Job's blog

Back at the SPCA...

23 March 2007

There's been so much happening since I last blogged! Where shall I start?

I am now living with Jane (Auckland SPCA General Manager), and that's great as it means that I spend at least five days a week at the Auckland SPCA. I come to work every day with Jane here at the Animal Village. Jane has a couch in her office which I think is great. Not only is it really comfortable, and has the sun streaming in on it, it also gives me a great viewing platform so I can see what is happening both out the window and out the door! I even get to go to meetings. The other day I went to a Board meeting which went on for over two hours. I heard the Chairman ask if there was any further general business so I thought that was the time to sing them a bit of a song. They thought that was great and the meeting finished soon after....

Yep, I waved goodbye to Jan and her family (what a great time I had there) and came to live with Jane, her old dog Eddie and the two cats. Eddie and I get on well but Im finding those cats are real snobs and hardly talk to me. Despite having to share with the two snobby cats, I have decided that that is where I want to stay forever. Jane tells me that's OK with her as well.

So, next time you come to the SPCA, you can call in to say hi to me. You can't miss me, I'm the handsome one just by reception.

Now, other news. My training is going well, Noel comes to visit me here at the Village just to check up that Jane is doing everything right and when I saw him on Tuesday, he was very pleased with me, but had to give Jane a few more pointers. She'll get the hang of it, I'm sure.

A while back I came to the SPCA's Open Day which was also a doggy reunion. Lots of dogs who had spent time here before came back for a visit so I got to see heaps of happy dogs and happy people. I got to meet Tipa and Evie who had some very interesting stories to tell. I hope you saw the photo they put of us in the Herald the day after, it was a great shot of me with Vicki, Tipa and Evie. Getting that photo took ages, Kenny, the photographer, wanted us all to sit still for longer than we thought possible, but in the end it all worked out fine.

I also went to the SPCA's new event - Million Paws. I got to lead the pack at the beginning of the walk but let the fast ones pass me and happily walked along in the middle. Had great chats with all sorts of dogs. The weather wasn't the best, it was a bit windy. It was so windy at one point the Hills Pet Nutrition tent blew over. Luckily I had already been in and got my free sample of biscuits (which are my favourites). Im now trying out their Hills Sensitive Skin biscuits as they said that might help my skin heal even more.

The other news is that the man who I used to live with (and who allegedly locked me in that little room with no food or water) and Vicki (my rescuer) and David (her boss) from the Inspectorate all went to Court the other day. My QC was also there, what a nice man he is and very very brainy.

Apparently it was all over pretty quickly with a "not guilty" plea. Now they all have to come back to court soon again. On a better note, I hope you have all got the latest copy of the magazine, Animals Voice. Im on the front cover! Its the best edition ever! Well must dash, got another meeting to go to...

Woof Woof

Job

A tv star in the making

21 February 2007

Hi folks,

Firstly I need to apologise for not keeping you all up to date as I should.   I've been so busy though! I’m really enjoying this lovely sunny weather and it’s just so much easier to lounge around under the tree than doing my blog...

I’m just loving the training that my foster people are doing with Noel Hutchinson.   Noel's been around dogs for years and years and years and so he knows everything about what we like, don't like and might like. He works with our people so they know just what to do and it’s all going really well.   As a result, I've been getting lots of pats and praise, being told I’m a good boy and even now when I don't bark at the goats any more, I get praised (don't tell Jan but really it’s just because I’m bored with them!).

Seriously though, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this training lark, I enjoy focusing on the task at hand.  Mango (my girlfriend) has to be taken to another area as she’s such a distraction for me and keeps interrupting.   I like to concentrate on what Noel is saying, and he is even talking about me going into some sort of competition maybe in the future. I’m a real star on the lead, and just love being around people. I wish Noel could teach me to run faster as well, I still can't beat Mango, she is so fast!

Our next training session is actually going to be at the Auckland SPCA. I just get so excited to see all my old friends and rescuers that it’s hard to remember all my training.  Noel thought it would be good to come with me next time I visit so he can remind me what I have to do. That's cool with me.

