‘Tis the season for family and friends

Hi Everyone

I hope you enjoy spending time with your family and friends in the next few weeks. That’s what the season is all about, I think.

Polly (far right) enjoying a rawhide Christmas cracker, with friends Ruby, Fred and Decca.

Whenever I have eaten, I like to have a little lie down and a snooze on my bed inside where it’s cool, particularly on these warm summer days when it is very humid. I’m guessing you’ll feel the same need after delicious BBQs and Christmas celebrations.

Polly’s afternoon snooze

I hope you are able to enjoy some rest, too, during the holidays Thank you for your support of the SPCA this year, and take care over the summer.

Love from Polly x

One Year On...

Gosh, it’s a year now since my Warkworth “experience” in November 2008, and what a year it has been!

From the time I was found I have been rescued, had major surgery, I’ve been rehabilitated by the incredible SPCA staff, had lessons in obedience and was rehomed to a new family in February.

I have adapted to living with my canine siblings, I’m even getting used to the cats and I now enjoy eating. I love walking and playing and swimming, and I bark at other dogs if they get too close to my family and our house.

So, all in all, I’ve adapted to life as a regular dog and I’m loving it.

Canon bones are still a favourite of Polly's

I thought you might like to see a shot of me enjoying a bone earlier this week. Yum, yum, yum, I say.

Love from Polly xx

Super Summer’s on the Way

Hi Everyone

It’s wonderful to know that daylight saving and long summer days are just around the corner. I love summer and swimming.

While I don’t swim at beaches at the moment, there is a local pond where I enjoy splashing around. I was there last weekend with my fur family members and we had a great time. My energy levels are excellent, so I can run and run and run, and still not get tired!

Playing with other dogs is fabulous and as I don’t fear any of them, I just have a ball jumping and diving and chasing and splashing.

I hope you all have a lovely summer, and I look forward to keeping in touch.

Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Cover Up in that sun.

Love,

Polly xx

Stars in Her Eyes

There were certainly stars in my eyes in early July. You see, TV host Simon Barnett, SPCA Inspector Sue Baudet and I were filmed for a special SPCA television programme.

I spent an hour and half with Simon and Sue in the Auckland Domain while the filming took place. They were delightful and patient, and gave me lots of praise and treats. I was completely star struck.

It was a bit tricky sitting still and not getting into mischief every time the camera was rolling, but I was very good. Some tourists even stopped to watch the action.

At one point, I was sure the sound man was carrying a microphone boom covered with a fluffy treat specially for me. So, the next time I was sitting quietly between Simon and Sue and the sound man held the fluffy thing near us, I quickly and quietly stepped forward and pulled at the fluffy treat, taking it with me back to my place on the grass. Everyone was laughing at my cheekiness. I wasn’t to know that it was a microphone protector and not really a treat for me.

I must be coming up one year old soon, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with a big bone, like this:

And then I’ll probably have a big snooze in the winter sun, like this:

I hope all’s well with you, as it is with me.

Love from Polly xx

Roll out the Red Carpet ... Polly Goes to Hollywood

Did you know that Hollywood for dogs is called Doggywood?  Well, it is.  I’ve even got a photo to prove it...

A few Sundays ago, I went to Purina’s ‘Bark in the Park’ event at Waiatarua Reserve in Auckland.  I had a wonderful few hours there, sniffing lots of other dogs, wearing a bandana given to me by a lovely lady, munching on treats, watching an awesome agility show and having this photo taken with my family.  That’s me in the middle of the shot, with Fred and Decca the guide dog stud, and our mum.

After the excitement of the event, we went for a swim at a nearby pond, and I played in the surrounding mud with lots of other pups.  What a great day – getting all wet and mucky with a crowd of new friends!  My brothers and I were so exhausted when we returned to our car, that we slept for five hours without stirring.

Mum was able to get lots of jobs done at home while we snoozed, so everyone was happy by day’s end.  Mum even gave us a shampoo and a massage, and then a rub down with a special new brush that she has bought to remove the fluff from our undercoats.   By bedtime, we were all clean and shiny and ready for sleep.  Now that the evenings are cooler, I snuggle up closely to Decca and Fred on our blankets.  We sleep soundly and dream sweet thoughts until the morning, when we enjoy delicious breakfast and a new day of adventures begins. Oh, this is the life, I say.

