When Ian first spotted a gorgeous kelpie for adoption at our Lonsdale shelter in 2014, he never imagined he'd one day be fur-dad to three RSPCA rescue kelpies all at once.
Ian and his wife Jan were no strangers to RSPCA, having first adopted a kelpie cross heeler named Zak years earlier. When Zak sadly crossed rainbow bridge, the couple went looking for a new companion for their Chihuahua-cross, Perro.
"We were immediately smitten by Erik - his picture just didn't do him justice," Ian recalls.
"We knew we had to take him home, but of course had to organise a meet and greet with Erik and Perro first."
Thankfully, it was love at first sight!
Clever rescue kelpie becomes skilled agility dog
Shortly after Erik had joined the family, Ian started taking him to School for Dogs Aldinga Bay - a recognised force-free training facility.
"We soon all joined the school and became a part of it. We enjoyed learning new dog training skills and the connection that came along with it."
Erik continued with his agility practice, becoming highly skilled, and now loves nothing more than to show off.
"Erik has certainly changed our lives for the better," Ian says.
"Kelpies are such a rewarding breed and you will get out more than what you put in."
Erik is quite a popular little man with the locals - and even has a dedicated Facebook page, where he's very fittingly known as Erik The Wonder Dog!
Along comes Riley, rescue kelpie #2
A few months later, another rescue joined Ian's family. Riley, a Border Collie cross Kelpie, had come to RSPCA as a stray and almost immediately became Erik's perfect companion.
"She is such a good-looking dog. We couldn't believe someone hadn't already adopted her," Ian says.
While Riley is not quite the superstar as Erik when it comes to agility, she loves nothing more than a cuddle with her owners and is described as "very affectionate".
"She has completed our family," Ian says.
Or so he thought…
Introducing Seb, kelpie #3
Sadly, after reaching a ripe old age, little Perro the Chihuahua-cross recently passed away.
By now so accustomed to having three dogs, Ian and Jan decided they needed to adopt one more time.
And along came another beautiful kelpie - Seb.
"Seb has learnt so much from both of our other lovely RSPCA adoptees," Ian says.
"It's a great feeling to give a home to a dog that someone else was unable to look after for whatever reason.
"They give so much back - a little love and understanding goes a very long way."
Thanks to Ian and Jan for providing these beautiful fur-babies with a fur-ever home.
If you're considering opening your heart and home to a rescued animal, head over here to see all our animals currently available for adoption.
