Dashing Through Years of Devotion

Back in 2011, Susan had a clear goal in mind. "I wanted to give a home to a dog most in need of a second chance," she says.

"I remember at the time thinking it was funny that other people my age were searching eHarmony while I was regularly looking through PetRescue at pet profiles."

Photo: Susan and Dash aged 5

Then she found Dash. "His photo on PetRescue was cute," Susan says. "He met my criteria of a young small male dog who would enjoy walks with me." His profile said it all: Take me for a walk, give me something to do. I'm on a mission to please myself and my owner. She printed it out and held onto it, feeling apprehensive about what came next. It was her sister who encouraged her to visit the shelter, and the moment Susan spotted the little quiet one sitting amongst all the barking, she knew Dash was the one.

From L to R: Dash aged 9, 13 and 18

And that profile? It turned out to be exactly right. Dash was aptly named, loving nothing more than a quick dash. He once scaled a metre-high garage fence, and Susan got quite the fright when his little face appeared as the remote garage door lifted. He also had a habit of launching himself, without warning, from a metre-high raised courtyard garden straight into Susan's arms. People have always said he is a character, and they're not wrong.

Susan has walked every single day since adopting him, often twice a day, even when she's been sick. When he was younger, Dash greeted her every morning with a wagging welcome and met her at the door each evening, always enthusiastic about life.

From L to R: Dash aged 9, 15 and 17

"Dash has been my constant companion for nearly 15 years. He has been my personal trainer, confidante and security guard. He expresses joy, gratitude and love every day."

Dash aged 17

"I am reminded every day to live in the moment and do the best with what you have."

Then there's Monkey, Dash's beloved toy, repaired many times over, squeaks long gone from his little limbs. Dash would carry Monkey around the house, searching for just the right hiding spot.

Dash turned out to be quite the matchmaker too. "He even helped introduce me to the man who is now my husband," Susan says. It started with a walk, a border collie puppy named Cindi, and two sets of leads that got a little tangled up in love. These days, they're one happy, blended family.

From L to R: Susan and Terry's wedding cake, Dash aged 12 and Suan, Terry, Cindi and Dash aged 18

Dash's charm has been recognised well beyond his own home too: he scored a starring role in the Toowoomba RSPCA Rescue Pets of the Year 2017 calendar, proof that good looks only get better with age. (Cover image).

Now nineteen years young, Dash is slowing down a little these days, with low vision and poor hearing. He sleeps a lot, but still has very clear opinions about the important things in life, like roast chicken and egg yolk. He travels in style in his very own dog pram, adored by everyone he meets on walks and visits to local cafes.

From L to R: Dash aged 17, 17 and Cindi with Dash aged 19

"He has a delightful personality. He's attentive and responsive but also has his own preferences. Even aged 19 years he is full of life," Susan says.

"Dash has been with me through many life challenges and has made my life so much better. I am grateful for every extra day that I have with him."

Asked what adopting Dash has meant to her, Susan doesn't hold back:

"Pure happiness and love. I didn't know it was possible to love a dog so much."

As one of the million pets who found love through PetRescue, Dash truly is one in a million, a small dog with a giant heart who brought a whole lot of love, laughter and tail wags into Susan, Terry and Cindi's lives.