The kelpie, two, was going to become one of the 400 cats and dogs put down in Port Augusta each year.

However when his pictured appeared in The Transcontinental two weeks ago, local couple Colin and Thora Ware could not bear to see him killed.

Mrs Ware said they rang general inspector, Wayne McKerlie, immediately after they saw him in the paper.

“We had him home Wednesday night,” she said.

He has been a hit with his new family and this week visited the Port Augusta Veterinary Clinic not be put down, but to be desexed.

Veterinary nurse Kass Lehmann was very happy to see Bozo find a loving home.

“He was lucky one that got out of that situation of being put to sleep.

“It’s not often that we don’t find a home for them, but there is that small percentage.

“We just don’t have the facilities to keep them for months at a time.”

Mrs Ware said they loved having a new dog in the house.

They have had a few “down moments”, including when Bozo tore a sheet from the washing line and ripped it to shreds.

However Mrs Ware said Bozo was easily trained and very friendly.

“I would say that’s the best thing about him – we can take him anywhere,” she said.

As part of the re-homing program, Bozo has been desexed and vaccinated at a reduced price, saving the couple more than $100.