Update - LEO

Morse

I must confess, all of us at the Animals SOS fell at bit in love with the delightfully loveable Morse. He just has that affect on people. A 18 month old black Lab/ Mastiff cross who was given up by his previous owners when his adult size exceeded their expectations.Consequently they felt they could no longer adequately care for him.

We were thrilled when a perfect family (with plenty of experience with large dogs) asked to meet him, and also fell for his immense charms. They have just moved into a new house and now have a new family pet to bound through the halls and create chaos. Morse is also attending obedience school to teach him a few manners, and hopefully curb his tendency to drag people helplessly behind him on walks!

Morse is a supremely happy dog now, reciveing plenty of exercise and attention in a loving family. We couldn't be more thrilled for him..

Lucy

Lucy, an 8 yr old Tortiseshell Tabby, was left without a home after her elderly owner died just before Christmas.

We were all very jealous after she landed a wonderful new home in a luxury apartment in Oriental Bay. We only hope that she appreciates the views!

She now lives the high life, and is one extremely happy cat. Her new owner spoils her rotten and takes her out on walks each day (on a harness) to ensure she has an opportunity to properly stretch her legs..

So if you see a happy tabby being strolled around Oriental Bay, it may just be Lucy. Another happy cat who has landed firmly on her feet.

Barney

Barney (a 13 yr old Labrador Retreiver from Waimauku, Auckland) came to our attention via the petsonthenet.co.nz website, after we spotted his plight and wanted to try help find him a new home. His previous owner passed away in August 08, leaving him an orphan. The family fostering him were unfortunately allergic to dogs, and consequently he was forced to live outside (after being used to a life predominantly indoors with his previous master).

We are happy to report that Barney has finally found a wonderful new home (without our help!) on a lifestyle block in Auckland with a semi-retired couple. So whle not our success story persay, a happy ending nonetheless. We are estatic that Barney has a loving new home in which to spend his golden years.

Louie

Louie, a 5 yr old purebreed male black lab, required a new home due to his owner's changed financial circumstances. Despite having a medical condition (he was diagnosed with epilepsy 1.5 years ago, which is managed well with daily medication), he wasn't short of admirers.

While his first placement didn't work out, he was swiftly snapped up by a wonderful lady in Newtown who had looked after him on occasion previously (and subsequently fallen in love with him).

Louie is now happily living in his new home, where he is spoilt rotten. However, we are requesting some assistance with his medication costs and dog walking (he needs to lose some weight!), so if you are able to help out with either, please get in touch.

Leo

Leo, a 7 yr old Ridgeback Boxer cross initially proved a challenge for us to rehome, after usual enquiries and Newspaper ads didn't yeild any results over 4 months. However after placing an advertisement in 'Trademe' in November, we were estastic to recieve several serious enquiries about Leo.

An Auckland couple spotted saw our Ad and promptly fell in love with this happy chap. They travelled down to Wellington late November to meet him, and were equally smitten in person. :Leo is due to join them in Auckland in late January 09.

Lulu

Our fastest rehome ever.... Animals SOS was asked to rehome Lulu (a 6 yr old Kelpie/Blue Heller cross) by a family who felt they were unable to give adequte attention to both their dogs, after the addition of 3 small children to the family. We immediately thought of a couple we had met previously, after they had responded to the advertisment about Leo (see above). While Leo had been too big for their Mt Cook cottage, we thought Lulu might prove a perfect match. We gave Anthony a call, and by 8pm the very same day Lulu had been picked up and was on her way to her new home.

Lulu has settled in brilliantly, and is having a wonderful time being the sole focus of lots of love and attention. Lulu is also enjoying being taken on long walks each day (something she had been missing out on for a while at her last home). We are glad to report, another very happy dog.

Jack

Jack, an 8 mth old Rhodesian Ridgeback Cross was found in the middle of nowhere between Foxton and Shannon. He had an injured leg and was very skinny. His rescuer had simply stopped to secure the load on his truck and Jack jumped in the truck hoping that this kind man would help him.

Enquiries were made to see if Jack was simply lost, but no one ever came forward to claim him. Jack has now put on a healthy amount of weight thanks to food supplied by Masterpet. He was de-sexed, vaccinated, wormed and micro-chipped thanks to the Animals SOS trust and our generous supporters. He is now a very happy and healthy dog.

