\u2018Full of life\u2019 <\/p>\n
Crompton said Gus is a \u201cgentle giant\u201d and likely a collie cross with a mix of short white hair and brindle, giving him a unique coat. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s quite tall and lanky, and quite energetic. We\u2019re looking for someone who is energetic themselves who can take Gus for lots of nice walks and runs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Gus and his brother Ace were surrendered as pups by someone who couldn\u2019t take care of them, Crompton said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI guess they were nervous right from the start, and they haven\u2019t been able to gain that confidence here.\u201d <\/p>\n
Crompton said long-stay animals could get \u201cinstitutionalised\u201d, and it was detrimental to them. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey stick with what they know and what is comfortable for them so when they do meet and greets, they\u2019re really quite nervous.\u201d <\/p>\n
Fortunately, Ace has recently been adopted. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe just celebrated Ace going home and that\u2019s the best. That\u2019s a really good day when we go: \u2018This is what we do it for.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Now the team is hoping they can celebrate Gus finding a home soon too. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Gus is with us and he\u2019s running around in our play pen, he\u2019s full of life and full of love \u2026 He does have a lot of love to give.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cost and reward <\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just the heartstrings that it pulls on seeing long stayers in the shelter; however, it\u2019s also the purse strings. <\/p>\n
As a charity organisation, desexing, vaccinating, microchipping and feeding animals all cost a pretty penny. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor a puppy, it\u2019s probably $900 just to house them, get them old enough and get them out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keeping bigger dogs fed is also a big cost, Crompton said. <\/p>\n
She estimates that Gus\u2019 food costs probably run to around $40-$60 a week. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe adoption fee doesn\u2019t cover the cost in that situation in any way, shape or form.\u201d<\/p>\n
These precious pooches are worth it, however, Crompton said. <\/p>\n
\u201cTaking on a rescue and giving it happiness and love is rewarding in itself for a lot of people. I mean I took on a rescue and he\u2019s the love of my life. He\u2019s just well worth everything.<\/p>\n
\u201cLong stayers, particularly a dog like Gus who is shy, it\u2019s just about investing a bit of time up front, but the rewards are fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n