Adopter Name

Olivia Still

Rescue Dog’s Name

Bronte

Where Did You Find Your Dog?

Through Unforgettable Creatures Rescue here in Melbourne, Australia

Tell Us About the Moment When You Knew that You Two Were Meant for Each Other.

I had spent YEARS wanting a dog. My family has always had several dogs and since most of my family live interstate now, I didn’t think or believe I could possibly have a dog of my own. Who would look after he/she whilst I was at work? I’m definitely not one of those people who think a dog is just fine outside all day, alone. It isn’t right or fair. I would get rather frustrated when friends would suggest I get a dog. There was just no way. I think they were sick to death of me stopping conversations and walks when one passed my way. I really couldn’t help it. I was obsessed. I spent a lot of time looking at rescues on YouTube. Non stop. Tearing up at every rescue and wishing for my very own. I then volunteered at the most amazing place in Chiang Mai – The Elephant Nature Park. They rehabilitate elephants who’ve been treated in abominable conditions in the tourism, logging industries etc. Here they have also 400+ stray dogs that have a permanent home and this was where I volunteered. I was so taken with the broken spirited dogs who’d been utterly abused and were learning to trust again as well as gaining back their health. This was a precursor to my sweet Bronte. I came home more determined to find my truth – it involved a lot more volunteering and charity to dogs. In particular, Pittie type dogs and the discrimination held against them. It’s not as big in Australia, however, BSL is on the rise and I was just beside myself. Living alone also made me often times scared and the police suggested a dog would be my best bet after a peeping tom graced me with his presence. Again, I was frustrated – there’s just no way. I didn’t want to rely on people etc. yet still couldn’t get my head around how best to do this and looking back, I had a block there that was really of my own doing. I planned on having a very quite New Years and an urgent call came out to emergency foster a doggie that had just been surrendered (2 days before New Years) and the rescue had absolutely no fosters available. The urge was fierce and I was replying within the minute that I could foster for approx 1 week before resuming work. Incredible how fate, timing and the immediate sense of right can all fit together so completely. I just knew that all would be well. In walks Bronte. I had been advised that she came from a very rough background and often times was laid into by an alcoholic man in the family and she would be rather timid at first. First thing she did was look at me with the most beautiful eyes and then walks over to my couch and just stood there. It was evident she was waiting for an ok to hop up. She curled up in the corner on the cushion and let out the most beautiful and long held sigh of relief, that it brought me to tears of absolute happiness. She was clearly home. We both knew it.

How Has Your Hero Changed Your Life?

She has unequivocally changed my life. Within 2 days of her being here, I knew she wasn’t going anywhere and I searched for hours till I found the right doggie sitters. I’ve never looked back. It really wasn’t hard at all. Not in the least bit. I’ve found my truth in that I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. She has given me so much in so little time. The rainbow ends right here!