For Tui, a Jack Russell-cross, it was fourth time lucky. After being returned to the Rotorua pound three times, Tui finally found her forever home with Irene Walden and her whānau on Adopt a Dog Day.
Irene and her family instantly connected with the shy, seven-month-old pup. “She’s living her best life now,” Irene shared. “She loves the kids and is full of beans. Hard to believe she was so shy when we first met her.”
Though they had only planned to “take a look,” the family couldn’t leave without Tui. Their positive experience even led them to adopt a second dog, Cove, a labrador retriever-cross. Unlike Tui, Cove is a gentle protector, always watching over the children.
The adoptions were part of Rotorua Lakes Council’s successful rehoming efforts. In the first quarter of 2025, 40 dogs and puppies found homes thanks to the council’s Animal Control team and partnerships with rescue organisations.
Animal Control team leader Joanne Day explained their adoption process. Every dog undergoes a temperament check to ensure compatibility with potential owners. “We aim to match dogs to the right families. High-energy dogs aren’t suited for people seeking calm companions,” she said.
This year brought extra challenges, including a temporary closure of Tauranga-based Vada Animal Rescue. The team reached out to rescue groups across New Zealand to continue rehoming dogs, despite high vet costs and limited resources. Central City Vets have been instrumental in keeping costs manageable.
The team’s passion for animals keeps them motivated. Their work also extends to public safety, with a focus on responding to priority incidents like dog attacks and wandering animals. In the first three months of 2025, the team handled 338 priority one cases, a significant workload but with improved response times.
New initiatives, such as a DNA database, have supported legal actions. Two recent DNA matches helped identify dogs involved in livestock attacks, leading to successful prosecutions. Since late 2023, seven prosecutions have been won, with two more ongoing.
For Irene and her family, responsible dog ownership is a message they strongly support. Recently, Tui was attacked by an unleashed dog. Animal Control responded swiftly, treating Tui with care and professionalism. “My son says Animal Control is like Tui’s Secret Service because they arrived so quickly,” Irene said.
Grateful for the team’s work, the Walden family visited Rotorua Lakes Council to thank them in person with a morning tea. Irene praised the often underappreciated role of Animal Control. “Without them, we wouldn’t have Tui and Cove. They’re just doing their job, but they make such a difference.”
Tui’s story is a reminder of the importance of patience, responsible ownership, and giving dogs like her a well-deserved second (or fourth) chance.
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