Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Inc

06/12/2025

Please welcome Duke… a little soul who’s had his world turned upside down.

Duke is a 9-year-old Maltese x Shih Tzu terrier who has suddenly found himself without the life he once knew. After losing his lifelong companion, Duke didn’t just lose a friend — he lost the one constant that brought him comfort and security.

Instead of receiving extra comfort or the chance to bond with a new friend to ease his grief, Duke found himself spending most of his days alone outside - and it was decided that Duke would be surrendered.

So here he is now — confused, grieving, and trying to understand why everything familiar slipped away all at once.

But this is where his story can finally turn.

With us, Duke won’t be left to face silence and sadness alone. He’ll have companionship, routine, and the gentle reassurance he’s been aching for. He deserves a home that chooses him every single day — in the good moments, and especially in the hard ones.

Welcome to the club, Duke, we’re pleased to have you on board 🩶

** NOT READY FOR ADOPTION **

05/12/2025

New Arrival: Charlie 🩵

Yesterday, little Charlie arrived from RSPCA VIC, surrendered to the shelter by his owner, and such a young boy at just 3 yrs old.

Charlie is a chihuahua with a big personality and a heart far heavier than it should be at his age. After a difficult period of fear and overwhelm in his former home, he’s now continuing his journey with us, and we’re honoured to help him find steadiness again.

He arrived at the shelter frightened, defensive, and, well, a little cantankerous. But given what he’s been through, it makes perfect sense. His world had become loud, unpredictable, and too intense for a small dog who desperately needed gentleness and space. Living with a very boisterous toddler left him so anxious that barking and snapping became the only tools he had to protect himself. Watching him arrive, trembling and unsure, it felt painfully clear that his fear hadn’t been well understood or managed.

But beneath all that worry… Charlie is trying - a tiny, beautiful moment when he entered his foster home and was met by his foster siblings that proves his spirit isn’t lost, just overwhelmed.

He hasn’t had his full health check yet, though we know he’ll need to lose a bit of weight. We’ll take that journey slowly and kindly — no pressure, no expectations he isn’t ready for.

Right now, Charlie is simply learning that he is safe.
That fear won’t be ignored here.
That he can take his time.
And that the right home — calm, patient, and emotionally gentle — will see past his initial prickles and recognise the sensitive little soul underneath.

Welcome, Charlie.
You’re allowed to be scared.
You’re allowed to take it slow.
And we’re here for every tiny step you choose to take. 💛

Thank you to RSPCA VIC for trusting us to continue Charlie’s journey and help him find the peace he deserves.

** NOT READY FOR ADOPTION **

04/12/2025

Jacqui is a gentle, affectionate girl who is ready to find her forever family. With her sweet nature and calm disposition, she will make a beautiful addition to almost any home.

About Jacqui:
• Fully toilet trained
• Sleeps soundly through the night
• Extremely loving and people-focused
• Gentle, well-mannered, and easy to have around
• Suited as an only dog or as a companion to another friendly dog

Since coming into care, Jacqui has blossomed into the perfect little companion. She’s affectionate without being demanding, devoted without being clingy, and always eager to share quiet moments of love.

Jacqui is a wonderful example of resilience and trust. She’s ready to bring warmth, companionship, and joy into the life of the family lucky enough to welcome her home 💕

**Mornington Peninsula VIC **

Microchip No: 956000004870016

Petsource ID: RE241803

The beautiful Jacqui is ready to find her forever place in a loving family. She’s eager to fill your home with joy and companionship. Jacqui's gentle nature and loving heart make her an impeccable...

03/12/2025

Sixteen years… that’s how long Candy waited for this kind of peace.
Now she curls up in front of the window and falls asleep like she’s finally letting her little body rest from a lifetime of holding on.

She’s eating three meals a day — slow, steady, trusting a little more with every bowl — and the relief of hearing her tumours were low grade felt like the universe finally giving her a break.

And foster parents Carolynne and Tristan… they are wrapping her in the kind of gentle, patient care that can heal old wounds you can’t see. They’re guiding her through her first real experience of love, safety, and quiet comfort.

Candy is finally living the life she should never have had to wait 16 years for 💕

01/12/2025

Bella recently had her dental work done — two teeth removed and a small cyst taken from her back — but the biggest change hasn’t been medical… it’s been in her heart.

We learned that Bella spent her past life shut away in a crate, alone. Her owners had moved into a property that didn’t allow pets, so they left her behind in the house. They’d drop in to feed her and take her out briefly, only to place her straight back in the crate before leaving again.

