Our Little Story
“G’day! It’s Lexi here. I’m only 9 months old so I’ve got the whole of my life ahead of me with me with my new family. I’m a very sweet, appeasing young gal but somewhat anxious and unsure of myself. I’m hoping that you’ll give me some training so that I can be the best pet ever for you. I haven’t had any training previously so please understand that I’ not being naughty: I just need some direction. I reckon I’ll pick it all up fairly quickly. I’d love to be allowed indoors to be a part of the family. I’ve lived with little children previously, but older kiddies would be preferable because of my size. And that also means secure fencing around the home. If you take it slowly with me and introduce things and people gradually, I’ll get the hang of things in no time. If you think I might be the perfect fit for your family, consider me keen!”
This was Lexi introducing herself at the RSPCA, it was on her profile on the website for who ever was looking to adopt a pup. Adorable right?
From shelter to Lexis new home
Lexi had been abandoned and left at the RSPCA twice. She was only 10 months old when she arrived from the RSPCA in Brisbane to the shelter in Noosa. And that’s when we met the first time and I decided to adopt her.
At the bottom of this page, there’s a little video clip of when Lexi and I first met at the Noosa shelter.
3 months prior to adopting Lexi, my partner and I had to put our beloved dog Indie down due to cancer (She was also a rescue dog). It was the worst thing ever having to make that decision. 3 months prior to that, I had just lost my mum. When I lost her, Indie was the one thing that got me out of bed in the mornings. She was the one thing that brought some joy in the midst of misery. So, when Indie was gone, I didn’t know what to do with myself.
This is when I decided to sign up as a volunteer for the RSPCA. I just knew I had to be near animals. I grew up with dogs and cats, and animals has always been healing and soothing for me, so it was a no brainer to volunteer to help out with the dogs.
Eventually my partner agreed to let me adopt another dog (he was probably quite sick of hearing me talking about the dogs every time I came home from the shelter) and before I knew it the ladies at the RSPCA showed me a picture of Lexi. I didn’t even think twice when I saw her. I knew straight away that she’d come home with me.
And home with me she came.
Today I know that I rushed into the adoption of Lexi, but as much as I wasn’t ready for her and the challenge that she was – she was ready for me, and I do not regret adopting her for one second.
It has been far from a walk in the park with Lexi. She has been a big challenge as she has not been an easy dog to deal with. There was times in the first 6 months where I doubted I’d be able to keep her, because I doubted myself. I doubted that I was what was best for her and her needs. I doubted I could give her what she needed. But I proved myself wrong. All she (and I) needed was time and patience.
It took a while for Lexi to settle in here at home, and it took a long time to bond with her. There were many tears in between the also many laughs, but I am so glad that I never gave up on her and kept going until we got there. I persisted and sought help, and now the bond between the two of us is stronger than anything.
Lexi is such a funny, crazy, and sweet dog and she makes us and every postman that comes to our house laugh every day with her quirkiness. She loves bringing her bed to whoever comes around (she just can’t stop herself). She’s such a funny character.
It was my experience with Lexi that gave me the idea to create this site with the hopes it might help shine some light for anyone who decides to adopt a rescue dog. Some will run into more of a challenge than others.
Now all rescue dogs aren’t going to be as challenging as Lexi was, but they all come with a history – some are good, and some are not so good. But it wont be the same as getting an 8- or 12-week-old puppy from a breeder where there’s not really any history that comes along with the pup.
A rescue pup is a different story.
My hopes are that by sharing my experience and the things that I’ve learned (and still am learning) along the way, can help anyone who decides to adopt a dog to get started on the right foot, which will then set themselves and their dog up for success.
And even when things might seem hopeless and giving up feels like the only way – it’s worth hanging in there and find those other ways. It’s 100% worth it.
