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We were looking for a dog to heal our hearts, as our previous dog Didi had left us far too soon. A small dog was our goal, so it was off to the shelter with us.

We went to the first Pop Up Adoption that the RSPCA had ever had in Brisbane, Australia, with high hopes. Unfortunately, all the smaller or medium-sized dogs were being adopted so fast that I couldn't find anything.

My kids were young and bored with the whole process, so my wife took them out of the event to play on the nearby playground. The responsibility fell to me to find a suitable pet.

I continued to wander from aisle to aisle until I came across a young lad that wasn't barking like the others. He just sat there with a dignity and grace wagging his tail.

I walked over to say hello, and we immediately bonded; he refused to leave my side. So he had made his choice, I was his.

I called my wife to tell her that I had found a dog. When she saw him, her jaw dropped. He was a lot bigger than we had planned to adopt. But adopt him we did.

His story was a sad one. He had been surrendered at 6 months and had been living in a shelter for 12 months. Twelve months of patiently waiting for someone to adopt him. For some reason, he had been passed over for all that time.

Well, he became a part of our family straight away. My kids and wife love him and he loves them. But he and I have special bond. He brings me his toys whenever I get home, and he greets me with a neverending excited tail that could power a small city with its movement.

He loves rough play but is as gentle as a lamb when asked to be. He is super intelligent and always eager to go for a walk, saying hi to everyone he meets.

He is my Rexy boy, and I adore all 33 kilograms of him. We have had him for 8.5 years now and are hoping that he will live for a while yet. But we will be happy to have what ever time he has and will love him every day.

Story submitted by John Bittel.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!