Adoption Fee: $950

If you would like to apply to adopt please
download the application form.

If you would like to know more or have problems using a Microsoft Word document please email us.

NB: We do not rehome interstate or to applicants under 25. It is our policy not to rehome dogs in the Sunraysia area. As rescue groups have transported thousands of homeless dogs from Mildura and Sunraysia pounds over the last decade, we do not intend to send any back there.

Breed: Male  Maltese/Shih Tzu
DOB: 01/05/2021
Weight: 10kgs
Location: Lilydale

Cutie-pie Cooper is on the hunt for his forever pack. This friendly and excitable lad has been well-loved all his life but is in need of a bit more structure and socialisation than he is used to. Cooper loves people, enjoys being held, cuddled and handled, and is used to spending some time alone, with inside-outside access (he does not like being locked out and will vote with his claws on your door frames if this is imposed). Cooper enjoys trips in the car and loves any chance he gets to feel the grass under his paws.

At home, Cooper loves to spend time on his favourite people’s laps and sleeps through the night in his bed near his people. He is pretty chilled, except when other dogs or people pass close by the house, when he becomes quite the doggy alarm bell. In good news, neighbours report that Cooper is not noisy when he is left on his own. He is housetrained and a master of the doggy door. However, he has been known to mark from time to time and can also be possessive of his food. These behaviours suggest Cooper needs some further training and consistent rules, so that he is secure about his place in the pack. He is not tested with children or with other animals at home.

Cooper is currently not getting out much, which means that when he does, he is pretty over-excited and can be barky at other dogs. A member of the Vic Dog Rescue Team has spent some time with Cooper and found him to able to respond to corrections while on a walk and very keen on treats, which is always a great foundation for further learning. Rewards-based training, regular interactions with his people and consistent routines should help Cooper bond with his family and settle into being the best boy he can be.

Cooper would do well in a family with older children or with a couple who can provide him with plenty of fun and exercise and who are willing to work with him on setting and maintaining the ground rules he needs to flourish. He is a lovely friendly boy, so this will be a rewarding experience for all involved. Cooper can handle some alone-time indoors when you are out for work or play, as long as he has regular interaction with his people and can be with you when you are home. Cooper is keen to turn the page to his forever home so, if you think you could be it, please get in touch.

Microchip Number: 956000013255689
Source Number: RE120211

All our dogs are desexed, C5 vaccinated with intranasal, microchipped, wormed and flea treated. All necessary vet work such as dentals, surgery, eye treatment is also carried out. We are no longer heartworm testing as we have not had one positive test since we began in 2006. If a dog comes to us on heartworm treatment this is continued.