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.
