Your donation will help care for animals like Patch.

Erica helped to care for Patch while he was staying in the hospital's dog ward

Patch is hoping to find a loving home this Christmas

In my role as Canine Team Leader I see it all. The cute little puppies who come in with their mothers, the injured dogs that have been found wandering the streets, and all too often, I see the abuse cases I wish I could forget. As a member of SPCA Auckland, I wanted to share Patch’s story with you. Even though his tale is sad, I’m writing to ask you to make a donation this holiday season, because I know that with your support, we can ensure it has a happy ending.

Christmas is only a few weeks away, but I’ve been looking forward to it for months. I’ve already bought my dog Lucy her treats for Christmas morning, and a cool new toy to play with during the day. On Christmas morning she will be one of thousands of dogs who have their own gifts under the Christmas tree. My wish is that Patch will be one of them too.

Patch was only 10 weeks old when he was found wandering on a street in Mangere. Despite asking neighbours, no one knew who owned him. When Patch arrived at SPCA Auckland Animal Hospital we knew straight away that he had been injured. X-rays showed that each of Patch’s five toes were broken. He required hours of surgery to reset the bones in his foot, and a cast to keep it safe while it healed.

When he came into the hospital, Patch was so friendly. We thought surely an owner would come forward. But each day Patch would sit and play with his purple teddy, and each night I would say goodbye before I turned out the lights to go home.

Patch was in a cast for 4 weeks before we could x-ray again to see if his bones had set properly. Initial indications were good, but I still held my breath before the vet told me the good news. After a rough start to life, I didn’t want this wee pup to have to undergo an amputation. He has such life in his eyes, and I imagined him running around a park, chasing a ball - something you can’t do with only three legs.

Patch has recovered well from the surgery, but he still has a way to go before he is ready to find his new forever home. Once his foot has fully healed he still needs to be vet checked, desexed and vaccinated. Your donation today can help animals like Patch get ready for adoption, so they have a chance to spend this Christmas with a loving new family.

$35 can provide a warm bed and shelter while an animal recovers in hospital
$65 vaccinates a dog to prevent illness and disease
$150 will desex a puppy, helping break the cycle of unwanted births

Will you help Patch get his second chance this Christmas?

Please give generously. Thank you for your support.

Kind regards

Erica Lombard
Canine Team Leader