Part 10 of 10 in the series “Records”
NSW Companion Animals Registry — Microchip Activity Report
Generated: 14 March 2026
Request Type: Full History Export (Owner Request — Section 84, Companion Animals Act 1998)
Microchip Number: 953010004827163
Species: Canine
Breed: Kelpie Cross (desexed male)
Colour: Red/tan with white chest blaze
Date of Birth (estimated): September 2016
Current Registration: Canterbury-Bankstown Council, #CB-2023-08841
Current Registered Name: Captain
Current Owner: Haddad, S. & Haddad, M., Earlwood NSW
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
Owner 1 — Registered Name: RUSTY
Breeder/Source: Private (backyard litter, Goulburn NSW)
Microchipped: 18 November 2016, Goulburn Veterinary Clinic
First Owner: Jackson, T. & Morley, B., Marrickville NSW
Registration: Inner West Council, #IW-2016-33204
VETERINARY RECORD — MARRICKVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
22 November 2016 — New patient registration
Weight: 4.2kg
Vaccination: C3 (first)
Flea/tick/worm: Nexgard Spectra commenced
Notes: “Healthy pup. Good temperament. Owners report he sleeps in their bed already — advised on crate training. They laughed.”
14 December 2016 — Vaccination
Weight: 5.8kg
Vaccination: C3 (second)
Notes: “Growing well. Owners enrolled in puppy school at Inner West Paws (receipt provided for council registration).“
18 January 2017 — Vaccination
Weight: 8.1kg
Vaccination: C5
Notes: “Completed primary course. Socialisation good. Owners report he’s learned ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘shake,’ and ‘where’s your ball?’ Exceptionally food-motivated.”
15 March 2017 — Desexing
Weight: 11.3kg
Procedure: Routine castration, no complications
Post-op check (17 March): Healing well. “Owner B. Morley called twice overnight re: licking at site. Reassured. Cone of shame in place.”
12 September 2017 — Annual health check
Weight: 18.6kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
Dental: Good
Condition: Excellent. Coat glossy.
Notes: “Well-exercised dog. Owners report daily walks to Marrickville Metro and weekend trips to Sydney Park off-leash. No concerns.”
3 February 2018 — Consultation
Weight: 18.4kg
Presenting complaint: Limping, right foreleg
Examination: Mild soft tissue swelling, no fracture suspected
Diagnosis: Probable sprain (fetch-related per owner)
Treatment: Rest 5 days, Meloxicam 1.5mg daily x 3 days
Notes: “Owner T. Jackson very attentive. Asked detailed questions about long-term joint health. Discussed glucosamine supplements — declined for now.”
18 September 2018 — Annual health check
Weight: 19.1kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
All normal
Notes: “Healthy dog in excellent condition. Owners mentioned they’re ‘thinking about moving to Melbourne for work.’ Asked about interstate microchip transfer process. Information provided.”
RSPCA NSW — SHELTER INTAKE RECORD
Intake ID: RSPCA-2019-SYD-04417
Date of Intake: 8 March 2019
Method: Owner surrender (by appointment)
Surrendered by: T. Jackson, Marrickville
Reason for Surrender: “Moving to Melbourne. Rental doesn’t allow pets.”
Surrender Interview Notes (conducted by V. Passos, Intake Officer):
“Two owners present at surrender. Dog in good physical condition, clean, well-groomed. Provided: vaccination booklet, desexing certificate, favourite ball (yellow tennis ball, well-chewed), a bag of Black Hawk kibble (opened, approx. 2kg remaining), a blue collar with name tag, and a typed page of notes titled ‘Things to Know About Rusty.‘
The notes included: preferred sleeping position (curled, facing the door), reaction to thunderstorms (‘he’s fine, he just wants to sit near you’), favourite treat (carrot sticks), the command for ‘go to bed’ (they use ‘settle’), and a note that he doesn’t like being picked up but will tolerate it if you warn him first.
The typed notes were two pages.
B. Morley was visibly emotional. T. Jackson was composed but asked three times whether we could guarantee he’d go to ‘a good home.’ I explained our adoption process. He asked if they could be notified when he was adopted. I explained we don’t normally do that but took their email address and said I’d try.
Dog was calm throughout. Sat between both owners. Did not pull or show distress. Tail low but wagging intermittently.
Surrenderers asked for a moment before leaving. Allowed 5 minutes in the intake room. When they left, the dog watched the door for approximately 40 seconds, then lay down with his head on his paws.