She had never sat on a couch.
She had never been part of a family.
She slept in a separate area, shut away from the world — and from love.

So when her foster carers opened their home and gave her full freedom, Bella genuinely had no idea she was even allowed to be included… to be close… to belong.

But slowly — beautifully — she’s begun to understand.

She’s absolutely smitten with foster dad Bill.
If he’s out in the garden, Bella is right by his side.
If Bill is relaxing in his chair, you can bet she’s tucked in with him, finally knowing what it feels like to be someone’s companion.

Watching a dog who has been starved of human connection blossom… watching her realise that not all people are the same, that she can trust, that she can be part of a family, that she is loved…

That’s the ultimate icing on the cake 💕

28/11/2025

Mollie found herself alone … and unable to find her way back home.
Just three years old, this little girl sat quietly in the shelter, waiting… and waiting… for someone to come for her.

No one came.

All four canine teeth are fractured, obviously undesexed, ears infected…..

Yet her heart — sweet Mollie — shy, unsure, avoidant during dog tests, never aggressive — just a girl who’s been let down and needs patience, love, and gentle hands to help her confidence bloom. The world has been a confusing place for her, but she’s trying.

Yesterday morning, we jumped at the chance to bust Mollie out of the shelter.
Our incredible secretary and transporter, Tarnia, with her trusted ex-SPDR sidekick Beau, hopped straight in the car, collected Mollie, and delivered her safely into the loving arms of foster parents Sandra and Malcolm.

First stop: a warm bath to wash away the dirt, the matts, and a little of her past.

Next stop: we’re hoping to secure an appointment next week with our wonderful groomers for a proper makeover, followed by a full vet check to get her dental and health needs sorted.

Mollie’s new chapter has begun — soft beds, kind voices, and people who won’t give up on her 🩶

** NOT READY FOR ADOPTION **

27/11/2025

We were shocked — and so were the vets.
Today we finally received the news we’ve been waiting on — Candy’s tumour is a grade 1 (low grade) cancer, with clean margins on the main tumour and the smaller ones surrounding it. We are beyond thankful for this incredible, relieving news.

Once she’s recovered, we’ll move forward with the major dental surgery she desperately needs to remove her painful, decaying teeth.

From a little girl who lived outside for all of her 16 long years, to being surrendered to us, to now being wrapped in safety, dignity, and a second chance in her twilight years — Candy reminds us what true resilience looks like.

Her journey is humbling, heartbreaking, and filled with hope 💛

27/11/2025

How to know you’re doing life right:

Love dogs with your whole heart — because they’ll give you theirs without hesitation.

Be loved by dogs — the purest, truest love you will ever know.

Have friends who love dogs — the kind of people who understand loyalty, softness, and showing up.

And have a dog — even just one — because a single dog can change your whole world, heal pieces of you you didn’t know were broken, and remind you every day what unconditional love feels like 🩵

26/11/2025

Kiwi has found his new mum, Sue — a place where love is steady, comfort is certain, and the cheese tax is paid with a smile every single time!

Our deepest thanks to our remarkable foster parents, Giulia and Bill, whose compassion has carried countless little souls from uncertainty to hope. Kiwi’s beautiful new beginning is another chapter written by their kindness.

We wish Kiwi and Sue the happiest of journeys ahead — may their days be gentle, their bond grow deep, and their future shine bright 💫

25/11/2025

Jacqui after her spa day: freshly pampered, deeply relaxed, and seconds away from a snooze 💤

Huge thanks to Dashing Designer Dogs Mornington for their support and spoiling her — next stop, dental day on Thursday so she can feel her very best ✨

24/11/2025

🎄 Join us for a festive night of fun at Bunnings Mornington! 🎄

📍1100 Nepean Highway
Mornington VIC 3931

Bring the whole family along to this FREE Christmas Family Event on Thursday 4th December from 5:00pm – 7:00pm.

Enjoy an evening packed with festive activities, including a free sausage sizzle, Christmas craft, popcorn, giveaways, decorate-your-own Christmas donut, petting zoo, face painting, mini golf, and a racing car remote game.

Soak up the Christmas spirit with carols performed by the Western Port Band, meet the SES mascot, and say hello to Mornington Police — plus show your support for local community groups.

🐾 Sweet Paws Dog Rescue Inc. will be there!
Visit our stall to browse books, blankets, Christmas dog gifts, and our 2026 Christmas calendar, with all proceeds helping dogs in need.

✨ Don’t miss out — registration is essential!
Scan the QR code on the flyer to secure your spot.

It’s set to be a wonderful evening — we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎅🏻