The 'Green Summer' Trap: Why Grass Seed Injuries are Spiking This Autumn

Editor’s Note: Following Australia’s record-breaking wet summer, we are seeing a significant "Autumn Surge" in grass seed injuries. While we previously covered the basics of grass seed safety here, the current conditions in 2026 have created a unique set of risks for pet owners.

Australia’s wet summer has left a dangerous legacy for dog owners. While lush green lawns were a welcome sight in February, that record growth has now transformed into a brittle, needle-sharp hazard.

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) is sounding the alarm on a nationwide surge in grass seed injuries—a season that usually peaks in summer but is proving particularly treacherous as we head into Autumn. From suburban backyards to popular walking tracks, these "biological needles" are lodging in ears, eyes, paws, and nasal passages at record rates.

A Fun Walk Turned Emergency Surgery

The danger isn't just for long-haired breeds. PIA spokesperson Nadia Crighton experienced the terror first-hand with her Dobermann, Diesel.

“It happened so fast,” Crighton says. “The kids took the dogs for a quick run, and we didn’t realise it was through long grass. We checked his feet, lips, ears, and under his arms like we normally do, but a seed had already worked its way deep into his nose. By the next morning, he was sneezing nonstop and was clearly distressed.”

The ordeal resulted in emergency endoscopic surgery. “The grass seed had travelled so far up his nasal passage that it needed surgical retrieval,” Crighton explains. “It’s frightening how fast it can happen, even to those who are aware of the dangers.”

The Migration Menace: Small Threat, Serious Cost

Don't let the size fool you; once these seeds
 enter the body, their barbed tips
ensure they keep migrating forward.

Grass seeds, particularly spear and barley grass, become dry and brittle during warmer months. Their arrow-shaped tips easily penetrate skin and burrow deeper with movement, often requiring veterinary intervention.

“Many pet parents don’t realise how dangerous they are,” says Crighton. “They look harmless, but they can cause life-threatening infections and damage if they’re not removed quickly.”

The Financial Impact: 

PIA data reveals that while a simple removal under sedation can cost around $300, complex migrations requiring specialist surgery can soar to over $6,000.

Warning Signs: What to Watch For

Because the "Autumn Surge" is being driven by drying vegetation, seeds are now more likely to "flick" up into a dog’s face or nose. Monitor your pet for:

✔️ Persistent sneezing or pawing at the face.

✔️ Sudden head shaking or red, irritated ears.

✔️ Swollen paws or unexplained limping.

✔️ Squinting or sudden eye discharge.

“A dog will not sneeze a lodged seed out,” Crighton warns. “It will keep moving through your pet’s body, causing destruction as it migrates through the tissue.”

 The High-Risk List

While Diesel proved any dog is at risk, PIA data identifies the Top 10 Breeds most frequently affected:

1. Toy Poodle

2. Cocker Spaniel

3. American Bulldog

4. Cavalier King Charles

5. Cavoodle

6. Border Collie

7. Dalmatian

8. Golden Retriever

9. Great Dane

10. Hungarian Vizsla

How to Reduce the Risk This Season

To help owners navigate this high-risk period, we recommend reviewing our Comprehensive Guide to Grass Seed Safety for a deep dive into the specific grasses to avoid. 

For this current Autumn spike, Crighton recommends these immediate steps:

✔️ Avoid the "Rough": Stick to mown paths; avoid long, drying grass.

✔️ The 30-Second Check: Inspect paws (between toes), ears, armpits, and groin after every walk.

✔️ Strategic Trimming: Keep fur trimmed short around the toes and legs.

✔️ Protective Gear: Consider booties for high-risk outings.

✔️ Act Fast: If you suspect a seed, seek veterinary help immediately.

“Diesel isn’t even a breed that’s usually prone to grass seed problems,” Crighton adds. “It really shows that even with careful checks, these things can still happen. 

The best protection is keeping dogs out of long grass—and reminding your children of the dangers.”

Notice:

About Pet Insurance Australia (PIA): Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA).

Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.

 A Tradition of Compassion: Pound Paws Dog Day Returns to Steyne Park

The picturesque harbour foreshore of Steyne Park provided a sophisticated backdrop for a familiar highlight of the Sydney animal welfare calendar on Saturday, 21 February. 

A mainstay of the local community, Pound Paws Dog Day returned to the Eastern Suburbs as part of the Celebrate Double Bay festivities, drawing hundreds of residents dedicated to the advocacy of rescue pets.