While initially asking the SOS trust to rehome Jake, his rescuer soon realised he couldn't bear to part with his new friend, and would provide Jake with a forever home.

Koby

Following is an update recieved from Koby's new family:

Koby is a 18 month lab x staffy who we adopted knowing he was
untrained but quickly found has some serious issues. He would strangle
himself while out on a walk (until someone suggested a gentle
leader!), lunge at any other animal or car that went past to attack
and when left alone he would cry and bark until he was with company
again. Needless to say he was not popular with the neighbours. But
inside the house Koby was gentle, loving and extremely obedient.

Now four months later Koby regularly attends dog obedience class to help him socialise with other dogs and is doing well. He loves to play, is
friends with some local pigs and can walk past friendly dogs without
having to attack. While we still have a long way to go Koby is a loyal
and loving member of our family who was worth persevering with.

Poppy

Poppy, a 12 yr old Female Jack Russell/ Corgi X has found a wonderful new home in Upper Hutt on a large farm with 4 cats.

Her new owner was undeterred by Poppy's serious eye issues, and promptly took her to see a specialist who diagnosed Glacoma, and is now in the process of having it treated.

A happy ending for Poppy who has found a fanatastic home to live out her golden years, hopefully with improved sight!

Silver

Silver, a 6 yr old Female Weimaraner, was left with the SOS trust when her previous owners returned to the UK without her.

Silver was adopted by two wonderful ladies in Levin, and now lives on a 2 Acre farm with a border collie named Amber and a little dog named Saxon.

She spends her days happily playing with her new four legged friends and hunting rabbits, and has shown no signs of the separation anxiety/ destructive behaviour reported by her previous owners.

She has found a safe, secure environment where she can finally be the happy hunting dog she was always meant to be.

Blue

Blue, a 14 yr old Siamese Blue Point, required a new home after his elderly owner went into care.

Blue is now living in Johnsonville with a wonderful new family..

His owners have reported that he's taken over the bed in his new home, and now rules the roost (and happily bosses around his new friend the Chihuahua as pictured left).

He is well loved by his new family, and shows his appreciation by lavishing their young daughter with lots of cuddles at bedtime.

Ben
9yr old Great Dane/Weimaraner

Ben has found a great foster home with a wonderful woman who has had a Great Dane in the past so was thrilled to be able to give Ben a temporary home.

Masterpet are also kindly helping Ben by providing his food for this time. - Thanks Masterpet!

Chelsea

After being cared for by the trust for a year, Chelsea has finally found a wonderful home in Upper Hutt, where she is top of the heap and an only child!

Lucky Chelsea is getting all the love and attention that she craves and deserves.

Great work landing on your feet Chelsea!

Thanks to the Cat's Protection League with their help.

Rusty

Following is a letter recieved from Rusty's new family:

Dear Vivienne,

Margaret and I thought that you wouldl ike to see this photo of Rusty. As you can see he has grown into a fine handsome boy. Still a beautiful and loving nature, and extremely patient with our boisterous grandchildren. An absolute delight, everyone loves him including the vet.

Hope all is well with you at the Animals SOS.

Regards,

John and Margaret.

Scoobie

Scoobie is a success story with a difference because he has ended up staying with his current owners. I guess after rescuing him and spending the last few years assisting in his rehabilitation, they just couldn't part with him. Scoobie lives near Dargaville and was rescued from a nearby farm where he was mistreated. His current family think he was a lap dog in a former life, very affectionate and very safe with children and other dogs.You could put your arm down his throat and he wouldn't bite. He avoids cats. They scratch.

Zane (Chinchilla)

Zane is a 5 year old Chinchilla who needed to find a new home as his owner was going overseas.

We found Zane a new home with a lady who adores him. He's a happy little fella.

Lucas

This is Lucas, a 5-year old, neutered male, pure bred boxer.

Lucas is now living with a wonderful "boxer" family in Island Bay, with another boxer and kids to play with.

Kirsty
9 Yr old Female Springer Spaniel

Kirsty's elderly owner had to move a home and her family were unable to care for Kirsty.

