SAAR became a registered charity in 2012 but the work started years before. Shar Prasad, who came on board in 2011, says those involved are rewarded with the success stories of animals finding loving homes, and making a difference one animal at time.
"Rescue pets have the most to offer, so much more love," she says. "They have been through so much in their short lives, and adoption is the only way they get the homes they deserve."
Franklin Cat Rescue (FCR) co-founders Melanie Marshall and Jenny Bayliss share the same commitment.
"Often the animals have had a very traumatic start to life and yet they still find it in their hearts to trust and love us. We believe they give us far more than we could ever give them."
One bundle of fur was thrown from a moving car on a rural road one night. Luckily a passer-by spotted the incident and Tiger was picked up, dazed and confused, and taken to FCR. He now has an incredible forever home, they say, where he need not worry about anything other than whose lap to nap on.
Melanie and Jenny founded the group in 2013 and have already seen hundreds of unwanted animals. They've both been involved in rescue for many years.
"We dream that one day there will be no need for rescue at all, as every cat will be in a forever home," says Melanie.
"They make us smile and there is no better feeling than changing their world for the better. As the saying goes, 'Saving one animal won't change the world, but it will change the world for one animal'."
Like SAAR, animals come to Franklin Cat Rescue when they've been trapped, are collected or surrendered.
"Each animal is matched with a foster home, treated for fleas, worms and whatever else is required, thoroughly vet-checked, desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and loved like our own until their forever home is found," says Melanie. For some it's weeks, for others it could be a year. But all leave healthy, happy and matched to an appropriate home.
Like many other rescue organisations around the country, these two rely on donations, fundraising and personal contributions - time as well as money. The more foster parents, money and donations they get, the more pets the groups can help.
Adoption fees go some way to cover veterinary costs, but as the costs of care generally exceed the adoption fee, so donations of food, litter, toys, carry cages and blankets are always needed and appreciated. Shar has started making blankets from scrap fabric to help ease the load.
The lesson we can all learn from this is the importance of knowing you can afford a pet, and the importance of desexing. If money is an issue for the latter, agencies can help, says Shar. SAAR has a desexing campaign where prices are discounted through Mangere Vet Clinic, and is about to launch project 'Desex that Cat' where the cost of adopting a kitten is only the fee for a spey or neuter.
But if you think it's good for a pet to have "just one litter" before being desexed, says Shar, consider the consequences of finding homes for the offspring, the cost of food and vet bills first.
It's all about responsible pet ownership and respect, says Melanie.
"We deal with owners whose circumstances change and with no other option, they break their hearts surrendering their pet. Other people should understand a cat or kitten is not a possession, a thing or an 'until' you want a cuter kitten, the kids are bored, you move house, you meet someone special or they get old or sick. They love you with all their hearts, they grow up and grow old and owners should be there for all of that."
One old cat, Ginge, ended up in foster care with Yvonne from SAAR when his owner died. A bit rough round the edges and not as desirable as a kitten, Ginge was in care for a year before Yvonne decided she had fallen for him.
I met Ginge in Yvonne's garden when I collected Miss Pearl. Here were two rescue cats that had fallen on their feet in the kindness of Yvonne's home. My one is now curled up at my side, purring as I'm writing this. And my rescue kitty and I couldn't be happier.
Thinking of adoption, donation or fostering? See South Auckland Animal Rescue and Franklin Cat Rescue on Facebook. You can check out Miss Pearl on Instagram @miss_pearls_blog