In continued partnership with Woollahra Council and the Bay St Initiative, the event remains a vital touchpoint for the charity, allowing Pound Paws to engage with a civic-minded audience and bridge the gap between rescue organisations and prospective adopters.

A Focus on Advocacy and Adoption

At the heart of the day was the Rescue Adoption Zone. This dedicated space allowed attendees to interact with representatives and animals from leading organisations, including AWL NSW and Maggie’s Rescue. 

The presence of these groups underscored the event’s primary mission: promoting responsible ownership and highlighting the life-changing impact of choosing a rescue animal over a pet store purchase.

Highlights of the Day

The curated program balanced community engagement with professional expertise, offering activities tailored to the discerning pet owner:

• Wellness on the Water: Double Bay Pilates hosted a serene "Pup Pilates" session, offering participants a unique way to bond with their dogs while overlooking the Sydney coastline.

• The Best Dog Trick Competition: A perennial crowd favourite, the competition was overseen by a distinguished VIP judging panel featuring PJ Lane, Dr. Geoff Golovsky of Vet HQ, and Megan and Shivana representing local Double Bay businesses.

• Educational Outreach: Recognising the importance of the next generation of owners, a Puppy Adoption Workshop was held for children. This initiative focused on the realities of responsible pet ownership, allowing younger guests to "adopt" a plush toy as part of the learning experience.

A Lasting Impact

For Pound Paws Founder Brittany Bloomer, the success of the day is measured by the enduring connections made between the community and the cause.


"Pound Paws Dog Day is about more than just a day out; it is about raising awareness for rescue dogs and reminding the community that adoption truly changes lives," Bloomer noted.

"Seeing families meet their future pets is always the highlight."

The impact of the event continues to resonate long after the stalls are packed away, with a notable increase in adoption enquiries following the Saturday festivities. The continued success of this annual activation at Steyne Park proves that when community spirit and animal welfare align, the results are truly transformative.

Pound Paws extends its sincere gratitude to the rescue groups, sponsors, and the Woollahra community for their unwavering, year-on-year support of rescue dogs.

About Pound Paws

Pound Paws is a registered Australian charity dedicated to reducing the number of pets in the rescue system. Through the innovative use of modern technology, large-scale community events, and strategic rescue partnerships, the organisation streamlines the adoption process, making it simpler for Australians to provide a second chance to pets in need.

Connect with Pound Paws:

• Website: www.poundpaws.com.au

• Instagram: @poundpaws

• Facebook: facebook.com/PoundPaws

Our March selection explores the deeper emotional currents that define our lives with dogs. Whether navigating the resilience of rescue transitions or the science of behavioural stress, these stories celebrate the companions who anchor us through life’s biggest changes.

In our Kids’ Corner, we invite young readers on a journey of discovery and responsibility to foster a lifelong respect for our furry friends. From interactive world travel to expert-led puppy care, these books encourage children to see the world through a canine lens.

THINK LIKE YOUR DOG
by Amy Curran

When dogs struggle, they're often labelled as difficult, reactive, stubborn, or problematic. But behaviour rarely appears without reason - and it almost never comes out of nowhere.

In Think Like Your Dog, animal psychologist and trainer Amy Curran invites us to step out of judgement and into understanding. Drawing on decades of lived experience with dogs across breeding, training, performance, and real-life homes, Amy reframes behaviour as communication shaped by stress, emotion, environment, and change.

This is not a book about control, dominance, or quick fixes. It's a grounded, compassionate guide to recognising why dogs behave the way they do - and how well-intentioned expectations, pressure, and misunderstanding can quietly push them beyond their capacity to cope. Through clear explanations and real-life insight, Think Like Your Dog explores:

✔️ Why tolerance is often mistaken for calm
✔️ How stress and environment drive behaviour
✔️ Why punishment fails to create lasting safety
✔️ How life changes and social pressure affect dogs
✔️ What ethical, effective support actually looks like

Written for dog owners, professionals, and anyone who wants to build safer, more respectful relationships with dogs, this book offers a steady alternative to blame and urgency.

Understanding behaviour doesn't lower standards.
It raises them - earlier, calmer, and with far better outcomes.