Thankfully a wonderful lady came to Kirsty's rescue and has adopted her as a family member and companion to a young male springer spaniel.

It was thought the Kirsty had cataracts, however her new vet diagnosed and eye infection which was treated and she is now able to see. She also had a successful surgery to remove a cancerous tumour and is now in tip top health.

Wonderful news for Kirsty and her new family who absolutely adore her.

Sweep

Sweep went to live on a lifestyle block just outside Palmerston North where his favourite pastime is riding on the tractor with his new Dad.

A LEO UPDATE FOR ALL AT ANIMALS SOS

Leo came to live with us in late January having made the big road trip north. He has settled in really well & seemed very relaxed here from very early on. After a few days exploring the best places to hang out around our place Leo really has behaved like he’s been here all his life. I sometimes look up see him there & forget he’s only been here for six weeks; it really feels like he’s always been here.

He is a lovely, affectionate, well behaved dog – but you knew that anyway! Our cats are still warming to that idea, but we see progress with that relationship on a daily basis.

We walk Leo a couple of times a day, we are quite spoilt for good dog walking areas here so Leo has enjoyed getting out & making new canine & human friends. We have been surprised by how much of a flirt he can be. When Leo was the new boy to the park he was swept up by a pack of little Fox Terrier girls – three in all. They gave him no choice but to play with them & he was off careering round having the time of his life.  Ever since he seems to have been a bit of a ladies man; being the only boy at a Hen Party I was hostess for really sealed the deal. (See the Bow Tie pic)

At weekends we try to get Leo out for a bush walk or a swim in the sea. He loves both although we get some funny looks & lots of questions from other dog owners when he does his special singing whilst swimming. His favorite place at home is the kitchen – no surprise there really & he’s pretty keen on TV watching - Animal Planet (especially Orangutan Island & cop shows… I wonder why?

We are working on teaching him to retrieve – this has about an 80% & improving success rate at the moment. It’s great for giving him the opportunity to really sprint around. He has also learnt to sit nicely for car trips in the Mini which is a bonus for other road users!

We started him on Eukanuba Large Breed Senior food which seems to agree with him. We are keen to keep him trim & the joint support won’t go amiss either. His teeth are looking good too.

We love having Leo in our lives, so thanks to you all for making this possible. Hope you enjoy the photos, sorry we don’t have any ‘action Leo’ pics, he looks very ‘urban dog’ in these. Am also including a pic of the feline members of the family so you can se his new ‘brothers’.

Some very distressing news was received recently about Silver, a 7 yr old female Weimaraner we re-homed approx 8 months ago. She was taken ill with gastric torsion, and despite being rushed immediately to the Vet at the first sign of distress, sadly died unexpectedly during a operation to try relieve her symptoms.

Silver came to our attention last year, when her previous owners returned to the UK without her. They had planned to simply drop Silver off at the SPCA shortly before departure, but discovered (1 week before their departure) that the SPCA could not accomodate her. Consequently, we had only 1 week to try find a new home for Silver.

Fortunately two wonderful ladies in Levin - Leslie and Diane - instantly agreed to take Silver once we contacted them, and she had been enjoying a wonderful life on a 2 acre farm in Levin ever since, with a border collie named Amber and a Lhasa Apsod called Saxon for company. Leslie had sent us some new photos a couple of months ago where Silver's happiness was evident (see below). Interestingly, the behavioral issues her previous owners had reported -severe separation anxiety/ destructive behaviour- appeared instantly resolved once Silver arrived at her new home. Which must be evidence of what a happy, safe and secure home Leslie and Dianne provided for her. We are only somewhat comforted that Silver enjoyed a wonderful 8 months with Diane and Leslie, happily playing with her new four legged friends and hunting rabbits - finally able to be the happy hunting dog she was always meant to be..

It is always a tragedy with a beloved pet dies, particularly so prematurely. We know Diane and Leslie must be devastated by the loss of Silver. We were all deeply saddened by the news, and our thoughts and sympathies are with them.

