Already living in her loving home 💚🏠
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When Lorne first came across Mia’s profile on the PetRescue website back in 2017, she didn’t know just how much she would change her life. Thanks to Needy Paws Rescue in Griffith, Mia, then just two years old, became part of Lorne’s world - and the journey they’ve shared since has been one of love, connection, and endless adventures.
“At first, Mia didn’t really know what playtime was,” Lorne reflects. “When I took her for her first walk, she kept stopping and checking that I was still there, like she needed to be sure it was all allowed.”
Once she settled in, Mia started to discover play and fun, especially when it came to soft toys. “She absolutely loves teddy bears,” Lorne says. “She has to have a new one whenever the old one loses its ears, eyes, feet, tail… or pretty much everything!”
A life-changing bond
Mia’s life hasn’t been without challenges. Over the years, she’s been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel syndrome, early-onset arthritis, and epilepsy; conditions that have reshaped daily routines for both her and Lorne.
“Mia’s epilepsy diagnosis was life-changing for both of us,” Lorne says. “Getting her medication right and setting new routines at home and at work took time, but she’s adapted so well. With the support of our amazing vet, she’s thriving - she loves car rides, travelling, and exploring new places.”
For Lorne, adopting a dog with additional needs has been one of the most rewarding decisions she’s ever made. “I would say to anyone considering it: don’t be afraid,” she encourages. “Be aware of what you’re taking on and what changes might need to happen in your life, but know that dogs like Mia have such a tenacious outlook on life. They’ll teach you so much about resilience, joy, and jumping into life with all paws.”
A social butterfly!
Now ten years old, Mia is still as active and social as ever, and there’s never a dull moment with her around! Daily walks are a highlight for the pair, filled with “socials” where Mia greets her favourite local friends, including Bill, Mack, Max, Finnigan, and Fancy the Cat!
“Mia makes friends everywhere,” says Lorne. “She loves our morning walks, ball games in the park, and especially being my garden ‘helper dog’, which mostly involves lying in the sun, supervising, and dropping her ball in the middle of whatever I’m doing so I’ll throw it.”
Travelling has become another unexpected joy. “I’ve never had a dog who loved travelling as much as Mia,” Lorne says. “She’s the best little roadie; she adores car rides, exploring off-leash areas, and visiting new cafes and dog parks. She even makes human and doggie friends wherever we go.”
The cutest furry teacher 💚
Beyond companionship, Mia has brought something deeper into Lorne’s life; a new way of seeing the world.
“Mia is one of life’s great teachers,” Lorne reflects. “She approaches every day with patience and kindness. She has this way of stopping strangers in the street for what I call a ‘pat and chat’. Often, the people we meet are lonely or missing pets of their own, and you can see their faces light up when they spend a moment with her. She reminds me daily how powerful small acts of connection can be.”
Mia’s additional needs have also taught Lorne patience and adaptability. Because loud noises and raised voices can trigger Mia’s seizures, she’s learned to create a calmer environment, joking that, “she’s even stopped me from yelling at the TV during cycling races or tennis matches!”
A life-changing bond
Seven years on, Mia has become so much more than a pet - she’s family, a travel buddy, a gardening supervisor, a social butterfly, and a constant source of love.
“Sharing my home and my life with Mia has been the greatest privilege,” Lorne says. “Yes, adopting a dog with additional needs takes commitment, but the rewards are endless. She’s taught me patience, kindness, and how to embrace every opportunity. I can’t imagine life without her.”
For Lorne, adoption didn’t just give Mia a second chance; it brought light, laughter, and connection into her own life.
“Mia has been my constant light in dark times,” she says, “It’s been such a joy to travel this path with her - and I hope we get many more years together yet.”
We are so close to seeing one million pets marked as adopted via PetRescue! That’s one million happy tails made possible thanks to the hardworking PetRescue member community who use the platform to connect pets in their care with their new families, and of course, all the incredible folks who have found their BFF via PetRescue over the past twenty years.
Every pet we are lucky enough to have in our lives is unique and will forever take up a special place in our hearts. So if you found your furry family member on PetRescue, we’d love to hear what made them one in a million! Tell us your story here.
Want more good feels? Read more happy tails here.
Start searching for your new BFF here.
