Help Jojo heal and find his happily ever after
Help Jojo get the surgery he needs to live pain-free and find the loving forever home he truly deserves
Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay
Update - thank you everyone, in less than 4 hours we raised all the money required and Jojo is booked in for surgery on Monday ❤️ he will be on the road to recovery and available for adoption in no time!
Meet Jojo – a sweet, resilient boy who has already been through more than any dog should. Jojo came to us from a heartbreaking situation where love, care, and safety were all missing. But despite his rough start, Jojo is now discovering what it means to be safe, cherished, and part of a family, thanks to one of our incredible foster carers.
Jojo’s journey to healing, however, still has a hurdle: Cherry Eye – a painful and uncomfortable condition that affects the gland in his third eyelid. Cherry Eye causes the gland to become inflamed and protrude, leading to irritation, dry eye, and ongoing discomfort. Without treatment, Jojo’s pain will continue, and the condition could worsen. 💔 It’s heartbreaking to see a dog finally begin to trust and thrive, only to be held back by something so treatable.
The good news? Cherry Eye is fixable. With a simple surgical procedure, Jojo can be pain-free, healthy, and ready for adoption into the loving forever home he deserves. The surgery typically costs much more, but thanks to the generous support of our local vet, we’ve secured a discounted rate of $800.
We’re reaching out to our community – dog lovers, animal advocates, and kind-hearted supporters – to help us raise the funds needed for Jojo’s treatment.
🐾
About us
There is a proliferation nationwide of unwanted and dumped dogs and cats. Rescue services are struggling to cope with the demand. Such animals in our area need our intervention and protection.
Ruahine Animal Rescue was been founded by a group of passionate animal lovers most of whom have been involved with the now defunct Waipukurau SPCA. Their volunteering ranged from 1 to 29 years.
Since the closure of the Waipukurau SPCA the RAR has identified a significant absence of animal rescue in the area and to address this we have a vision to provide a compassionate and safe haven for animals in Central Hawkes Bay running a rescue organisation based significantly on using the community for fostering.
In addition, we recognised that the impact of the economic situation compounded by Cyclone Gabrielle has created unfortunate changes in circumstance for some people who are forced into rehoming their loved pets and are now desperate for help in this.
Ruahine Animal Rescue is determined to offer the community a compassionate alternative service for care of animals and long term become a registered charity.
Use of funds
Donations will go directly toward Jojo's Eye surgery, easing his pain and giving him the happy, healthy life — and forever home — he deserves. Every dollar brings this sweet boy one step closer to a brighter future.
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Latest update
Jojo’s Surgery Update 20 May 2025
Kia ora everyone,
We’re so happy to share that Jojo had his surgery yesterday—on both eyes!
While his eyes are still a little red and healing, the great news is that they are no longer sticking out. The surgery went smoothly, and this brave boy is already on the road to recovery.
Last night, Jojo enjoyed his tea and even a few well-deserved treats. Although he’s still a bit disoriented with his cone collar (who wouldn’t be?), he’s adapting quickly—and true to form, he made his way straight to his sanctuary spot on the couch.
Thank you all for the incredible support and aroha that made this possible. Your donations have truly changed Jojo’s life—and we can’t wait to share more updates as he continues to heal.
With gratitude,
The Ruahine Animal Rescue Whānau
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