Magenta the kelpie finds a home after more than two years with RSPCA NSW

Nine-year-old chocolate kelpie Magenta has finally found a home, after spending 843 days in the care of NSW RSPCA. Her new owners are so thrilled, they’re encouraging others to adopt.

Forget New Year’s Eve, RSPCA NSW is having the biggest party now because Magenta the kelpie has finally found a home after more than two years.

The nine-year-old chocolate-coated canine spent 843 days under the organisation’s care, where she was trained, treasured and loved before meeting her perfect human match last month.

Magenta arrived at the shelter after being mistreated.

She spent her youth tied up to a short rope, left to endure long periods of cold temperatures and isolation, which led to the development of behavioural issues and lack of life skills.

But, with the help of RSPCA NSW regional foster care co-ordinator Kate Conaghan and the team at the Coffs Harbour shelter, the animal behaviourist was able to turn Magenta’s life around.

Magenta the kelpie is living her best life with her new owners, who are encouraging others to adopt.

The kelpie came into Ms Conaghan’s care in February 2022, where she was put on strict crate rest for three months while recovering from surgery.

“From the moment she came home with me she fitted in … a curious and soft nature with our other dogs and other foster animals, which blossomed into soft play and friendships,” Ms Conaghan said. “Once she was able to spend time out of the crate the real learning happened – home life suits her and she adapted quickly and I could easily have adopted her, but I knew what she really needed was people of her own that she didn’t have to share.”

Room to play, her own toys and …

… lots of love at Magenta’s new home.

While Magenta was in foster care, the RSPCA made several posts to social media in hope of finding her a home.

Consequently, the kelpie gained a large, country-wide following, with thousands of Australians staying up to date with Magenta’s story online.

For the kelpie’s new owners, who do not wish to be named, it was her story of resilience that made them fall in love with Magenta.

“The really hard life she had, the beautiful look on her face and the fact that she needed a lot of after-care — I thought she would be really happy here,” one said.

The Coffs Harbour RSPCA team were thrilled when Lagenta found her furever home.

The owners are now using their story to convince others to consider adopting a pet.

“There are so many beautiful rescue dogs that just want a second chance,” they said.

“What RSPCA NSW have put into Magenta is absolutely incredible.”

Currently, 286 animals are ready for adoption across the state — 85 are dogs and puppies.

This number was higher during the pandemic, but the demand to adopt a pet then was greater than it is now.

“During the initial wave of Covid restrictions, RSPCA NSW saw an incredible 30 per cent increase in adoptions across the state’s shelters and Petbarn adoption centres,” a RSPCA spokesperson said.

“This was heartwarming to see as many of our long-term residents were able to find loving forever homes during this time and animals spent less time up for adoption.”

While there is no limit on the amount of time animals can spend in RSPCA care, staff shortages across shelters is putting pressure on the “animal to staff ratio capacity” — another reason why animal lovers should consider adopting.

For more information on how to adopt and to see what animals are seeking a new home, head to the RSPCA NSW website.

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Originally published as Magenta the kelpie finds a home after more than two years with RSPCA NSW