Love from Polly xx

Polly Bottom?

(Barbara is one of our Canine Team at the Auckland SPCA Village and she played 'Foster Mum' to Polly during her recovery period. Polly writes letters to her from time to time.)

Dear Barbara

I visited Richard Jerram at VSG this morning and he's very pleased with my progress. He thinks I look very well and he admired my glossy coat. He calls me Polly Bottom, which isn't really dignified for a princess like me, is it? I talked back to him a bit, but he didn't mind. I'm only 18.5 kgs, but Richard thinks I look fine for my size.

I've not been in touch recently because I've been lying low. My left hind hip area had been very sore, so Richard put me on painkillers and complete rest for two weeks. He was worried that, as I was only walking on three legs and not using that hind leg at all, there may be longterm issues with that sore hip, but all is now well again.

Keeping still-ish for two weeks was OK. Mum had a short stint in hospital herself followed by 10 days of bed rest, so she and I recouperated together in her room. As long as I know where she is, I'm a happy girl. Mum has bought me a beanbag to sleep on, which is really comfy and supports my joints.

Life is good. I'm eating Tux, steak and cooked chicken, and getting back into walking. Decca and Fred are great company, and those jolly cats need a good chase from time to time, I reckon.

I hope all is well with you and the other animal darlings in your tender care.

Love from Polly xx

A comment

Here's a comment from one of Polly's fans...

"Well done SPCA and well done to the fantastic new owner Polly has. What a great outcome all round and how lucky is Polly to have such a wonderful life now. The latest update was an absolute joy to read.

I was one of those who made a donation at the time Polly's plight came to light and it's sooooo good to learn that her life has come full circle now. It sounds like she couldn't wish for anything more.

So again, to all concerned, well done on a brilliant outcome. I LOVE good news stories like this one. Chris"

Adoption time !

What a weekend that was! On Friday afternoon, I moved to my new forever home in Auckland, and there have been lots of new things for me to get used to; new car, new bedroom, new family, new garden, new toys, new pool, new cats and new food.

Me in my new car seat after a long walk

I am having a fabulous time and I give my new mum lots of cuddles and smooches. I have two big canine brothers, Decca (a trained guide dog, who belongs to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind) and Fred, who are incredibly charming and look after me. They protect me from other dogs when I play in the park, they give me a head start when I run to catch a tennis ball, they sleep on either side of me in our room at night, and they tell me at meal times that they’ll eat my food if I don’t hurry up and eat it myself.

Decca, me and Fred waiting politely for dinner

My mum is quite strict (in a kind and loving way, of course) with my routine, my training and with what she expects me to do. She knows I am a very bright cookie and she’s keen to make sure I use my brain intelligently and don’t become naughty instead. So, we’re off walking for an hour every morning before the sun rises, and again in the evening. I am expected to use my manners all the time. I’m a very quick learner and I also watch what my brothers do, so I’m picking up on my new routine and skills very, very quickly. When they sit, I sit. When they lie down, I lie down. When they shake water out of their coats, I pretend to shake water out of mine, even if I’m not wet!

My life has changed completely in the last few months since I was found in Warkworth. It is because of the care and generosity of people like you, and the wonderful SPCA staff, that I have been able to progress to being the very happy poppet that I am now.

I will keep you updated on how I am doing during the next few months. In the meantime, thank you from the depth of my heart for caring for me and the many other animals who find themselves needing special help. You are our angels.


Love from Polly x x

Adopted..!

Hello everyone

Please accept our apologies for not updating Polly's blog for a while but other than hanging out at her foster home with Barbara, Miss Polly hasn't really been up to much. Polly has been on a training program to help her with being a well socialised, polite well mannered dog and has learnt really quickly but still pushes her luck as often as she can.

The really good news is that a decision has been made in regard to the successful applicant chosen to adopt Polly. There were over a dozen people that applied to adopt & from locations in Auckland and the South Island. Everyone that applied has followed Polly's story since the beginning and were all hoping to be the chosen family. The SPCA would like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported Polly throughout her journey without all of you wishing her well and supporting her financially it would have been march more difficult for her.

