26/10/2026
Bucky is gonna be hard to let go but he deserves his own person to devote all that cattle dog love and loyalty to ❤️
When I put my hand up to foster him, he’d already been through another rescue organisation and spent a year in an adoptive home. I don’t know what came before that, but at just three years old, he’s already had a fair bit of upheaval.
Bucky was surrendered because he was becoming destructive while his people were at work. When I brought him home, he was very stressed—panting, pacing and initially reacting to my dogs. Everything and everyone was unfamiliar to him, so we took our time with introductions and worked out what helped him feel comfortable.
An early attempt at sleeping in the puppy room resulted in storage containers and other bits and pieces being pulled onto the floor. Watching the we**am, I could see how unsettled he was, but he hadn’t actually chewed or destroyed anything.
So we tried a crate in the lounge room, closer to everyone. For the first couple of nights, he whined for a little while before settling. Now he goes into his crate quite happily and sleeps all night without a peep.
During the day, he’s formed a lovely bond with Euka, my 37 kg foster fail. They play, nap, then get up and do it all again! Bucky has become very attached to me too, and seeing him relax and enjoy himself has made him particularly hard to imagine saying goodbye to.
But that’s what fostering is about—helping them get ready, then finding the home that’s right for them.
For Bucky, I’m looking for someone who is home most days and a friendly doggy companion who enjoys both playing and snuggling. He’s done well here with canine company when I’ve gone out, although settling into another home and building confidence with time apart will still need patience.
He bonds quickly with his person, but doggy friendships can take a few days to develop. An easygoing, playful dog and calm, gradual introductions would give him the best start.
We’re happy to arrange a couple of meet and greets before beginning a trial adoption, so a home within an hour or so of his foster home near Sunbury, Victoria, would be ideal.
More info is below, and I’ll add a couple of videos of him playing with Euka so you can see that lovely friendship for yourselves. 🐾
BUCKY - 3yo M ACDx - VIC (airport region)
Meet Bucky!
If you like a dog who wants to be involved in whatever you’re doing, Bucky would like to put his paw up. Especially if what you’re doing is sitting on the couch with a spare hand available for pats!
Bucky was pretty worried when he first came into care, but he’s settled in beautifully as he’s got to know everyone. He’s become best buddies with his foster brother, Euka, and their days involve plenty of bitey face, chasey and naps. The other dogs join in when they feel like it, and when someone tells him they’ve had enough, he takes the hint and backs off.
When playtime is over, he loves to snuggle up beside his foster mum, usually with his paws resting on her lap. He’s very affectionate and will happily nudge his nose under your hand if he thinks you’ve forgotten to pat him. Belly rubs are also very much his thing.
Bucky is house trained, walks well on lead and sleeps in his crate inside overnight. He knows sit and shake, and his recall has been really good in his foster home. He loves his food, so there’s plenty of incentive to learn a few more things! He could also stand to lose a little padding, although he probably wouldn’t agree with that assessment.
We think Bucky would be happiest with someone who is home a lot and a friendly, playful dog to keep him company. He’s formed such a lovely friendship with Euka, and having a doggy mate around seems to help him feel at home. He does best with calm, gradual introductions so everyone can get comfortable with each other.
Bucky is still learning that it’s okay when his person goes out. So far, he’s settled well when left with his foster dog friends, but he’ll need a home that can ease him into time apart and help him build confidence. He’s very much a family dog who wants to live inside and be part of your day.
His previous family said he was good with children and loved going in the car. We haven’t had a chance to try those things out in foster care yet, and we don’t know how he would go with cats.
He’s a lovely, cuddly boy with a playful side, looking for a person to stick close to and a doggy friend to share the fun. And if there happens to be room beside you on the couch, even better!
Apply here: https://www.workingdogrescue.com.au/adopt/apply-to-adopt/
