25/08/2026
Yesterday was supposed to be Marshall’s adoption day.
The week before, Marshall had a meet and greet that went incredibly well. We walked away from it feeling hopeful. We genuinely thought we had found someone who saw Marshall for the gorgeous, goofy and incredibly special boy that we have all come to know and love.
So, knowing his time with us might finally be coming to an end, we planned one last special weekend for him.
We took him to our Glen Iris shelter so he could visit some of the people who have cared for and loved him throughout his journey. He went on plenty of walks around Yarrambat, spent time with his favourite people, had a bath, and we even picked out his new wardrobe ready for his next chapter.
Then Monday came.
We packed up Marshall’s belongings, got everything ready to take to his new home, put on his bow tie and waited.
And waited.
We sat with Marshall in our driveway for almost an hour, expecting his new person to arrive at any moment.
They never came.
No phone call. No text message. No explanation.
We aren’t sharing this post to shame anyone, and we certainly don’t want anyone directing anger towards the person involved. We are sharing it because, sadly, this isn’t the first time this has happened ..and Marshall isn’t the only animal it has happened to.
Our team puts an enormous amount of time and care into every adoption. We have long, thorough meet and greets. We talk openly about an animal’s personality, behaviour, medical needs and challenges. We answer questions, encourage people to take their time, and above all else, we are honest.
All we ask for in return is that same honesty.
It is okay to change your mind.
It is okay to go home after a meet and greet and realise you aren’t ready. It is okay to decide that an animal isn’t the right fit for your family. It is okay to have second thoughts.
What isn’t okay is making a commitment and simply not showing up.
Because behind every adoption appointment is an animal we are preparing for a new life. There are staff and volunteers packing belongings, organising paperwork, preparing medications and food, saying their goodbyes and getting emotionally ready to watch an animal they love finally leave for their forever home.
And sometimes, like yesterday, we are left sitting in the driveway with a beautiful boy in a bow tie who isn’t going anywhere after all.
So Marshall came back inside with us.
His belongings were unpacked. His bow tie came off. And today, we start again.
Because that is what we will always do.
We will never give up on Marshall, or any of the animals in our care. We will continue to be their home for as long as they need us, until the right person comes along and takes a chance on them.
Marshall’s person is still out there.
And until they find him, he has us. ❤️
If you think you could be the person Marshall has been waiting for, please take the time to read his full profile and submit an adoption application below.
🐾 Learn more about Marshall & apply:
https://saveadog.org.au/animals-adoptions/601/small-dogs/5338/
📍 Located: Glen Iris, Victoria, Australia
Source Number: BR100902
