30/09/2026
Adoption Success Story! ❤🏡
Back in October 2022, we saw a post from Ballarat Animal Shelter saying they were inundated with dogs. I was interstate, so I asked my partner to go and have a look, as we’d been talking for years about getting a dog.
He instantly fell in love with a Kelpie called Bandit. I was a little hesitant as I hadn’t had much experience with working breeds, but I trusted his judgement. The next day, he went back and adopted him.
We soon changed his name to Basil, as it suited his personality much better. Almost four years later, we couldn’t imagine our lives without him.
Basil is a sweet natured couch potato, social butterfly and professional greeter. He loves everyone he meets, exploring the Creswick Forest and Yarrowee Trail, getting a bevy with his Pa at MidTown Cellars or Main Bar, and spending time with his two cat siblings (who he is incredibly gentle with.)
He’s also become a bit of a local celebrity. People often recognise Basil when we’re out, and I love that he has a way of brightening people’s day.
I’ve always been a big advocate for adoption. There’s no single reason an animal ends up in a shelter, and often it’s through no fault of their own. Don’t be quick to judge an animal by their past.
My advice to anyone thinking about getting a dog: visit your local shelter, don’t be set on a particular breed, and find a dog whose personality and lifestyle suits yours. And get a good trainer. Training isn’t just for the dog, it teaches you how to understand and communicate with them too.
We’re so grateful Ballarat Animal Shelter brought Basil (formally known as Bandit) into our lives.
