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Meet Ralph! This sweet boy spent months in SPCA care waiting for a forever family, and just ahead of Christmas, his dream came true.
His new dad Roger shares how Ralph is settling in.
"On day one of our adoption trial, we drove home together and Ralph held my hand the whole trip home (how … View moreMeet Ralph! This sweet boy spent months in SPCA care waiting for a forever family, and just ahead of Christmas, his dream came true.
His new dad Roger shares how Ralph is settling in.
"On day one of our adoption trial, we drove home together and Ralph held my hand the whole trip home (how cute!).
That evening as we were heading to bed after sniffing everything in the house, he leapt onto our bed, burrowed under our blankets and dozed off. We hadn’t even turned off the lights! From that moment, we knew this was meant to be.
He is a sweetheart, he has opinions, he loves to cuddle on the couch, he likes rides, he likes walks, he likes our other dog, Bandos. Ralph may be deaf but that does not stop him from living his best life. We love Ralph and we wouldn’t change him for the world. He’s also well-loved by his new aunties, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents!
We are sorry that Ralph took a bit longer to find his new forever home but are happy that he found it with us."
Move over pōhutukawa. Masses of Wellington's rātā trees are now in full bloom, towering overhead and resplendent in red, just in time for Christmas.
The abundant flowers are thanks to the possum eradication efforts from the past 25 years.
A good place to check them out is … View moreMove over pōhutukawa. Masses of Wellington's rātā trees are now in full bloom, towering overhead and resplendent in red, just in time for Christmas.
The abundant flowers are thanks to the possum eradication efforts from the past 25 years.
A good place to check them out is Otari-Wilton's Bush.
It has been a trying year with the Covid-19 outbreak, the resulting job losses, financial fallout and our closed borders.
What is the best thing that happened to you in an otherwise gloomy year? It could be getting to know your neighbours, learning how to make bread or pizza dough, or just staying… View moreIt has been a trying year with the Covid-19 outbreak, the resulting job losses, financial fallout and our closed borders.
What is the best thing that happened to you in an otherwise gloomy year? It could be getting to know your neighbours, learning how to make bread or pizza dough, or just staying healthy.
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This is Boston aka Boss Dog. He is a Schnauzer-Westie-Cairns Terrier mix. Keily Neilson from Whitby says Boston came to her via a chance visit to a pet shop.
"One look at that little face and we were in love. His favorite thing to do is play with his four human siblings and annoy the family … View moreThis is Boston aka Boss Dog. He is a Schnauzer-Westie-Cairns Terrier mix. Keily Neilson from Whitby says Boston came to her via a chance visit to a pet shop.
"One look at that little face and we were in love. His favorite thing to do is play with his four human siblings and annoy the family cat Bonnie."
If you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo.
The SPCA Pet of the Day is Xena, a 17 year-old thoroughbred, who has a had a tough life.
"She entered SPCA care after being seized from a property due to a cruelty complaint and was subsequently surrendered. After weeks of rehabilitation, she is ready for her new home. Xena is a very sweet … View moreThe SPCA Pet of the Day is Xena, a 17 year-old thoroughbred, who has a had a tough life.
"She entered SPCA care after being seized from a property due to a cruelty complaint and was subsequently surrendered. After weeks of rehabilitation, she is ready for her new home. Xena is a very sweet mare, who loves attention and meeting new horses and people. She is good to graze with others but doesn't stress if her paddock mate heads out for a ride without her.
She is good for farrier, vet, covering (even in Wellington winds!), leading and feeding. She has been floated, but is still a little anxious loading so would benefit from some additional work in this area. We understand Xena was ridden for most of her life but hasn't been for the past three years. Xena would make an excellent addition to a family wanted an older, kind horse to keep their youngsters' company. Xena has grazed with sheep with no problems.
She is a good doer and put on weight easily once put on grazing. Xena has had a dental, been vaccinated (Strangles and Tetanus), drenched and vet checked."
Our Friday Feathered Friend for Christmas Day is this beautiful tīeke, photographed by Louise Thomas.
"Just back from a week-long birding trip to Whanganui, New Plymouth, and Mt Ruapehu. We took the opportunity to visit Bushy Park, the predator-fenced sanctuary in Whanganui. We had got out … View moreOur Friday Feathered Friend for Christmas Day is this beautiful tīeke, photographed by Louise Thomas.
"Just back from a week-long birding trip to Whanganui, New Plymouth, and Mt Ruapehu. We took the opportunity to visit Bushy Park, the predator-fenced sanctuary in Whanganui. We had got out of the car and were reading the signs for the tracks and types of birds. In my normal over exuberant fashion I said to my husband and adult kids that I would die happy if I saw a saddleback. We were five metres into the first track when four of them flew up the path chasing each other and almost took my head off.
