Dog thrown from bridge transformed and looking for a new home

TRANSFORMED: Charity, the dog thrown off the Wairoa Bridge last month, is now up for adoption having transformed from a terrified, timid dog to one who loves belly rubs and children.PHOTO/JOHN BORREN

A dog callously thrown off a Tauranga bridge in the middle of the night is now up for adoption.

Charity, a chocolate sharpei cross labrador, has transformed from the terrified and timid dog first found swimming in the Wairoa River a month ago after being dropped several metres from the highway above.

If she even sees me, she gets really excited.

SPCA's Anna Porteous

A group of people found Charity, believed to be about a year old, in the water and alerted Tauranga SPCA, which has since been caring for the bitch and assessing her suitability for future homes.

Tauranga SPCA animal welfare inspector Anna Porteous said Charity hung out with her at the shelter each day and went home with her each night.

"But she needs to find a new home now."

Mrs Porteous said Charity was a new dog, who wagged her tail at the sight of her and shelter staff, and also enjoyed hanging out with children.

"She's really good around people.

"If she even sees me, she gets really excited," Mrs Porteous said.

However, Charity remained wary of new people, sticks and umbrellas. "There will be ongoing issues to get her confidence up," Mrs Porteous said.

Charity tended to bark around new people but was quiet, relaxed and laid back once at home, Mrs Porteous said. Mrs Porteous said Charity would be ideally suited with a female who would be able to spend plenty of time with her, as the dog could suffer separation anxiety issues.

Someone patient and understanding who could offer plenty of belly rubs would be perfect, Mrs Porteous said. Anyone interested should contact the Tauranga SPCA.

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