The other thing I have been busy with is looking for rabbits. Mango and I have discovered that some of them were living under the goat shed and we thought it was a good idea to try to dig into their little burrow. It seems they moved out some time ago, but there were some very very nice smells down there.

Oh yes, I'm going to be on Animal House! The crew came out the other day to film me at Jan's, and ended up staying for hours and hours. They reckon it will be on TV One again in the Autumn/Winter. Apparently, they filmed me when I first came into the SPCA but I don't remember that. All I remember is thinking how lucky I was that Vicki came along and found me, took me out of that horrible room and gave me something to eat and drink. The crew thought that it would be a nice follow up to show me healthy and having fun. It’s going to make great viewing, although I’m not sure that I want to see the first bit.

I’m also going to be on the front cover of the next Animal's Voice, the Auckland SPCA's magazine. There are lots of stories in there but I’m on the front cover, of course.

Talking of the early days, I saw a picture of the fellow I used to live with in the Manukau Courier. My friend Marcia Jessen (who takes the best pictures), took a photo of him leaving the Court the other day. Did you all see it? He has to come back to Court on the 16th of March. It will be interesting to see what he has to say for himself.

I also went to the Strathallan School the other day for their BBQ. The wonderful pupils there raised $350 for the Auckland SPCA and so I put in a guest appearance (as my friend Katey attends that school). I just love kids and had a great time socialising with them all. Jan said I was a very good boy and that everyone loved my smile (it’s true, I do have a beautiful smile and I turn it on all the time!). I also really like puppies and don't even mind sharing my bones with the various puppies that Jan is fostering. One of them even took one right out of my mouth the other day, but as I know they are just sweet little puppies, I wasn't worried at all. There are plenty of bones to go around now anyway. Once it was a very different story...

Jan wasn't smiling the other day though. For some reason that I can't explain, I ripped up one of her favourite blankets. I don't know what possessed me, but it seemed like a good idea at the time...

I've also discovered that I’m definitely not a morning man.  Jan likes to take me for a walk first thing in the morning and now it’s a bit cooler and a bit darker, I much prefer to stay in my lovely warm bed and get up later. Why get up early when you can snuggle in bed and keep having sweet dreams!

Thanks also to my friends at Healtheries who gave me some Omega 3 pills with this yummy fish oil.   They said it would be good for my coat and while that may very well be true, they taste just great!   Thanks guys!

I’m hoping to come along to the Animal Village's Open Day on the 4th of March.  Why don't you come along and say hi to me? It’s on from 10 am to 4pm and is free. There will be lots of things to see, and all the dogs that have spent some time at the SPCA are invited back – it’s the ultimate Auckland SPCA Doggy Reunion! Tippa and Evie are also hoping to come along so it will be great to meet them too.

See you all then!

Woof woof

Job

Take a look at me now...

22 January 2007

Greetings again folks. Thought I would update you on what's been happening for me as I know many of you often ask the lovely folks at the SPCA how I am.

Things are continuing to go really well, I'm feeling great and each week when I come to see the SPCA vet, there is lots of smiling and nodding of heads, so I guess that means they are pleased with my progress. Each time I come to see the vet I have to have an injection, and they all carry on like I am going to object but I'm tough and don't even flinch a bit (although I must say, the vet is very good at giving injections). I've still got a few scabby bits on my face, but Mango (my girlfriend) thinks it "gives me character" - I think she likes the Al Pacino type...

Living at Jan's is great fun. We have three acres to run around, and I do spend a lot of time running around. Its so good to be able to do that any time I want to and the only time I ever remember that awful time when I was stuck in that little room is when I go into another little room that I can't see out of. I don't panic, but I sure am pleased to get out of little rooms and don't really want to have to ever go back into any more!

