🕐

Hours

Mon–Fri 6:30am–6pm · Sat–Sun 8am–5:30pm

Dogwood Lodge · Tails of Hope

Rewriting their stories,
one tail wag at a time.

"Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn't ever know we had." — Thom Jones

Apply to Adopt 🐾 Happy Endings ↓

Our Story

A boutique rescue.
Every dog chosen with care.

Tails of Hope is the rescue arm of Dogwood Lodge Pet Retreat — a small, deeply personal programme run by Jonathan and Kelsy. We aren't a shelter. We're a boutique rescue, which means we're selective about the dogs we take in, the families we place them with, and every step of the journey in between.

We don't have unlimited space, so we can't say yes to every dog. But when we do say yes — we mean it completely. Every dog we take in is assessed, cared for, and loved until they find exactly the right home.

The dogs we take in are usually known to us — clients' dogs, or dogs referred through people we trust. We prioritise healthy, good-natured dogs who will thrive in the right home.

🌙

The dog that started it all — Moon

Moon is a Border Collie / Australian Shepherd mix who came to us as a 9-week-old rescue. Someone needed to find her a home, and the moment we met her, we knew we couldn't let her go. She's been part of the Dogwood family ever since. She's the reason Tails of Hope exists.

🏠

Boutique, not a shelter

We take in a small number of dogs at a time — which means each one gets our full attention, proper assessment, and the care they deserve while they wait for their forever home.

💛

Known dogs, trusted referrals

Most dogs who come through Tails of Hope are already known to us — clients' dogs, or referred through people in our community. We don't accept walk-in surrenders or dogs we don't know.

🤝

The right match, every time

We take the placement process seriously. We review every application personally and ask the questions that matter. The right family for each dog is as important as the dog itself.

🐾

Run with love, not obligation

Tails of Hope isn't a charity or a government programme. It's something Jonathan and Kelsy do because they love dogs and believe every good dog deserves a great life.

🐾 Tails of Hope

Currently in our care

Meet the dogs ready and waiting for their forever families.

🐾 Available for Adoption

Bert

Bull Terrier · ~2 years old ♂ Male

Adoption Fee None Required

Please welcome a very handsome new face to Dogwood. Bert is an almost two-year-old Bull Terrier with a lot of love to give!

Bert's previous family made a responsible decision to surrender him to our care. He's a lovely, affectionate boy — but he gets very excited around young children and loves to chase little feet, so his owners knew the safest choice was to let us help him find a home better suited to his energy level. We have a lot of respect for them for putting safety first. 💛

Since arriving, Bert has had his mint spa bath 🧼✨ and met our Border Collie Spirit, who handled his rough-around-the-edges greeting style like a true pro.

After spending some quality time with Bert, we've decided it's best to find him his perfect match sooner rather than later. He's doing amazing with our staff and is a superstar in his crate, but we can tell our busy facility — with boarding, daycare, grooming, and more all happening at once — is a lot for him to take in. We believe the sooner he's settled into a quiet home routine with plenty of one-on-one attention, the faster he'll truly thrive.

Bert is incredibly fun and full of life, with tons of great energy — he'd be the ultimate partner for someone who loves long walks, hiking, and outdoor adventures. He loves attention and will be fiercely loyal to his person.

To give Bert the best start, he needs a specific kind of home:

Only Pet: No other dogs, cats, or small animals — Bert is reactive to other dogs.
No Young Children: Best suited to a home with kids aged 8 and up, or no children, as his high energy can be a lot for little ones.
An Active Lifestyle: Someone who can channel his energy into hikes, walks, and outdoor adventures.
Patience & Guidance: Leash walking and new surroundings are still new to him — he needs an owner ready to work on training and build his confidence.

Apply to Adopt Bert →

Adopted

Noah

Miniature Poodle · 4 years old · Neutered ♂ Male

Noah is a very sweet, gentle boy who was understandably a little shy when he first arrived. He'd never been in a setting like ours before, so he took some time to adjust to his new surroundings — and he did amazing, right from the start.

He quickly showed us he's very well crate trained, keeps his crate incredibly clean, and has such a sweet temperament overall.

Noah spent his earlier years as a breeding stud, and once he was finished breeding he was no longer wanted. After a short stay with another family, Noah found his way to us — and we're so glad we got to give him the time, patience, and love he deserved while he was here.

Noah has found his forever home! Applications and enquiries for Noah are no longer being accepted.

Health & vaccinations: Neutered, and up to date on Bordetella, DHPP, and Rabies vaccinations.

