Wendy Cun and her partner started fostering about a year after losing their beautiful cat, Misty.

“It was a cold raining midnight in animal emergency that we had to make the decision to put her down,” she remembered. “For months after she passed away, I thought I would never have another pet as it is very emotionally difficult for me to accept another cat as my child, but at the same time I do miss having a furry little friend running around the house and sleeping with her soft purrs.”

Wendy also felt bad seeing videos of animals in shelters and how stressful it is for shelters to cope with so many animals. She then started thinking how she could help, and her partner suggested looking into foster care, which allows her to still contribute without the emotional burden.

So, Wendy registered her interest with the Wollongong City Council’s foster care program and that same week received a list of animals available to foster.

“Lotus is a five-year-old cat that had only recently been impounded,” she explained. “People don’t normally want to adopt cats this age, so we thought if we fostered her, we could share more details about her personality and behaviour with the council, and help her socialise with people. That way, we might be able to get more people’s interest in adopting her.”

Lotus was very shy and scared at first; as soon as they let her out, she immediately went to hide under the bed.

“She was scared of sounds, strangers and pretty much anything moving towards her. She hid every time when we had guests over,” said Wendy.  “However, after a few days, Lotus became more comfortable in our home and started to show her playful nature. She started trusting people, coming to welcome us when we came home instead of hiding when she heard the keys unlocking the door, and even lying with belly up for us to pet.”

One day Wendy and her partner had friends visiting and Lotus was scared at first, but after a while she joined the group and let their friends pat and even hold her!

“We are so happy to see how much she has changed since we got her, and we are now glad to be informed by the Council that there is someone willing to adopt her!” said Wendy.

“Lotus is very low maintenance and well behaved. She normally sleeps all day when we are at work and engages with us when we are back. At first it took us a few days to adapt, especially at night when she was excited and wanted to play. We found a way to let her still enjoy and play by herself while we are sleeping, and it has been going very well.”

Impact of fostering on mental health

Wendy said fostering Lotus has helped her mental health, emotional wellbeing and relationship with her partner.

“I have a highly intense and stressful job that just gets even more difficult to handle when it’s near the end of the year, and I also had a five-year history of severe anxiety and depression back when I was doing my PhD,” she said.

“Being able to come home and cuddling her, playing with her, brushing her and even just looking at her has a very soothing effect on calming, softening me and reminding me of the good part of life.

“At the same time, as she magically ‘heals’ my mental stress, my relationship with my partner has gotten better as his mood is also enlightened by Lotus. It brought me back to the old times of having our cat Misty with us and after we started fostering Lotus, and now thinking of Misty doesn’t even ache as much anymore.”

Wendy is from China which does not have a government-run animal welfare organisation or foster program.

“When I first heard of fostering, I was quite hesitant to do it because I thought it is a very complicated process and might not be suitable for people like us who are working full-time. Also, we are worried about the responsibilities we need to take and whether we can handle the emotional feelings when they are getting adopted,” she said.

But Wendy was surprised by how easy the whole fostering process is and how well-organised the program is.

“It only took a couple days from the time we expressed interest until we fostered Lotus and all her food and medical expenses are covered by the Council,” she explained. “We also thought it would be very difficult to say goodbye to her when she eventually goes, but when we were told she’s getting adopted, the rewarding and fulfilling feeling of us helping her find a forever home outweighed the sadness.”

Why should more people consider fostering pets?

“Fostering  is a great way for people who love animals to contribute to society by helping to relieve stress from the shelter,” said Wendy.

“Also, for people who have lost their pet and not emotionally ready to adopt again, foster care can really “smooth the scar”; and for people who are thinking of adopting but never had a pet before, it is a great way for them to do this as a trial run to learn about animal behaviour and how to take care of an animal so they will know if they are ready to make a permanent commitment of adopting one.

“Furthermore, people who travel a lot, international students or temporary visa holders who want the companionship of a pet but are not able to commit should also consider foster care, as there are many choices available, from short-term stays of a few days to long-term stays.”

And the bonus - it is all free! With the current situation of housing and living expense increases, the expense of owing a pet has become less affordable, said Wendy.

“Last year, before our cat Misty passed away, we had to pay a huge amount of medical bills for treating her, which almost used up all our savings that year. With foster care, everything the animal needs is covered including medical expense, making it a very affordable process,” she said.

Dear SAFE team,

We dropped Bo off to his new family this afternoon for the big drive to Exmouth. He did so well, was very calm and hopped in the car without a fuss. A few tears from my boy on the way home (they really bonded) and he is asking already when can we get another foster!

Being our first time fostering, we were not entirely sure what to expect, but my gosh this has been an incredible experience. Bo has been the sweetest, loving, well-behaved boy and has brought so much joy and love to our lives in the short time we had him. We love that we were able to give this beautiful boy a soft place to land while he found a forever home that he truly deserves. We seriously got more from this than we gave.

My kids Nate (14) and Skye (11) have done an amazing job as foster carers, walking him daily and feeding him twice a day and not only showing him love but how to play. Bo was very quiet and timid when we first got him, cautious about taking food but slowly got more confident and began to play. He learned how to play fetch and spend time off the lead running through the water at the beach, zoomies with my son up and down the hall. This made our hearts very happy.  He continues to have the best manners around food and gives the best cuddles on the couch.

Thank you SAFE for all the amazing work you do and allowing us the opportunity to foster. It truly has been a highlight of our year, and we can't wait to do it again.

Regards,
Cally

Join CANA's foster apeal and open your home to a pet in need for the holiday season, or donate to ensure that all pets have care

In leafy Mt Nelson, Tasmania, Dekota Mark has opened her home and her heart to some of CANA member Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania’s most vulnerable dogs. Although she only began fostering 11 months ago, she has quickly become an invaluable part of the organisation’s foster network.

Dekota says she was inspired to foster because she’s always had dogs growing up and had been tempted to foster for some time.  Working and studying from home made it the perfect moment to take the leap.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to donate some of my time and provide a warm home to lovely dogs who need care before finding their forever families,” she says.

Dekota and her housemates cared for a range of dogs with varying needs.

“Our first foster was completely deaf, all white and prone to sunburn. We’ve cared for a pup recovering from a leg amputation, a 14-year-old ex-farm dog and even some tiny puppies,” she says.

They take on both short-term and long-term care, with some dogs staying just a weekend and others for months.

“Saying goodbye is always bittersweet,” she admits.

Despite the emotional moments, fostering enriches Dekota’s life in countless ways.

“Each dog has such a unique personality, and I love a dog with a little pizzazz, a bit of mischief to keep me on my toes!” she laughs. “Fostering helps me understand life in a deeper way. Just like humans, dogs have quirks and challenges, but with love and consistency, they slowly become comfortable and confident in themselves.”

One of her most memorable fosters was Mal, her first Greyhound.

“He was such a lovely dog, gentle and relaxed, happy to spend time near us while doing his own thing,” she recalls. “He had moments of pure goofiness, and my heart melted when he nestled his chest into me during a hug. We knew Mal would be a wonderful addition to our home, even if just for a short while.”

When he found his new home, the celebration was shared far and wide.

“Seeing the excitement and support from the foster community when he finally went home was amazing!” she adds.

Before starting, Dekota had her own assumptions about fostering.

“I think there’s a misconception that foster dogs are all ‘hard cases’ or less lovable than purebred dogs from breeders,” she says.

Instead, she discovered dogs who were “so sweet and ready to be loved.” Some needed more support than others, but they all showed incredible progress when given the chance to thrive.

“My housemates and I still talk about every single dog and their quirks. Sometimes I think we talk about them like they’re our own kids!” she says.

For anyone curious about fostering, Dekota has a clear message: the need is great and the impact is enormous.

“So many dogs come through the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania often with little background information,” she explains. “Having them in a home helps us learn about their personalities so they can be matched with the perfect family, giving them a better chance for the rest of their journey. It’s great for the dogs, but honestly, it’s just as rewarding for foster carers.”

She also treasures the community that surrounds fostering.

“We swoon over the silly and adorable things the dogs do,” she says. “Each one has brought us laughter, fun, and joy.”

Join CANA's foster apeal and open your home to a pet in need for the holiday season, or donate to ensure that all pets have care

For more than 30 years, Hans Hermans has been a familiar face at the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, one of Companion Animal Network Australia’s member organisations.

During that time, the retired banker has helped transform the lives of countless dogs, starting as a volunteer dog walker and eventually becoming a foster carer to 72 dogs to date, giving each one stability, confidence and love before they were adopted. And three decades on, he still volunteers as a dog walker alongside his foster caring.

“Back then, it was very different – always 30 or 40 dogs waiting for adoption. We walked as many as we could to give them a break from their kennels,” he said.

Over the years, Hans has seen enormous improvements as microchipping and social media made it easier for dogs to be reunited with owners or adopted quickly.

When the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania introduced its foster program a little over 10 years ago, Hans was one of the first to join. At the time, he had an elderly dog of his own who happily accepted foster pups into the home, at least for a while.

“As he got older, he couldn’t handle foster dogs anymore, so I took a break,” Hans explains. “But as soon as I could, I went back to fostering. The aim is to give as many dogs as possible a chance.”

While returning a foster dog can be hard, Hans stays focused on the bigger purpose.

“As soon as one dog gets rehomed, there’s another lined up. And I don’t want a break; this is something I love doing,” he said.

Fostering provides calm for stressed dogs

Hans often takes dogs who need time away from the shelter environment – dogs who are anxious, overwhelmed or simply struggling to adapt.

“The change you see when a stressed dog comes into a home is incredible. They decompress and start to show who they really are,” said Hans.

Support from Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania means Hans never has to cover costs himself: food, toys, bedding and supplies are all provided.

One of Hans’ recent fosters was Mal, an ex-racing greyhound with a soft, calm nature.

“Mal was house-trained from day one and never made a single mistake. He was so gentle and non-destructive.  I could leave the house open and know he’d be fine,” said Hans.

Mal has since been adopted by a retired couple in a Tasmanian country town, where he’s enjoying life to the fullest.

What fostering adds to Hans’ life

Fostering brings Hans a clear focus and a rewarding sense of purpose.

“Sometimes I’ve had to turn down social invites because a foster dog needs me. But that’s part of it,” he says. “I leave the radio on during the day, and they cope well. My backyard has seen better days, though - some dogs love digging holes!”

Each dog brings something new, and Hans embraces the unknown.

“With every new foster dog, I wonder, ‘What’s this one going to do?’ But I’d do it again every time. I’ve come close to a foster fail – a dog like Mal – but if I adopt, I can’t keep fostering, so I don’t,” says Hans.

“There are always dogs waiting for a second chance. If you’ve got the time, space and love, fostering is incredibly rewarding. There’s no better feeling than seeing a dog go to their perfect home.”

Join CANA's foster apeal and open your home to a pet in need for the holiday season, or donate to ensure that all pets have care

When you walk into Kate O’Leary’s home in Magill, South Australia, you’re likely to be greeted by a flurry of paws – sometimes ten kittens at once, along with a heavily pregnant queen tucked safely in her own quiet room.

For Kate, fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue, an affiliate member of Companion Animal Network Australia, has become an essential part of her family life. Over the years, she and her daughters, aged 8 and 11, have welcomed all kinds of feline cases into their home, from overnight emergencies to long-term recovery cats.

“I have fostered a range of cats and kittens,” Kate says. “A queen and her six babies, a cat with a broken pelvis, a very overweight one-eyed ginger darling on a strict diet, a bottle-fed baby that reminded me of having a newborn again, and a very special kitten needing surgery that became one of the great loves of my life.”

Potato arrived with his six siblings after being found cold and alone in Meadows, a town nestled in the Adelaide Hills. His legs were deformed, and in many other circumstances he may not have survived. But Ginger Ninja Rescue believed he deserved a chance, and so did Kate.

“They had been living in a church, and I joked it was divine intervention that made this litter so special,” Kate says.

Potato was around 16 weeks old, full of love and gratitude despite the discomfort he lived with daily. X-rays confirmed a serious case of double luxating patella, and after his first surgery, one leg required a second operation. Through it all, Potato remained gentle, determined and impossibly sweet.

“From the beginning Potato showed his determination,” Kate says. “Throughout his recovery we forged a very deep connection, and it was at that point I felt he needed to stay.”

Today, Potato isn’t just a beloved companion; he’s become an essential part of the household’s foster ecosystem.

“I often find him cuddled up or grooming the little kittens,” Kate says. “I’ve watched him show the most timid cats that humans are safe and our home is a safe place for them. He is a very special and wise cat and I’m grateful for him every day.”

