Christmas cast offs find new homes

4-year-old Louise Mabey and her sister Rebecca, 11, with their new dog Mitsi. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Herald readers have opened their hearts to help hundreds of animals.

Hundreds of previously unloved animals have received new homes, thanks to an overwhelming public response to SPCA Auckland appeals and the New Zealand Herald's Adopt Me series.

SPCA Auckland executive director Bob Kerridge said there was no doubt the series had led to a record number of adoptions at the SPCA's Mangere shelter over the holidays.

A total of 229 cats, dogs and rabbits were adopted during the three weeks that the Adopt Me series ran from December 27.

Mr Kerridge said the exposure came at a crucial time after they had been inundated with surrendered animals during the Christmas period.

Between December 16 and December 27, up to 99 animals were coming through the doors of the Mangere shelter each day.

"The coverage has given exposure to the wonderful array of animals we have had at the shelter.

"As we say, an animal adopted is an animal saved."

Most of the animals featured in the New Zealand Herald found new homes, except for German shepherd-cross Demitre, husky shar pei-cross Diesel and ginger cat Mama Marmalade. Demitre and Diesel have received a number of adoption inquiries but none to date has been suitable.

Demitre needs a home with 1.82m fences, while Diesel requires an owner who will be able to give constant companionship.

Mama Marmalade was adopted but had to be returned to the SPCA when she did not get along with the other animals she was living with.

Mr Kerridge said SPCA staff always looked forward to hearing where the animals they have cared for have found new homes - and to do so was the upside of what can often be a tough job.

Animal numbers were now at a manageable level, though summer meant peak breeding time for cats, he said.

The Weekend Herald caught up with some of the animals.

Mitsi

Description: Brindle staffordshire-cross

Adopted by: Mabey family of Papatoetoe

Mitsi's new home in Papatoetoe with the Mabey family is a far cry from where the brindle-coloured staffordshire-cross spent the first few months of her life.

She was picked up by SPCA inspectors alone and malnourished in a Manurewa park. Now the 9-month old puppy has all four members of the Mabey family, three cats, and two rabbits to keep her company. Sharon Mabey reports Mitsi took no time to settle into her new home and has become a faithful playmate for her two daughters Rebecca, 11, and Louise, 4. She says the family were captivated by Mitsi's playful nature and brindle colouring when they first met her at the SPCA.

"When we were introduced to her we thought she was so gorgeous and after we went back again with hubby, she was ours," said Mrs Mabey. A month later, Mitsi has learned simple commands and has even made friends with the rabbits, though the three cats are still a little unsure about the new addition. "All in the making of a new family member," said Mrs Mabey.

Lani

Description: Black and white German shorthaired pointer

Adopted by: The Peel family of Hamilton

Ann Peel says she could not resist adopting Lani as a companion for her fellow German shorthaired pointer when the black and white spotted canine was featured in the Herald's Adopt me series on December 29. The attractive dog received a huge response from readers but luckily for Mrs Peel, SPCA staff wanted Lani to go to an owner who had experience with the hunting-breed. "I think it was the look of her face in the photo, she just looked so sad and in need of a good home," said Mrs Peel.

Lani, pictured above with Dave Peel, is now enjoying life in Hamilton where she is treated to an hour run every morning as well as two walks during the day to use up her boundless energy. Mrs Peel says their other dog Breac helped Lani settle in and the pair are now great friends. "She has turned out beautifully. It's hard to believe anyone could leave her but unless you understand the breed they can be a difficult dog to look after," said Mrs Peel.

Mimi

Description: Tabby

Adopted by: The Hesom-Williams family of Rothesay Bay

Richard and Angela Hesom-Williams were delighted with how well 4-year-old Mimi had been settling in to her new home in Rothesay Bay since they brought her home from the SPCA earlier this month - that was until she disappeared ten days ago.

Nearly a week later and 6km away from home, Mimi turned up in Castor Bay and thanks to her microchip, the local vet was able to track down her worried owners.

Mr Hesom-Williams is not sure how or why Mimi made the journey but she would have had to cross some busy roads.

"The SPCA told us her first home was on a farm so no doubt she thought she was just exploring her area," said Mr Hesom-Williams.

Now the confident tabby is back home and will hopefully stay happily in her suburban cul-de-sac from now on.

General

Description: Black rabbit

Adopted by: Williams family of Maraetai

When 10-year-old Abbey Williams saw General's photo in the New Zealand Herald earlier this month, she wanted to adopt him. Next day, Abbey went to the SPCA with her father Barry and brother Jake to make sure they would be the first in line for the lop-ear bunny. "He just looked so cute in the paper," she said. Two weeks later, General has settled in to his new home in Maraetai. Mr Williams says the bunny is being lovingly looked after by his daughter and is enjoying eating home-grown silverbeet. He says General was a little reluctant to be cuddled at first but since his daughter spent time with him every day, the bunny is now affectionate.

Mr Fox, Phantom

Description: Mr Fox (ginger and white), Phantom (tortoise shell and white)

Adopted by: Lange family, Wattle Downs

Two-year-old Mr Fox and one-year-old Phantom formed a close bond while they were at the SPCA Mangere shelter. Lucky for the two felines, described by SPCA staff as "an old married couple", they were adopted out together by the Lange family in Wattle Downs. Rebecca Lange says the moggys have continued to be great friends, grooming each other, playing and sleeping side by side. Choosing the pair was an easy decision for the Langes - Mrs Lange wanted a ginger cat while her husband Bevan wanted a tortoiseshell. "They are really affectionate cats. We thought Mr Fox wouldn't be very playful because he is an older cat but he can definitely keep up with the younger one," said Mrs Lange. Their year-old son Elliot is delighted to have two new friends and often gives them his own toys. "The other day he was ripping up a newspaper and throwing it to the cats," said Mrs Lange.

229 cats, dogs and rabbits adopted in three weeks

99 animals given to Mangere in one day over Christmas period

16 animals featured in Herald

4 still need a good home