Abandoned pups revel in new life

Kim Metcalf, with puppies Honey and Bear and her own pet Shiloh competing for treats. Photo / Michael Cunningham

He's a little teddy bear and she's a wee honey. Appropriately, the two puppies being fostered by Ruakaka Dog Rescue helper Kim Metcalf are named Bear and Honey.

The "staffie" crosses are two of six puppies found dumped in bushes near Kawakawa a few weeks ago.

"They came to me as skinny as anything and full of worms," Ms Metcalf said as the rescued puppies competed for cuddles from her.

"Now I'm trying to teach them some manners."

Ruakaka Dog Rescue was started by resident Jax Boyd, who was concerned about the number of stray dogs in the township.

Word spread and before long there was a network of people reaching as far as Auckland rescuing, fostering and adopting unwanted dogs.

The majority are pups, and breeds most people try to avoid because of their reputation - such as Staffordshire terriers or pitbulls.

People often did not realise what loyal, gentle dogs those unwanted puppies would grow into when given good care and some bad habits were broken, Ms Metcalf said.

Older dogs as well as pups were assessed carefully.

"Rescue dogs can come with a bit of baggage," she said.

About six foster homes and many volunteers work with the Ruakaka Dog Rescue.

The average cost to get each dog from pick-up, fostering to adoption stage is $500. The adoptive families pay $265 for their socialised, registered, desexed, vaccinated and microchipped pets, but only after potential owners' homes and credentials have been checked out.

The group relies heavily on donations of food, money and treatments.

Bear and Honey were advertised for the first time on the group's Facebook page this week and within two hours Ms Metcalf had four inquiries.