Our Story
Davey was found at Mount Misery (North Otago) tied to a fence in March, 2015, aged 9 years. Most likely a lost/abandoned pig hunting dog. He was painfully thin, had infected puncture wounds under his neck, deep scars over his body. Davey also had broken Canines with the roots exposed. He was very hand shy and desperate to be loved. I fostered, then adopted him. He could easily jump a 6ft fence, but only to get to me, so we always leave him inside if he needs to be left on his own. He is loved, well fed, healed, and enjoys sleeping by the fire. He guards the property and the car.... but when out and about, he is friendly, calm and approachable. Davey is great with children, other dogs and farm animals. He is a great mentor and very tolerant of the numerous foster dogs coming through our doors. We later found out more history about him, his real name was “Razzle” he had several pig hunting homes (some very rough handling and neglect) and had also produced several litters, we were told that he was worth a couple of grand in his prime days. About a year later, 7 dogs were uplifted from a property due to severe neglect and brought into the pound, they were emaciated, I always thought that a couple of them looked like Davey, and yes, they were some of his off spring :(
Dogs usually end up in the pound through no fault of their own. They get 7 days for their owner to claim them. Many are unclaimed and by law are able to be destroyed. Times are changing and many council pounds have adoption processes and rescue organisations that they work in with to help give the dogs a second chance.
Dogs that arrive at the pound can be very stressed, bored and lonely. Some arrive skinny and afraid. Others are full of bouncy, enthusiastic energy and just need mental/physical stimulation, time/training, and dedicated owners! Pound dogs are not bad dogs, they have usually been failed by their owners by not having the basics provided for them. Many were pampered as puppies (or not) but when they get older and bigger, the novelty wears off, and it’s the dogs that pay the price. Many miss out on vital socialising, basic daily enrichment and safe containment.
We rescue the dogs that are able to be released into our care and take over legal ownership. All of our dogs are de-sexed, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated, micro-chipped and registered. There is an adoption fee/donation for each dog to help us with these costs. We temperament test our dogs and have an adoption process to help us match them up to the home that best suits their needs - it's never first in first served. We sometimes work in with a behaviourist if required for dogs with special needs. The adoption process includes an application form, a property visit to ensure safe containment, meetings with the dog and their foster home carers. A two week trial period is given. We want our dogs and their new families to be completely happy.
Some dogs have special medical requirements. We’ve had dogs arrive off farms with untreated broken legs which require amputation, we’ve had an untreated ruptured eye that needed removing, entropion eyelids requiring surgery, lameness requiring x-rays, skin conditions, ear/eye infections, heart conditions, blind dogs, deaf dogs. If a dog has a good nature, we want to do our best ensure they get the chance they deserve and we will do whatever is possible to help them.
Foster homes are crucial to our rescue. We have a small team of experienced foster homes - most of which are out of town. We are always looking for new foster homes with good dog experience, safe, secure fencing and someone home during parts of the day. All food and vet care is provided (also crate/blankets if required).
We also help dogs in the community. All to often young puppies and dogs of all ages are posted on the facebook pet pages with not much thought put into where they will end up. We want to encourage the de-sexing message where-ever we can! Due to back-yard breeding and over-population, there are thousands of puppies and dogs all over NZ that will not get a chance for life because there are not enough good, lifelong, responsible homes available.....yet the breeding continues at a HUGE rate. Many of our pups and dogs come from farm properties.
We’ve also helped a few pigs, sheep, goats and chickens find loving, save, forever homes that are able to provide them all the quality care they deserve for their natural lifespan.
⭐️ We have updated our wish list!
Items we would love:
Adaptil calming products
Rescue Remedy
Snuffle feeding mats
Good quality dry food (Adult and Puppy - medium/large breed)
Kongs, toys, treats, chews
Collars
Worm/flea treatments
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Pound Paws Rescue Non Profit Organisation 06-0941-0488095-00
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/pound-paws-rescue
https://poundpawsrescue.weebly.com/
