At Camden Council’s Animal Care Facility, dreams are constantly made when cats and dogs are connected with loving new owners. But for one unfortunate dog, the wait at the facility was a little harder than for most.

Jimba arrived at the facility on 28 July 2022 after he was found in Elderslie. He spent his fifth birthday, Christmas and Easter at the facility as he watched his shelter mates come and go, patiently waiting for someone to take him.

But a whole year later, his prayers were finally answered by the Tannous family. On 5 August 2023, they adopted him and he was taken to his forever home in Bradbury.

“It’s good to know you’ve got someone at home and no matter what, he’s there regardless. He’s not going anywhere,” mother-of-three Amanda Tannous said about her family’s beloved new member.

Mrs Tannous came to look for a dog after the tragic passing of her beloved dog, Phoenix, eight months ago. Although at first hesitant, due to the heartbreak of Phoenix’s passing, pressure from her three sons encouraged her to visit the facility in Rossmore.

“We walked in and I was still apprehensive about it. I said ‘I’m not looking for anything … my heart’s still broken, it’s shattered,’” Mrs Tannous said. “They said ‘we’ve got someone I want you to meet. His name is Jimba.’”

She said it was love at first sight between the Tannous family and Jimba.

“We got him into the viewing pen and it was all over red rover from there. He was just a dream,” she said.

“I looked into his eyes and he was just sad and heartbroken. But also at the same time, he just wanted to sit on your feet and rub his bum on it, and jump on you, lick you and show you that he’s ok.”

Mrs Tannous said Jimba had been settling into his new home well.

“It’s hard to open your heart again when you’ve lost something that you love so much, but he’s definitely a good boy,” she said.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said she was glad to hear Jimba was now residing in a loving home.

“I always love to hear the stories of the cats and dogs at our Animal Care Facility finding a home, but Jimba’s case is particularly special,” she said.

“It’s not easy to open your heart and take in a five-year-old dog and so I thank the Tannous family very much for giving Jimba a second chance at being the loving dog we all know he wants to be.

“I hope you enjoy his warmth and affection for many years to come.”

Find out more about the Animal Care Facility by visiting the page on our website.