Midwinter feast gives dogs cheer

If you can’t wait until the end of the year to tuck into roast turkey and all the trimmings, then Christmas really has come early.

Chained Dog Awareness New Zealand is hosting a midwinter Christmas fundraiser this month to raise vital funds for food and the ongoing medical treatment of its dogs.

Event organiser Linda Evans says the funds raised from the traditional festive dinner will also cover the cost of registering the dogs in their care.

‘‘Not only for the dogs that we’ve already got in here but we also look after a lot of dogs out in the public who are still chained up,’’ the Hillsborough resident says.

Run only by a team of volunteers, the charity was established 12 years ago to rescue permanently chained or caged dogs from a life of neglect.

When the situation of abuse or neglect cannot be improved or stopped through owner education, they aim to seek relinquishment of the dog, which is then taken in for vet care, TLC and training in a fostered environment before adoption.

The organisation continues to provide all pet supplies, food and medical bills while the dogs are in foster care.

Ms Evans adopted 16-month-old Boi after his owners relinquished him to the organisation. She also currently fosters Zoe, a 13-week-old bull-terrier cross. She says the charity’s work is endless.

‘‘For every one dog that we do rescue and adopt out there is always another one waiting to come in.

‘‘We have dogs waiting now but we just don’t have foster homes for them or resources to take them in.’’

In addition to entertainment and a guest speaker, the midwinter Christmas fundraiser also includes raffles, auctions and spot prizes.

Ms Evans says the occasion is a chance to raise awareness of what Chained Dog Awareness does.

‘‘It should be a great atmosphere. Who doesn’t like a Christmas dinner and a raffle ticket.’’

The midwinter Christmas is on July 27, 6.30pm at Onehunga Workingmen’s Club, 158 The Mall, Onehunga.