Tokoroa’s ‘Rescues’: Barking for a better life
From ruff starts to bright futures, Tokoroa’s own Animal rescue shelter is transforming lives to help these pups trade uncertainty for a new home.
On the edge of Tokoroa, the South Waikato Animal Shelter and Impound is a second-chance home for the district’s abandoned and lost pets. Run by shelter manager Brooke Paul, it remains a central part of the community and a place full of care.
Brooke, previously an animal control officer for 12 years, said becoming more ‘hands-on’ has been rewarding. “Seeing animals come in scared or uncertain,” before finding a loving family and leaving for their new home is a special aspect for himself and the community.
However, the dogs have a long journey before rehoming. Brooke said, “we’re required by law to hold the animals for seven days.” His priority is to save them from euthanasia, saying “if no owners come forward, I begin the adoption process.”
The condition of the animals dropped off at the centre varies, but Brooke and his team try their best to rehome them. “If you have the time and the patience with the dog, I feel like you can do a lot with that” Brooke said.
Temperament testing, handling the dog, seeing how they are with people and other dogs are essential to the process.
“I don’t discriminate. If they tick the right boxes, I try and give them all a chance.”
Brooke Paul
With rows of kennels inside and outdoors, vet rooms, and a tall concrete mural surrounding the property to keep them from escaping, the shelter remains inviting to visitors looking for a new addition to their family.
While the impound is primarily funded by the council, they try to operate as a charity. The community shows its support with food and blanket donations, local business sponsorships, and fundraising.
Brooke says the biggest reason dogs are abandoned is because of economic stress. “Times are hard nowadays. People are struggling to look after themselves, let alone an animal.” He knows pet food isn’t cheap, and that most don’t have the nutritional value dogs need.
Nevertheless, thanks to Brooke and volunteers, many of the dogs are rehomed. Brooke believes if they’re “good with people, other dogs… walking well on a lead, [have] no food aggression…” and have met the right adoptive family, they’re ready to leave.
Over his time as manager, Brooke has kept in touch with many of the rehomed dogs and has cared for some of his own. He says one of his most memorable impounds was Mama; “she came from a home where she was apparently aggressive, but became the most trusted, loyal, and friendliest dog.”
In a district where many struggle, South Waikato Animal Shelter and Impound provides hope for those most in need; the abandoned pets. It shows with a little patience and care, any dog can go from a stray to a central part of the family.
To find out more about the South Waikato Animal Shelter and Impound and available pets to adopt, click here.
Holly O’Donnell is a student on the Diploma in Journalism. This is her first story for the Waikato Independent.