Hardcover, 156 pages
Publisher: Southern Ground Press, 22nd January 2026

Price: $42.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

Don’t miss out! Enter our exclusive giveaway here for your chance to win one of 5 copies of Think Like Your Dog — entries close 9 March 2026!

SITTING WITH DOGS
Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved
by Rocky Kanaka

In this heart-warming collection, social media star and dog-rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka brings the quiet, emotional world of shelter life to the page. 

Known to Australian audiences for his Emmy-nominated Netflix series Save Our Shelter, Rocky has dedicated his life to giving a voice to the voiceless. His millions of fans follow him each week as he visits shelters to sit with the "hopeless cases"—the abandoned, the sick, and the dogs who have spent their lives on the street.

Sitting with Dogs explores the profound power of patience and kindness. Rocky shares the stories of ten remarkable rescues, from Flip, the pup who first inspired Rocky’s global advocacy, to Macy, a dog so emaciated that survival seemed impossible. This isn't just a book of stories; it's a testament to the resilience of the canine spirit and the "explosion of love" that happens when a dog finally learns to trust again.

Rocky’s journey invites you to see rescue dogs not as "broken," but as brave survivors waiting for their path home.

Hardcover, 224 pages
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, 6th January 2026

Price: $33.74 from www.amazon.com.au

MOVING TO MY DOG'S HOMETOWN
Stories of Everything I Didn't Know I Wanted
by Betsy Vereckey

Betsy Vereckey was thirty-seven and newly divorced when she rerouted her life from New York City to a tiny town in New Hampshire she knew virtually nothing about . . . except that it was her dog's hometown. A lot of people switch up their lives after a divorce, but only a dog lover would drive a rental car north with just a duffel bag and a Glen of Imaal Terrier named Ronan in the backseat.

While Betsy's decision to move to Hanover was motivated by a desperate need for change-along with the fact that Mercury was no longer in retrograde and she'd been offered a "garden" apartment she could almost afford-sometimes challenging circumstances and a cosmic hunch lead you right where you're meant to be.

From the author of the essay "How my dog helped me find love again" (Newsweek) comes a relatable, funny, and inspiring memoir for anyone feeling stuck in life. As Betsy discovers in writing these stories, taking a leap of faith to find your personal authenticity isn't wrong-it's the key to happiness.

Paperback, 244 pages
Publisher: Rootstock Publishing, 30th January 2026

Price: $32.75 at www.booktopia.com.au

PAW-FECT BITES
Healthy & Homemade Recipes for Happy Dogs
by Fetch & Read

The Paw-fect Cookbook Series by Fetch & Read is a joyful collection of dog-friendly recipes created for pet parents who want to make healthy, homemade treats their dogs will love. Designed to be approachable and easy to follow, each recipe uses simple, dog-safe ingredients that can be found at most grocery stores.

Inspired by real dogs and tested in real kitchens, this cookbook makes it fun to celebrate everyday moments and special occasions alike. From quick snacks to thoughtful homemade rewards. Clear instructions and thoughtful design make this book suitable for beginners and experienced home bakers alike.

Whether you are looking for nutritious treat ideas, a meaningful gift for a dog lover, or a creative way to spoil your pup, the Paw-fect Cookbook Series offers a practical and heartfelt approach to homemade dog treats and also celebrates the bond between dogs and the people who love them.

Paperback, 44 pages
Publisher: Fetch & Read, 1st January 2026

Price: $31.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

TIME for KIDS:GOOD DOGS!
101 Dogs You Need to Know!
by Brian Boone, TIME for Kids

Learn about French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Shiba Inus, and more in this delightful collection of 101 different dogs perfect for animal-loving young readers!

This fact-filled TIME for Kids book includes short lessons on 101 different breeds of dogs. 

Kids who dream of being veterinarians or proud pet owners will be dazzled by Beagles, Dalmatians, Cocker Spaniels, Greyhounds, Labradors, Poodles, and more! Perfect for young animal enthusiasts, this book is a great introduction to the most common dog breeds and also some lesser-known ones that readers may not have heard of before.

Providing reliable news sources to parents and educators for over 25 years, this TIME for Kids book is perfect for animal lovers and for introducing different types of dogs to children.

Series: TIME for Kids
Paperback, 96 pages
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, Release: March 25
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Price: $14.98 from www.amazon.com.au

MY DOG
Everything You Need to Know About Owning a New Pet
by Jess French

Find out exactly what your dog needs and wants in the ultimate dog and puppy care book - written by a vet! Packed with expert tips and advice from Jess French - qualified vet, TV presenter and animal lover, this fun and practical dog book for kids will teach you how to take care of a new puppy or dog.

