Onyx
Breed: Kelpie X Border Collie
Barking from: Western Australia
What's up dog?
Onyx has a huge impact on those around him directly and indirectly. He was born in a shelter, and at 7 weeks old, he chose me. This goofy boy has been my entire world since that first day. He inspired my lost passion of photography, and to start my own dog photography company - Kestrels Pawtraits. He inspired me to reach out to a dog rescue in the Wheatbelt last year were we spent months taking professional photos of dogs up for adoption, helped socialise timid pups that needed a furry friend, and even worked on socialisation training with dogs in need. Onyx and I helped 52 dogs in just over a month find their homes just through the power of photography and love.
Onyx has also had a significant impact on my mental health and keeps me grounded. He is the reason I got a job at a pet store as a puppy trainer, where I share our story and help other puppies learn life skills in an attempt to keep them out of shelters. I advocate on his behalf every day, because never in my life, have I had a dog impact not only my life, but those around me too.
It’s because of Onyx that I do better. It’s because of Onyx that I can share wisdom to other dog families.
It’s because of Onyx that we can help be a part of the solution for all dogs in rescues right now.
They need a voice. We are one of those voices because he chose me as his human.
Onyx can’t even comprehend the amount of lives he’s changed, but we have strangers come up to us at parks and in the streets and shops just to say that they know him from either social media, or a friend of a friend. He is adored by our family, my co workers, his pack and so many others.
He is everything I could ever hope for. He is pure light.
2025 Australia People's Choice
We believe no dog should be left behind.
Every dog entered into the competition is automatically in the running for the 2025 People’s Choice Award — and the winner will be decided by you, the public.
This year, we’re giving the love back to our communities.
Each year, our campaign is supported by a number of incredible charities across Australia that work tirelessly to improve the lives of dogs and people alike. In 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on these organisations and the vital work they do.
As part of the voting process, every voter will have the chance to donate to our amazing mental health or dog-focused charities.
It’s your vote, your voice, and your opportunity to make a difference.
