lucky dogs

Every now and again we have an experience we just need to share with everyone. Below are some of our luckier success stories! Don't forget to check out our Message Board for the latest information for Rescue Dogs.

	PIPER Piper came to our attention via an ad on Trade Me. Owners said they had to reduce the number of dogs on the property they were share milking on. Later Piper was on the auction site. Piper's photos broke my heart. The owners wanted a lot of money for her. Many people felt sad for Piper and donations were raised to enable to us go and get Piper into rescue and place in her new home. Piper was fostered with Karen, Mark and Bear - Bear is a rescue dog also. It was not long before Piper wiggled her furry body into Karen & Mark's heart and they officially adopted her.		LUKE Luke - Pride commeth before the dog. Luke was picked up by animal control because he was unregistered. His owner felt he was exempt as there was nothing in the Treaty of Waitangi that said he had to register his dog. He was told it would be destroyed yet still he did not collect it. When we met Luke his nails were so long he could only walk on his "elbows". The tops of his ears had been cut off. Initially fostered by Linda and then adopted by Linda as she grew too fond of him to give him up, Luke now knows what a loving home is all about.
	TESSA Tessa is another older female dog that won the hearts of many people. Left unclaimed at the pound, this pedigree German Shepherd was in a terrible state. She was a long coat German Shepherd whose coat was completely matted. The fur on her back had to be shaved off in one piece and it weighed 2.5kg. One of our families who had adopted a puppy from us nearly a year ago saw the photos of Tessa and said they would like to adopt. However they were in Timaru, Tessa was in Auckland.	PRINCE Just a young lad but Prince had a major problem. His ears didn't stand up so he was handed over to the pound. After all there is an image to maintain............ Thankfully Reg and his lovely wife did not have the same opinion and having survived the introductory period with their existing labrador Prince has found a wonderful life with a family who accepts him for himself, floppy ear and all.
	CASSIE Cassie was unable to live with her former owners and GSD Rescue found a lovely home for her with Debra.		XARA Xara is yet another victim of a marriage break up. A family life once again with Donna and her family.
	REBEL Rebel was found on the motorway. Despite many attempts to locate owner we have been unsuccessful. He is now rehomed and spends his days with his two new brothers.		TARA Another dog who spent her short life on a chain, this time tied to the side of the garage. She now lives with Bill & Sally and is very happy.
KUTHRA & JANICE Kuthra's owners were transferred overseas and were unable to take Kuthra with them. Kuthra was 9 years old. He became the adored companion and friend of young Janice for 9 months when he developed congestive heart failure and is now reliving his youth at the Rainbow Bridge.		BEAU Approximately 7 months, got himself lost and ended up in the pound. No one claimed him so he was put in the care of German Shepherd Rescue and fostered by Simone. He was very, very thin and needed a bit of feeding up. One month later and looking much better he was placed with Toni and her family, now attends obedience classes and is a very happy dog. The pictures show just how well Beau is doing and how much he is obviously loved. Thanks to Toni and her family for giving this wonderful boy a second chance.
SIMBA When I first met Simba he was in the pound, grossly underweight, with injuries to his rear legs consistent with rope burns. The lack of muscle in his back legs made walking very awkward. He was placed in foster care with Angela, a vet nurse, who patiently worked on Simba's fear of people, cars, being left alone, and his TERROR of cats. His rehabilitation was slowed down due to the neutering site becoming grossly infected, probably due to his poor overall condition. After being in Angela's care for nearly 8 weeks a home was found for him with Francesca and James. This couple have worked amazing things with Simba. Under their devoted care and unconditional love Simba is no longer the frightened, nervous dog that he used to be. He no longer hides his food so no-one else can have it, he is comfortable with people though he still dislikes cats, instead he is loving, playful and affectionate. Thank you Francesca and James for giving Simba the chance he needed to prove what a wonderful dog he truly is.
LEXI Lexi had the misfortune to belong to people who thought going on holiday meant making no arrangements for your animals and just leave them on the property without food or water for a couple of weeks. Thankfully observant neighbours alerted dog control and they were taken into care. Despite notices being served and extended time at the pound no one came forward to claim this 4 month old abandoned puppy. A phone call was made to one of our German Shepherd Rescue helpers as she had informed us that there was a person at her work who was interested in a young dog, but.... as it happened her very own sister was greatly interested. I met with Chris and Suzanne the morning I collected this young girl, together with another 7 month old who had also been abandoned over Christmas and as they say,, the rest is history. Lexi has been having obedience training and has been very well socialised. She lives with her fur sister Mara and often plays host to foster dogs needing short term accommodation. This last Christmas was definitely a much better one for Lexi than her first Christmas.
TOSS Toss's Testimony (for those who don't need a dog) Supplied by Sue from Kaitaia Toss came to be with us in August 2004 - and this is how it came about. Larry and I had been without a German Shepherd since Rex passed away in Mary 03. Larry had casually mentioned to his mum that we would 'some day' have another German Shepherd, but we were not in a hurry, You see, we already had three other dogs, (Ted, Tan and 3 legged cobber). Our farm is only 155 acres and three dogs were more that what we needed, as our cattle are called from paddock to paddock. All three dogs that we have are 'rescue' dogs' from being on their way to death's door. So, when we received a phone call from Auckland saying that there was a Shepherd needing a home (Larry's mum had been busy) it took us a bit by surprise. One thing led to another and we ended up in touch with a lady called Denise. We explained to her that this was not good timing for us as it was our busiest time on the farm with calving and that we would not be able to come to Auckland to collect a dog until December. That did not stop Denise - something could be worked out! Well, being Christians, we prayed for this "Girl", Lord, if this dog is meant for us, please make a way for her to come, but if not, then please block her from coming. In the meantime we were saying to each other ' We really don't NEED another dog, especially right now. Denise worked overtime ,plans were made and plans fell through. Three days before our girl was to arrive I was again praying about the situation and talking to God about it "We REALLY don't need another dog" when as clear as a bell God spoke to me "Yes but SHE needs YOU" And that is how Toss found her home with us and everyday with her has been a blessing. Larry & Sue Kaitaia.