Stranded pooch fit for new home

FRIENDLY FELLA: Dog warden Malcolm Falk says this abandoned beardie-cross will make a great new family pet if his original owners don't claim him.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA.

A shaggy pooch with big paws and a bigger heart could be the perfect Christmas present for a local family - if his original owners don't step forward to claim him, that is.

The dog was found stranded between two fences on Lincoln Rd last Wednesday evening, and was collected by Animal Control Officers.

Masterton District Council Animal Control team leader Malcolm Falk said the dog had been between the fences "for quite some time", as the ground underneath him had been trampled.

He is now resident at the council's dog pound on Ngaumutawa Rd - but if he is not collected by his owners by tomorrow he will most likely be re-homed.

"He is definitely suitable for re-homing," said Mr Falk.

"His temperament has been great from the get-go. He's a very friendly fella, and I think he'd be a great family dog.

"But, for now, he must belong to someone. So far no-one's turned up."

Mr Falk said the dog has no microchip or registration tag, making it impossible for the council to locate his owners.

"This is what we keep saying time and time again - we can't return a dog to their owner with no chip," he said.

"It only takes about 20 bucks if you get it done through the council. We can do it for you easily."

Mr Falk is unsure of the dog's breed, but believes he is a mix of bearded collie, German Shepherd and possibly Irish wolfhound as he has large paws.

He is possibly a hunting or farm dog, said Mr Falk, making him the third working dog to be found abandoned in Masterton district in the last three months.

In August, a huntaway and bearded collie, neither of which were microchipped, were found roaming and collected by Animal Control.

The beardie-cross is very thin but Mr Falk is hopeful a few more meals at the pound will fatten him up.

"He's eating well at the moment," he said. "And he loves riding in the car. He's such a nice-natured dog, and it tugs at the heartstrings when this sort of thing happens.

"Those big eyes really get to you."