Boost

🏡Looking For a Forever Home🏡
Name: Boost
Breed: Border Collie mix
Gender: Male
Estimated adult size: Medium
🎂 DOB: 10/10/24
🐱 Cats: Untested
🐶 Dogs: Yes - mentor dog is essential
🧒 Children: No thanks- 12yo+ & dog savvy considered
🏃🏻‍♀️ Energy level: High
📌 Location: Laverton, VIC
🆔 Microchip: 956000017402540
PER: RE100115

A Gentle Soul Seeking His Quiet Haven

Boost is a handsome, young Border Collie with a remarkably gentle spirit.

He came to us from a tragic hoarding situation where he and several other dogs were kept in appalling conditions and never allowed to leave the property. Consequently, Boost is profoundly nervous and under-socialised. His history means he has little to no experience with normal life, causing intense anxiety around new people, objects, and external environments. Boost is currently terrified of the sights and sounds of the outside world.

While he is incredibly sweet and affectionate once he trusts you, this takes time, and it may be many weeks until he is truly comfortable. He is looking for a dedicated owner who understands that his journey to confidence will require significant patience, love, and a very specific, low-stress environment.

Despite his difficult start, Boost is coming along well in foster care, showing his intelligence and desire to please. He is toilet trained and has already learned to sit and lie down. He views his crate as a safe den, settling well and sleeping through the night. While he bonds deeply with his human, he also enjoys the company of other playful dogs and would greatly benefit from a stable, calm canine mentor in his new home.

Strict Adoption Criteria: Non-Negotiable Requirements

Boost's safety and well-being depend on meeting all the below criteria. Applicants who do not meet these specific needs will not be considered.

-Rural or Semi-Rural Property: Must have a quiet environment away from urban noise and traffic. A large, securely fenced property is mandatory for safe exercise and decompression. Urban/suburban homes are not suitable.
-Experienced Dog Owner/Committed Training: Applicants must have prior experience rehabilitating or caring for severely nervous, fearful, or under-socialised dogs. If not, his adopters must be committed to working with a trusted dog trainer for the foreseeable future.
-Understanding of Working Dogs: Adopters must have a solid understanding of working dog breeds, including their need for mental stimulation, structure, and low-stress physical exercise (not just running around) even while undergoing rehabilitation for fear.
-Resident Canine Mentor: Must have a home with a stable, calm, and confident adult resident dog who can act as a guide and social mentor for Boost.
-No Young Children: The home must be without children under 12, due to his high anxiety and need for a predictable, quiet environment. Only homes with dog-savvy teenage/adult children will be considered.
-Patience and Dedication: The adopter must be prepared for a long rehabilitation process. He is currently terrified of urban walks and will need time and commitment to slowly adjust to lead walking in safe, quiet areas only.

In summary, Boost is a courageous boy who deserves a safe, peaceful life. He is waiting for his chance at a happy future with his dedicated, experienced human, a confident canine friend, and a quiet life in the countryside.

If you believe your home matches ALL of Boost's strict requirements, please apply below detailing your experience with nervous dogs, working dogs and the environment you can offer.

Thank you to our December 2025 sponsor(s):
Melissa Birkett
Suzanne Cowling
Eliza Wittison
Sally Drake
Robert Barden

👇All enquiries, questions and interest in adoption need to be via the below link - Please provide detailed responses to the application questions highlighting how your home and lifestyle suit the needs of the individual dog/pup you are applying for. Don't forget to keep an eye on your spam or junk folder for a reply👇

⭐⭐Please APPLY / ENQUIRE using this link.⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇ ⭐⭐

https://www.startingoverdogrescue.org.au/adoption-application-form/

⭐⭐Only these completed applications will be responded to.⬆⬆⬆⬆⬆⭐⭐