I've been having an interesting time trying to interact with two of the residents at my foster-parents' house. Charlotte and Wilbur are these two fat-as pigs that like to stand just behind the fence and tease me. I bark at them but they don't budge so the other day I tried to get a bit closer and ended up touching this wire and YOUCH, I got a shock. I took off yelping, and ran straight back to my bed. Mango thought it was a great joke but let me tell you, I didn't see the funny side of it at all!

I had a lovely email from Evie, who was also helped by the SPCA:

Woof Woof Job

 

My tail has been wagging non stop since my mums told me that you were back on your four feet again and feeling good about life. They showed me your pictures in the newspaper too - you're a star ! I dug up some of my juicy bones to send you but my mums said the postie wouldn't like it so I have sent you some money instead to help with your recovery and stuff. Lots of kind people did this for me when I was beaten and broken by my former owner and it really helped the SPCA to mend me.

 

Just look at me now loving life on my farm with my friend Billy. I know you will be just as lucky as me and the SPCA will find you the perfect home where you will be loved and cared for like you deserve. You and me and Tipa should get together sometime when you are completely better to visit the SPCA for a big THANK YOU!

 

Licks from Evie

That's my news from now, check out my photos and you can see how handsome I am now. No wonder Mango has fallen in love with me!

Woof Woof

Job

Happy New Year to everyone!

10 January 2007

Life is great and its a joy to be alive!

Since my last update, I've been back to visit all my mates at the SPCA. I had to stay in a few days and had a little operation. It meant that I was a little sore between my back legs for a while, but it didn't slow me down at all so I don't know what all the fuss was about. It was quite fun coming back to the hospital, there were a whole bunch of new dogs to make friends with and tell them how this joint works.

It's also lovely having all the SPCA staff and volunteers come and say hi, I just love having visitors and admirers. While I really like it at the SPCA, I was very pleased to get back out to foster as I had so much energy and could hardly wait to get a good run in.

The other great news is that I have fallen in love! Mango is her name and she is my foster-mum's daugher. She is adorable and she also came from the SPCA. Part of getting to know her was to race her around the property and we did about 12 laps at full throttle before we got tired. The other love of my life is the red stuffed toy bone. It's been my favourite since a kind person sent it in to the SPCA for me, and I carry it around everywhere.

My foster-mum is the best. She gives me my favourite Hills biscuits but this morning my breakfast was also a piece of scotch fillet which was left over from the BBQ the night before. Yummmmm!! As well as looking after me, she also has a bunch of really young puppies that are quite cute, but I have to be really gentle with them. She says I'm pretty good (of course), as I am very enthusiastic, and always very happy to see everyone. I think she is pretty good too!

I also get to go on walks on a lead a couple of times a day and I really enjoy that. I didn't, however, enjoy getting caught in a huge downpour of rain, it was awful and I have decided that water is just not my thing. I also like to have my food to myself. After going through that awful time when I didn't have any food for ages and ages, I get a bit possessive with my food, but slowly I am getting used to the idea that there's enough to go around and that my next meal isn't far away. I don't have that horrible feeling in my stomach any more.

Enough of that sad stuff, as I said, life is great now and I'm making the most of every minute! I also had a lovely email from Tipa. I think some of you may have heard of him before, he was the poor chap who was dragged down the road tied to a car. Thought you might like to read his email.

Hi mate, I have been following your progress with a lot of interest. I know how you have felt and experienced your pain. I two was miss treated and left to die by my owner up in the Bay of Islands. I was saved by the good people of the SPCA . Had my wounds treated , given lots of love, cuddles. I now live with a nice family in Auckland. So mate, all I can say is , hang in there and let the good people of the SPCA help you. You are looking good and will only improve. You two will find a nice home just like me. Take care and take it easy. Hope we can meet up one day and have a run and play ball and chew a bone together.

 

All the best, Tipa.

Good for you Tipa, and yes, it would be good to catch up one day soon. To all my admirers and fans, keep your eye out for my photo in the NZ Herald, they want to come and take a picture of me on Friday so it should be in the paper sometime after that. My other mates at the Manukau Courier are also coming to take my photo - apparently lots of you have contacted the papers to say that they are very keen to find out how I am doing!

