June « 2011 « Wellington SPCA

Archive for June, 2011

June 30, 2011

Topics: Events /Kid's Club /Latest

Celebrate your birthday with us!

Fancy a birthday party with a difference? Then why not celebrate with us?

We host birthday parties for children over the age of 4 and can accomodate up to 12 children at a time.

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Parties are heaps of fun and are packed with loads of activities – including plenty of time to hang out with some of the animals in our care.

Birthday activities can include bunny massage, pom pom making, kitty cuddles, clicker training with puppies, dog biscuit baking, creating chocolate animals, a shelter tour and heaps more!!

We have a room all set up with everything you need for a party – you just need to bring the food and drink (there is a kitchen for any preparation needed).

Every child at the party will take home their very own Wellington SPCA party bag and the birthday child also receives an extra special gift.

So, why not give your animal-loving child the party that everyone at school will be talking about for weeks to come?!

For all the details and for information on how to book your child’s next party click her e.

June 29, 2011

Topics: Animals available for adoption /Appeals /Fundraising /Latest /Video

Puppies found dumped in cardboard box

These four tiny puppies are now safely in our care after being found abandoned in a cardboard box in the Lower Hutt suburb of Woburn on Monday.

The cries of the cold and hungry six-week-old female terrier cross pups alerted a Woburn resident as he returned home to his nearby property at around 8pm.

Being the owner of two young dogs himself, their rescuer decided to take the puppies in for the night – giving them food and water and even constructing a special temporary bed for them.

“We are so grateful to the gentleman who, out of the kindest of his heart, not only prevented these puppies from spending a night outside in the bitter cold, but also from what would have been a much different and uncertain future,” Vanessa Hetherington, Wellington SPCA spokeswoman.

The dumping of these puppies is extremely sad and disheartening for us. We provide a 24-hour emergency service, can offer low-cost desexing as well as help and advice to people who may be struggling to care for their pets.

“There is no need for people to put helpless animals at risk in this way. We are here to help.”

But despite the already large number of puppies (approximately 40) currently in our care, we have taken in the unwanted strays, who will remain in our care until a suitable loving home can be found.

However, as a charity that receives no direct government funding, we depend on donations from the public to continue to provide our life saving services.

If you can make a donation to help feed, house and care for these tiny puppies, along with the hundreds of other animals in our care, you can make one online or by calling our credit card hotline on 04 389 7387.

You can read the pup’s story as it appeared on Stuff.co.nz.

This incident comes as RNZSPCA released a national press release highlighting a major problem SPCA’s across the country are facing as the tide of unwanted puppies and dogs keeps coming.

June 27, 2011

Topics: Animals available for adoption /Happy Tails /Latest /Video

Pepper … the perfect performance

This is Pepper (as a puppy), previously known to us as Bee, who was adopted from our Newtown animal centre in October 2009 as a three-month-old pup.

Pepper celebrated her second birthday last week and just to show how awesome a dog she has become, owner Emily has shared this video with us. Enjoy.

If you would like to adopt one of the many awesome dogs currently in our care waiting for their forever home, check out our adoption pages or pay us a visit.

Topics: Latest /Lincoln

A sad farewell

It is with great sadness that we must inform you that Lincoln, the Rhodesian ridgeback who survived a horrific dog fight two years ago, passed away last Tuesday (21st) aged 16 years.

Lincoln came into our temporary care in April 2009 after he was found badly injured following the planned attack. The organiser of the fight was prosecuted by Wellington SPCA and received a prison sentence.

Janet and Joe, Lincoln’s owners had these words to say following his sad death:

Many thanks to SPCA Wellington for all your support towards Lincoln.

My special thanks to Lisa and the inspectors that worked on Lincoln’s case alongside the Police and the media, to have the guy convicted which sets a precedent that this type of cruelty to dogs cannot continue to happen.

Dogs give unconditional love for their owners if they are treated well.

Also a very special thank you to the New Zealand public who donated money and cards to Lincoln. My heartfelt thanks to you all.

June 24, 2011

Topics: Latest /Volunteer

Volunteer Awareness Week – June 19-25 2011

In the final installment marking Volunteer Awareness Week we are focusing on one of the newest members of our awesome voluntary team.

Chrissy has only very recently become a volunteer with us and is now an integral part of the fundraising team.

She gives up her precious time for us for at least three days a week and concentrates mainly on computer based assistance - focusing on data entry. Even though she does not working directly with animals, her contribution to the team and the organisation cannot be underestimated.

Why did you decide to become part of the Wellington SPCA team? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

I like animals and have always wanted to help at SPCA so when I saw this particular position advertised (on the Wellington SPCA website) I applied as the team were looking for someone with my skills.

How long have you been with Wellington SPCA?

Just two weeks

What has been your most notable experience at Wellington SPCA so far?

Being encouraged to take a break from the computer to have cuddles with the puppies!!

What would you say to others who might think about volunteering with Wellington SPCA?

It is the most rewarding work

There are so many ways that you can volunteer your time to help us – it doesn’t always have to be directly working with the animals. You may just have the skills we need! Please feel free to complete the application form and let us know how you think you can help.

June 23, 2011

Topics: Latest /Volunteer

Learning new skills as a volunteer

Cameron works in the puppy run both on weekdays and weekends – sometimes he can be found helping out up to four days a week at our Newtown animal centre!!

