Marz the pound dog ready to teach

Karen Schischka, Carterton animal control, with her new team member Marz, an ex-pound dog.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Carterton District Council's newest employee is proving a hit with co-workers keen for a cuddle and a pat.

Marz, short for Marzipan, a Huntaway stray rescued from the Carterton pound, has been recruited to help out with the council's new "Dogsmart" programme for school children.

Marz was collected as a stray by animal and dog control officer Karen Schischka in June, and when her new home on a farm fell through, Ms Schischka realised Marz might make a good candidate for the education programme planned for next year.

"We thought someone would come looking for her but no one ever came looking for her.

"We trialled her with a farmer and she didn't work out with him so he rang me up to return her.

"I was looking for a smaller dog for the education programme ... but she's just beautiful -- nothing fazes her -- the only aggression I've seen was when she attacked a fly and a bug the other night."

A retired farm dog like Marz was perfect for the job as they tended to be good-natured, Ms Schischka said.

"It was just the fact that she was so laid back and had those big brown eyes."

Marz had proved to be good around cats and children and "just wanted to be loved by people", but was still learning how to behave indoors and getting used to sleeping inside, Ms Schischka said.

The Dogsmart programme, which was created by the Christchurch City Council, teaches children how to behave around dogs and how to avoid being bitten. The half-hour programme incorporates DVDs, stickers, handouts and a "well-mannered" canine.

Ms Schischka said it was aimed at younger children, who liked to "see an animate object there so they can know how to approach the dog and what not to do".

Marz will be starting her official duties in the new year once school starts back and she has learnt a few tricks, like how to "sit" on command, Ms Schischka said.

In the meantime, she was enjoying naps in the sunshine, cuddles from staff and rides in the ute.