Adoption information
About Scrumpy
Scrumpy — A Sweet, Soft-Hearted Cattle Dog/Kelpie Girl
DOB: 30 October 2025
Breed: Red Cattle Dog/Kelpie mix
Sex: Female
Weight: 17 kgs
Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Scrumpy is a sweet, affectionate and submissive young Cattle Dog/Kelpie girl with a gentle nature. She has grown in confidence since settling into her foster home.
We know what Scrumpy's Mum looks like — and she is a very cute Kelpie/Blue Cattle Dog mix. Dad, on the other hand, remains a mystery boy. So while we cannot say exactly what went into Scrumpy’s family tree, there is certainly Kelpie in the mix along with her Cattle Dog heritage.
She can be uncertain when something worries her, but rather than disappearing or becoming defensive, Scrumpy's response is usually to roll onto her back, show you her belly and wait for some reassurance. A cuddle, a pat and a few kind words go a long way with this girl.
Once she feels safe, she is loving and easygoing and thoroughly enjoys being close to her people.
Scrumpy is already doing very well with the basics:
✓ House trained
✓ Good recall
✓ Knows how to sit
✓ Sweet and affectionate
✓ Loves cuddles and pats
✓ Easygoing around the home
✓ Living happily with two other dogs, one male and one female
✓ Learning to walk nicely on leash
Scrumpy also comes with a rather charming little stumpy tail — just long enough to preserve her modesty and cover the important bits.
And really, a stumpy tail has its advantages.
✓ No tail lash across the legs when she's excited
✓ No wine glass sent flying from the coffee table
✓ No ornaments swept from low shelves
✓ No muddy tail wagging across the sofa
✓ And still quite enough tail to let you know when she's pleased to see you
Car travel is not yet Scrumpy's strong suit. For her trip home, we would strongly recommend that adopters bring a second person who can sit with and reassure her in the back of the car.
And bathing? Scrumpy would like it formally recorded that she considers baths a gross violation of her civil liberties. She can be extremely vocal about the whole experience!
Underneath that little bit of timidity is a very loving girl who simply needs reassurance, kindness and a home where she can feel secure.
With patient people beside her, we think Scrumpy will make a wonderfully loyal and affectionate companion.
Apply here:
https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/
Medical notes
No known pre-existing conditions.
We don't know if Scrumpy has received heartworm prevention in the past. However, Southern Downs is not a heartworm-endemic area, so ARK does not routinely test dogs for heartworm or administer heartworm prevention while they are in our care. We recommend that adopters seek veterinary advice about an appropriate heartworm prevention program for the area in which the dog will be living. A heartworm test can be arranged for successful applicants on request.
Watch videos of Scrumpy
Adoption details
Dogs:
(1) The first step is to complete the online adoption application form at https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/ Please answer all questions and include photos of your yard and fencing.
(2) All applications will be considered by our Adoption Team, following which a "meet and greet" will be offered to the top-ranking applicant.
(3) If the “meet and greet" is successful, the applicant may adopt the dog and take him or her home the same day.
(4) For successful interstate applicants, different arrangements may apply and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Cats:
If you are interested in one of our cats or kittens, please click on the green "Enquire about ...", button, tell us a bit about yourself and the home you can offer the cat, and one of our volunteers will be in touch.