Despite her reservations, Ms Yager visited the RSPCA during its $29 clear the shelter campaign and after doing a meet and greet with a different dog she was introduced to Sugar and they immediately bonded.

"She came over and leaned against me and put her paw on me," Ms Yager said.

"I didn't want a puppy, I run my own business so I couldn't have a puppy, I went in there looking for an older dog.

"I don't go for a particular breed of dog, I wanted a friendly dog, that's her."

Sugar had been at the Orange RSPCA shelter since November 15, 2019, and despite starring as pet of the week she did not find a new home.

Sugar was advertised as a loveable seven-and-a-half-year-old, female American Staffordshire Terrier who was very energetic and would do anything for a cuddle.

Ms Yager owns and runs the 2 Fat Ladies at Lucknow and said Sugar has settled in well.

"She comes to work, she sits near the entrance to the cafe and gets lots of pats and cuddles," Ms Yager said.

"She's been really well looked after and she's well trained and good with people.

"She's a beautiful dog I cannot believe she was at the RSPCA for so long."

Ms Yager said Sugar comes when called, will wait to eat and sits on command.

As well as spending time at the cafe, Sugar sleeps in the laundry at her new home and loves playing with toys, particularly with her tug toy and a ball that Ms Yager puts treats in.

"I'm surprised with the bond we have so early, my daughter will be playing with her but if I walk out there she will walk over to me," Ms Yager said.

"She makes me get up and go for a walk every day."

Ms Yager said even if she had been looking for a particular breed of dog she would have gone to the RSPCA.

"I always believe in rescue dogs," she said.

"My last dog came from the RSPCA."