Adoption information
About Uszko
Meet Kosciuszko ("Uszko")
Small dog. Big mountain. Even bigger personality.
Don't let his size fool you. Standing all of seven inches tall, Kosciuszko, affectionately known as "Uszko", is a tiny Jack Russell Terrier/Mini Foxy mix with the stamina, and confidence of a much larger dog.
Despite only having three legs, Uszko spent his younger years keeping pace with three working kelpies and has never let a missing limb slow him down.
Whether it's a bushwalk, a car trip, a day at work, a holiday adventure, or simply being part of whatever his humans are doing, Uszko is happiest when he's included.
Now around 12½ years old, he's become a distinguished little gentleman who still approaches life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a healthy sense of adventure.
Why You'll Love Him
Uszko is one of those rare dogs who genuinely wants to be part of your life.
Need a hiking buddy? He's in.
Road trip? Absolutely.
Lazy Sunday morning under the doona? That's actually his specialty.
This little guy loves swimming more than just about anything. He'll paddle through puddles, chase bubbles, and happily float around looking like a furry blimp. Nothing puts a bigger smile on his face than water.
When the day is done, he'll transform into the world's most committed snuggle companion. His favourite place to sleep is under the covers, regardless of season. Winter, summer, heatwave, doesn't matter. If there's a blanket, he's underneath it.
A Professional Comfort Dog
Uszko takes emotional support very seriously.
If you're sad, sick, injured, crying, or simply having a rough day, he'll be right there. Somewhere along the way he became convinced that comforting humans is one of his official responsibilities, and he performs the role with dedication.
He's the perfect companion for someone looking for a loyal little shadow who genuinely cares about his people.
Living With Uszko
Uszko is wonderfully independent in many ways.
He's comfortable being left alone and doesn't suffer from separation anxiety, but he does enjoy sleeping close to his humans.
He likes having downtime on his own terms and isn't a dog who demands constant attention every minute of the day.
He's generally happy to accompany his people anywhere and is well accustomed to everyday life, visitors, outings, and adventures.
His favourite things include:
• Swimming
• Cheese
• Bush walks and outdoor adventures
• Being included in family activities
• Long snuggles in bed
• Back scratches and gentle massages
• Being tucked under blankets
His less favourite things include:
• Pushy, highly energetic dogs
• Vegetables
• Being left out of the action
Important Things to Know
Uszko would do best with an active owner who enjoys having a canine companion along for life's adventures.
Cats? He has lived successfully with one and mostly considered himself lower in the household.
Uszko is looking for someone who understands that age is just a number.
He still wants adventures, daily walks, new smells, and opportunities to be involved in family life.
At the same time, he appreciates a comfortable bed, a warm blanket, and the freedom to enjoy some quiet time when he chooses.
If you're looking for a small dog with a huge personality, a sense of humour, and enough love and loyalty to fill a much bigger body, Uszko might just be your perfect match.
After all, where else will you find a three-legged adventurer, part-time hot water bottle, professional comforter, champion swimmer, and distinguished gentleman all rolled into one tiny package?
Medical notes
Heart murmur, now put on medication since he has been surrendered to our rescue.
He also has a dental procedure paid by our rescue upcoming.
Adoption details
We are a foster-based rescue organisation. Once our rescues receive veterinary care and are given the all clear, they are placed in family foster homes so we understand their behaviour and what home will suit them best.
Adoptees can fill out our online adoption application, they then will be contacted if the animal is suitable for their home and family, a meet and greet of the rescue animal will be arranged and a home inspection. Then, appropriate paperwork is filled out and we bring the rescue pet to the adoptee.