Our retired dogs living the pampered pooch life…

You may be curious as to where or beautiful dogs go when they have retired from Banksia Park Puppies! All our mum and dads are currently only rehomed with us. There is an admin and waiting process before a meet-and-greet can be arranged, but once a family or dog owner has successfully bonded with their suitable dog it is well worth it! We receive updates via email and social media from many happy adoptive families. We love knowing that our dogs are living the pampered pooch life and the joy they bring to their new owners. Here are just some of the many testimonials and photos shared by our Adoptive Families.

If you’re considering adopting one of our lovely Retired Dogs follow these steps!

Honeybear

Hi Matt and Kristen,

I’m writing to give you and your staff a long overdue update on your/our beautiful girl ‘Honeybear’.

I am sure you will be pleased to hear that she is a superstar in her new job as the wellbeing dog at the primary school I work at in NE Vic, in my role as Education Support Teacher, see attachment.

She also attends a childcare centre I work at in as the wellbeing dog and is so patient, gentle and calm with the little kids.

She is so suited to this role and all the kids and staff just adore her.

In addition to this she is the best family dog and has found a forever place in my own children’s hearts.

We can’t thank you enough for choosing us as her new forever family, and I feel so blessed to fulfill my dream of implementing an assisted animal therapy model through the Dogs Connect program.

Please pass onto all the staff who also knew and loved Honeybear, and let them know her favourite thing is still above everything else is to receive a pat : )

Kind regards,

Kerrie

Pluto

“Dear Banksia Puppies

Just a quick note to update you on Pluto rehomed dog She was renamed Lexi but is often referred to as my blonde girl. Being a Labrador she would answer to anything as long as you fed her. My mum just loves her so much and they have formed a really special bond that everyone can see. Lexi can be found anywhere Mum is. She has a large house yard can wander amongst the trees and socialise with chickens and visiting farm dogs. She goes on long daily walks and gives my Mum lots of love. During this Covid19 environment Lexi has been such a blessing. Thank you for such a beautiful well socialised dog.

Regards Christine”

Silli

“Good Morning Kirstin ,

I just wanted to let you know that Silli ( Now Tilly ) is settling in beautifully into our home .
The kids love her , our other dog does too !
She’s a perfect fit ! Merry Christmas to you and your family and thanks again

Kindest Regards
Kelly Brown”

Swish

“Hi Kirsten

Just letting you know that Swish is settling in well. She has the most beautiful nature and everybody is smitten with her. She is getting used to being a town dog and has had some new adventures.

Thank you for allowing us the pleasure!

Pam Walsh 🐶🐶🐶”

Wahinda

After a very long drive which she slept most of the way we got home and introduced Diva and Wahinda. We’ve been for a walk with no issues she seems to be taking everything in her stride.

The two girls have had a good play this morning and we couldn’t be happier.

I’ve attached a photo for you.

Thank you for such a beautiful gentle girl!!!

Kind regards

Andrea, Tony, Sophie and Diva

Bradey

Just wanted to thank you again for our beautiful girl. We’ve renamed her Ruby. She has settled as a house dog very happily. Her tail has not stopped wagging and she shadows Tony and I wherever we go. Has picked her spot on the couch and that’s where she chose to sleep last night – all night til we got up at 7.00. She’s a very quick learner and we have already started command training her using liver treats. Windows were an interesting learning both because of her reflection and discovering they are not open! Thank you again Kirby for your wise choice for us. She’s perfect!

We LOVE her

Lucky

Thought you might like to see an update on retired mum Lucky. The lovely Lucky is still loving life at Langdale Orchards with Marj. She continues to get more and more confident. See photo attached.
Jenna.

Petunia

She is going really well. After one day she managed to work the doggie door. She is still slightly timid, however she is getting more comfortable everyday.

She loves it when I put her in bed with me.

We did discover she had never heard a siren before. One came on the tv, and she went nuts. She now raises her ears if she hears one but doesn’t bark.

This is a picture of Petunia (Madi) hanging around with some new friends.

Regards,
Veronica

Snozzi & Fin

Amilia & Whatsit

Hi, Just a quick note about Amilia’s progress.

