Meet Cleo

What's up dog?

I moved to Ballarat in 2019. I didn't know a soul here. 3 weeks after moving in I got a call from my great Niece who at that time was working at a vet clinic in Melbourne. She asked if I could give a dog a home. Cleo had been taken into the vet by her then owner. He put her on the counter and said 'put the dog down I don't want it anymore' signed the surrender form and walked out on her after 8 years. I drive to Melbourne and collected Cleo to come and start my new life with me. I have met so many people and their little doggies. We have a wonderful circle of friends and you will often see Cleo and I out on Sunday drives around regional Vic, out at cafes around town or in the botanic gardens - our happy place. She has changed my life in so many ways - I live alone and am self-employed working from home so it could have a very isolating and solitary existence. Cleo changed everything. She will often make her contribution to Zoom or Teams meetings and is by my side always. She has brought me enormous joy, companionship and brought countless people into my life. The positive impact on my mental health has been profound. We have had our challenges as she has some significant health issues but I'm so privileged to be able to support and help her as she supports and helps me. Isn't that what teamwork is all about?

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