The story of missing pup DeeDee won the hearts of students in Marian School's Room 15.
The students have been working on persuasive letters to Hamilton City Council as part of their class work, in a bid to get DeeDee returned to her original owner.
Hamilton News July 25 edition outlined Erin Majurey's story of her missing dog DeeDee. By the time Ms Majurey was told her dog had been found, DeeDee had been rehomed. Council sent a letter to the family but did not use the phone number on the microchip to contact them.
The family did not receive the letter from council informing them DeeDee was at the pound, as they had moved address, but says they received letters from other council departments to the new address.
Ms Majurey was told by the council she could not have the dog back, that they had followed correct procedures and did not have to phone her, only send a letter when the dog was found.
Ms Majurey has since engaged a lawyer to look into her options to fight for ownership of DeeDee.
Ms Majurey purchased DeeDee after her eldest two children's father's both died within the same year.
It was suggested by a counsellor the family get a pet to help with the grieving process. She had been with the family for seven years.
Room 15 student Eva knew Ms Majurey and her family and took the article to school for a discussion about current affairs. The story struck a cord with the class and they decided to take action.
Teacher Natalie Steens said her students had asked if they could do their persuasive writing project on the issue.
"They were all asking 'what if this was our dog?' They can't understand why we microchipped dogs if they're not actually being used."
Kitty, 10, believes the decision the council made the wrong decision.
"After reading the article about DeeDee we felt we needed to have our say in this so out of absolute heartfelt sadness I write to you with a strong opinion. In Room 15 we believe you have made the most unsatisfactory decision about this dog. It was obvious DeeDee has a home. I understand the new owner paid for DeeDee and has bonded and cared for her, but is it not all that clear what the right thing to do would be? It would be less painful for the new owner to let go than for the rightful owner to."
Other students highlighted several key point in their arguments, including the fact DeeDee was more than just a dog and how significant she was to the family. Room 15 will finalise their letters and send them into the council.