From beach wanderer to beloved pet

A resilient little dog who survived almost a year alone on Woodend Beach is now thriving in the comfort of her new home.

Back in March, a wire-haired Fox Terrier–Jack Russell cross was brought to our animal shelter in the hope her owner would come forward. But with no microchip, no contact information and no one claiming her, she was soon posted for adoption on the Council’s Facebook page.

One of those interested was Pegasus local Rae Wakefield-Jones. Despite saying she’d never get another dog, Rae admits she “just couldn’t look past that little face.”

After a 17-minute call with Animal Management Officer Mel Heap, Rae confessed she was already thinking of calling her Sandy – after the beach. Given Rae’s quiet home, retirement lifestyle, and experience with dogs, Mel felt it was a great match.

“I could tell when she first came to meet her that they were a great fit”, Mel says. “Rae just sat quietly on the grass in the outdoor run and waited for Sandy to approach her. Her Labrador Rosie came along, and after the initial greeting sniffs, Rosie was quite happy wandering around and accepting the treats meant for Sandy.”

From there, Mel guided Rae through microchipping, registration, and vet checks.

Now, little Sandy enjoys a warm home after the cold, uncertain life she had endured since she was just six months old.

“She’s a tough little cookie to have survived that long,” Rae says.

“Sandy has become very attached to me and often follows me from room to room, even when I’m vacuuming!”

Sandy and Rae

Although training Sandy hasn’t been easy, Rae says Rosie has been a big help getting her settled. Sandy also visits the Gladstone Dog Park in Pegasus to develop her social skills.

“I’m very grateful for the kindness and understanding of other dog owners we meet there,” Rae says. “Sandy is a very frightened little girl, and they’ve all been really good with her.”

As a first-time rescue owner, Rae expected challenges but says it’s all worth it: “Sandy’s brought me a lot of joy.”

Mel says rescue dogs that come through Waimakariri District Council’s shelter can come in all shapes, sizes and ages.

“More often than not, we do not know a lot about their life beforehand,” she explains.

The Animal Management team evaluates each dog on its suitability for re-homing and often work with Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust and Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue – charities that specialise in re-homing shelter dogs. All dogs are fully vaccinated, de-sexed, treated for worms and fleas, and receive a full vet health check before adoption.

“It would be a far reach to say every rescue dog is perfect—many come with their own quirks,” Mel says. “But the main criteria for anyone considering a rescue dog is patience. Given their rough starts in life, a rescue dog gives their new family boundless love and affection, almost as if to say ‘thank you.’”


Sandy and her fur sister, Rosie

How to adopt a shelter dog

After seven days at our animal shelter, the Council becomes the legal owner of any unclaimed dog. From there, our Animal Management team works hard to rehome them - either by posting on the Council's Facebook page, or by partnering with Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust or Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue.

We want to give a huge shout-out to these incredible teams. Their passionate staff work tirelessly to rehome dogs and give them the second chance they deserve.

Learn more about their work below.

Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust

  • 230 Dyers Road, Bromley
  • Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm - 4pm
  • Visit dogwatch.co.nz

Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue