FOUR dogs, given a second chance at life after being retired from a research company, were reunited earlier this month in the hopes of finding homes for others like them.
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Earlier this year, Southern Highland News shared the story of Mittagong resident Jayne Power and her “new” nine-year-old four-legged friend, Dolly.
Dolly was one of 22 dogs retired from the company and given a second chance at life.
While the dogs had always been well-cared for, they had never had a home with a family or a constant companion. After a few months with Dolly, Jayne said she just couldn't imagine life without her.
"The affection you give her, she returns it 10-fold, she just has so much love to give."
Kelston Country Kennels assistant manager Emma Paloff is overseeing the rehoming of the dogs. So far, she has matched up 12 of the dogs with loving owners, but 10 were still waiting to find new families.
Jayne and three other Highlanders who adopted Dolly's brother and sisters met at Kelston Country Kennels last week for a reunion.
Pam Lindsay was looking for a second dog and came to Emma Paloff, who matched her up with Dotty four months ago.
Pam said Dotty settled in very quickly and got on with her other dog, Arnie, marvellously.
"We live on a farm and in the beginning Dotty would follow Arnie into the paddock but wouldn't go very far, now she heads off with him every morning," Pam said. "We really enjoy her, she's a very nice little dog."
Tony Higgins read Jayne and Dolly's story in Southern Highland News and contacted Emma.
After losing his bluey-cross, Meg, at the age of 16-and-a-half in October last year, he and his wife Marea were undecided about getting another dog.
They didn't want to go through the puppy years or potty-training again.
"We're a bit older now so we thought an older dog would be more suitable," Tony said.
"We came out to have a look at the dogs here and met Roger. After a few visits he seemed to pick up on us. He liked us and we liked him. It all came together well."
Tony said Roger was the perfect fit for him and Marea.
"He loves walks, we don't need to teach him to heel, he just does it. He sticks close and walks right beside us. We've nicknamed him Velcro.
"For all his hibernation from the world, he loves my garage, he wanders around in there with me, he's a boy!"
Jeff Facer contacted Emma to find a companion animal for his 90-year-old father, Don. Emma matched them with 10-year-old Loxley and Jeff said it was a surprise for Don.
"He loves her, she keeps him company and she loves being where he is. She's a great companion animal for dad," Jeff said.
"He lives with us in a granny-flat so we take her for walks and she's something for dad to look after and care for." Jayne and Pam agreed that their girls were growing in confidence every day.
"They are the most gorgeous, loving dogs, they love having their own house," Jayne said.
"It's great to bring them together."
The four agreed that their new pals were now part of their families.
Tony said Roger was a homebody, and Jayne and Pam agreed.
Emma said it was fantastic to see all the dogs together, and to see how happy they made their new owners.
"It's lovely to see them all getting the love they deserve," Emma said.
"I still have two adorable senior beagle crosses who are available for adoption, and seven younger dogs who urgently need foster homes in order to help them adjust to the outside world.
"Time is limited for these remaining dogs so I would be enormously grateful to anyone with solid fencing and dog experience if they would give me a call," she said.
"These guys are being given an amazing opportunity for a second chance at life, but they need the right people to step forward."
If you think you could be the right person to help, please contact Emma on 0422 774 274 or see Senior Dog Adoptions on Facebook.
• By Emma Biscoe
