Happy Tails – adoption stories

Theodore the cat

Theodore first came into AWLQ’s care in November 2024 and spent much of his time in foster care, where he could slowly build confidence and learn to trust. Naturally shy, he often preferred hiding in tucked-away spots—so much so that his foster carer had quite the challenge coaxing him into his carrier for vet visits!

Because of his timid nature, Theodore waited longer than most cats to find his forever family. In the shelter, he often stayed curled up in his bedroom, too nervous to explore or show his true personality. Our team tried different adoption profiles—and even a couple of new names—hoping to catch the eye of the right adopter.

Finally, in April, that special family walked through our doors. They saw past his shyness and gave him the chance he’d been waiting for.
Today, Theodore is thriving in his new home, enjoying the comfort of family life and the companionship of a feline sibling by his side.

Marmaduke the pig

Marmaduke, a giant of a Gloucester Pig, came into AWLQ’s care as a stray and spent almost six months with us before finding his forever home.

He was picked up by Council and with nowhere else to go, Marmaduke joined us in our pig enclosure, where he quickly became a staff favourite.

Marmaduke adored his baths (especially the muddy ones!) and would happily lean into a good scratch with a brush or broom. His days were filled with tasty pig pellets, fresh fruit, and vegetables, along with plenty of enrichment—cardboard boxes with hidden treats and big hard plastic balls to push around—because pigs are clever creatures who need to keep their minds busy.

After months of care and love, Marmaduke’s big day finally arrived. He trotted off to his new home in style—fittingly, in a horse float, because when you’re as large as Marmaduke, a regular ride just won’t do!

Mary the Pug

Little Mary came into AWLQ’s care needing urgent BOAS surgery (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome), a procedure to help open her airways so she could breathe more easily and live a more comfortable life.

In October, Mary’s happy-ever-after arrived when she was adopted by a loving family. Her adopter tells us she’s settled in beautifully—thriving as a much-loved pug alongside three children, another fur sibling, and even some feathered friends.

Now, Mary is living her very best life: playful, adored, and finally able to breathe easy.

Bowie the Border Collie

One year ago Bowie was adopted from our Beenleigh Animal Rehoming Centre and was lucky enough to find a home with Jordan.

“I was scrolling on Facebook on afternoon and the Animal Welfare League page popped up with the most adorable looking face.

Bowie, a 1.5 year old Border Collie had only been with the AWLQ for 4 days but I knew that I needed him. We have a Border Collie at home already who really needed a brother.

We jumped in the car the next morning and arrived at the AWLQ Beenleigh Rehoming Centre and instantly knew that Bowie was ours.

We have just celebrated our 1 year gotcha day anniversary with Bowie and could not imagine our lives without him.”

(Bowie is on the left of the photo)

Inkie the cat