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Whaia: A talented rescue dog with big vet bill

  • Whaia back on his feet

      13 October 2018
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    Greetings everyone

    All the external fixators are now removed from Whaia’s foot, the cast is off, and he is going onward towards full recovery in leaps and bounds. Phil and Suzy and the vets are pleased with his progress and it looks like it won’t be long before Whaia is back into a routine of walks, runs, whai and other exercises.

    The next part of the journey is going to be about putting back on all the condition that he lost while lying around with one foot in a great big boot. Judging by his playfulness and energy when we called in to visit, he can’t wait to get on with it!

    I snapped a picture of Whaia with his uniform on for the first time in months; check it out.

    A heartfelt thank-you to all you 197 wonderful people who have raised over $8300 so far, for Whaia’s vet bills. We are really confident that he will be back on duty next winter ready and willing to do his job.

    2018 has been an awesome winter at Ruapehu; the best snow cover for 10 years, and associated with that some pretty interesting avalanche activity. It’s not over yet, and with spring conditions upon us and summer just around the corner, take care out there in the mountains.

    Kia Kaha te Whaia

    Goody

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  • Fresh news today!

      3 September 2018

    Phil has been in the South Island the last few days doing annual assessments and has just today been confirmed as a fully operational dog handler for the eighteenth year straight. Congratulations Phil. You thoroughly deserve the helping hands of the 176 generous people so far, who have collectively raised $7500 in less than 4 days. An outstanding effort by all.

    A very big thank-you to all of you who have donated to Whaia’s cause. We hit the target and this will allow the treatment costs to date to be covered. Awesome!

    It’s a bit open-ended with more treatment coming up to remove the external fixators and further follow-up, so we will leave the page open for a wee while longer as there are others who would like to support the cause.

    Of course, any surplus not needed for Whaia’s treatment will go to a very good home, the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation (RARO) which is soon to set up a new depot and rescue gear store at National Park Village.

    Here is a recent news article about Whaia and Phil:

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12117750

    Be safe in the mountains everyone, and wherever you may be.

    Ngā mihi nui

    Goody.

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  • The real thing!

      1 September 2018

    Hi Folks

    See the link below for the story about a recent avalanche at Turoa, and role of the avalanche dog:- https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/106265448/meet-an-avalanche-rescue-dog-your-best-hope-in-the-snow

    Thank-you so much everyone for your generous support so far. Donations are pouring in and we are currently No.4 in the Givealittle rankings! Awesome.

    Keep spreading the word around your networks - you've done a great job so far!

    Thanks,

    Ngā manaakitanga

    Goody.

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