Fostering has also had a profound impact on the children.

“My daughters have learnt responsibility and compassion they couldn’t have learnt any other way,” Kate says. “They have also learnt about loss and love and had the most outrageous belly laughs over real life cat memes in our lounge room.”

The girls’ friends also love visiting to see “all the cats!”

The truth about letting go

One of the biggest misconceptions?

“People always say to me ‘I don’t know how you do it, I’d want to keep them all!’” Kate says.

But for her, adoption day is a joy, not a heartbreak.

“I am delighted when they go to their forever home. It is such a beautiful and special time for the animal and adoptive family,” she says. “There are some little ones that are extra special, and I have a little tear when they leave but mostly I’m just so grateful to be a tiny part of their journey.”

For Kate, fostering is not just about saving animals;  it’s about strengthening family bonds and making a tangible difference.

“Fostering, especially as a family, deepens connection with each other. Working together for the collective cause,” she says. “As a parent and animal lover it is one of the most rewarding, funny and beautiful things you can do. If you have the emotional and physical space, it will surpass your expectations.”

Learn about fostering for Ginger Ninja Rescue

Join CANA's foster apeal and open your home to a pet in need for the holiday season, or donate to ensure that all pets have care

 

A proud affiliate member of Companion Animal Network Australia, Scruffer Lovers is a 100% volunteer-run dog rescue based in Adelaide, South Australia. Its network of dedicated foster carers provides temporary homes for dogs while they receive vet care and get ready for adoption.

One of those carers is Adelaide local Andrew Hutton, whose fostering journey began 4.5 years ago with another rescue before he joined Scruffer Lovers, opening his home to 138 dogs along the way.

Andrew is motivated by a simple desire to help animals. His own dog, Kiani, a kelpie cross, was a foster fail.

“I connected with her straight away,” he recalls. “She’s beautiful, friendly, great with other dogs… I got attached pretty quickly.”

Kiani now plays an important role in helping new foster dogs settle in. At the moment, Andrew is caring for three foster guests — Max the Cavoodle, Dante the Kelpie cross, and Leia, a Staffy pup recovering well from hip surgery — and they all get along.

Many of the dogs Andrew fosters come from pounds in NSW, sometimes with difficult or unknown backgrounds. He takes them on daily walks, socialises them in busy places like Bunnings, helps them rebuild trust and supports them during meet-and-greets with potential adopters.

It’s the transformation of the dogs that keeps him going. “It gives me a purpose,” he says.

After a stroke in 2012 and challenges with depression, fostering has become a grounding part of Andrew’s life. “To see a scared dog turn into one full of confidence who loves people, it’s fantastic. Very rewarding,” he says.

Andrew fosters each dog for as long as they need — whether it’s a fortnight, a month or longer.

“They don’t leave my house until they find their home,” he says. “And when that time comes, I end up crying because it’s so hard… Leia will be tough.”

A Community that stands behind its carers

Andrew speaks highly of the support Scruffer Lovers provides, from covering vet bills to supplying food, vaccines and helping with fuel for his transport trips, driving five hours each way to collect dogs from rural pounds.

“Support makes all the difference,” he adds.

Like many new foster carers, Andrew once worried how dogs might behave when they arrived. Now, after welcoming more than a hundred through his door, his advice is “If you have patience and time, you’ll be OK.”

Andrew’s home — always open to wagging tails — proves how transformative fostering can be, not just for dogs in need, but for the humans who care for them.

More information about fostering for Scruffer Lovers

Join CANA's foster apeal and open your home to a pet in need for the holiday season, or donate to ensure that all pets have care

 

“We’re delighted to welcome Grant Robb as Interim CEO and look forward to seeing the positive impact his experience will bring to companion animals and communities across WA,” said Trish Ennis, CANA CEO.

Grant will work closely with SAFE’s headquarters, Board, and branch volunteers to strengthen organisational alignment and ensure a sustainable future for the animals and communities SAFE serves.

Grant has over 20 years of senior leadership experience in animal welfare. After holding senior executive positions in the commercial sector, where he focused on strategic change and sustainable service delivery, he transitioned to the non-profit space. There, he became the CEO of the Animal Welfare League of South Australia and later, The Lost Dogs Home in Victoria. He successfully led both organisations through significant growth, major infrastructure investments, and program expansions, all while supporting companion animals and vulnerable pet owners.