Our first week with Amilia has had lots of ups and downs but she has come a really long way in just a week. She has been eating well since the first day and continues to be more confident at eating when we are near by, she seems to be a little obsessed with me as I spend the most time with her but that’s ok. Just in the last couple of days she has been excited and bouncing around when I go out to her in the morning, it doesn’t last long as I think she starts to play then gets confused at feeling happy here! 😆

She started to follow me inside today then after about five steps freaked out and ran outside again, don’t think she realised what she was doing. 😂

Amilia is still unsure about our kids as I’m sure it’s just that they are noisy but I will be getting them to feed her more often which should help. She has two to three small walks a day and as long as there isn’t any kids around on scooters she is fine and knows where home is by running down the driveway when we return.

This first pic was taken yesterday when she didn’t know I was watching her and she was very content playing with one of her many new toys. She almost knows how to sit on command and knows where her bed is as when she is barking a bit I tell her to get in there and after she settles she gets a few pellets for her good behaviour. She is very smart and food motivated so teaching her should be easy.

It’s funny how different she is when you don’t give her attention as she seems very relaxed and slowly getting use to all the new noises and has only had one altercation with the old cat! Unfortunately we lost our beautiful old dog last week, I was hoping she would hang around a bit longer to teach Amilia a few things but it wasn’t the case. So now being the only dog here she is going really well with new progress and confidence everyday.

What was going to be a quick note turned out to be an essay! Lots to share as she has a beautiful character and loves bringing me her toys even though I’m not sure she knows what to do with them sometimes. 😂

Thanks

Kylee

………..

Hi,

I just wanted to share a few pictures with you to share on social media or on website.

Amilia and Whatsit and great buddies, when Amilia came to us she was very timid and nervous and when Whatsit came to us she was confident and crazy so they have made the perfect balance and continue to learn from each other.

They have both been easy to train and love chasing birds out of the backyard and going for walks, both girls have become and wonderful addition to our family.

Following are a few pictures, they sleep outside every night but love to be wherever I am during the day and even though they have seperate beds they do love to snuggle together especially Whatsit as she often needs to be laying on or near Amilia. 😍

Their nicknames are Whatsy Woo and Little Miss.

Like I said please feel free to share our little success story with these two gorgeous girls.

Kind Regards

Kylee E.

Brodi

(Now named Coco)

Just another quick video for you of Coco settling into her new life.. she is off the lead and picking up training with ease, she sits and comes when her new name is called.. she has such a beautiful nature… We love her!! her coat is growing back just in time for winter .. she so fluffy right now ❤

Thank you

Prue

Kara

Hi Kirstin,

So lovely to meet you and your husband today.

Just want to let you know Kara has settled in perfect so far. Our other dog loves her, the cat also sat next to her for a cuddle.

She has eaten dinner and even had enough courage to follow Ben inside and jumped on the couch for a cuddle.

Even though it’s the first night she feels like part of the family already.

Thank you so much.
……..

We are all so in love with Kara and she has settled in well.

I can’t begin to tell you how much of a relief it is to have been able to adopt such a beautiful girl.

She sleeps with our other dog and his behaviour since she has arrived has calmed so much and he no longer frets for us. They play, eat, sleep together and then she spends her afternoons and evenings snuggled with us on the couch.

Thank you again for the opportunity and I can not recommend you enough.

Warmest regards,

Maureen

Rosemary

Just thought I’d give you guys an update on Rosemary.

She was really quiet and reserved last night and didn’t eat drink or wee but wanted lots of cuddles from me. This morning, however, she’s been drinking, eating and toileting no worries and has settled in quite well with our pugalier who she’s chosen to just ignore when he’s at her to play.

She’s so full of cuddles and licks and is lapping up all the attention 🙂

Sally

Wanetta

(Now named Netta)

Looks like Wanetta and Sully are getting along just fine now!

She’s settled in really well, she’s already taken over the couch.

Thank you again for letting me adopt her, she’s going to be a very spoilt girl

Michelle

……….

Hi Kirsten,

Just thought I would give you and update on Wanetta’s new life!

Netta is one of the most cuddly dogs I have ever met, and I’m so glad she seems to really enjoy her home.