Items retained with animal file: typed care notes (2pp), yellow tennis ball. Blue collar replaced with shelter collar per protocol.”
Behavioral Assessment — 11 March 2019 (J. Trang, Behavioral Team)
| Category | Score (1-5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sociability (people) | 5 | Approaches readily, relaxed body language, seeks contact |
| Sociability (dogs) | 4 | Appropriate greeting behaviour, some resource guarding with high-value toys (tennis ball) |
| Handling tolerance | 4 | Tolerates all handling. Slight tension when lifted — consistent with surrender notes |
| Leash behaviour | 5 | Walks to heel without correction. Responsive to verbal cues |
| Food behaviour | 5 | Takes treats gently. No food aggression. Will work for rewards |
| Noise sensitivity | 3 | Startled at kennel door slam, recovered within 5 seconds |
| Alone tolerance | 4 | Settled within 2 minutes of handler leaving. No vocalisation |
Overall assessment: “Excellent adoption candidate. Well-trained, well-socialised adult dog. No behavioural flags. Recommended for standard adoption (no restrictions).”
Adoption listing posted: 13 March 2019
Profile description: “Rusty is a 2-year-old kelpie cross who came to us when his family had to move interstate. He’s house-trained, walks beautifully on the lead, and knows his basic commands (plus a few extras — ask him to ‘shake’!). He’s an easygoing, loyal companion looking for his second chance at a forever home. He comes with a tennis ball he’d very much like you to throw.”
Adoption enquiries received: 14
Meet-and-greets conducted: 5
Adoption finalised: 28 March 2019
Adopted by: Holt, P., Dulwich Hill NSW
Registration transferred: Inner West Council, #IW-2019-07829
Registered Name Changed: BEAR
Adoption notes (V. Passos): “Adopter is a woman, late 60s, recently retired. Lives alone in a freestanding house with a fenced yard. Previous dog ownership: yes (a labrador, ‘Nell,’ who passed away in 2018). Passed home check. Seemed calm and patient during meet-and-greet. Dog was relaxed with her immediately. She brought a new collar — dark green — and asked if she could put it on herself. She could.
I gave her the typed care notes from the previous owners. She read them in the waiting room before leaving. She said: ‘They loved him.’ I said yes. She said: ‘Good. So will I.‘
Provided: yellow tennis ball, care notes from previous owners. Shelter collar retained.”
Email sent to T. Jackson and B. Morley (1 April 2019): “Hi Tom and Ben, I wanted to let you know that Rusty has been adopted. He went to a lovely home with a retired woman who has experience with dogs. He was calm and happy during the meet-and-greet. I hope you’re settling into Melbourne. All the best, Val.”
Reply received (2 April 2019): “Thank you so much for letting us know. We’ve been checking the website every day. We’re glad he’s somewhere good. Can you tell her he likes to sleep facing the door? Sorry — you probably already gave her the notes. Thank you again for everything. — Tom & Ben”
[Reply filed. No further correspondence.]
Owner 2 — Registered Name: BEAR
VETERINARY RECORD — DULWICH HILL VETERINARY PRACTICE
4 April 2019 — New patient registration
Weight: 19.8kg
General check: Healthy. Coat condition good. Teeth good.
Notes: “New adoption from RSPCA. Owner has previous dog experience. Transferring records from Marrickville Animal Hospital. Owner asked about optimal diet for ‘a dog who’s been through a lot of change.’ Discussed transition period. She’s feeding Black Hawk (same as previous owner — she asked the shelter what he was eating). Attentive owner.”
2 June 2019 — Consultation
Presenting complaint: “Off his food for two days”
Examination: No abnormalities detected. Temp normal. Abdomen soft, non-tender.
Diagnosis: Likely transient — possibly dietary indiscretion or mild stress
Treatment: Bland diet 48 hours, return if persists
Notes: “Owner somewhat anxious. Asked if the change of home could be affecting him ‘emotionally.’ Discussed adjustment periods in rescue dogs. Reassured.”
Follow-up call (4 June): “Owner reports appetite returned to normal. Very relieved. Thanked reception staff twice.”
19 August 2019 — Consultation
Presenting complaint: “Scratching at ears”
Examination: Mild erythema left ear canal. No discharge.
Diagnosis: Early otitis externa
Treatment: Ear drops, Ilium Oticlean, 7 days
Notes: “Minor issue. Owner noticed early — she monitors him closely.”
12 September 2019 — Annual health check
Weight: 21.4kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
Notes: “Weight up slightly from adoption. Discussed portion control. Owner admits to ‘a few too many treats — he sits so nicely for them.’ Recommended reducing daily treats by half. She said she’d try.”
