam (aka Tommy)

Hello everyone,
Sam here but you'd probably remember me as Tommy though I wasn't with you for long. It's been a few months since I last saw you but everything is going great. My new home is so cool, I've got acreage to run around in, a horse that I love to chase and annoy, my best friend Dave who has taught me all the important things like how to chase my tail and I've made lots of awesome friends at the local dog park. Mum says I've cost her more in damages to the house and furnishings than she actually bought me for, but I'm not going anywhere. I love going to the beach and swim out into the deep to scare her because I'm still not fully grown. We have lots of fun and go exploring and I have a permanent lifetime ‘dibs' on the backseat of her car. Thanks so much AWL for looking after me until I found my new home. Lots and lots of licks and hugs and kisses
Love Sammy x

 

Jimmy

We share a house and Jimmy has become very best friends with my greyhound (also rescued) Mia.  Jimmy is an absolute sweety and a very smart little boy.  He's settled in well and lets Mia know he's the boss boy.  Its an absolute delight to have him as part of our family. I have attached photo of Jimmy lounging on his favourite bed and one with his ‘little sister’ Mia. 

 

 

Max (aka Roary)

Just giving you an update on Roary...He is now called Max and settling in well...the kids love him...well most of the time when he is not chewing their toys!! I think Max is having fun...this is a photo from Fathers Day...we had  a picnic  and max enjoyed the celebrations...also one of him lounging around on a weekend away at Kenilworth

 

 

 

 

Sam (aka Spot)
Dear AWL, thought you might like an update on Sam (formerly known as Spot). We are all very happy about Sam even though he can be a bit naughty. He has been to and graduated from puppy school where he was the only "shelter dog" however everyone who knows him loves him and wants to know where we got him. He is very quiet, rarely barks, and gets along well with other dogs. At the moment we are dog sitting a purebred male Labrador and Sam does his Cattle Dog number on him. He rounds him up and plays with him. He has put on weight and is looking quite good. He still loves his food and will perform any trick for us. He has also realised that the cockatiel is not his friend. Sam has been a welcomed addition to the family and we all love him very much.
Thanks :) 

 

  

AWL Golden Oldie poster boy's popularity proves global

SINCE appearing in local media earlier this year Animal Welfare League past guest, Pepi, has really warmed to his role as poster boy for the shelter’s Golden Oldies – and he’s even gone global. Pepi’s pram-pusher (and loving owner) Michele Brown said she had received a lot of positive feedback since Pepi had appeared in the papers. On April 8, The Gold Coast Sun interviewed the pair after Ms Brown contacted the AWL to ask for help (see below).

The Sun reported how passers-by had been hurling abuse at the exercising couple – accusing Ms Brown of pampering the then 17-year-old pooch. Soon after, on April 17, The Gold Coast Bulletin also featured the couple – and even took the time to take a whole gallery of pictures of Pepi modeling his variety of outfits. You can view the gallery and story at the Bulletin’s website – just enter this link into your web browser: http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/04/17/70065_gold-coast-news.html

Pepi has also recently completed an interview with Dutch blogger Evgeni, the Dutch Doberman, and Ms Brown says he also has more than 700 followers tagging along behind PepiSmartDog on social networking site, Twitter, including some very famous friends! It seems Pepi is keeping his future prospects open, having begun correspondence with UK Idol star Susan Boyle - and even pop superstar Pink! Keep up the good work, Pepi, you really are living, loving proof that older dogs still have plenty of love to give.

Cats and dogs enter the Golden Oldies program if they are past a certain age (eight years for dogs and 10 for cats) and are available at a reduced fee of $50. This is in recognition of the fact that while we know older animals still have plenty of love to give being older can mean a little extra care is needed, including medication or special dietary needs. Pepi was adopted from the AWL at the ripe old age of 12 and now, at 18, is still bringing much joy to his family.

Gold Coast Sun  April 8, 2009:

  

Gold Coast Sun April 22, 2009:

      

Gold Coast Bulletin April 17, 2009:   

 

Pepi:

 

 

Murphy

I thought I should drop you a line and let you know how I'm going, so here goes... My name is Murphy, and I'm an escape-aholic! My name was Bert, but mum renamed me Murphy which I love because I started answering to it straight away! I have caused some chaos for my mum, exploring the neighbourhood, destroying couches, eating fences but lucky for me, she still loves me! I have started obedience classes and mum is really proud of how well I am doing! Thanks for looking after me for the time I was there, keep up the good work - I know from experience what a positive difference you make.

Love, Murphy

 

Izzy

Just a quick note to say you all do an amazing job. Izzy is now 11 months old and is just the love of my life. The happiness she has brought me is indescribable. She has become my little shadow, following me everywhere I go. I must say, she is becoming a full lady, and is much larger build than her older sister Betty! Thanks again for all your support.

Regards, Brenton, Izzy and Betty