When Steel’s family moved to South Australia they were forced to make a heartbreaking decision. With a tight rental market, they struggled to find a pet-friendly home and were forced to surrender their beloved dog to RSPCA.

At 11-year’s-old, Steel found himself alone and looking for a new home, a precarious position to be in as an older pooch, with the waiting times for finding a new adopted family being much longer than that of younger dogs.

Who knew finding a family would happen so fast?

For Sally and her family, things were not so bright either, they were grieving the loss of one of their beloved dogs and were looking to get a companion for Memphis, their 12-year-old Mastiff X.

COVID had slowed the process down and they were finding it difficult to find a suitable companion. Sally decided to foster at RSPCA  in the interim and hopefully, the right dog would come along.

It was then that they saw Steel on the RSPCA website and knew he would be the perfect addition to their family. It was like fate had brought the two together.

“We couldn’t believe that a dog of this age could find themselves in a shelter situation but we also realised that being a similar age to Memphis he could make a great companion and we could offer the retirement home that he deserves.”

A nailbiting first introduction

It was the day of the big meet and greet between Memphis and Steel had arrived. There was quite a bit weighing on this encounter and Sally had her fingers and toes crossed that the pair would hit it off.

The hot afternoon sun was glaring down on Lonsdale’s car park when Memphis exited the car. He was instantly unsettled by the distant barking of other dogs and the unfamiliar smells. When the two finally met, everything fell apart.

“It certainly didn’t go according to plan… Memphis had a bit of a meltdown,” said Sally.

The dogs were separated from one another and then slowly reintroduced. Memphis grew more comfortable and the pair cautiously sniffed away at each other with their tails wagging. Steel had finally received Mephis’s tick of approval and was welcomed into the family.

The first few weeks of getting a new pet into the family can be stressful, especially if you have to work full time, but with a good support system, things can be manageable. Luckily Sally and her family were not short of family members who were willing to help while Steel adapted to his new environment.

“Memphis and Steel have learned to respect each other’s space and have full access to inside and outside 24/7 via the doggy door, which certainly helps. Steel has positively adjusted to his new lifestyle. He has all the comforts he needs.” said Sally.

How Adopting an older dog was the best decision Sally had ever made

Sally was happy to give Steel a second chance and a forever home. He has slowly found his feet and now loves playing and lounging around with his new family (even Memphis).

“Steel completes our family. He fits in with our relaxed lifestyle and adopting him was the best decision we could have made. We know that his time with us may be short but we have promised him that it will be the best years of his life,” Sally said smiling.

Sadly what happened to Steel is all too common, Lonsdale takes in dozens of surrendered animals each month because their owners couldn’t find a pet-friendly rental property in South Australia.

Help us increase pet-friendly rentals – to keep renters and their beloved pets together. You can contact your local member of parliament HERE to help push for change. 

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