Adventure Pups

23/12/2025

So let’s be real this girl wasn’t meant to be here still, she can’t return to the pound as the environment isn’t a good fit. I had her doing a trial for a detection role but I had to stop when It became too much at 7months pregnant. I could barely get out of bed let alone set up and video scenarios to send off. 🥱😷🤧😮‍💨

Along with that we have 8 other dogs to run & look after all relatively high drive. So adding fostering this high drive, crazy working girl while at the end of an extremely difficult somewhat scary pregnancy. It was tough! 🦮

We were committed to foster her until just before our due date and then…. We got rushed into hospital as Scarlett wanted out early under some very scary emergency circumstance.

Our priorities shifted and arrangements with Xena became not as high on the priority list. Extremely grateful that one of our mates was here working when it all happened. He was able to feed the dogs and run our other dogs that his travelled with and knows well, but rightly so he wasn’t about to walk into Xena’s kennel remove bowls, and take her out for a stroll etc

Luckily our fosters have nice big kennels with a run that she stayed in until Dave could get home to run her.

Recovering over the last couple of months meant none of our dogs got much love, the training or runs they normally get and for Xena that’s been tough. Trying to navigate 9 dogs and a new born well that’s been tough on us too… needless to say my carrier is my best friend, & Scarlett has had to learn to entertain herself with black and white toys on occasion while I run around making up dog meals etc.

Fostering difficult dogs or any dog is hard at times but this has been next level.

We didn’t think we could make it work at times but somehow we have, so as we come out the other side we would like you to know that this crazy girl is still here and still in our care at the moment. Looking and hoping for a person to love and care for her.

If you’re able to please share this around as a Christmas 🎄 present to Xena!

Merry Christmas from our crazy home to yours! ❤️ also a shout out to anyone fostering for Christmas

11/10/2025

Such a regal beautiful soul this boy, without training he would be a complete nightmare but with continuous training (which he loves) he is just a very obedient snuggle bug.

Just don’t approach his yard, car, house, or space without mum saying you can 😝 💥

07/09/2025

Have to say a big thank you to Andrew from canis.au for the kind words posted this week. We have such a great team at BARC & trying to get everyone ready and trained up, but most importantly safe with some of our more dangerous cases has been a big focus over the last 7 months while I prepare for maternity leave.

On Tuesday Andrew offered to teach our key staff in behaviour & of course I jumped at the opportunity for our team to learn from one of the best in the industry! The smile on my face though when the staff ended Tuesday with a boost in there learning, confidence in there knowledge & a new determination to bring what they learnt to the animals was so great to see, to be so excited to get out there project dogs and start thinking differently literally that afternoon… & to hear them say thank you over and over is a testament to the way Andrew teachers.

He parted so much valuable knowledge onto the team both on a practical & a theory level. Reviewing and providing feedback that will help fine tune the amazing work our team is working towards.

Working in the environment we work in everyday is so emotionally taxing, mentally draining, some days we cry, other days we celebrate the freedom rides for our most beautiful animals. Some days we fail to change behaviour but other days we turn around & modify behaviour & save a life. We fight battles many don’t even realise are happening, & we get up and do it day after day as a team.

So these days where someone invests in us, and provides so much to our team are truly special so thank you Andrew for the kind words but also for your time & knowledge.

This week I’ve had the pleasure of working with some great Councils who are all doing great work in difficult times with limited resources. Councils, more specifically animal management and shelter staff, are often the subject of unjust ridicule from the community. As such, I always like to acknowledge those that are going above and beyond with little to no recognition.

On Monday and Tuesday, I worked with the animal management team at Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre. Their professionalism, dedication and procedures are what I now consider the benchmark in the industry. With limited time and resources, the training of staff, sensible fit-for-purpose procedures and the initiatives for modifying behaviour of dogs in the shelter, are all exemplary.

Alicia, who runs the shelter, is a former student of mine. It makes me really proud to see the next generation evolving and achieving great things in the industry.

In a time where many questionable practises are infiltrating the industry, this week was highly refreshing!

05/09/2025

Just a girl with her fav thing in the world her ball! 🥎

Time is running out for this girl! So please share!

Xena only has about a month left to find her forever home, before we have to go through the heartbreak of letting her cross the rainbow bridge! Which will be so hard… 💔 if you know a rescue potential family or person who would like a challenge or can help please reach out full details in my bio!

11/08/2025

Working Dog Adoption – Experienced Handler Required - location BARC (Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre)

Meet Xena one of our most incredible canines for the right person. Xena is a 2yo high-drive German Shepherd currently in our foster program with experienced staff. She is not your average pet she is a purpose-driven dog with sharp instincts, a strong work ethic, and a whole lot of energy.
This girl has been assessed as a true working dog, meaning she is best suited to a home with someone experienced in handling high-drive breeds, with experience in behaviour modification or reactivity. Providing daily structured training, mental stimulation, and purposeful tasks, with a job or a sport to thrive in is a non-negotiable for Xena’s adoption.

What She Needs:
A secure property & kennel with plenty of room.
A handler with previous working dog experience (or proven knowledge of high-drive breeds)
Ongoing training, Xena has not come from a training background but response well to both food and toys.
A lifestyle that provides mental stimulation and a ‘job’ or ‘Sport’ to do.
If introducing other dogs, she will need very strict guidelines as she has a significant predatory response to other animals, we would prefer she is in an only dog however with the right owner we are open to discussions.

What She Doesn’t Need:
A life in the backyard
Inexperienced owners
A home where she’s left to her own devices
No Cats, or pocket pets

All other needs can be discussed in her adoption process.

Many rescues are full at this moment, or do not have the means to foster care for a dog with Xena’s requirements.

At BARC, we have a strict protocol for dogs like Xena to ensure the best possible placement – not just for her safety, but for the safety of the public & long-term success in her new home. As part of our strict rehoming protocol, interested adopters must first complete a phone screening. If approved, you will be invited to meet her on multiple occasions to ensure mutual compatibility and that her needs can be met long-term & that you have the correct compatibility with Xena.

This dog is not just looking for a home – she’s looking for a purpose and a partner.

11/08/2025

Xena is currently in my care & has been for a couple of months. She is now ready to meet potential adopters however she is in need of an experienced handler, a job or sport she can thrive in & someone who has the time to help her adjust to her new home. She is a lot of dog, & in the right hands she is amazing but without the right person she like many other dogs with her drive, and love of work, face a lot of difficulties in finding a home. Unfortunately with rescues overflowing and the fact she needs an experienced handler many Shepard rescues just don’t have the means to care for her atm.

This is why we have a strict policy on her adoption.

So I’m calling upon everyone on this page to share her profile where ever you can to hopefully hit the right people. She needs a job or a sport not a backyard.

Happy to talk to anyone about her needs. Would really appreciate if you can share where you can.

09/08/2025

The dogs think they run the place… but soon they’ll have to answer to a much smaller (and louder) boss!" 🐾👶👑