3 January 2020 — Consultation
Presenting complaint: “He seems tired. Not walking as far.”
Examination: All vitals normal. Joints normal. No pain on palpation.
Weight: 22.8kg
Diagnosis: Likely heat-related lethargy (40°C day reported). Possible early overweight.
Treatment: Ensure water access, limit walks to early morning/late evening
Notes: “Owner very worried. I spent extra time reassuring her. She said ‘I just can’t tell if something’s wrong or if I’m imagining it.’ I told her it’s always better to come in than to wonder.”
18 March 2020 — Phone consultation (COVID-19 restrictions)
Owner called re: whether she should stockpile dog food. Advised reasonable supply but no need to panic-buy. She asked if dogs could catch COVID. Explained current evidence (low risk). She said: “He’s all I’ve got at the moment with the lockdown. I just want to make sure.”
14 April 2020 — Phone consultation
Owner called re: changes to walking routine under lockdown. Dog seems “restless.” Discussed indoor enrichment, puzzle feeders.
Notes: “Owner is isolating strictly — lives alone, at-risk age group. Dog is her primary companion. She sounded tired but in good spirits. She said ‘We walk around the garden together. He pretends it’s interesting.‘“
10 September 2020 — Annual health check (by appointment, COVID protocols)
Weight: 23.1kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
Dental: Mild tartar, Stage 1. Recommended dental chew.
Notes: “Still slightly overweight. Owner acknowledges treats have increased during lockdown. ‘He’s my lockdown buddy. I can’t say no to that face.’ Discussed weight management plan — 1 cup kibble AM, 3/4 cup PM, max 2 treats daily.”
17 February 2021 — Consultation
Presenting complaint: “Lump on left shoulder”
Examination: Subcutaneous mass, approx. 2cm, soft, mobile
Recommendation: Fine needle aspirate
Owner response: “Do whatever you need to do.”
FNA result (21 February): Lipoma (benign fatty lump)
Notes: “Owner visibly relieved at result. She cried briefly in the consulting room and apologised. I told her there was nothing to apologise for. She said: ‘When Nell got sick it started with a lump. I couldn’t go through that again.’ Reassured — lipoma, monitor only.”
Follow-up (phone, 24 February): “Owner called to confirm she doesn’t need to do anything else. Confirmed. She thanked me and said ‘He’s sleeping on my feet right now.’ “
8 September 2021 — Annual health check
Weight: 22.6kg (improved)
Vaccination: C5 booster
Dental: Stable
Lipoma: Unchanged
Notes: “Weight management working. Owner has been walking him to Dulwich Hill station and back each morning — ‘It gives us both a reason to get up.’ Dog in good condition for age.”
4 March 2022 — Emergency consultation
Presenting complaint: Acute onset vomiting, lethargy, painful abdomen
Examination: Temp 39.8°C (elevated), dehydrated, abdominal guarding
Diagnostics: Blood panel — elevated WBC, elevated lipase. Abdominal ultrasound — inflamed pancreas, no foreign body.
Diagnosis: Acute pancreatitis
Treatment: IV fluids, Maropitant (anti-nausea), fasting 24h, hospitalisation recommended
Owner response: “Yes. Whatever it costs. Please fix him.”
Hospitalisation notes:
— Day 1 (4 March): Dog quiet, not eating. Fluids ongoing. Owner called at 8pm (after hours) — reception advised stable condition.
— Day 2 (5 March): Mild improvement. Tolerated small amount of low-fat food. Owner visited at 10am. Stayed 45 minutes. Staff note: “Owner sat on the floor of the kennel area with him. She brought his tennis ball (not for play — she said he just likes to know it’s there).”
— Day 3 (6 March): Significant improvement. Eating. Discharge approved.
— Owner collected at 9am (clinic opens at 9). She was waiting at the door.
Discharge notes: Low-fat diet ongoing, recheck in 1 week. “Owner given detailed dietary instructions. She took notes on her phone and also asked for a printed copy. Said: ‘I’m not losing him to something I fed him.‘”
Recheck (13 March): Bloods normalising. Weight: 21.3kg. Lipase improving. “Dog bright and alert. Owner says he’s ‘back to himself.’ Dietary compliance appears excellent.”
15 September 2022 — Annual health check
Weight: 21.0kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
Dental: Moderate tartar, Stage 2. Dental procedure recommended.