Whether you’re raising a new pup or welcoming an adult rescue into your family, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for day one and beyond.

From creating a comfortable, cosy space and fun bonding activities to essential dog training and health tips, you'll learn how to make your new best friend feel safe and loved as they live a happy and healthy life. Inside, you’ll discover:

✔️ Clear, expert vet advice on understanding dog behaviour and body language.
✔️ Step-by-step care tips for feeding, grooming, and looking after your dog or puppy.
✔️ Simple tricks and techniques for dog training and development.
✔️ Fun games and activities to build a strong bond with your canine friend.
✔️ Playful photography and adorable illustrations capturing the magic of dog ownership.

My Dog teaches kids everything they need to know to become confident and responsible dog owners. It makes learning responsibility fun and engaging, right from the start!

About the Author:  Jess French is a qualified veterinarian, author, and passionate animal advocate. While she is well-known in the UK as a presenter for CBeebies (Minibeast Adventure with Jess), her true expertise lies in her clinical veterinary background. 

Format: Hardback Interactive Edition (with Activity Pack)
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, 17th March 2026
For Ages: 7 - 9 years old

Price: $23.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

DUKE AND TOBY AND THE FORGOTTEN GARDEN
Two Dogs, One Enchanted Garden, and the Journey to Find Their Way Home
by Alain Grandemange, Alandrea Publishing

In Duke And Toby And The Forgotten Garden, Duke and Toby, two adventurous dogs, stumble upon a mysterious garden hidden deep in the woods. The garden is like no other-a place where time seems to slow, and the magic of nature fills the air. Flowers glow softly, butterflies shimmer like jewels, and ancient trees whisper secrets of the past.

As the dogs explore this enchanted world, they find themselves on a journey that tests their friendship, courage, and instincts. But with each twist and turn, the garden's magic becomes more elusive, and soon they realise the path they're on might lead them somewhere they never expected-a place they truly belong.

A captivating tale of wonder, friendship, and the journey home, this heart-warming story invites readers to explore the beauty of nature and the comforting magic of finding their way back to what matters most.

Series: Brothers Forever
Paperback, 50 pages
Publisher: Alandrea Publishing, 30th January 2026
For Ages: 4 - 10 years old

Price: $18.01 at www.amazon.com.au

WHERE’S GOBI?
Seek and Find: A Little Dog's Around-the-World
by Dion Leonard (Author)

Can you find Gobi? Travel the world with this little dog who has big adventures. Kids will have hours of fun with this seek-and-find activity book as they search for Gobi and her family, discover over 250 objects, and learn about some of the world’s most interesting places.

After joining Dion, an ultramarathoner, on a race through China, Gobi joined Dion’s family and global adventures. Can you find Gobi in Buckingham Palace in England, the Eiffel Tower in France, the cathedral in Mexico City, and Hollywood in the United States?

This educational and engaging book features:

• locations and stories from Gobi’s real-life global adventures
• facts about each landmark and country
• hidden objects, including Gobi’s cat sister - Lara, national flags, local food, national symbols, famous people, buildings and animals
• busy and fun illustrations that will keep kids’ attention at home or on the go and
• a world map highlighting Gobi’s adventures.

For fans of Gobi’s amazing story as told in Finding Gobi Young Reader's Edition: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey, as well as any child who loves dogs, adventure, and puzzles, will have a blast with this global seek-and-find journey.

Paperback,‎ 24 pages

Publisher: ‎Thomas Nelson US, 24 February 2026
For Ages: 4-8 years old

Price: $20.67 from www.amazon.com.au

ABC DOGS
by Mary Beth Shepherd, Sadie Rose McGuire

ABC Dogs is a delightful alphabet picture book that takes young readers on a playful journey from A to Z with lovable dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. 

Each letter introduces a new furry friend through simple, rhyming text and bright, engaging illustrations designed to capture a child's imagination.

Perfect for early learners, this book helps children recognise letters, build vocabulary, and develop a love for reading - all while enjoying the company of adorable canine characters.

ABC Dogs is ideal for toddlers, pre-schoolers, and dog-loving families looking to make learning fun.

Paperback, 34 pages
Publisher: Indy Pub, 9th January 2026
For Ages: 2 - 5 years old

Price: $19.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

 

Beyond Obedience: Reframing Canine Behaviour as Communication

When our dogs struggle, the world is quick to label them. Terms like reactive, stubborn, or problematic are often used as shortcuts to describe complex emotional states. But as animal psychologist and trainer Amy Curran illustrates in her profound new work, behaviour rarely appears without reason—and it almost never comes out of nowhere.

We are delighted to be giving away 5 copies of this essential new release to our community.

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A Grounded Approach to Canine Psychology

In Think Like Your Dog (published by Southern Ground Press), Amy Curran invites readers to step out of judgement and into a deeper state of empathy. Drawing on decades of lived experience—spanning breeding, high-level performance, and the nuanced reality of life in the family home—Amy reframes behaviour not as a challenge to our authority, but as a vital form of communication shaped by stress, emotion, and environment.

This is not a manual for control, dominance, or the allure of the "quick fix." Instead, it is a grounded, compassionate guide to recognising how our well-intentioned expectations and social pressures can quietly push a dog beyond their capacity to cope.

Through clear explanations and real-life insight, Amy explores:

• The Calmness Myth: Why tolerance is frequently mistaken for genuine calm.

• The Drivers of Behaviour: How stress and the immediate environment dictate external actions.

• The Safety Gap: Why punishment fails to create lasting safety or trust.

• Life Transitions: The reality of social pressure and how life changes affect canine well-being.

• Ethical Support: What truly effective, respectful support looks like in practice.

Written for dedicated owners and canine professionals alike, this book offers a steady, sophisticated alternative to blame and urgency.

"Understanding behaviour doesn't lower standards. It raises them—earlier, calmer, and with far better outcomes." Amy Curran

Book Details:

• Format: Paperback, 156 pages

• Published: 22 January 2026

• Publisher: Southern Ground Press

• RRP: $43.95

Buy your copy here at Amazon AU or Booktopia. 

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HOW TO ENTER

To be in the running to win one of 5 copies, please complete the following steps:

1. Like our giveaway post (01/03/26) and Follow our Facebook page and/or Instagram account.

2. The Entry Question: Share a moment when you realised your dog wasn't being "difficult," but was actually trying to tell you something. What did you learn from looking at the world through their eyes?

   • Entries should be submitted via our Facebook or Instagram page. Sharing a photo or video of your dog is encouraged!

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Terms & Conditions

• Dates: Competition opens Sunday 1st March 2026 (12:00pm, AEST) and closes Monday 9th March 2026 (11:59pm, AEST). Open to Australian residents only. Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery directly from the Author.

• To Enter: Like our post (01/03/26) + answer the prompt above via the Australian Dog Lover Facebook or Instagram page.

• Judging: This is a game of skill. Entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team based on the most creative, informative, or useful statement.

• Limits: Entrants may only enter once.

• Claiming: Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.

*Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

Why Responsible Adoption is a Lifelong Commitment

SADS Manager Thea Agius shares the 11 "non-negotiables" for prospective rescue owners.

By Thea Agius, Manager, Save-A-Dog Scheme

Each New Year is often seen as a time for reflection, fresh starts, and big life decisions. But as we move into March and the routines of the year truly set in, the reality of those decisions becomes clear. For many of us, the dream of welcoming a new pet into the family is now meeting the practicalities of a busy work and school year.

Working on the frontline of animal rescue, I understand that feeling deeply. There is nothing more heart-warming than seeing a dog leave our care and head off to their forever home.

At Save-A-Dog Scheme (SADS), we see the full picture—the joyful beginnings, the adjustment challenges, and, sadly, the consequences when a decision hasn’t been fully thought through during the holiday rush.

While the start of a year often sparks the desire to adopt, adoption itself should never be an impulse decision. Responsible adoption means thinking beyond the initial excitement of time off work or relaxed summer routines, and focusing on what life looks like now that everyday life has returned. 

That’s why this year, alongside VistaPrint, we want to encourage Aussie dog lovers to continue adopting thoughtfully, responsibly, and with confidence.

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The Reality Behind Rescue Adoption

More than 64,000 rescue pets were adopted across Australia last year, which is something worth celebrating. 

Yet behind that number is a quieter reality: many animals wait months—sometimes years—for a home. Older dogs, larger breeds, and those with behavioural quirks are often overlooked, despite having so much love to give.