Gentleman Jim

Jim really is living the life of a gentleman these days in Rotorua with his new family where he enjoys yachting on the lake with his new family

Bailey

Bailey was rescued after being abused and stabbed. She was initially fostered by a friend of Animals SOS who ended up falling in love and adopting her. Bailey needed a lot of training, but is now flourishing and is really enjoying Doggy Daycare where she also gets to meet new friends

Freddie

Freddie is now enjoying life in Karori with Sylvia, a long term friend and supporter of Animals SOS. It goes without saying that Freddie is very spoiled, but we all think he deserves it.

Trixie
2 1/2 yr old Labrador Cross

Trixie now lives in Johnsonville and is enjoying the benefits of being the only child of Betty, who says Trixie and her were definitely made for each other.

Ben
German short-hair pointer

After a lucky escape from death row in the pound, Ben is relishing his new life in the Wairarapa where he often enjoys lending his hunting skills to "Forest & Bird" to assist in stoat eradication.

Smokey & Cocoa

This inseparable pair were successfully re-homed together and are both settling in well in Mt Victoria in Wellington where they continue to shower their new family with affection and don't mind taking plenty for themselves in return.

Mynx

Mynx was an 11 month old tabby who desperately needed a new home. Thankfully her meows were answered and she now has a wonderful new home with lots of furry friends to play with.

Basil

10mth Miniature Fox Terrier/
Maltese Terrier Cross

Basil is a delight, a friendly and playful puppy who loves affection and being centre of attention.

Luckily for Basil he now has a wonderful new family who can lavish him the all the attention he desires.

Barbie

We are pleased to report that Barbie has a lovely new home on a large property in Silverstream, Upper Hutt and is settling in well.

Duke

Duke now lives in style with his new family at Larnach Castle in Dunedin. Obviously enjoying the life a stately old gentleman should.

Rusty (previously known as Mase)

Rusty is an absolute delight. He has an enthusiastic easy-going nature and enjoys the company of the family and is very good with the three grandchildren. Rusty loves being in the rural environment where, on his morning walks he enjoys the thrill of chasing rabbits.

Ralph

Ralph Has settled in well with his new family in Upper Hutt and is responding well to his training kindly provided by Paul Hutton from the Canine Behaviour Centre

Lucky (previously known as Monkey)

Lucky is very lucky indeed to have found a wonderful new home on the Kapiti Coast. His new owner says he is her lucky charm and loves him very much.

Antsy Pants the penguin was found on Titahi Bay beach in early January following a storm. He had been injured and was in pretty bad shape, and weighing just 513g. A very caring man found him and took him home. He contacted the Trust to ask for help and we put him in touch with Karin Wylie.

Karin nursed him back to full health and he was released in early February weighing 1100g

Donc

Orphaned at 4 or 5 days old, Donc was lucky to be rescued and the Animals SOS Trust has found him a lovely new home on a small farmlet where he will be hand-reared and very cared for.

We think he is just adorable!

Tyson

1yr old Male Border Collie

Tyson has been adopted by a family in Upper Hutt who were mourning the loss of their previous border collie.

Tyson now has plenty of room to run on a large property, and a new family to adore him. Sounds heavenly!

Dusty

When Tracey saw a scared little dog abandoned on the side of the motorway, she couldn't just pass her by as all the other motorists were doing, and when she pulled over it was as if Dusty (as she is now called) knew that she was being rescued and she practically jumped into the car. Tracey wasn't even sure that she wanted a dog at this stage, but when the previous owner couldn't be found she realised how fond she had become of Dusty and they are now inseparable. Let's call this one fate!

Missie

With her impeccable 'Bark Busters' training and wonderful personality Missie instantly won Raeleen's heart and has gone to live at Paraparaumu Beach. After an initial scuffle with the cat everyone is now great mates. Missie especially enjoys playing with the other dog in the family, 'Ebony' the black lab.

Murdoch

Vivienne Gordon of the Animals SOS Trust found Murdoch quite by chance while walking her dog. He had obviously left the nest too early and was in grave danger being unable to fly, so Vivienne bundled him up and took him straight to Karin who specialises in fostering and caring for abandoned or injured birds.

Murdoch has now been adopted by a human-family in Wanganui and has decided to give up life in the wild for domestic bliss.

Bing

Bing went looking for a new home when his pevious owners work started to take them overseas for long periods of time. We are delighted that Bing has gone to live on a farm in the Wairarapa where he can enjoy the wide open spaces and country air.