Polly will be staying in the Auckland region and Polly's new home is near the water which she will love as she is a real water baby. Polly will have two other dogs to keep her company and a very busy life style with her new owner. Polly's story will be one of the main stories to be featured on this years Animal House series scheduled to screen later this year so look out for her.

The process of choosing Polly's new owner was far from easy and everyone that applied would have been wonderful owners but a decision had to be made and we are sure Polly will have a fulfilled and happy life in her new home.

Keep watching Polly's blog for her updates, at this stage Polly will be going to her new home towards the end of this week but we will be staying in touch with Polly and her new family...

Update...

Hello everyone

Time for a quick update on Polly's progress over the last few weeks. As you can see from the previous photos on her blog, Polly is currently living the life of Riley in her foster home. Polly is being looked after by one of the SPCA staff so she gets to come into the village every day but goes to her foster home at night so she has the best of both worlds.

Polly has turned out to be a real character and has personality plus, she loves the water and is having daily training in good manners, walking nicely on a lead and general good behaviour. Her foster mum has discovered that Polly needs to have lots of daily exercise otherwise she can tend to start looking for things to chew including washing, shoes and other household items.

Polly has recovered really well from her surgery but she does have a slight limp and has limited movement in her injured leg but she still gets around without any trouble and is very active and playful.

The Auckland SPCA received twelve applications to adopt Polly as far ranging as Christchurch and Wellington so we are in the process of working our way through them all and contacting the applicants.

We hope that Polly will be in a new home within the next 4 - 5 weeks but we will keep you updated as things progress ...

On behalf of Polly and all the other animals here at the Auckland SPCA, we'd like to say a big "Thank You" again to our wonderful supporters for helping us to help these animals...

Life with Barbara

Here's a few photos taken by Polly's foster-mum, Barbara. Polly is looking absolutely fantastic and apart from a slight limp, she's getting around very nicely.

  

 

 

 

Polly loves her queen-sized water bowl :)

On behalf of Polly, thanks goes to all our wonderful supporters who generously donated to her care & rehibilitation appeal.

We'll keep udating this blog to let you know how she's doing...

Out and about...

Hello Everyone

Sorry it's been a while since the last update but Polly is going from strength to strength every day. She can now go out for a stroll around the village every morning and afternoon as long as she is on a lead so she doesn't overdo things. This morning the canine attendant was really busy and Polly didn't get out at her usual time so she was seen sulking in her cage and not talking to anyone. Polly was seen shortly after trotting around the village green looking very pleased with herself so the sulking must have worked.

There were a few problems with Polly constantly barking to be let out of her cage when she first arrived but she has settled into the routine now & tends to be a lot happier in her cage now keeping an eye on all the other patients and we have lifetime supply of rawhide chews to help keep her entertained.

Polly will be having massages done by one of our volunteers who is trained in animal massage and we have had a very generous offer of free visits to a hydrotherapy pool where she can get relaxing exercise for her recovery. Polly has special exercises that the staff go through with her three times a day to ensure all her muscles are used & her leg is not allowed to become stiff. Polly loves these sessions & can be seen lying in the staff members lap enjoying every minute of it.

This brave little dog has come such a long way and we are still receiving kind donations from supporters who have been so concerned about Polly's recovery. The SPCA have received a lot of enquiries from people all over New Zealand wanting to put their names forward to adopt her. We are hoping Polly will receive the all clear from her surgeon by mid January and then we will start looking for a new home for Polly.

Polly is due to go back to see Richard at Veterinary Specialist Group in another week for her first recheck after her surgery and we are all sure he will be very pleased with her progress.

Smart dog...

Just a quick update for everyone who has been following Polly's progress, Polly is settling in really well but is getting a little frustrated being confined most of the day. Polly is a very clever little dog & has worked out that if she tips her water bowl over in the cage she then gets taken out so guess what?? Our poor canine attendants are now trying to find an non tip water bowl for Polly as she does it three to four time a day. Very clever!!

