Adoption Hub

For Steph, adopting a fluffy little puppy wasn’t on her 2013 bingo card,but when she saw photos of Coco (affectionately known as Cokie) in desperate need of a loving home, she knew she had to step in.

After her partner Seth travelled to a small town on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, Steph finally had Cokie in her arms, reflecting that “from that day on, she’s been my best friend, and I can’t imagine life without her.”

Prior to adopting, Steph had to think carefully about whether her lifestyle would suit Cokie. As she lived alone, she wanted to ensure that she got the attention she needed and wasn’t left alone for too long. Luckily she had a support network she could lean on. With Seth living in his own home and her parents nearby, Cokie received the love of three wonderful households. Now sharing a home, Steph and Seth even attribute the pup to being one of the “things that bound us together.”

Then, in 2024, the couple received another message about a lonely puppy in foster care at the same town Cokie was rescued from 12 years prior. After taking one look at energetic Piper, they geared up for the long drive to go and meet the sweet little girl. Initially nervous about whether she would get along with Cokie, Steph and Seth quickly realised they had nothing to worry about, fondly recounting that “Piper quickly became part of the family and now fits right in with our slightly rag-tag group of dogs, as if she’s always been here.”

“Adopting Piper not only felt like the right step for us” Steph reflects, “but we also hoped it would help ease the transition for our other dog, Sunny, by giving her a new friend” as they are aware that Cokie is getting on in her years.

Adopting Cokie and Piper has brought unexpected joy and love into Steph and Seth’s lives. Whether it’s embracing those quiet moments on walks when the couple have time to chat, having the pooches as a crutch to lean on when they feel sad or anxious, or the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating a safe home for the pair to flourish, Steph shares that

“there’s something incredible about how they end up taking care of you as well.”