Tui, a 7-month-old Jack Russell-cross, has finally found a loving home after being put up for adoption four times. This heartwarming story unfolded at Rotorua’s Adopt-a-Dog Day, where Irene Walden and her whānau were immediately taken with the shy dog, who had previously been passed over three times.
The Walden family’s journey began when they decided to “just take a look” at the dogs at the Rotorua Pound. However, upon meeting Tui, they knew instantly that she was the perfect fit for their family. Irene Walden describes Tui as “living her best life,” adding that she is now a playful, energetic dog who adores the kids.
Tui is just one of 40 dogs rehomed by Rotorua Lakes Council’s animal control staff in the first quarter of 2025. This follows the successful rehoming of 135 dogs in the 2023/24 period. While not all dogs find homes due to breed, temperament, or health issues, the council works diligently to ensure as many animals as possible are placed in suitable, loving homes.
Tui’s journey didn’t end there. A few months after adopting Tui, the Walden family expanded their household with Cove, a Labrador-retriever cross. Irene describes Cove as “the total opposite of Tui” – a calm and gentle companion who is protective of the children.
However, life with Tui and Cove hasn’t been without its challenges. Recently, Tui was attacked by an unleashed dog while the family was out for a walk. Despite the traumatic experience, the Animal Control team responded swiftly, helping treat Tui and showing her how much progress she had made in her recovery.
To express their gratitude, the Walden family treated the Animal Control team to morning tea, a gesture that highlighted the deep connection between the family and the professionals who helped them.
A Compassionate Approach to Rehoming Dogs
The success of Tui’s adoption is a testament to the hard work of the Animal Control team, which assesses each dog’s temperament to ensure they are well-suited to their new homes. The team focuses on matching dogs to owners who provide safe, nurturing environments.
Animal Control team leader Joanne Day emphasizes the importance of ensuring dogs are placed in the right homes, stating that “it wouldn’t work putting a large dog with a lot of energy with someone who’s looking for an older dog for companionship.” The team carefully considers the needs of both the dogs and potential owners to ensure the best possible match.
Despite challenges such as volunteer fatigue, rising veterinary costs, and periods when other rescue organizations are unable to take in animals, the Animal Control team remains committed to its mission. Notably, the introduction of a DNA database for dogs has proven valuable, helping identify dogs involved in attacks and ensuring accountability.
Looking to the Future
With successful adoptions like Tui’s and Cove’s, the Rotorua Lakes Council continues to work on improving its services, though the team acknowledges that there is still work to be done. The rising number of “priority one” calls – including dog attacks and roaming dogs – has put increased pressure on resources, but the team’s dedication remains unwavering.
As Tui thrives in her new home, her story is a reminder of the power of compassionate adoption, the importance of community involvement, and the difference that a little patience and love can make in the life of a dog waiting for a forever family.
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