Polly's surgery wound is healing well & she is having physiotherapy three time a day to keep the leg moving & keep the blood circulating through the muscles & tissue. Polly loves her physiotherapy & lies there enjoying all the attention & then demanding more. Many thanks to all the people who have sent in adoption application forms & once Polly has been given the all clear we will be working our way through all the applications. Hopefully this will be in mid January & we will keep updating you with stories of Polly and photos.

Back in the SPCA

Auckland SPCA Canine Team Leader Max Bundred helps Polly out of the SPCA van, while Inspector Todd Neal (aka Polly's Private Chauffeur) looks on.

- - - - - - - - - -

Inspector Todd gives Max the low-down on required treatment for Polly.

- - - - - - - - - -

Polly is underwhelmed by the attention she's not getting while people are talking.

- - - - - - - - - -

Polly thinks this is much better - 'it's all about me!'

- - - - - - - - - -

'Carry me...?'

- - - - - - - - - -

Back at her second home at the SPCA for some serious R&R and TLC while she recuperates.

- - - - - - - - - -

Voice of the public

Here are some of the comments we've received from members of the public, via our website:

My name is Steve from Christchurch. My wife and I have followed the media trail of Polly when I first read about it in the Sunday paper. We woluld love to have Polly after the SPCA has finished her operation etc. I know CHC is a little ways away but Polly would be very very well cared for. As children we had a family German Shepherd and would love to have one again. I think CHC would be far nicer and safer than AKL. We live down by the airport just around the corner from Burnside park. I know you have plenty of offers for Polly and we would love to be considered. Thank you for your time.

- - - - - - - - - -

Hi i just read about the poor dog in Auckland found hanging in a garage on stuff.co.nz it had a link to help by donating some money, I dont have alot so only donated $5 but every little bit helps. I have a spoilt rotten awesome wee bichon whom i adore. She has lots of toys and treats etc Shes over most of her toys after a while and i actually threw some away a while ago from when she was a pup- i would in future prefer to donate them & some biscuits etc to the SPCA i honestly didnt know that yous needed or even wanted stuff like that i wish i knew ages ago! I dont live in a town that has an SPCA so i would like an address/s to send stuff to when i have things to give away. Im pretty peaved that the darn government doesnt fund yous like i assumed they did. Thank you! Casey

- - - - - - - - - -

I was in total shock and sadness after reading an article in the Sunday Star Times 16 November 2008 about Polly the injured puppy. I can’t begin to imagine how someone could be so cruel and inhumane to any animal but even more so to just a puppy. I must say Polly’s photo in the paper shows a brave happy inquisitive puppy face one that could win affections of us all. I am the proud owner of a female 10year old huntaway/collie/blue healer called Gemma who is most dearest to me and my family and best friend. Gemma travels to work each day with me and is a fantastic companion. A dog truly is man’s best friend Gemma is a testimony of that.

- - - - - - - - - -

I know that Polly will be in fantastic hands with the brilliant caring staff of the SPCA and her recovery and loving care by you will I am sure renew Polly’s belief man is worthy of affection. I was so moved by the story that I have made a donation towards your cause and feel ashamed that I have not done sooner. I hope I have not been the only one to respond to this tragedy and I wish to pass on my thoughts to Polly and also of the kind staff at the SPCA. I would be extremely happy for you to consider me as a new home for Polly and would be happy to meet and fill out any required forms to be considered to adopt that stunning German Sheppard Polly. My Best Wishes, Dave

- - - - - - - - - -

You have probably been inundated by now with offers to home Polly, if and when he has been operated on. We have been looking adopt a German Shepherd and when I came to your website today I saw the story on Polly. I really am praying that she can be successfully operated on and I would like to let you know of our very keen interest to adopt Polly. Kind Regards, Kate

- - - - - - - - - -

I wanted to find out if I can make a donation online towards Polly's surgery? Such a horrible story but I'm glad she can have the operation and wish her all the best. She's a brave little thing :) Kind regards,Gemma

- - - - - - - - - -

Please give Polly a BIG hug and tell her that there are a lot of people who care for her and want her to live a long and happy life with people who will protect her from harm and offer her a loving environment. This kind of cruelty should never have of happend to such a young and beautiful soul and my heart goes out to her. Im anxiously awaiting news on her condition, as I would like to contribute to her surgery. Sending warmth and love, Leanne

- - - - - - - - - -

Please give Polly a BIG cuddle from us - she looks such a darling - thankfully she is now safe with you.