Netta’s favourite thing to do is collect my slippers and socks and bring them to bed with her, and then to bring them out again in the morning.

She also loves spilling her water bowl over from sitting in it, and trying to get to the possum that sometimes comes into my backyard.

She hates the beach and cats, but we’re working on those slowly!

I’ve attached some photos of her enjoying her new life with Sully and I.

Regards,

Michelle

Hazel & Harriet

Hi Kirstin and Matt,

It has been a week since my husband and I visited Banksia Park and picked up Hazel and Harriett. We would like to thank you both for the time you spent with us, sharing information and showing us around your beautiful property. Hazel settled in straight away, choosing to sit on the couch morning and night. Harriett took a little longer, but is now quite happy eating and also sitting inside on the couch with Hazel. Mark and I spent three days in Melbourne, along with our two dogs, Buddy and Charli. To our surprise all four dogs played together beautifully, Buddy (nearly 1-year-old) being the active mischievous one.

I have included a photo of the three dogs with me and one with Anne (Mark’s mum). Anne couldn’t be happier, she is very very grateful!

Many Thanks

Kathy

Sherry & Cozy

Hi Kirstin & Matt,

It was lovely to meet you today Matt! Just a quick email to let you know that Sherry is settling in well. She’s far less timid than I was expecting and the introduction to Lola and Hugo went well. She’s already learnt how to climb on the couch and seems to have found a new favourite spot! She’s pretty keen on smackos but hasn’t touched her dinner yet. Thanks for all of your patience and advice!

Kind regards,

Laura

…………………………

Hi there,

Hope you’re well.

I thought you might like to see some snaps of Sherry and Cozy who were reunited recently. I adopted Sherry and a friend of mine adopted Cozy. They’re both going really well 🙂 (Also featuring Cozy’s brother Gussy).

Best wishes,

Laura

Sheila & Ruby

Hi everyone at Banksia Park,

I thought you would like this photo of Ruby and her mummy Sheila (we call her Sapphire or Saffy for short).

They get on so well, play and sleep together all the time.

Saffy has fitted in so well. It’s almost like she has always been here.

We have just bought a caravan and are off to Cobram on Sunday for 2 weeks for our first holiday together.

Thank you once again, especially you Colin, for giving us the opportunity to have two amazing and beautiful dogs that we love very much.

Regards,

Narelle and Phil B.

Sara

Hi All

Wanted to update you on Sara. She is the sweetest girl who is settling in well. Only one week in and she is sleeping in a doggie bed and taking herself outside to the toilet. Walking on the lead has been a little problematic with some stopping and not wanting to move on but we are working on that. My mum and dad take her out morning and night and there is a great dog walk area around the Croydon golf course where she can run to her hearts content. Sara even turns around and runs right back, she is a star. A bit of barking and some howling at times but not much. Her interaction with other dogs she meets is beautiful, she is a calm and gentle soul.

I have included a photo of her with my dog Buster with whom she will spend a fair amount of time. Of course she is more interested in him than he in her but he is a people dog at heart!

We love her and want her to live with us not mum and dad ha ha!

Anyway thanks so much

Kind Regards

Bev P.

Shorty

Hi Kirstin and Matt,

Just a quick note to say thank you for allowing us to rehome Shorty.

She is a beautiful happy dog and is settling in well.

She is loving walks and always has a smile, a hug and a very wagging tail for us.

Our 15 year old daughter, Catelin and Shorty have bonded especially well together. They are always happy to see each other and enjoy long cuddles.

with thanks

Cathy W.

Loopy

Hi Kirstin, we picked up Loopy a week ago today and could not have chosen a better dog ourselves. All our immediate and extended family adore her gentle nature. She has been accepted by our 2 dogs better than I could have expected, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Loopy made the decision to be an inside dog within about 1/2hr of being in our home and taught herself how to use the doggy door the first day.

Although overwhelmed with so many new things, she barked at the TV, chickens and horses the first time she saw them but that was over within a couple of minutes.

She has learned house rules very quickly, its quite amazing.