I really appreciate all your support, thank you from the bottom of my big heart

Woof Woof

Job

Life on the farm

28 December 2006

Well going to live with my foster-parents on their farm was the best Christmas present I could have got! As well as having a lovely farm where I can run around, they also had a whole bunch of dogs that are now my best friends! Its like having a whole lot of older brothers and sisters and they have taught me heaps about life already! We spend most of the day in this amazing paddock which has a fence that even the best escape artist couldn't get through. We spend most of the day romping around, and when we get tired we sleep under the big oak tree. I get to sleep inside in a special place, and my foster mum tells me that I am a really good boy as I sleep right through the night (usually as I am so tired!). She also said that I snore, but I don't believe her. She's also teaching me a whole lot of other tricks, like sit, stay and lie down. No sweat to learn all that, its easy peasy....

We came back into town today to see the lovely people at the Auckland SPCA, including Inspector Vicki who rescued me over a month ago now. I needed to see my friend the vet, who gave me some more medicine and pronounced that I was doing really well. They were very impressed at how well my coat is growing back. I also picked up a few more of my toys and chews that you lovely people have given to me. I really like the chews.

I also got to meet my QC today. He is a lawyer who has offered to work for me and won't even charge me! The folks at the SPCA were very pleased about that, and there was a lot of handshaking, talk and passing of papers backwards and forward. I was more interested in getting out to see some of the others at the Animal Village.

I even got to meet Chester the Pig today. I didn't think he was much to look at and told him that in no uncertain terms!

So, after catching up with everyone, it was back out to the farm for another week of fun, fun, fun!

I'll get some more photos for you of me playing with my new mates and write again soon. Hope you all saw me on TV One the other night (http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/942954). I had a lot of fun with the reporter and the camera guys.

See you later! Thanks again for all the cards, donations and presents, muchly appreciated.

woof woof

Job

(check out my very own slideshow! and there's more photos coming)

Job's Christmas

22 December 2006

Click on Job's image to see his slideshow..!

Job has made such great progress over the past week that he is able to go out to foster for Christmas. He will spent the Christmas holidays at one of our Vet Nurses' homes where he will receive the very best of care, and will no doubt really enjoy spending time on a farm with other animals. He will also continue his training and socialisation programme which is an important step in ensuring that he can eventually be adopted.

Before you reach for the phone to offer to adopt him, he still has a while to go before he would be available. Not only does he still has some health issues to overcome, we also have some legal hurdles to get over as we prosecute the person responsible for such a blatant and callous act of cruelty to an innocent dog. At this point we cannot even estimate when he would be available for adoption, so we cannot put your name down on any list .... There are, however, lots of other lovely animals here looking for new homes!

Job would also like to thank all those wonderful and generous people who have sent him gifts, he's got a lovely selection of toys, treats, blankets and remedies. The generosity of the public in response to Job's plight has been absolutely overwhelming, whether it be donations to meet the costs of Job's care, his prosecution or to help some of his colleagues here at the Animal Village. We thank you very much, it has made our hearts lift during what is always a busy and very stressful time.

Job will be coming back to the Village between Christmas and New Year not only to be checked by our vet and pick up his medicines, but also to meet the Auckland based Queens Counsel who has offered to provide free legal services to take Job's case to Court...

Job's friends...

Orewa North School sent in a beautiful poem on a HUGE Get Well Soon card for Job and some wonderful goodies for him, too, with the assistance of Purr-fect Pets Orewa...

May you always have a warm, safe place

to rest your faithful head.

May your water bowl be fresh and clean

and you tummy be well fed.

May you run and play along the beach,

with sunny skies above.

And may you only know a hand of kindness

-- tenderness and love.

 

We love you Job!

 

Almost Christmas

20 December 2006

A quick update - here's a photo of Job checking out some of the wonderful gifts and get-well cards he's received since he arrived at the Auckland SPCA.

Job continues to make steady progress on his road to recovery.