Lipoma: Unchanged
Pancreatitis: No recurrence
Notes: “Healthy 6-year-old. Owner managing diet well since pancreatitis episode. She’s switched entirely to Royal Canin Gastrointestinal and prepares his treats herself (she showed me a photo of dehydrated sweet potato slices she makes in the oven). No concerns.”
4 December 2022 — Dental procedure
Procedure: Scale and polish under general anaesthetic. Two extractions (lower premolars — fractured, likely from tennis ball chewing).
Anaesthetic: No complications.
Recovery: Normal.
Owner collected same day. Staff note: “Owner asked if the tennis ball caused the fractures. Vet confirmed likely yes. Owner looked stricken. Vet said it’s very common and not her fault. She bought a softer rubber ball from the clinic shop before leaving.”
RSPCA NSW — SHELTER INTAKE RECORD
Intake ID: RSPCA-2023-SYD-02198
Date of Intake: 6 February 2023
Method: Owner surrender (by appointment — expedited, welfare grounds)
Surrendered by: L. Holt (daughter of P. Holt), Bexley NSW
Reason for Surrender: “Mum has had a fall and is being moved into residential aged care. She can’t take him. None of us can — my husband is allergic and my brother’s in a flat with no pets allowed. We’ve tried everyone we know.”
Surrender Interview Notes (conducted by D. Achilles, Intake Officer):
“Daughter brought the dog in. Dog in good condition — lean, clean, recent grooming evident. Provided: vaccination booklet, comprehensive veterinary history (printed and organised in a folder), a soft red rubber ball, a green collar with bone-shaped tag reading ‘BEAR’ with a phone number on the back, a sealed envelope addressed ‘To Bear’s Next Person,’ and a bag of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal kibble.
Daughter was composed but clearly upset. She said her mother had asked her to ‘make sure they know he doesn’t like being picked up’ and to ‘give them the notes from the first people too.’ The original typed care notes from the 2019 surrender were included in the folder, along with handwritten additions in a different hand (presumably P. Holt’s):
— ‘He has a lipoma on his left shoulder. It’s benign. Don’t worry about it.’
— ‘He’s had pancreatitis. NO fatty foods. He’ll beg but don’t give in.’
— ‘He likes to sleep facing the door. I don’t know why.’
— ‘His favourite spot in the house is wherever you are.’
— ‘He’s the best dog in the world and I’m sorry I can’t keep him.‘
The sealed envelope was marked ‘Please give this to whoever adopts him.’ Per protocol, we don’t open sealed personal items. Filed with animal record.
Dog was calm. Sniffed the room. Sat by the daughter’s feet. When the daughter left, the dog watched the door. Then lay down. Same position noted in 2019 intake: head on paws, facing the door.
Daughter asked the same question as the previous owner: ‘Can you let us know when he’s adopted?’ Email address provided.”
Behavioral Assessment — 9 February 2023 (M. Osei, Behavioral Team)
| Category | Score (1-5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sociability (people) | 5 | Extremely friendly. Leans into handler. Gentle with all staff |
| Sociability (dogs) | 4 | Good with calm dogs. Less comfortable with high-energy adolescents |
| Handling tolerance | 5 | Improved since last intake — tolerates lifting without tension |
| Leash behaviour | 5 | Exceptional |
| Food behaviour | 5 | Gentle. No guarding |
| Noise sensitivity | 4 | Improved from last assessment |
| Alone tolerance | 3 | Took 8 minutes to settle when handler left. Whined briefly. New — not observed in 2019 |
Assessor’s note: “This is a lovely, well-adjusted 6-year-old dog on his second surrender. He’s clearly been well cared for — his medical folder is more thorough than most people’s. The slight decrease in alone tolerance is consistent with a close single-person bond being disrupted. This should resolve with a stable placement. He will make someone very happy.
One observation: he still has the yellow tennis ball from his first adoption in 2019. It’s been replaced with a softer red ball for daily use (dental reasons — see vet notes), but the original ball was in the surrender bag. The daughter said her mother kept it because ‘it came with him.’ The ball is nearly smooth from years of handling. I don’t think he plays with it anymore. I think he just has it.
Items retained with file: red rubber ball, green collar, sealed envelope, yellow tennis ball (original, worn). Care notes folder (3pp — original typed notes + handwritten additions).”
Adoption listing posted: 12 February 2023
Profile description: “Bear is a gentle, loyal 6-year-old kelpie cross looking for his third — and hopefully last — home. He was surrendered when his devoted owner moved into aged care. Bear is house-trained, beautifully behaved, and walks like a dream. He has some dietary needs (low-fat food only) and a harmless lipoma that’s been monitored. He’s a calm, affectionate companion who asks for very little and gives a lot. He comes with a folder of care notes from his previous families and a very important tennis ball.”
