‘Sad and alone’: Kylie Lloyd gives dog new life after he was dumped on the side of a highway

One woman is trying to make a difference in the lives of thousands of abandoned animals after adopting a “beautiful” dog dumped on the side of a popular highway. See how you can help.

When an old border collie was dumped on the side of the highway in Inverloch, he was “sad and alone” and left without much hope of a better life.

But this dog, soon to be named Roy, had a guardian angel looking out for him.

Kylie Lloyd from Wonthaggi saw Roy on a local community Facebook page and instantly knew she had to have him.

“I saw him and just thought ‘look at this beautiful boy, I need to follow up’,” she said.

So, follow up she did.

She called the pound and “hassled” them about how much she would “love to take him”.

Roy was rescued by Wonthaggi woman, Kylie Lloyd after she saw him abandoned on the highway. Picture: Supplied.

Roy had to be taken to the RSPCA where Ms Lloyd continued to call until eventually Roy was released to her after not being claimed.

Ms Lloyd said when Roy came to her he was “so sad” but now he was “so beautiful” and “nothing phases him”.

Roy now rides around in a pram. Picture: Supplied.

“He is about 17 years old and I just wish I had known him as a puppy so we could have even more time together,” she said.

Ms Lloyd wanted to do something to help the other rescue dogs stuck in shelters without families to go home to for a warm bed and a nice meal.

She is taking part in a challenge to walk 5km a day with Roy for the month of August to raise money for the RSPCA.

This winter in Victoria, more than 3000 animals will call RSPCA shelters home. The funds raised will go towards much needed vet care, rehabilitation and to finding their new forever homes.

“But Roy is so old he can’t walk that far, he can maybe manage about 700m,” she said.

So, Ms Lloyd purchased a “pram” for Roy so he could still enjoy his walks everyday without getting tired.

Kylie Lloyd and Roy head out for a walk before Roy needs to go in the pram. Picture: Supplied.

“He just loves it,” she said.

“We went out to Kilcunda the other day and he just gazed out at the ocean, you could see it in his eyes, he was happy.”

Ms Lloyd said sometimes she and Roy were recognised while they walked around the town.

“People remember him from the posts on the Facebook pages and they are so happy to see he is doing well,” she said.

Ms Lloyd has been recognised by the RSPCA as one of the top fundraisers in the challenge, having already raised over $600.

“I just want people to see the benefits in adopting a dog, particularly older dogs. If people have the capacity I say please bring them into your home and your hearts,” she said.

“You can even sign up as a foster carer through the RSPCA and they will pay for all the medical expenses.”

If you would like to donate to Ms Lloyd and Roy and the thousands of other dogs going without a home you can here.