The impact of your kindness 2025–2026
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After the loss of her beloved dog Miles, who had been Fern’s companion for 16 years, life felt very different.
Miles had been part of everything: bush walks, beach trips, river days, and the steady rhythm of family life. She had also been a source of comfort through major life changes, including children growing up, parents ageing, and loss in the family. When Miles passed away, Fern felt her absence deeply and couldn’t imagine welcoming another dog into her life for quite some time.
🌈 Miles, aged 14, at the local dog beach.
Even though they no longer had Miles to walk, Fern and her husband kept returning to the local dog beach, still drawn to the presence of dogs and the joy they bring. They enjoyed looking at the happy dogs at the beach and got their dog fix there, sometimes with a few pats and a chat with the dog's people.
Slowly, Fern started to think about welcoming another dog. When she eventually started looking through PetRescue, she wasn’t sure exactly what she was searching for, only that they would need to feel right for her stage of life, including the reality of caring for a dog into her later years. She applied for a few dogs, but they were adopted by others.
Then she saw Zoey.
A small camp dog in care with SAFE Karratha, Zoey stood out immediately.
“Then I saw Zoey, a camp dog from Karratha. She reminded me of my dear old friend, Miles, and she was only little. My heart jumped!”
Fern enquired through PetRescue and soon after was arranging a flight for Zoey from Karratha to her new home in Perth, 1,530km away.
“We've only had Zoey eight days, and what a joy she is. Thanks to her excellent foster carer in Karratha (thank you, Ella!) and a short flight to Perth, Zoey has lit me up and made my heart sing. I know we'll be best friends for as long as she lives. She's a sassy, tough little cookie who's been through a lot in her one year so far. But from now on, I'm determined to give her the best life possible.”
Fern also reflects on something she once read about what makes a full life:
“I read a book once that advised the three things anyone needed for a full, happy life were ‘something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to’. Zoey is all those plus she's the best hot water bottle ever!”
Zoey in her crow's nest favourite spot.
And when it comes to what makes Zoey 'one in a million', Fern’s granddaughter had the perfect answer:
“My granddaughter loves Spot books, and when I asked her what sort of dog she'd like, she said, "A spotty dog with spots on". That's exactly what Zoey is. She has one large black pot on her back and an adorable pirate patch on one eye.”
