Denise and Troy at Kayaks Australia

We lost our 11 year old dog in February 2010 to lung cancer. After a number of months as a one-dog family, we decided it was time to get another dog to keep Kelly company.

We went to local pounds and searched the internet and then came across the Working Dog Rescue website.

We knew that we didn't want a puppy and were specifically searching for a cattle dog. Mahlia was the second dog that we found that we were especially interested in, and after chatting with Di Edwards from AWDRI on the phone, we packed Kelly in the car and took her out to meet Mahlia.

Mahlia had been surrendered as she was being attacked by other dogs who were brought into her home. She was initially very wary of ourselves and Kelly, but after a few minutes, she was following Kelly around.

After our home visit to make sure that we were going to be a suitable match for Mahlia, we were able to go and pick her up.

The change in Mahlia was amazing. In just a couple of weeks she went from timid and cowering if you went to put a collar and lead on her to playing and chasing a ball. Now she is just full of confidence and just loves coming into the shop and meeting new people.

We still have contact with Di at AWDRI and keep her up-to-date with Mahlia's progress.

We were so happy with our AWDRI experience, that we would like to help Di and her team help more dogs like Mahlia find their Furever Home.

If you are looking to adopt a dog, we can happily recommend Australian Working Dog Rescue.