It was a bittersweet goodbye as Council’s Animal Control Officers farewelled long-time Canterbury-Bankstown Animal Shelter resident, Zeus.

After 13 months at the animal shelter, the American Staffordshire Terrier has finally been adopted and will be flown off to his furever home in South Australia today.

The Canterbury-Bankstown Animal Shelter won’t be the same without Zeus’ waggy-tail welcomes and licks, but Council Officers are pleased to see him go to a loving home.

Zeus came to the animal shelter when he was just six months old, after being found roaming the streets of Bass Hill. Despite attempts to contact the owner, no one came forward to claim Zeus.

He has watched many other dogs come and go from the shelter and has claimed the title of the shelter’s longest resident.

Thanks to Pet Rescue and Jet Pets, Zeus was matched with his pawfect owner online and secured a free flight to his new home with Virgin Australia.

Zeus celebrated his last day in Sydney with a special farewell party at Virginius Reserve Off-Leash Dog Park by Council’s Animal Control Officers, where he was treated with chicken and frankfurts.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said Council’s shelter is full of abandoned or stray animals waiting for adoption.

“It’s a sad reality, with everyone wanting designer dogs, the most loving and friendly pooches like Zeus are being left behind,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“We’re so pleased to see this happy ending for Zeus, but there are many other pets that also deserve a loving home.

“If you’re ready to add a four-legged friend to your family, please consider visitng our animal shelter.”

The Canterbury-Bankstown Animal Shelter is located on 651 Bringelly Road, Rossmore.

All dogs and cats at the shelter come desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, and worm and flea treated – ready for residents to take home and love.

For more information, call the Shelter on 0437 637 849 or visit facebook.com/CanterburyBankstownAnimalShelter