This brown-eyed Cowboy is proof you don't need pedigree to find the paw-fect canine partner.
The adorable Irish wolfhound-cross is one of dozens of dogs to have been successfully rehomed over the past 12 months after ending up at Lake Macquarie City Council's shelter at Boolaroo.
At just six weeks of age, Cowboy was found by Council Rangers in January, wandering the streets at Cooranbong.
Cowboy's new 'mum', Tash Greenham, said her shaggy new companion had already brought "an incredible amount of love and joy" into her life.
"One of my childhood dogs was a rescue, and the positive impact she had on my life shaped the way I viewed adoption from an early age," she said.
"The adoption process was super easy and straightforward. I first saw him on the Council Lost and Found page and called to check if he was available. When they said yes, I went in to meet him and instantly fell in love."
"Watching him slowly settle in, grow more confident, and let his true personality come out has been amazing. Knowing he finally feels safe and relaxed makes the whole experience feel deeply rewarding."
Council Manager Environmental Regulation and Compliance Wes Hain said Cowboy's story was typical of many animals in Council's care.
"Some people assume animals are in our care because they're dangerous or have been abandoned due to behavioural problems," he said.
"In reality, most end up with us simply because they get lost and weren't microchipped, or life circumstances changed for their owners."
"Shelter dogs might seem shy, anxious or over-excited at first, because they're out of their normal routine, but they usually settle wonderfully into a new home."
Mr Hain said a rise in demand for purebred dogs added to the rehoming challenge, despite the vast cost savings of adopting a shelter animal.
"People can often purchase pets quickly through breeders or online platforms, without considering adoption first," he said.
"But Cowboy's journey is a wonderful example of how straightforward and rewarding rehoming can be."
Go to lakemac.com.au to see other animals currently in Council's care and to learn more about responsible pet adoption.
