Tonka was seized by Whangarei SPCA as a 9 month old puppy who had spent most of his life chained up and being regularly beaten. His owner pled guilty to ill treating him in October 2008 and the courts awarded him to Whangarei SPCA. He was named Tonka as he was obsessed with toys, probably because he had never had any, but this has eased with time and training.

While in the care of Whangarei SPCA, Tonka has had training and been fostered into a home to learn about that environment. After 7 months of trying to rehome him, Whangarei SPCA decided the right home for him was not available there as too many potential owners had young children, or wanted him as a pig dog or a guard dog, for which he is unsuitable.  So they asked Wellington SPCA to find him a loving home where he will be treated as a loved member of the family.

The ideal home for Tonka would be with someone who wants a dog to hang out with. He will need a confident owner who will give him plenty of exercise as he has lots of energy to burn. He responds really well to positive reinforcement training, respect and loyalty. Getting angry with Tonka does not work. He feeds off his owners emotions he will be best with someone who is relaxed, patient and calm. He has been excellent with little kids in a controlled environment , but Tonka is a bit too boisterous to live with kids as he will knock them over – not because he is agressive but because he finds it hard to contain his excitement.

Tonka will be a great project for someone who really loves dogs and wants to make a real difference to the life of one dog. The person who adopts Tonka will have a hugely rewarding time polishing this rough diamond and will have a mate for life.

Read the article on Tonka published in Whangarei’s Nothern Advocate