Adoption enquiries received: 23
Meet-and-greets conducted: 8
Adoption finalised: 22 February 2023
Adopted by: Haddad, S. & Haddad, M., Earlwood NSW
Additional household members declared: Haddad, L. (age 11), Haddad, R. (age 8)
Registration transferred: Canterbury-Bankstown Council, #CB-2023-08841
Registered Name Changed: CAPTAIN
Adoption notes (D. Achilles): “Family of four. Two children, both gentle and respectful with the dog during meet-and-greet. Parents have researched the breed and the dietary needs. They asked about the pancreatitis history and the lipoma — they’d clearly read the listing carefully. The 8-year-old asked if Bear would remember his old owners. I said dogs remember the people who were kind to them. She said: ‘Then he’ll remember us too.‘
I provided the care notes folder and the sealed envelope. M. Haddad opened the envelope in the car park and came back in. She was holding a handwritten note and asked if I wanted to see it. I said only if she wanted to show me. She showed me.
The note read:
‘Dear person, Thank you for taking him. His name is Bear but he’ll learn yours. He doesn’t like being picked up but he’ll lean against your legs when he’s happy. He likes to sleep facing the door — I think he’s watching for someone, but I was never sure who. He’s had a hard year with my health and I’m sorry for that. He deserves a home where he’s not the only one in the house. He was never meant to be a lonely dog. He just ended up with a lonely person. Please throw his ball for him. The red one, not the yellow one. The yellow one is just his. — Pat Holt’
M. Haddad asked if we could pass a message to Ms. Holt’s daughter. I took her number.”
Email sent to L. Holt (23 February 2023): “Hi Louise, I’m pleased to let you know that Bear has been adopted by a lovely family in Earlwood — two parents and two children, aged 8 and 11. They’ve renamed him Captain, which I think he’ll grow into. They read your mum’s note. The new owner asked me to pass on her phone number in case your mum would like updates or photos. I’ve included it below. I hope your mum is settling in. Bear — Captain — is in good hands. Best wishes, Danielle.”
Reply received (23 February 2023): “Thank you Danielle. I’ll give Mum the number. She’ll be so relieved. She’s been asking every day. I’ll tell her tonight. — Louise”
Reply received (24 February 2023): “Danielle — I told Mum. She cried and then she said ‘Two children. Good. He’ll like that.’ She asked me to text the new owners and I did. They sent a photo of him on their couch. He’s between the two kids. Mum has it as her phone wallpaper now. Thank you for everything. — Louise”
[Thread closed. No further correspondence.]
Owner 3 — Registered Name: CAPTAIN
VETERINARY RECORD — EARLWOOD FAMILY VET
28 February 2023 — New patient registration
Weight: 20.8kg
General check: Healthy. Good condition.
Lipoma: Present, noted. Consistent with previous records.
Dietary note: Low-fat diet per pancreatitis history. Owners informed, compliant.
Notes: “Family adoption from RSPCA. Parents provided full veterinary history folder — very thorough. Children present at appointment, well-behaved. The younger one asked if she could pat him during the exam. She could. Dog calm and friendly.”
3 June 2023 — Consultation
Presenting complaint: Torn nail (right hind, dewclaw)
Treatment: Nail trimmed, minor bleeding controlled. No sedation required.
Notes: “Active household — kids in the yard, dog plays a lot. Normal wear and tear. The older child (L. Haddad, 11) asked thoughtful questions about nail anatomy. Future vet, perhaps.”
14 September 2023 — Annual health check
Weight: 20.5kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
Dental: Stable (previous extractions noted)
Lipoma: Unchanged
Notes: “Dog in excellent condition. Weight well-managed. Owners following dietary protocol from previous vet. Family clearly bonded with him. The younger child has made him a ‘Captain’s Adventure Log’ — a notebook where she draws pictures of their walks. She showed me today’s entry: ‘Captain smelled a bin for a long time.’ I told her that’s an accurate clinical observation.”
12 February 2024 — Consultation
Presenting complaint: “Slowing down on walks”
Examination: Mild crepitus in both stifles. ROM slightly decreased in hind limbs.
Weight: 20.9kg
Diagnosis: Early osteoarthritis — consistent with age (7 years, medium breed)
Treatment: Commenced 4Cyte joint supplement. Discussed exercise modification — shorter walks, more frequent.