- - - - - - - - - -

My thoughts and best wishes are with you Polly, you are a brave little girl who has gone through the most horrific ordeal - I wish you all the best with your surgery and relief from your pain and hurt. You deserve so much to make a full recovery and to have a long and happy life. Thank you to the SPCA for all you have done to help Polly and the ongoing help you provide for all animals in need. all the best, Martin

- - - - - - - - - -

All the best Polly! Hope you recover very soon and you're up and about enjoying being a puppy :)

- - - - - - - - - -

Congratulations for your wonderful job. God bless you.

- - - - - - - - - -

Wishing Polly well and sending our love. I wish we could donate more, however, we hope this will help contribute to Polly's recovery. Warmth and Love, Leanne

- - - - - - - - - -

A donation towards Polly's surgery and ongoing care. I hope a lovely home is found for her as she deserves the very best out of life.

- - - - - - - - - -

A little bit of help for this poor dog and others like her-do hope her op is a success-well done to you all who work for the SPCA.

- - - - - - - - - -

Best wishes Polly for a speedy recovery and a happy future filled with lots of love, hugs and kisses. Big hugs also from Jenna our adorable nearly 9 year old German Shephard.

- - - - - - - - - -

I am a kiwi currently living in Melbourne but I always check the NZ news websites on a daily basis. Even though I don't live in NZ I still like to support my country and its inhabitants and Polly deserves this support. :)

- - - - - - - - - -

Well done Polly and well done the team at the SPCA. My husband and I have adopted 2 wonderful cats from the SPCA and we couldn't imagine our lives without them. Heaps of love and hugs to all of you.

- - - - - - - - - -

Good luck Polly! What a gorgeous wee girl!

- - - - - - - - - -

Thank you for doing the great work that you all do. Big hugs to Polly and I hope she makes a speedy and successful recovery!

- - - - - - - - - -

Good luck to Polly and all the wonderful SPCA staff.

Adoption

We've been getting a lot of emails from people, expressing an interest in adopting Polly. We really appreciate the interest, so here's a link to our Dog Adoption Questionnaire on our wesbsite in Adobe Reader PDF format. It's early days, yet, but if you wish to make an application to adopt Polly, please download the form, complete it and send/fax to:


Tracy Dunn, Operations Manager
Auckland SPCA
PO Box 43221
Mangere, Manukau 2153
Fax: 09 2567314

Please ensure you include Polly's name on the application.

- - - - - - - - - -

We have been overwhelmed by people wishing to donate towards Polly's surgery and ongoing care during her recovery period. People have been passing on their best wishes and others have been enquiring about adopting Polly.

We would like to thank and acknowledge all of those people, and anyone wishing to make a donation to the Auckland SPCA for Polly and the other animals in our care, can send it to:
Auckland SPCA, Freepost 189573 (or PO Box 43 221), Mangere, Manukau 2153

Please ensure that you include Polly's name on the donation so it can go directly to her recovery fund. Please also note that any donations received over and above the cost of Polly's surgery and recovery costs will be utilised in the treatment and care of the thousands of other animals we receive each year. Donations can also be made online via our website here.

For all e-mail enquiries about Polly please contact our Operations Manager Tracy Dunn on 09 2567318 or by email tracy.dunn@spca.org.nz.

We will continue updating this blog through each stage of Polly's journey.

Post-surgery news

Great news about Polly! We've just heard from the veterinary clinic that Polly has had her surgery and it went extremely well.

The surgeon is very pleased with the outcome and will be keeping Polly under observation and in recovery at their clinic. We hope that she will be transferred back to the Auckland SPCA on Friday (21st November).

The Auckland SPCA would like to offer our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Veterinary Specialist Group (VSG) and special thanks to Polly's surgeon Richard Jerram, all of whom have done such a wonderful job looking after this great little dog and getting her back on the road to recovery.

Donations and Auctions

Thanks very much to everyone who's been generous and donated towards Polly's operation and her ongoing medical, foster, food, and possible prosecution costs. We can't do these things without your support!