His compassion for animals and strong commitment to their welfare also led him to serve as President of AWLA (now the Companion Animal Network Australia), Chair of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and member of a high-level committee advising government ministers on animal welfare.

Importantly, he fully aligns with SAFE’s dedication to animal welfare, community education, desexing, and placing pets in caring homes. His appointment signifies a collaboration aimed at building a sustainable organisation that will thrive now and remain strong well into the future. His highly experienced Chief Executive rescue cat, Q, by his side.

“Grant’s appointment is an investment in the long-term sustainability of SAFE, ensuring we continue to grow as a united organisation while maintaining the highest standard of care for animals,” said Sue Hedley OAM, Chair of SAFE Inc.

SAFE Inc. continues to operate entirely through its network of foster carers and dedicated volunteers, with a focus on creating life-changing impact for companion animals across WA. SAFE is confident that Grant’s leadership will support strengthened alignment and efficiencies across branches, enhanced programs, ongoing community engagement and secure SAFE's sustainable future.

Siena is one of PetSure’s friendly Customer Service Officers and loves being able to bring her dog Zelda to work.

Zelda is a seven-year-old Irish Wolfhound cross that Siena adopted at eight months old from a rescue, after falling in love with her profile picture.

“It’s hard to picture Zelda as a dog as I see her more as a sassy toddler,” laughs Siena.

Zelda she loves food and car rides, but hates baths. She’s demanding when it comes to pats, attention and especially treats. Clever too; she knows tricks like shaking hands, lying down, begging and even balancing treats on her nose, and barking on command.

“She is full of personality, and I can’t imagine having any other dog,” says Siena.

In the office, Zelda keeps everyone entertained. She often sneaks up on coworkers and licks their elbows or knees when they’re busy working.

“She remembers the people who give her treats and pats and greets them with an excited howl or grumble,” Siena says. “She also leads them to the treat tins located around the office and do her ‘rounds’ in which she greets everyone and sniffs everything!”

It’s not surprising that all this greeting has earned Zelda a nickname in the office: the PetSure welcoming committee. It’s a fitting title too, since PetSure’s workplace is designed with pets in mind. Dogs are welcome every weekday except Tuesdays, which are reserved for cats.

“We get free parking passes if we bring our pets into the office. There are dog water bowls, toys, beds and free pet treats, as well as cat climbing structures,” says Siena. “We even have a new group of people called the ‘pets @ work working group’ which is a team dedicated to improving the pet friendliness of our office and find a harmonious balance for pet owners and non-pet owners to enjoy our furry friends in the office.”

Zelda usually joins Siena at work two to three days a week, taking other days to rest at home. Many of Siena’s colleagues say Zelda is one of their favourite office dogs because of her social nature.

“Some people call her Zel-di and Zel-da-roo-ni. She often wants to ditch me while in office so she can sit by the humans that give her the most treats!” Siena laughs.

Dressed in her bright pink tie, Zelda has earned a reputation as a true “paw-fessional.” She even won the 2025 “Best in Office” award—the first pet ever to receive it.

“I often experience disgruntled customers in my role and find Zelda as a great stress reliever as I can just lean over and give her a pat, which helps me start my next call refreshed and more positive,” says Siena.

“When Zelda is not in the office with me the day feels longer and goes more slowly. Having Zelda my office also helps me make connections and friendships in different departments that I would otherwise not interact with.”

Of course, some precautions are needed to ensure comfort and safety with having pets in the office.

“Cleaning supplies have been placed around the office, gates have been put up to section the office and hooks have been installed to the desks so pet parents can tether their dogs’ leashes to prevent unsupervised doggy play,” Siena explains.

For Siena, the benefits of having pets in the office far outweigh the challenges.

“Bringing a dog into the workplace benefits everyone - the pet owner, the dog, the coworkers and even local business. People from other businesses in our building always say, ‘I love that you can bring your dog to work,’ ‘I wish I could bring my dog to work’ or ‘I love seeing you and your dog around the building’,” she says.

Zelda has become such a beloved presence that even coworkers without pets look forward to spending time with her. The serotonin and endorphins of playing with a dog are hard to resist!

