The lost pups of Kawerau

 
I photograph and advertise a lot of the ‘lost’ puppies that end up at Kawerau SPCA. After more than four years, I have sadly learnt not to expect anyone to turn up looking for them, apart from the odd exception.
 
I don’t know how people can sleep at night knowing their puppy is not safely at home.
 
Maybe the puppy never had anyone to get emotionally attached to it in the first place, and it was just one of a number of hungry mouths to feed. In that case, I guess it is definitely better for the animal to make it to the SPCA for the chance of a better life, outside of the town.
 
Kawerau has recently become a mecca for retirees from Auckland because of the cheaper house prices. It is a lovely town, with beautiful gardens, walks, lots of clubs, a free swimming pool and some nice people.  It’s such a pity it’s not such a wonderful place for some of its dogs. If more people desexed their dogs there wouldn’t be so many unwanted pups wandering the streets, unloved and uncared for. There is financial help available for pet owners who are struggling financially – they just need to ask. 

The pup in the photo, named 'Riley' by the centre, was never claimed. He spent several weeks in foster care before being rehomed to a family in the South Island.