Shiree, a terrific supporter of the Auckland SPCA, has organised a charity auction on TradeMe (auction number 188564544) to raise funds for Polly's ongoing care, plus to help the other animals here at the Auckland SPCA. Here's the full url to check it out:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Pets-animals/Other/auction-188564544.htm

On behalf of Polly, we'd like to say a big thank you to Shiree - you rock! - and also to all those TradeMe members who support the SPCA.

- - - - - - - - - -

We have been overwhelmed by people wishing to donate towards Polly's surgery and ongoing care during her recovery period. People have been passing on their best wishes and others have been enquiring about adopting Polly.

We would like to thank and acknowledge all of those people, and anyone wishing to make a donation to the Auckland SPCA for Polly and the other animals in our care, can send it to:

Auckland SPCA, Freepost 189573 (or PO Box 43 221), Mangere, Manukau 2153

Please ensure that you include Polly's name on the donation so it can go directly to her recovery fund. Please also note that any donations received over and above the cost of Polly's surgery and recovery costs will be utilised in the treatment and care of the thousands of other animals we receive each year. Donations can also be made online via our website here.

For all e-mail enquiries about Polly please contact our Operations Manager Tracy Dunn on 09 2567318 or by email tracy.dunn@spca.org.nz.

We will continue updating this blog through each stage of Polly's journey.

Great news for Polly

Imagination Television who produce the television series Animal House, have generously donated $ 4,000 towards Polly's operation. On behalf of Polly, we'd like to give a big thank you to everyone Imagination Television for helping us out. You guys rock!

- - - - - - - - - -

We have been overwhelmed by people wishing to donate towards Polly's surgery and ongoing care during her recovery period. People have been passing on their best wishes and others have been enquiring about adopting Polly.

We would like to thank and acknowledge all of those people, and anyone wishing to make a donation to the Auckland SPCA for Polly and the other animals in our care, can send it to:

Auckland SPCA, Freepost 189573 (or PO Box 43 221), Mangere, Manukau 2153

Please ensure that you include Polly's name on the donation so it can go directly to her recovery fund. Please also note that any donations received over and above the cost of Polly's surgery and recovery costs will be utilised in the treatment and care of the thousands of other animals we receive each year. Donations can also be made online via our website here.

For all e-mail enquiries about Polly please contact our Operations Manager Tracy Dunn on 09 2567318 or by email tracy.dunn@spca.org.nz.

We will continue updating this blog through each stage of Polly's journey.

Polly's surgery

Polly has suffered a fracture of the left femoral head involving the growth cartilage. She is only five months old, so due to her age and the fact that the condition is chronic, the only treatment option is a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO).

During the surgery the top part of the femur (the head and the neck) is removed, effectively shortening the leg. This procedure is the best option for Polly and is aimed at providing pain relief for this type of fracture and still providing her with a good quality of life.

Polly will be on pain relief for a period of time after surgery and then will be looked after at the Auckland SPCA or in a foster home for a 6 -8 week recovery period.

Dogs usually recover well after this surgery and Polly will have relief from the chronic pain she has had to endure since the injury was sustained. She may suffer from a slight limp after recovery but will hopefully lead a long and fulfilled life after being given a second chance.

We have been overwhelmed by people wishing to donate towards Polly's surgery and ongoing care during her recovery period. People have been passing on their best wishes and others have been enquiring about adopting Polly.

We would like to thank and acknowledge all of those people, and anyone wishing to make a donation to the Auckland SPCA for Polly and the other animals in our care, can send it to:

Auckland SPCA
Freepost 189573 (or PO Box 43 221)
Mangere, Manukau 2153

Please ensure that you include Polly's name on the donation so it can go directly to her recovery fund. Please also note that any donations received over and above the cost of Polly's surgery and recovery costs will be utilised in the treatment and care of the thousands of other animals we receive each year.

Donations can also be made online via our website here.

For all e-mail enquiries about Polly please contact our Operations Manager Tracy Dunn on 09 2567318 or by email tracy.dunn@spca.org.nz.

We will continue updating this blog through each stage of Polly's journey.