“Zelda makes my day better while working and every single time she is not with me in office, everyone looks at my feet and asks where she is,” says Siena.

Peter’s mum April Gore, social media manager at Lyka Pet Food, describes the little pooch as “hilarious, very cheeky, cute (and he knows it) and demanding.”

As the Chief Fun Police, Pete always barks at the other dogs who are playing loudly or running around the office.

“I think he prefers things calm and orderly,” laughs April. “He has a very high sense of self-importance and makes it very obvious when he wants something or doesn’t like something.”

But despite Pete’s demanding nature, he is incredibly affectionate and is happiest when surrounded by humans. He requires constant love and attention, she says.

Based in Sydney, Lyka Pet Food’s office isn’t just dog-friendly – it’s dog-encouraged! There are lots of dog beds, bowls, toys, endless treats, plus pet first-aid and clean-up kits scattered around the office.

“The space is big and open, so it’s normal to see dogs chasing balls or playing together off-leash while we work,” she says. “Our social events are planned with pups in mind, and we have access to free parking, making it easy to bring your dog to work. It’s a very fun office!”

April works in a hybrid role, and on her office days, Pete is always by her side.

“I keep a small dog bed next to me or on the desk where he sleeps. But if it’s a sunny day, he will be lying in whatever sunspot is available and will often move around the office to stay in the sun,” she says.

“My workmates all love Peter, and I often find him asleep on someone’s lap or in their arms. He gets lots of treats and cuddles all day and he loves it.”

Pete also has an “amazing” positive effect on April’s productivity, stress levels and creativity!

“Pete forces me to take breaks during the day and get fresh air as he needs toilet breaks and sometimes an afternoon lap around the block if he’s getting restless,” she explains.

“Productivity-wise, it can be distracting initially, but once all the dogs have arrived and said hello to each other they usually settle down and everyone can get on with work. It’s a huge relief not to have to pay for daycare on office days or stress about leaving him at home for long stretches. Having him with me makes every day better!”

The rest of the team seems to agree – no one has raised a complaint about pets in the office.

“The only challenge would be if someone had allergies, but otherwise it works really well,” says April. “We of course make sure to keep an eye on the dogs so they’re all happy, relaxed and getting along. We’ve also set up gates around the office to keep them safe and prevent them from wandering into areas where we can’t supervise them.”

For April, having Peter by her side makes every workday brighter. She believes more workplaces should welcome pets, because “dogs bring people together, create a relaxed, fun environment, and spark conversations that make it easier to connect across teams.”

This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week (August 4–10) centres on the theme #MomentsMatter, celebrating the real, meaningful moments that help young people feel connected, whether at home, work, school, online or in the community.

For 24-year-old Sydney local Maddy Willsher, those moments often come from the joyful connections she shares with her two beloved pets: Sultan, a quirky and affectionate Bengal cat she’s had since childhood, and Teddy, a rescue German Shorthaired Pointer whose companionship has transformed her daily life.

During a challenging period in her life, marked by her parents moving interstate and a painful injury that forced her to stop nearly all her activities and take time off work, Maddi began to feel increasingly isolated. But through the moments that mattered with her four-legged companions, she found strength, healing and joy that helped carry her through.

This is Maddy’s story.

“Sultan (Bengal cat) came into my life when I was 12 years old, not by chance but after months of begging my parents for a cat. As I’m sure every child who wants a pet does, I wrote a letter to my parents stating my case and ensuring I would be responsible for the cat. One day they finally caved, and the rest is history!

At 12 years old I did not envision the amount of comfort and a reassurance such a small animal would have on my life. Sultan is just about to turn 12 years old, and he is the light of my life, the funniest cat I know (not biased at all I promise!) whose comedic timing needs to be studied.

He is a very strange boy who has A LOT of attitude. As soon as I return home and he hears my voice, he makes himself known and will meow until he is picked up and given a treat. He is an extremely loving and cuddly boy, constantly readjusting himself to get as close as he can to me.

He is also very much a boy of routine; each morning while I’m getting ready, he will sit on the balcony watching the birds and soaking up the sun. Every night, without fail, he will have his ‘mad ½ hour’ where he runs around the house, chasing the ribbon toys, scratching his post, jumping on the bed, shower, sink and ankles!

