Scottie the rescue whippet is living his best life, topped off with his grand finale appearance in the 2021 ACT Foster and Rescue calendar which will be officially launched next week.
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Scottie - Mr December in the calendar - came into the care of the Canberra association in February this year.
He was adopted by Scullin retired couple Louise Nixon and Stuart Hay who found him a perfect fit for their lifestyle, as happy with snuggles as long walks on the beach.
Stuart calls Scottie their "Velcro dog".
"He's just stuck on you, he loves to be close to you," Louise said, with a laugh.
"But that's what he does, he loves to come everywhere with us."
ARF is an association of people in Canberra who rescue dogs from euthanasia at local and regional pounds and foster them temporarily in their own homes. The fostering is "for as long as it takes to find them loving, permanent homes".
Since its inception in 2001, ARF has re-homed more than 3200 dogs in Canberra and the surrounding region.
Eighteen dogs were currently in care.
Louise said the fact dogs like Scottie had been in foster care before the adoption meant ARF could place them with the right potential owner.
"They certainly make sure the needs of the dog are met, as well as the adopter," she said.
"I think the other great reason to go through them is that they know the temperament and habits of the dogs.
"You know exactly what you're getting. They'll tell you if there are any problems or habits. I think it's just a great way to adopt a dog."
Louise said Scottie came into foster care because he was originally given to someone as a housewarming present.
The previous owner could not keep him because she had no fences. He was left alone during the day and that was not something either the owner or the dog wanted.
"It sounds like the previous owner surrendered him because she wanted a better life for him," Louise said.
"This dog just loves people so I feel he came from a very loving home, but he was lonely.
"We were lucky being retired that we could be at home with him all day.
"We just feel he's a wonderful addition to our family and we just love him to bits."
One of the great fundraisers for ARF is its calendar featuring both rescued dogs who have gone on to be adopted and those still requiring a home.
Dusty, who came from the Yass pound and was quickly re-homed, features on the cover.
Among the dogs in the calendar who were still waiting for a home is February's Bindi.
A two-year-old French bulldog who came into ARF's care in April, she requires knee surgery.
The 2021 calendar will be launched by popular ARF vet Dr Hamish Cameron from the West Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital.
The launch is being held next Saturday, October 10 at the Walt and Burley pub on the Kingston Foreshore at 10am.
Calendars will be $10.
The ARF 2021 calendars can be ordered from: calendars@fosterdogs.org