Adopted

Molly

Springer Spaniel · 9 months old · Spayed ♀ Female

Molly's previous owner made a very hard but thoughtful decision to put Molly and her needs first. As a young and energetic Springer Spaniel, Molly needs plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and an active lifestyle — and her owner recognized she wasn't able to provide everything Molly needs to thrive. We truly commend her for making the choice that was best for them both, giving Molly the opportunity to find a home where she can thrive forever. 💛

Molly is such a beautiful dog. Since arriving at Dogwood, she has really come out of her shell. She's amazing with us and the other dogs — she gets along wonderfully with dogs of all sizes and is already showing us what a sweet girl she is!

We also hear Molly loves the beach and has quite the love for chasing birds — a very fitting Springer Spaniel trait! 🌊🐦

Molly is now ready to find her forever home.

Health & vaccinations: Spayed, and up to date on Bordetella, DHPP, and Rabies vaccinations.

Adoption Application

Apply to Adopt Bert

Please complete this form as thoroughly as you can. It helps us understand your household and make sure Bert is the right fit for everyone involved.

Your Information

Full Name * Home Address *

Cell Phone * Phone 2 (optional)

Preferred Contact Method

Email * Confirm Email *

Household Details

Bert needs a specific kind of home: no young children (under 8) in the household, and no other pets (dogs, cats, or small animals). Please answer honestly below — this helps us match him with the right family the first time.

People in Household * Are there any children under 8 living in your household? * Does everyone in the household agree to this adoption? * Do you currently have any other pets (dogs, cats, or small animals)? *

Lifestyle & Daily Routine

Are you currently working? * If you work outside the home, how many hours per day is the dog typically alone? How would you describe your household's activity level? * Type of residence * Do you rent or own? If renting, does your landlord allow dogs, and are there breed restrictions?

Dog Experience

Have you owned a dog before? * Have you ever worked with a dog who was reactive, anxious, or needed behavioural training? Are you willing and able to commit to ongoing, professional dog-reactivity training for Bert? * Tell us a bit about why you'd like to adopt Bert specifically.

A note about Bert: Bert is reactive to other dogs and will need a real, ongoing training commitment outside of a boarding environment to help him build confidence and good manners. We're not looking to scare anyone off — Bert is a wonderful, affectionate boy — but we want to be upfront so the right family steps forward, with eyes open and ready to support him through it.

Adoption Fee $200

This fee helps cover Bert's veterinary care, vaccinations, and the cost of caring for him during his time with us.

I understand and agree to pay the $200 adoption fee as part of adopting Bert. *

I confirm the information provided is accurate, and I understand this application is the start of the adoption process, not a guarantee of placement. I understand Bert is reactive to other dogs and requires ongoing training. *

Submitting this form does not guarantee adoption. Our team will review your application and follow up to arrange next steps, which may include a meet-and-greet.

Happy Endings

Dogs we've found
their forever homes

Every single one of these dogs has a family now. That's what this is all for.

✓ Adopted

Ivy

Littermate of Charley · Found her forever home 2026

✓ Adopted

Charley

Littermate of Ivy · Found his forever home 2026

✓ Adopted

Cassie

formerly Violet

✓ Adopted

Frank-James

✓ Adopted

Shadow

✓ Adopted

Bolt

✓ Adopted

Akuna

Littermate of Tia

✓ Adopted

Tia

Littermate of Akuna

✓ Adopted

Bella

✓ Adopted

Homer

Never Forgotten

✓ Adopted

Sonny

✓ Adopted

Mishka

✓ Adopted

Bruno

✓ Adopted

Skye

✓ Adopted

Bailey

✓ Adopted

Bailey

✓ Adopted

Willie Wonka

♥ Our Moon

Moon 🌙

The one who started it all — now part of the Dogwood family forever

✓ Adopted

Moxie

Never Forgotten

✓ Adopted

Bowser

✓ Adopted

Bella

✓ Adopted

Hugo

✓ Adopted

Willow

Never Forgotten

✓ Adopted

Lily

✓ Adopted

Daisy

27 dogs. 27 forever homes. Every single one still makes us smile. 🐾

How adoption works

The adoption process

We take this seriously because we have to. Every decision affects a life.

Submit an application

Fill out our adoption application below. Be honest and detailed — this helps us make the best possible match for both you and the dog.

We review & reach out

Jonathan or Kelsy will review your application personally and get in touch to discuss the dog, your home, and whether it feels like the right fit.

Meet the dog

If things look promising, we arrange a meet. Sometimes it's instant. Sometimes it takes a moment. We trust the dogs to tell us when it's right.

Welcome home

Adoption fee is paid, paperwork is signed, and a dog gets their forever home. Another tail wag for the books.

What we look for

Finding the right family
for each dog

We review every application personally. There's no algorithm. No checklist that automatically approves or rejects. We're looking for the right fit — for the dog first, and the family second.