On Job's behalf, all the Volunteers and Staff at the Auckland SPCA would like to thank everyone who has donated or sent in gifts, cards, bedding, blankets and toys for Job. We are once again overwhelmed with the generosity of our supporters...

Progress...

16 December 2006

The Trademe auction for the All Black Jersey to raise funds for Job closed Thursday 14th December and raised $4,000! The successful bidder was Hibiscus Homew are, already great supporters of the Auckland SPCA. (www.cookware.co.nz)

The staff really appreciated the many kind messages that were posted on the Trademe site, its nice to know that our work is appreciated.   We get so caught up dealing with the thousands of animals that come in at this time of year and is often such heartbreaking work.   It is therefore really encouraging to know that so many people care about the animals and what we are doing.

It has also been very rewarding for us to see the progress that Job has been making since arriving here at the Auckland SPCA. Its required a real team effort especially from the hospital team and the Inspectorate team.  Our customer services team were also very involved, responding to the many many messages and calls we have received. Thank you so much to everyone who has sent in a gift for Job, whether it be money, blankets, toys, food or cards - it is very much appreciated. We are planning on taking a photo of Job with his many toys and gifts next week and will post this on the website. At the moment he is spending time with a teddy bear with a santa hat, although the hat has now been discarded, and teddy's nose and ear is looking a bit worse for wear.

Job had his eye checked by our Veterinarian this morning. While there is still some concern regarding his eye, there is now a strong chance that he won't lose his eye, but it is still a day to day situation. His skin has improved a lot, there are still quite a few scabby patches, but it is good to see the hair starting to grow back in many places. He is receiving special medication to ensure he isn't too itchy and also has anti-parasitic injections to overcome the mange. He still enjoys his weekly baths and the skin conditioning treatment that he receives (see photos below!).

It is hoped that Job will be able to go out to foster in a week or so (hopefully in time for Christmas!). If this does happen, one of our staff will be fostering him as there is ongoing medical treatment that will be required and as he is the subject to a Court case, there are some legal requirements we have to to meet as well. The decision to foster him will be made based on Job's best interests - both medically and behaviourally.

As to the prosecution, we know the personal details of the person we think is responsible. We have therefore started proceedings at court. He has refused or failed to allow himself the right of reply despite numerous requests. We will be serving summons on him shortly.

Bath time... again?!!

15 December 2006

Still a little unsure of all that rushing water at first, Job realised there wasn't anything to be afraid of (we figure he's had more baths at the SPCA than he's ever had in his short life!), especially while being reassured by Amy, our Hospital Manager. And we think he really likes all the rubbing and scratching he gets afterwards...

Not too cold, is it sir?	Just a little dab'll do ya
Lather well, please...	Rinse... and repeat!
Mind the whiskers...	Rub harder, thanks...
Ahh. refreshed! Thanks, Amy!

Life in Dog Ward...

11 December 2006

A glimpse into Job's life in our Dog Ward, while he has some supervised play-time...

Yawn... who are you? A visitor?	Hi, What's your name?
Yes, I wag my tail! Especially if you rub my chin and chest...	Too much hard work, so I think it's time for another snooze...

JOB UPDATE

30 November 2006

Although every animal who comes into our care is special, from time to time there is one who, because of their tragic circumstances, touches the hearts of everyone at the SPCA and beyond.   Job is certainly one of those special cases.   The young dog rescued by the Auckland SPCA has been the recipient of many gifts, cards good wishes and prayers and we would like to thank each and every one of you.

After spending a week in the Auckland SPCA Animal Hospital's  Intensive Care ward, we can now report that Job  has moved into the General Dog Ward.   He has put on 3 kilograms in the week he has been here, and his bowels have also started functioning – all good news!   There is still some way to go for this little dog.    We need to continually monitor and assess whether there has been any damage to his internal organs.    He is also very vulnerable to infections at the moment but it is really good to see him standing and able to move around a little, although he does spend most of his time sleeping. Sorry, but at this stage, he is not yet up to visitors.

