Update 15 September 2025
We are pleased to inform readers that Riley has been adopted. He found his forever home with Cromer family Ben, Meg and their frenchie Napolean, who picked him up on Saturday 13 September.
Previously
Last month, Manly Observer reported on the PolAir helicopter circling over Manly Dam during a search operation. It was later confirmed that a local man had tragically passed away while walking his dog in the area.
That dog is Riley, a five-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Australian Cattle Dog, who is now seeking a new home.
Since his owner’s death, Riley has been passed between a series of temporary carers and is now living at the Collaroy Veterinary Hospital pound waiting to be adopted.
The Animal Welfare League Northern Beaches branch (AWLNB), which is managing Riley’s rehoming process, has issued an urgent appeal for support, even temporarily but preferably permanently, to help Riley through this challenging transition.
AWLNB volunteer Susanna Inkinen said: “They go straight from Collaroy vet into a home environment, where they can be socialised and have a loving family.
“We are all committed to helping any stray animal that gets handed in.”
Described as sweet-natured, affectionate and playful, Riley has a cheeky personality that quickly wins people over.
He is gentle with children, gets along well with other dogs and is happiest when included in everyday family life.
His favourite activities include tug-of-war, long walks and stealing beanies when no one is watching.
“Him and his owner were just best buds, never apart,” Susanna said.
He needs a calm, loving environment where someone is around most of the time and can give him the stability he craves.
With patience, routine and care, staff at Collaroy Vet believes Riley will thrive as a loyal companion.
The AWLNB operates as a virtual shelter, working closely with Collaroy to place animals like Riley into foster care and secure permanent homes as quickly as possible.
Practice manager and Veterinary Nurse Lilly Taylor said: “Collaroy Vet operates as the holding facility for Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Council.
“It is not designed to be a long-term stay. It is designed to be a short-term stay.”
Collaroy Vet also runs an adoption program, allowing the public to meet animals in person.
Visitors can walk in, spend time with cats or dogs, pay an adoption fee of $300 for a cat or $450 for a dog, which covers veterinary bills, and take their new companion home the same day.
“It is a real labour of love,” Lilly said, highlighting the dedication of volunteers and veterinary staff.
She said: “We would love more fosterers. That would be extremely helpful because not all animals can go directly straight into a new home.”
“We are really good with adopting out as quickly as we can, but sometimes we will have 50 or 60 cats in care, especially coming into kitten season.”
People interested must register through the AWL, complete the required forms and can foster at no cost.
Donations are also appreciated to fund the animal care, and anyone is welcome to volunteer to help with the logistical process of rehoming.
The veterinary nurse encouraged those unsure about adoption to try a ‘foster fail’ journey, where they can see how an animal fits into their life and permanently adopt if it works out.
Anyone who can offer Riley a safe and caring home is encouraged to get in touch with the rescue team as soon as possible.
Please email: awlnorthernbeaches@awlnsw.com.au
Collaroy Veterinary Hospital advertise animals available for adoption on: @beachesrehomingcentre