We ask about your home, your schedule, your existing pets, and your children. We want to understand your life — because that's the life this dog is stepping into. We also ask why this specific dog. That answer matters a lot to us.

✓ Dogs we can consider

Healthy, good-natured dogs
Good with people and other dogs
Known to us or trusted referrals
Dogs whose owners can no longer care for them
Vaccinated or willing to be

✗ Dogs we cannot accept

Dogs with a history of aggression
Dogs who have bitten a person or child
Unknown dogs with no referral
Walk-in surrenders
Dogs we have no space to accommodate

$450+

Adoption fee · Starting from

Our adoption fee varies depending on the dog and what we've invested in their care — vaccinations, spay/neuter, veterinary assessments, and time. Every dollar goes directly back into the programme.

What's included

Vaccination records
Spay/neuter if applicable
Health assessment
Our full knowledge of the dog
Our continued support after adoption

Thinking about surrendering your dog?

We understand that sometimes life changes in ways that make it impossible to keep a pet. If you're in that situation, we want to hear from you — but please read this first.

⚠ We do not accept walk-in surrenders and we cannot guarantee we have space. Please fill out the placement enquiry form below and we'll be in touch. We are not able to accept aggressive dogs under any circumstances.

Applications

Ready to take the next step?

Choose the form that applies to you. We read every single one.

01 — Personal Details

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Address *

Secondary Applicant Name (if applicable)

02 — The Dog

Which dog are you enquiring about? *

Why would this specific dog be a match for your family? *

This is one of the most important questions. Take your time.

03 — Your Household

Adults in home *

Children in home *

Ages of children

Type of residence *

Other pets in your home

Work schedule & time alone *

If the dog would be alone for more than 4 hours, please include your let-out plan.

Anything else you'd like us to know?

Adoption fee from $450. We'll be in touch personally after reviewing your application.

Please read before filling this out. We do not accept walk-in surrenders and we cannot always guarantee space. This form begins a conversation — not a guarantee of placement. We cannot accept aggressive dogs under any circumstances.

01 — Your Details

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Address *

02 — About Your Dog

Dog's Name *

Breed *

Date of Birth *

Approximate is fine

Sex *

Spayed/Neutered? *

House Trained? *

Has your dog ever bitten a person or child? *

Tell us about your dog *

Personality, temperament, how they are with other dogs, children, strangers — anything that paints a picture.

Reason for surrender *

Vaccinations *

Preferred surrender date

Drop-off must be before 2pm. This is not a guaranteed date — we will confirm once we’ve reviewed your enquiry.

Anything else we should know?

03 — Relinquishment Agreement

By checking the box below, you confirm that you have read and agree to the following terms. Please read carefully before submitting.

I am the legal owner of the dog described in this form, or I have the legal authority to surrender them on the owner’s behalf.
I voluntarily and permanently relinquish all ownership rights, title, and interest in this dog to Dogwood Lodge Pet Retreat upon confirmed acceptance.
I understand that Dogwood Lodge Pet Retreat will assume full responsibility for the dog’s care, welfare, and all future rehoming decisions.
I understand that Dogwood Lodge Pet Retreat cannot guarantee a specific placement outcome and reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the dog’s future.
I confirm that all information provided in this form is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false information may result in the surrender being refused or reversed.
I understand that once a surrender is confirmed in writing by Dogwood Lodge Pet Retreat, it is final and cannot be reversed.

I have read and agree to the Relinquishment Agreement above. I confirm I am the legal owner of this dog and have the full authority to surrender them to Dogwood Lodge Pet Retreat. *

This is an enquiry, not a confirmed placement. We will review and be in touch as soon as we can.

Rewriting their stories,
one tail wag at a time.

A boutique rescue.
Every dog chosen with care.

Currently in our care

Apply to Adopt Bert

Your Information

Household Details

Lifestyle & Daily Routine

Dog Experience

Dogs we've found
their forever homes

The adoption process

Finding the right family
for each dog

✓ Dogs we can consider

✗ Dogs we cannot accept

What's included

Thinking about surrendering your dog?

Ready to take the next step?

Application received!

Enquiry received.

Rewriting their stories,one tail wag at a time.

A boutique rescue.Every dog chosen with care.

Currently in our care

Apply to Adopt Bert

Your Information

Household Details

Lifestyle & Daily Routine

Dog Experience

Dogs we've foundtheir forever homes

The adoption process

Finding the right familyfor each dog

✓ Dogs we can consider

✗ Dogs we cannot accept

What's included

Thinking about surrendering your dog?

Ready to take the next step?

Application received!

Enquiry received.

Rewriting their stories,
one tail wag at a time.

A boutique rescue.
Every dog chosen with care.

Dogs we've found
their forever homes

Finding the right family
for each dog