A good life for a good boy

Ian and Bonty sitting together in the backyard

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When Ian first clapped eyes on two-year-old labrador-kelpie-cross Bonty at the Ballarat Animal Shelter, he knew Bonty was the dog for him.

“That was it,” he says.

“I knew we were taking him home.”

However, Bonty’s new life with Ian and his partner Jenifer is so much more than a successful adoption story — it is a story of rescue.

A few months before Ian and Jennifer took Bonty home, another young family had tried to adopt him.

Sadly, the family did not have capacity to support Bonty through his severe separation anxiety — whenever the family came home, they would find Bonty had ripped things up around the house.

The family returned Bonty to the Animal Shelter.

Overcoming separation anxiety

Shelter staff worked hard to help Bonty overcome his separation anxiety. This involved crate training, which would provide Bonty with a quiet, secure space for him to go when he felt anxious.

However, Bonty remained at the shelter for several months — much longer than most dogs that go through the shelter.

That is, until Ian and Jennifer showed up. 

Since adopting Bonty, Ian and Jennifer have continued with Bonty’s training, and he is now a happy, healthy and energetic addition to the family.

“He just needed a happy home and people to love him, because he has so much love to give,” Ian says.

A second chance at life

Coordinator Animal Services Clare Douglas Haynes says about 75 per cent of dogs that come through the animal shelter could be adopted into any home.

“The other 25 per cent require training and ownersthat are dedicated to changing these dog’s lives,” Clare says.

“We know how much more work these dogs are — such as Bonty — and that’s why we call them rescues, not just adoptions.

“Ian saved Bonty’s life, literally.”  

Ian says he would encourage people to consider adopting a pet from the Ballarat Animal Shelter. 

Contact the Animal Shelter

Visit the Ballarat Animal Shelter for lost pets and reclaims, meet and greets by appointment (no walk-ins), donations drop offs and questions.