Cameron has recently gone through a training session with other volunteers, upskilling him and enabling him to take on the role of volunteer canine assistant. In his new role, Cameron has been able to provide a huge amount of extra support to the team and become more involved in the re-homing process.

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What do you do as part of the Wellington SPCA team? What teams do you/ have you worked with?

I work exclusively with the canine team – feeding, cleaning and socialising the puppies and assisting with the rehoming process

Why did you decide to become part of the Wellington SPCA team? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

My flatmate was going to an induction and encouraged me to come along. I had never considered or thought about volunteering before. Just two weeks later I was in the puppy run and enjoying every minute!

How long have you been with Wellington SPCA?

For just over a year – I started in May 2010

What has been your most notable experience at Wellington SPCA so far?

Being left in charge of the puppy run when the staff went to a conference; being able to get great homes for the puppies

What would you say to others who might think about volunteering with Wellington SPCA?

If I had known how fun and rewarding it is I would have been here years ago.

Do you want to help us? Volunteering is an awesome way to up gain new skills, meet new people and make a real difference in your community. If you would like to volunteer with us, complete an application form today!

Topics: Latest /Retail

Love the gym? You’ll love this!

The team at Bodies Under Construction’s family gym are big cat lovers and supporters of Wellington SPCA.

They offer you the best all-round, family orientated gym to give you the energy to live life to the full. They have an amazing team of personal trainers, the best group fitness programmes and an extensive range of gym equipment.

Bodies Under Construction would like to offer you, as a supporter of Wellington SPCA, an exclusive deal! Join today for only $18.00 per week and no joining fee. This is a huge saving of $750.00 over the contract term.

So don’t delay – join today. Contact Shaun or visit the friendly team at 29 Kingsford Smith Street, Rongotai, Wellington. You won’t regret it!

Be sure to mention you’re a friend of Wellington SPCA.

Bodies Under Construction

Terms and Conditions: *First time gym users only *You must be over 18 years of age *18 month term contract *Family Gym only *Offer available until 30 June 2011 *Not in conjunction with any other offer

June 22, 2011

Topics: Latest /Volunteer

Volunteer interview transcriber required

Our inspectorate team are looking for an experienced interview transcriber to assist with the typing of recorded interviews for use in potential prosecution cases.

They require someone who can volunteer their time on an ad-hoc basis (usually no more than twice a month) to transcribe interviews that will be of a maximum length of one hour and will also need to be able to work from our Newtown animal centre.

The individual will be dealing with highly confidential material, therefore they will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. They should also be aware that the interviews may contain descriptions of animal cruelty or neglect.

If you are interested in assisting the team should contact Senior Inspector Ben Lakomy by email at benl@wellingtonspca.org.nz or phone on 021 389 557.

Topics: Latest /Volunteer

Saving the sick

There are so many ways in which Wellington SPCA volunteers make a difference to the lives of animals in our community.

In recognition of Volunteer Awareness Week (19-25 June 2011) we have been talking to just a handful of the amazing people who give us their valuable time and enable us to achieve all the great things we do for thousands of animals every year.

Today’s star volunteer is Joanne Smith

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Name

Joanne Smith

Professional Occupation

Clinical Typist

What do you do as part of the Wellington SPCA team? What teams do you/ have you worked with?

I volunteer in the clinic and fostering

Why did you decide to become part of the Wellington SPCA team? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

I wanted to put back into the community and I started volunteering prior to adopting cats. Volunteering allowed me to spend time with cats and hopefully learn on the job to become a better pet owner. It is also a convenient location and my employer is flexible with work hours. I was previously a member of Auckland SPCA

How long have you been with Wellington SPCA?

Four years

What has been your most notable experience at Wellington SPCA so far?

Adopting my two girls – Millie and Spike
Seeing the benefits of an increase in fostering, helping to free up space in clinic especially with regard to kittens
Seeing abused/unwell/malnourished cats improve week by week

What would you say to others who might think about volunteering with Wellington SPCA?

Check the website for volunteering options – it’s not just about animal handling – your help is also needed with things like fundraising; making blankets, toys and even cupcakes!

If Joanne’s story has inspired you to give volunteering a go with us, why not complete a volunteer application form today?

June 21, 2011

Topics: Latest /Volunteer

From volunteering to vocation – Donna’s story

As part of Volunteer Awareness Week June 19-25 2011, we are putting the spotlight on some of our fabulous volunteers who help save the lives of animals every day.

Donna Hanere is just one member of our amazing voluntary team and has volunteered in almost all areas of our Newtown animal centre. As part of her vet nurse training she has even spent time working on our reception desk answering phones and booking appointments.

Being a fosterer has also meant that Donna literally takes her work home with her at the end of the day – which her children love!!

Name

Donna Henare

Occupation

Student Vet Nurse

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What do you do as part of the Wellington SPCA team? What teams do you/ have you worked with?

I’ve worked with the canine team and currently working with the vet care team (as well as fostering a litter of kittens)

Why did you decide to become part of the Wellington SPCA team? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

I had always thought it would be a great place to work, then I decided to become a vet nurse. I rang to make enquiries and was told about the volunteer team.

How long have you been with Wellington SPCA?

For about two and a half years

What has been your most notable experience at Wellington SPCA so far?

Fostering kittens and pups and then bringing them back to the centre from where they have been adopted into great homes.

What would you say to others who might think about volunteering with Wellington SPCA?

That it is a great experience, that your help is appreciated and that you do make a difference to the lives of all the animals here.

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