The post-holiday season can be particularly challenging for shelters. Interest in adoption often fluctuates as the year ramps up, and there is a heightened risk of people underestimating the long-term commitment involved once work resumes and routines change. When everyday life returns, some newly adopted pets struggle to adjust—and shelters feel the impact.

Turning Awareness Into Action

At SADS, we are a no-kill organisation. This means we prioritise placing the right dog with the right family, even if it takes longer—a philosophy that sits at the heart of responsible adoption.

Following the holiday period, SADS partnered with VistaPrint on the Every Pet Deserves a Christmas campaign—an initiative designed to shine a light on the dogs still waiting for their forever homes. Together, we wanted to help Australians see these animals not just as pets in care, but as individuals with names, personalities, and futures.

Personalised items like bowls, blankets, and ID tags helped create a powerful emotional connection, allowing people to imagine these dogs as part of a family. 

But emotional connection alone isn’t enough. 

To help sustain momentum throughout the year, we developed a Responsible Adoption Checklist—practical guidance designed to help potential adopters make informed, considered decisions.

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The Responsible Adoption Checklist: 11 Non-Negotiables

Responsible adoption starts with one simple mindset shift: thinking long-term, not just in the moment. Pets aren’t seasonal companions or temporary projects; they’re lifelong commitments that require time, patience, and consistency.

Before you take the leap, we’re urging prospective owners to ask—are you truly ready? Here are the 11 non-negotiables anyone thinking about adopting should consider:

1. Think long-term: Pets are lifelong companions, not short-term commitments.

2. Training is ongoing: Rescue pets need patience and consistency well beyond puppy school.

3. Budget wisely: Factor in food, vet care, grooming, and unexpected costs.

4. Match your lifestyle: Choose a pet whose energy and personality fit your home.

5. Be patient: Adjustment takes time—days, weeks, or longer.

6. Consider compatibility: Some dogs prefer being the only pet; follow shelter advice.

7. Don’t expect instant perfection: With love and stability, rescue pets blossom.

8. Avoid impulse decisions: Adoption should be thoughtful, not driven by emotion.

9. Make your dog feel at home: Prepare with essentials like water bowls, beds, and blankets—easily sourced from VistaPrint’s pet range.

10. You’ll have support: SADS offers guidance and help long after adoption day.

11. Adoption saves lives: Giving a home frees space for another pet in need.

Overall, the most important thing is to avoid impulsive decisions. Any time of year is a wonderful time for fresh starts, but adoption should be informed, intentional, and based on both head and heart.

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Diesel’s Story: Responsible Adoption In Action

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing responsible adoption succeed. Diesel’s story is a perfect example.

Diesel is a six-year-old mixed breed who spent the majority of his life in shelters. Like many older dogs, he was often overlooked. When his new owners, Kaya and Avila, came across his profile online, they weren’t actively planning to adopt. They had recently moved to Melbourne and were still settling into their new life.

Rather than rushing into a decision, they took the time to read Diesel’s story, understand his background, and consider what adopting him would mean. They asked questions, reflected on their lifestyle, and made a thoughtful, informed choice.

Since bringing Diesel home, the experience has been transformative for all of them. Diesel has settled into family life beautifully, and Kaya and Avila often describe how rewarding it’s been to watch him grow in confidence. Their story is proof that when adoption is done responsibly, everyone benefits.

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The Right Time Is When You’re Ready

There is no “paw-fect” time to adopt, but there is a right way. 

Whether it’s during the holidays, the New Year, or any other point in the calendar, adoption should be guided by preparation, patience, and responsibility.

And if adoption isn’t right for you right now, there are so many other ways to help—fostering, volunteering, or donating all play a vital role in giving rescue animals a second chance. 

Because when adoption is done thoughtfully, everybody wins. 

And every pet deserves not just a season of hope, but a forever home.

About Save-A-Dog Scheme (SADS)

Save-A-Dog Scheme is a community-based, not-for-profit animal welfare organisation located in Melbourne, Australia. As a pioneer of the no-kill movement since 1985, SADS works steadfastly to replace the culture of killing companion animals with one of saving and rehoming. They save hundreds of dogs and cats every year and notably do not use paid fundraisers.

Connect with Save-A-Dog Scheme:

• Facebook: @SaveADogScheme

• Instagram: @saveadogscheme

• LinkedIn: Save-A-Dog Scheme Inc.