Teddy (German Shorthaired Pointer dog) I rescued in 2021 from a pound in Canberra. My childhood dog, Arty (also a GSP), passed the previous year and I deeply struggled with not having a dog in my life, having grown up with one since I was 5 years old.

I was part of a GSP rescue Queensland Facebook page and we had originally applied to rescue a different dog through them; however this adoption fell through, but the universe had other plans. A few days later we learned about an 18-month-old boy who was up for adoption in a pound in Canberra. Three days later I travelled down to Canberra to rescue my boy!

Teddy is 5 years old now and he is my greatest joy. He was quite a troubled boy when I first rescued him – scared of so many things, people and dogs. Now he is a well-known boy at all the local cafes (puppuccino please!), has a couple dog friends and curious about everything no matter how scared he is, he will face it. He is the thing I am most proud of in my life.

Teddy has more personality and attitude than any other dog I have met, constantly talking to me. As soon as I’m home, taking too long to go on a walk or get dinner, he gives me a “woo woo woo”! He howls along to all the emergency sirens, the fire truck being his favourite.

I love seeing the world through his eyes, he forces me to get out of the house, slow down, and just focus on being in the moment.

I feel blessed I get to do this every day with Teddy, and it still brings me the greatest joy seeing his face and feeling the unconditional love he has for me!

How Sultan and Teddy eased the loneliness

The last six months have been particularly difficult for me. My parents moved interstate and then I injured myself, forcing me to stop almost all activities and have time off work. I was beginning to feel a bit isolated, alone and difficult to do most things myself without help.

While I was off work, I went to the beach everyday with Teddy and we would just sit together watching the world go by. It is one of my favourite things to go on a dog walk and just watch the world through his eyes. It sounds incredibly cliché; however it just makes all my problems feel so small or even disappear.

Whenever I am feeling sad, it is like my boys can sense it. Teddy will sit right on top of me (all 30kg!) and lick my tears away, then will bring me his toy or he’ll just get the crazies and make me laugh. Whereas Sultan just sits with me and purrs. These small actions allow me to get out of my head, focus on them and without fail will make me laugh and feel better every single time.

Teddy and Sultan bring me joy daily. I love coming home to them, hearing Teddy’s tail hitting the wall at the front door, being greeted every day with “woo woo”, hearing their paw stomps walking round the house, and Sultan constantly crying until I pick him up.

Even after a challenging day at work, there is nothing that makes me feel better than going for a walk/run with Ted! Whenever I am away from home, I look forward to seeing them again knowing the unconditional love that I receive from them!

Teddy and Sultan bring joy to others, too

One of my favourite things to see while walking Ted is watching the joy he brings others. The simple act of seeing him gives them a smile as they continue with their day. So not only is he bringing joy into my life, but to strangers as well.

I have had countless conversations with strangers about Teddy or dogs in general. At least once a week someone will come up to us and tell me about their GSP.

The same goes for Sultan; although he does not go out, sharing his pictures and personality quirks brings endless joy to everyone.

Over the last four years Teddy has taught me so much. While training him, he taught me patience, that not everything has to be perfect, and nothing always goes to plan. He is still nervous around dogs and people, so this has also forced me to advocate for him and speak up for him.

Prior to Teddy I was very much a person who would let people cross boundaries; however, Teddy has given me the confidence to advocate for him and myself, protecting ourselves first rather than other people’s feelings.

I also discovered my love for running because of Teddy! What began as a means to get his energy out, turned into training for a 50km run with him. We have run places and distances together I never imagined I could have. He is the best running buddy I could ask for, keeping me company for 3-to-4 hour long runs that I never would do without him. He is also a well-loved member of my running club!

Fostering or adoption a pet may be the best decision you'll ever make

To anyone considering adopting or fostering a pet I would say do it! Do your research, know what you’re getting yourself into and plan. Your life might look a little different to before – you have a little creature to come home to.

You might not be able to go out as much; however, these little animals will bring more joy to your life than you could have ever imagined, and you will never ever regret spending too much time with your pet.

Even on your worst days when you feel alone, they are there for you. They might not be able to say anything, but the comfort of just having them there is unmatched. I know there is a day where I won’t have my boys by my side anymore, so I want to spend as much time as I can with them. They truly are my greatest joy.”