“Eddie's doing great in his new home and we're excited for all the fun times ahead with him,” Chelsea, his new owner, said. 

“Eddie’s favourite activities are definitely cuddles with mum and dad and going to the dog park to run around with all his new friends.”

Love at first sight

The first time Chelsea and her partner met Eddie was one of those fate-changing moments. From the instant Eddie came into their lives, it was as if he had always belonged there.

“While on our honeymoon, we decided to walk shelter dogs at Paws & Claws," Chelsea said.

“We mentioned missing our own dog, and that's when we met Eddie, who was a lot like our furry friend back home.

"As soon as he walked through the doors, we were smitten with Eddie. We took him for walks three times before leaving, and I offered to adopt him if he didn't find another home. 

“But once we returned to Perth, thoughts of Eddie kept filling my mind, and I knew I had to make him a part of our family."

Eddie’s journey

Chris Barber, who manages Paws & Claws, explained that Eddie came in as a puppy at the shelter, part of a litter of six pups surrendered to the council. 

“We took in three of the puppies, who were full of worms, which were treated immediately upon arrival at the shelter,’ Mr Barber said.

“Both Eddie's sisters found great homes.

“Eddie found a home a few weeks later but unfortunately, his owners' situation changed after five months, and he returned to the shelter. 

"We always tell new owners we're here to help if things don't work out. Our goal is to find every dog the perfect forever home.

“Eddie was at the shelter for his second stint for about two months before being flown to Perth."

Mr Barber described Eddie’s personality as a "loveable boofhead, very aloof but happy all the time and just wants to be around people 24/7".

Adoption milestone

According to Mr Barber, it is the first that people from across the country decide to adopt an animal from Paws & Claws Port Douglas. 

“It is the first time it has happened in the new shelter, however, I have heard stories of it happening at our old shelter,” he said.

“It is not as expensive as you might think and Dogtainers Cairns really do a great job on price in circumstances like this when it's rehoming a dog.

“Eddie's new family, Chelsea and her husband, have shown remarkable proactive care. We made them aware of some of Eddie’s issues and they have readily put plans in place to get on top of these upon his arrival.”

“Chris and Michelle have been so amazing and helpful in the adoption process and helping us get Eddie from Port Douglas to Perth," Chelsea said.

“Whoever does the marketing for walking dogs at the shelter needs a pay rise as it definitely works - more shelters need to do this.”