His new owners love him to bits!

Finn

Maureen had sworn she would never get another dog after she tragically lost her two beloved companions within weeks of each other. But then along came Finn who has won a special place in her heart and her home. Finn now enjoys many creature comforts, lounging the day away in his new bed beside a gas heater turned on solely for his comfort or gazing out at the panoramic views over Wellington harbour and from time to time exercising his "guard dog" bark (rather loud for such a small dog) to deter passing dogs and unwanted visitors. Sounds like he has settled right in as if he has always belonged there.

Esther

Rescued from squalor and neglect, Esther has now been give a new chance at life and love. We are so very pleased to report that Esther has been adopted by a wonderful couple in Upper Hutt who just adore cats and are determined to give Esther the attention she so desperately needs to learn to trust the world again. We are told that even after just a week in her new home, Esther has starting to relax a little and let her new parents stroke her without cowering away in fear, which is very encouraging. We couldn't have hoped for a better success story for Esther.

Judd

Jed

10 yr old neutered lab cross

Jed has a fantastic new home and is very happy indeed. He sleeps in his new Mum and Dad's room at night and they say he has transformed their lives.

Well done Jed!

Olli

Olli used to be quite anti-social which we were very worried about until we realised he was in considerable pain from a nasty wound around his neck from having been kept tied up on a wire rope. Thankfully, now that his injuries are healing, he is much happier with the world at large and has made a comfortable home for himself with Trevor and Max (his new dog-brother). He still needs to brush up on his social skills but he is very smart and is learning fast.

Duke

Poor Duke hadn't had much joy in his life until recently. It turned out that he was severely underweight and had been kept tied up for most of his life. Thankfully, his previous owners saw that
they could not carry on treating him like that and contacted the Trust to find him a new home.

Duke is so grateful for the happy life he now
leads with another dog playmate (see left) and a
wonderful loving family. Congratulations Duke!

Malcolm

Malcolm is just 4 years old and gorgeous in looks and personality. We can't imagine why anyone would want to harm him, but this is exactly what his previous owner was trying to do when he was rescued by someone caring enough to get involved and save him. Luckily he only spent a couple of days with the Trust before he was placed in a lovely caring home where all his love and affection will be reciprocated. It is the least Malcolm deserves after his terrible ordeal.

Sarah

Sarah is a woman of the world. Originally from Colorado, USA, she accompanied her owner to NZ when he moved, but was unable to go with him on the next move to Australia. Sarah got a special mention in a newspaper article in the Dominion Post which mentioned the work of the Trust and from that, we were contacted by a lovely lady who thought Sarah was just the perfect cat for her. Sarah now has permanent residency in New Zealand. We are so pleased she decided to stay and become a 'Kiwi'. She's even enjoying getting her tummy rubbed by her new Mum - the sign of a happy cat!

Holly

Holly's owner's deteriorating health unfortunately forced her to have to give Holly up. Luckily Zaminka Kennels in Te Horo did a fantastic job looking after Holly while we found an appropriate new home for her.

We are pleased to report Holly is on her way to a fabulous new life at Otaki Beach.

Phoebe

Fearless and famished - that's Phoebe. She has a big personality, and an equally big appetite. Sometimes though, she slows down long enough to give her new family a cuddle, and that makes it all worthwhile.

Phoebe's new mum Sarah has an after school job at a local vet clinic, so Phoebe really couldn't be in better hands.

Cindy

After much deliberation about whether or not to commit to a cat, Cindy finally wooed Richard's heart and is now living the life of a princess in her new home in Karori. From what we have heard she has managed to almost train Richard completely to her liking.

Jason

Jason has finally found a fabulous new home with Lisa, who rang the Trust in the New Year looking for a 'slightly older' dog she could love. It was love at first sight when they were introduced (maybe it was the fact Jason had a hat with his name on it that really clinched the deal - soooo cute!). We will be forever grateful to Alrona Kennels in Upper Hutt who had boarded Jason free of charge since December. Thanks to everyone who helped find Jason a home. We know he is going to be very happy.

Black & White Kittens

Two new kittens, one each for Nicholas and Patrick. It was love at first sight for both boys and kittens so we think this will be a very good match.