Runaway dog finds new home for Christmas

GREAT PET: A gentle-natured beardie-cross has a new family, after his owner gave permission for him to be adopted. The dog was found stranded on Lincoln Rd, having spent three weeks "on the run".PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Christmas has come early for one Wairarapa family - in the form of a brand new pet.

A dog found stranded on Lincoln Rd has been successfully re-homed, after featuring in the Times-Age last month.

Now, instead of a lonely Christmas wandering the streets, the friendly pooch - a farm dog in a previous life - can enjoy a warm bed and a good meal on Christmas day.

Masterton District Council's animal control team found the dog between two fences on November 20, and took him to the pound on Ngaumutawa Rd.

Council spokesman Sam Rossiter-Stead said the original owner arrived at the pound having seen the Times-Age article - but, feeling unable to offer him adequate care, gave permission for the dog to be adopted.

"They'd had a change in circumstances - which could be any number of things," said Mr Rossiter-Stead. "So, they thought it was a good time for the dog to be re-homed."

The owner said the dog, assumed by dog wardens to be a Bearded Collie-German Shepherd cross, had been missing since Guy Fawke's Day.

He had become spooked by the sound of fireworks, and had bolted from their property.

As he was not microchipped, the council was initially unable to locate the dog's owner.

"He'd been on the run for about three weeks at least.

"The owner was really worried about him."

With permission for adoption granted, the council had no problems finding the dog a new family.

"We had loads of offers - there was a whole queue of people lining up to take him," said Mr Rossiter-Stead.

"We're very thankful to the Times-Age for publicising his story."

He said the re-homing was a good outcome for all. "It was great news all round," he said.

"The original owner was just happy he was safe, and had found a more suitable home.

"He even bought a gift for the dog to take to his new home.

"The new owners seemed very happy with him. And I presume the dog is happy, too."

Animal Control team leader Malcolm Falk told the Times-Age the dog's gentle nature would make him a "great family pet".

"He's a very friendly fella," he said.