By Eva de Jong
Abandoned animals sometimes wait years to find new homes, the SPCA says.
Lucy is a 1 year old mixed breed at the Masterton SPCA. She had surgery on her foot, but it is all healed and she loves running and playing with people. Photo: Supplied/ SPCA
The organisation has compiled a list of its longest staying animals in SPCA centres during this year.
Kelly was found abandoned on the street chained to a pole.
Beside her, left in a box, were her litter of puppies.
Kelly is a 2 year old Kelpie at the Whangārei SPCA. She was very protective of her pups and took a long time to trust the staff, but once she did she "became a box of beans who loves to play". Photo: Supplied/ SPCA
Sam is a 7 year old mixed breed dog at the Thames SPCA. He's very smart and loves people. He has special dietary needs, needs a house with a well-fenced section and no cats, and to be the only dog at his new home. Photo: Supplied/ SPCA
When Kelly was taken to the Whangārei SPCA, it seemed her luck had changed. But despite being described as a big softie always up for a snuggle, she was one of many canines on the long-stayer list.
The SPCA said pairing the right family with the right animal was an important process. It meant the needs of each animal had to be taken into account before any adoption was approved.
Peewee is a mixed breed dog who loves quietly hanging out with the staff in the SPCA Kaitāia office while they work, and responds nicely to commands. While he plays nicely with other dogs, he gets over-excited and loud, so he needs to be the only dog in his new home. Photo: Supplied/ SPCA
For Kelly, this meant she should be the only dog in the house and would have to attend doggy-day care once a week to use up all her energy.
At the uncoveted top spot of the long-stayer list was Sam, a lovely boy with good manners, who had been at the SPCA for two years.
Julia is a 4 year old thoroughbred mare at the Christchurch SPCA. She needs an experienced owner to give her some further training and built up her fitness. Photo: Supplied/ SPCA
Ferry is a 7 month old female cat at Masterton SPCA. She will need to be rehomed with her cat buddy Meyrick, and staff say she is shy so will need patience, but play is the way to win her over. Photo: Supplied/ SPCA
Sam was so used to the SPCA staff they said he had become like part of the furniture. But they still hoped he will find a permanent home that could provide for his special dietary needs.
The list was not exclusive to dogs, Julia the thoroughbred horse and Ferry the shy tabby cat were patiently waiting to find their new owners.
The SPCA said for those looking to adopt an animal on the longest staying list, profiles and further information could be found on their website.
Jase is a 3 year old mixed breed dog at the Timaru SPCA, and the staff say they can't understand why he hasn't been snapped up. He needs lots of exercise and will need to be the only dog in his new home. Photo: Supplied/ SPCA
Dashy is a 9 month old male cat at the Hastings SPCA. He loves people and especially loves belly rubs. Staff said: "Sadly, Dash has always been the last pick but he always makes cat friends fast." Photo: Supplied/ SPCA