When Ross arrived in care, he had already given up on living a happy life. Though only six months old, he wasn’t playful, he didn’t wag his tail, and he never greeted his carers from his kennel. He simply cowered, quiet and withdrawn, hoping that maybe, just maybe, tomorrow would give him a second chance.
He was far too young to be living with so much fear. Occasionally, there were moments where Ross dared to trust, often when he was near his brother or another confident dog. In those moments, we saw what Ross could be given time, patience, and love. We knew what Ross needed wasn’t just a home, but an opportunity to learn what the kindness and love of a forever family felt like.
Thanks to a heartfelt social media post, Ross’s story touched over 75 families who reached out to give him the second chance he deserved. After careful consideration, Ross was placed on a trial adoption with a family and a wonderful fur sister. And while the road wasn’t always smooth, Ross journeyed on with courage, grace, and the support of our entire team.
From the Inspectors who first brought him in and the shelter staff who provided him with care, to the behaviour and rehabilitation team at BARC and our Illawarra Shelter, every hand that touched Ross’ life did so with love.
After 109 days of searching, Ross finally found his forever home. His family describes him as “a calm, beautiful boy who is so affectionate.”. The timid pup who once cowered in his kennel now only knows comfort, connection, and unconditional love. Ross spends his nights sleeping under his favourite blankets, tucked in with his own pillow, curled safely between the people who adore him most.
“I can’t imagine my life without him,” his adopter shared.
This is why we do what we do.