Initially we thought he might be a shar-pei cross but we are not so certain now. As his skin improves, and looking at the few hairs he does have left, it seems he may be a brindle colour.

We are really grateful for the hundreds of calls and great support we have received from concerned animal lovers. Many people have sent in blankets, soft toys, christmas cards and even rescue remedy for Job . We have had offers of adoption, fostering and legal services. A private investigator also offered to help us find the offender. There have been a number of generous people donating money as well and we thank you all very much for that - it all helps make a difference to animals such as Job.

For those of you who would like to offer to give Job a loving home even permanently or temporarily, we will keep putting regular updates on our website as to his progress but it will be some time, probably months before he is at that stage. We do, however, have lots of other animals at the moment who are looking for homes, and we especially need more foster people to take animals needing that extra special care for a few weeks before they can be rehomed.   We are receiving so many kittens at the moment, and desperately need more foster volunteers.

If you are interested in fostering, contact us on 09 2567300, or check out our Volunteer pages here. Full training and information is provided for all foster volunteers.

Thank you for your support for Job.    It means a lot to us. Job is recovering slowly, and it will be a long hard road.   With his faith, and our love, we are hopeful he will make it.

Photo source: Marcia Jessen, Manukau Courier

You can help him, us, and other animals who rely on us, by donating directly to our Job appeal, to whatever extent you can afford.  Or you can donate to our special prosecution fund so that when we find the cruel and callous people who committed this heinous crime (and we will find them) we can prosecute them. It will also help us prosecute other people who need to be brought to justice for their acts of animal cruelty and neglect.

That’s how you can help Job and others like him today.

HEARTBREAKING CASE OF ANIMAL CRUELTY

23 November 2006

Auckland SPCA is appalled at an act of cruelty to a dog that has left staff reeling with disbelief.

A Housing NZ staff member found the dog locked in a room of one of their properties and called the Auckland SPCA. The tenant had moved out the week before. On arrival at the scene, SPCA Inspector Vicki Border found the young dog to be in a terrible state.

“Not only was he starving and extremely thirsty, he had the worst case of mange I have ever seen” said Vicki. “He has hardly any hair left on his body, he has bleeding and weeping sores all over him and his eyes are closed with pus. We cannot even tell what breed he is but we are guessing he may be a Shar Pei cross. “

The most heartbreaking part of this case is that while the dog had endured what must have been weeks of neglect to become so emaciated and then been abandoned altogether, he still had the utmost trust in humans.

“While he couldn’t stand and could barely crawl, he still tried to come to me and feebly wagged his tail. It was so heartbreaking” says Vicki.

Auckland SPCA General Manager, Jane Thompson asked staff to name the dog. “Given that we are so close to Christmas, we thought a biblical name would be appropriate and we came up with Job. Job(e) had absolute faith in God as a protector, and that despite suffering so many adversities,  he continued to believe that salvation would come. For this dog, Vicki was his salvation.”

The dog is now being treated in the Auckland SPCA’s animal hospital and while staff are extremely hopeful, there is still doubt whether he will survive. In the meantime, Jane Thompson is adamant that every effort will be expended by the Auckland SPCA to locate and prosecute the owners.

“What these people have done is absolutely despicable” says Jane. “This is an obvious crime under the Animal Welfare Act. There are no excuses for what they have done to this innocent and defenceless animal. People have to realise that to take an animal on is a commitment that must be honoured.   While at this time of the year we plead with people to ensure their animals are looked after while they are on their Christmas holidays, we didn’t expect to have to plead with people not to just abandon their sick dog in a room with no food, water or chance of survival.”

You can help Job and others like him by contributing to our Job Appeal here.

Did you know that the Auckland SPCA receives no government funding or assistance for prosecutions in cases of cruelty or neglect? That is why we've started our Job Prosecution Appeal and you can help by contributing here.

Disturbing pictures

As awful as these pictures are, Job looked even worse when he first came into the SPCA. These photos were taken after he received urgent medical attention from our team of expert Vets and Nurses at our clinic...

Contribute here to our appeal for Job & other animals who need our help