Loopy came to a nursing home i visit today and although a little tentative did not bark at any of the many different pieces of equipment, chairs or walkers, she just took it all in. The residents will adore her visits.

I had her at the vet today as she’s had something stuck between the pads of her paw. It took the vet a lot of probing and a numbing gel and although it was unpleasant for her she was a well behaved patient.

We look fwd to having her as part of our family and thank you for the opportunity to rehome such a beautiful dog.

Regards

Lynne

Jodel

Jodel has been a perfect angel💕

travelled well,

coped well with meeting the horses,

ate her dinner,

drinking water,

settled well for her 1st night,

enjoyed her first walk,

met a couple of our neighbours,

has been very happy on the couch with the boys(PS she snores!!),

quite interested the the open fire

& been quite funny with her reflection in the low level windows!! 😍

So far so good 😃

……………….

Jodel has settled in exceptionally well!!! So much for not used to being inside!

She has decided she quite likes being in most of the time!!

We have had some very funny moments with her! & she is getting used to the horses.

She has such a lovely nature! & never looks happier than when she is being paid lots of attention!

All the boys just love her!

We cant thank you enough for such a wonderful girl!

Kind Regards

Lisa & Family

Ashton

Thanks for that. She is such a lovely placid girl.

Just took her for a walk with my dog, now she is buggered lol.

Cindy.

Josefa

Hello Kirstin and Valda,

I am writing to let you know that Josefa/Josie is settling in very well and making friends wherever we take her.

My partner’s 8 year old son is also much in love with her.

We have been conscious of taking things slowly as she acclimatises and she happily snuggles up in our apartment or sets out for walks to the dog park, beach and to obedience classes with us.

She is very affectionate and gentle, and we love her dearly.

Thank you for rehoming her with us.

Kind regards,

Clare

Harper

Hi Kirstin,

Thought I would let you know that Harper has settled in beautifully. She is simply adorable and is so sweet with the kids. My mum is so happy to have her and I am sure they will be best mates in no time.

Thanks again,

Nerida

Dasha

Hi Valda and Kirsten,

Here are some pics of Dasha. Thank you so much she’s a beautiful girl inside and out and has slotted into our family perfectly. Dasha and Abbey get along fantastically and share a bed a lot of the time (Dasha also shares my 18 year olds bed at night-Boyd loves her). Dasha loves to gather toys and shoes and moves them around and sleeps on them like her pups I guess. Dasha loves walking and is exceptionally good on her walks every day-slowly getting fitter. We think she’s fabulous and just want to say again thank you and pls know she’s very happy here. Getting lots of cuddles always,who can resist her.

Kind regards Mel Jennings.

Opee

Hi Kirstin and Matt,

Just a quick update on Opee,

She is doing really well. Slowly gaining confidence in her surroundings. Her favourite thing (apart from toys) is human affection. She loves heaps of cuddles, brushing and playing.

She has sneakily learnt that some mornings she can make her way into our bedroom if the door isn’t shut properly and jumps up for a big cuddle.

Oh and her other favourite thing so far is horse poo. She can’t get enough of the stuff! (not that we particularly allow her near it however, she often finds her way), some photos here include photos of her after she has had a huge roll in the poop!

We absolutely love her.

Thank you both for accommodating us!

Thanks again!

Sarah and Daniel Jago.

Lila

Hi Kirstin

It was a delight to visit your stunning property and chat with Valda on Wednesday. Lila travelled very calmly home in the crate – no car sickness or stressing. She has since taken to sleeping in the crate at night very well and seems to enjoy the car trips we have been on in the last couple of days.

We were surprised that Lila decided immediately that inside was wonderful and we have only had a couple of toilet accidents. She is also not at all bothered by our elderly cat, Ruby, who also surprisingly is relatively unfazed by the new addition.

I attach a few photos, that you are welcome to publish on your website, if you wish.

Kind regards to you and Valda.

Demi

Our lovely Demi has been welcomed into her new home and renamed Daisy. Daisy’s new fur-mum has given us wonderful feedback and thanks the (BPP) team, especially Valda, for taking such good care and loving her new girl.
Here are a couple of photos of Daisy meeting another ‘twin’ doggy and enjoying her furever home!