Adopting a rescue animal not only transforms the lives of the pets involved, but can also bring immense benefits to their new families. For Stephanie Howden, a single phone call over a decade ago set the stage for a life-altering journey.
Twelve years ago, Stephanie received a call from her partner, Seth, who was living in a rural town. The call wasn’t just about any pet—it was about a black puppy found during a police raid on a local meth lab. The pup was in urgent need of a home, and Seth wanted to know if Stephanie would take her in.
At the time, Stephanie, now 38, had always loved dogs but was apprehensive about adopting one due to the responsibility it entailed. “When I adopted Cokie, I was living alone and working long hours, so I had to think carefully about how to care for her,” Stephanie recalls. “Thankfully, my parents lived nearby and Seth was often around to help. Between the three of us, Cokie ended up with not just one home, but three.”
Over the years, Stephanie and Seth have expanded their family of rescue pets. They welcomed two Jack Russell crosses, Joey and Piper, and later adopted Sunny after Joey’s passing. Despite the challenges of pet ownership, Stephanie believes the rewards far outweigh the effort.
“Having these dogs is so good for our mental health,” Stephanie explains. “Whenever I’m feeling stressed, I sit and play with them, and it brings everything back into perspective.”
In fact, Stephanie and Seth take daily walks of about 10 kilometers with their dogs, which helps keep them both active and connected. “I love the little personality quirks of rescue pets. It’s not about having the ‘perfect’ dog; their funny little behaviors make them all the more lovable.”
Stephanie shares a special bond with each of her pets. “Cokie has always been a bit grumpy, but that’s what makes her so endearing. She’s feisty but sweet with the people she knows. And Piper, with her piglet-like ears and excited squeaks, is the happiest little dog. She’s always eager for a belly rub.”
The joy these animals bring into their lives is immeasurable, and Stephanie considers herself fortunate to share her world with them.
The Need for Adoptive Homes
Currently, over 10,000 animals—ranging from dogs and cats to birds and even horses—are waiting for loving homes in Australia. The economic challenges many face are predicted to exacerbate the number of pets in need of adoption, according to Jessica Curtis, head of the Petstock Foundation.
“This National Pet Adoption Month is an opportunity to consider not just traditional pets like dogs and cats, but also smaller companions like guinea pigs and birds, which may be more suitable for renters,” says Jessica. “By adopting, we can collectively create a brighter future for pets and their families.”
Over the past 11 years, the Petstock Foundation has successfully placed 41,000 rescue pets in loving homes, helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters. Jessica highlights that many of these pets are already house-trained and possess basic manners, making them easier to integrate into their new homes.
“Adopting a rescue pet doesn’t just change the animal’s life,” says Jessica. “It enriches the lives of the people who bring them into their homes. It’s about building a better future together.”
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