Notes: “Owners realistic about aging. M. Haddad said: ‘We knew he wasn’t a puppy when we got him. We just want to keep him comfortable.’ Discussed long-term management. Good prognosis with appropriate care.”
19 September 2024 — Annual health check
Weight: 20.2kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
Arthritis: Stable on current management
Lipoma: Slightly larger (2.5cm), still soft and mobile. Monitor.
Dental: Stable
Notes: “Doing well for an 8-year-old. Owners report he’s slower but still enthusiastic about walks — ‘He just sits down when he’s had enough and we carry him the last bit.’ I noted this contradicts the original care notes that say he doesn’t like being picked up. M. Haddad said: ‘He didn’t at first. But Rima started carrying him and now he puts his paws up when he wants a lift.’ “
3 March 2025 — Consultation
Presenting complaint: “Left ear infection”
Examination: Otitis externa, moderate
Treatment: Ear flush, Osurnia gel, recheck 2 weeks
Notes: “Routine. Recurring issue (noted in 2019 records as well). Owners diligent with treatment.”
Recheck (17 March): Resolved.
18 September 2025 — Annual health check
Weight: 19.8kg
Vaccination: C5 booster
Arthritis: Managed, mild progression. Added Meloxicam PRN for bad days.
Lipoma: 3cm, stable character. No aspiration needed.
Dental: Fair for age.
General notes: “9-year-old dog in good overall health. Happy, well-loved family dog. Kids now 13 and 10 — they manage his walks and feeding independently. S. Haddad says he’s ‘the easiest member of the family.’ Dog fell asleep during exam today, which is either a sign of total trust or total indifference. I choose trust.”
COUNCIL REGISTRATION RENEWAL — 2026
Canterbury-Bankstown Council
Registration #: CB-2023-08841
Animal Name: Captain
Owner: Haddad, S. & Haddad, M.
Status: Renewed (online, 2 January 2026)
Lifetime registration: Yes
Notes: None
FULL HISTORY EXPORT — REQUEST DETAILS
Requested by: M. Haddad, 14 March 2026
Reason for request: “We want to keep a complete record of his life. Our daughter is doing a school project about animal welfare and asked about his history before us. We’d like her to have the full picture.”
Records compiled from:
— Goulburn Veterinary Clinic (microchip implantation)
— Marrickville Animal Hospital (Owner 1 veterinary records)
— RSPCA NSW (two intake/adoption files)
— Dulwich Hill Veterinary Practice (Owner 2 veterinary records)
— Earlwood Family Vet (Owner 3 veterinary records)
— Inner West Council (registration history)
— Canterbury-Bankstown Council (current registration)
Items not included in digital export (held in physical file at RSPCA NSW archive):
— Original typed care notes from Owner 1 (2pp)
— Handwritten additions from Owner 2
— Sealed envelope / handwritten letter from P. Holt
— Photographs (various, submitted by Owner 3 over 2023–2025)
Items currently with animal:
— Red rubber ball (replacement, purchased 2022)
— Yellow tennis ball (original, 2016, worn smooth)
[This file contains three names for the same dog. The microchip number — 953010004827163 — is the thread that connects them. The system sees an animal that has been registered, vaccinated, treated, surrendered, adopted, surrendered, and adopted. It sees weight fluctuations, a lipoma that doesn’t change, a pancreas that flared once, joints that are stiffening on schedule. It sees compliance: vaccinations up to date, registrations renewed, dietary protocols followed. By every metric the system tracks, this is a well-managed companion animal with a complete and unremarkable medical history.
What the system does not track is this: a man who typed two pages of notes about a dog’s sleeping position because he wanted the next person to know. A woman who sat on the floor of a veterinary kennel holding a tennis ball she’d brought not for play but for comfort. A child who documents each walk in a notebook with drawings. A letter in a sealed envelope that says “he was never meant to be a lonely dog.”
The yellow tennis ball is nine years old. It doesn’t bounce anymore. Nobody throws it. He carries it from room to room and sets it down wherever he’s sleeping and nobody in the house knows why, because the people who gave it to him moved to Melbourne in 2019 and have not been part of this story for seven years, except that they are: they are in the ball, in the typed notes, in the fact that he still sleeps facing the door.
The system sees three owners. The dog has had one continuous life. The record is the seam. The tennis ball is the thread. Every person who held him added something to the file and left something out of it, and what they left out is the same thing every time: what it was like to hand the leash to a stranger and walk away from a dog who watched the door.]