My daughter asked if I'd like to end myself now, or wait a bit in case I saw some other cool birds. I was a bit upset at first as I thought they might be the only saddlebacks I would see and I didn't get a photo. Turns out there are quite a few there. I will definitely be visiting again. Saddleback/tīeke (Philesturnus rufusater)."
Hi Neighbourly folk, I really enjoyed this post from Simon Woolf with its beautiful image and lovely words. I hope you all enjoy Christmas.
"Merry Christmas Eve Everyone.
This image is of possibly the Southern most Pohutakawa in the North Island. It is the third year since I noticed it, … View moreHi Neighbourly folk, I really enjoyed this post from Simon Woolf with its beautiful image and lovely words. I hope you all enjoy Christmas.
"Merry Christmas Eve Everyone.
This image is of possibly the Southern most Pohutakawa in the North Island. It is the third year since I noticed it, shortly after we lost our great friend Eva McGauley. It didn't flower last year!
It is located in one of the most exposed places, anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand! Wellington's South Coast can be one of the most rugged, extreme environments anywhere in the world, and especially when an Antarctic blast hits Cook Strait. Winds exceeding 200kph, eight to 10 metre swells, and a sub zero wind chill factor are regular occurrences in this area.
Evie's Tree, for that's what we have called it, symbolises resilience, hope, strength and beauty, everthing Evie was.
After the past year, where we all have come through some adversity, Evie's Tree, proves that with adversity there is opportunity. If this stunning little pohutakawa can flower in the conditions it faces, we too can overcome most of which is thrown at us, and flourish too."
- Simon Woolf
This one could be a bit tricky. Many Wellingtonians see this on a daily basis but it has changed greatly in appearance over the years.
Porirua teenager Jess Jenkins, 17, has become one of 747 students from across the world admitted to Harvard University under an early admission scheme.
Jess Jenkins (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua), has just finished her final year at Tawa College.
She is unsure exactly what she will … View morePorirua teenager Jess Jenkins, 17, has become one of 747 students from across the world admitted to Harvard University under an early admission scheme.
Jess Jenkins (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua), has just finished her final year at Tawa College.
She is unsure exactly what she will study once she gets to Cambridge, Massachusetts, although she said it would be down an arts, humanities or business path.
Wellington Police have concerns for the welfare of 14-year-old Jade who has been missing from her home since 6 December. She is believed to be in the Johnsonville or Wellington City areas. If you have any information as to her whereabouts please get in contact with us on 105 and quote the file … View moreWellington Police have concerns for the welfare of 14-year-old Jade who has been missing from her home since 6 December. She is believed to be in the Johnsonville or Wellington City areas. If you have any information as to her whereabouts please get in contact with us on 105 and quote the file number 201207/0877.
Meet Dimple.
"Hi my name is Dimple and I have been in foster care while the canine team got to know me. I have come from a very difficult background, so I am looking for a very special home, without children, other dogs or small animals. I can be very wary of people and take time to bond with… View moreMeet Dimple.
"Hi my name is Dimple and I have been in foster care while the canine team got to know me. I have come from a very difficult background, so I am looking for a very special home, without children, other dogs or small animals. I can be very wary of people and take time to bond with them, but once bonded I can be very smoochy. I can be very reactive while on a walk so will need a home that has experience with reactive dogs and will teach me through positive reinforcement that not everything is scary.
My foster mum has done a lot of work in socialising me with other dogs but I still have a long way to go. I am not keen on visiting dog parks or similar environments. I can be very affectionate, fun and quite the character once I'm comfortable in my space. I am toilet trained, and I do come with a medical waiver that my new home would be made aware of. If you are keen for a dog who you can put in the extra work with training then contact the canine team to learn more about me and set up a meeting if you seem like a good match!"
Now that America's Cup racing has finally started.,are you following it?
Tell us what you think.
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We have a bonus Pet of the Day this week - Paschal Moses.
He belonged to Margaret Stevenson-Wright and his picture arrived with the following message.
"Given that my boy cat of 16.5 years will not see another Christmas – we decided to feature him on our Christmas greetings this year."
I can't remember or locate the thread of the discussion but a few days ago I responded to a thread - possibly on Neighbourly or on one of the local Facebook pages that come up on my newsfeed - regarding solicitations for for regular donations for the hospice - either by collectors in the … View moreI can't remember or locate the thread of the discussion but a few days ago I responded to a thread - possibly on Neighbourly or on one of the local Facebook pages that come up on my newsfeed - regarding solicitations for for regular donations for the hospice - either by collectors in the street or by door-knockers. I make a monthly donation to the hospice in recognition of the loving care my mother received there in 1990 - but became concerned that a fee to another entity might be being deducted from my now monthly automatic payment. I had a ring this afternoon from the Hospice to assure me that my money in full goes towards the operation of the hospice and no professional fees or other payments are made to anyone else. I was thanked for getting in touch - so anyone else who has concerns should contact the Hospice direct for clarification and reassurance. The Hospice offers a wonderful service to patients and their families and I am forever grateful to the loving care my mother received.
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