2023-02-06T10:00:00+13:00

Mary and Hero

February 6, 2023February 5, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Mary and Hero ~

Two years ago, Mary met Hero for the first time. Since then, they have changed each other’s lives for the better and continue to bring endless joy and unconditional love into every single day.

At the time, Mary wasn’t looking to adopt a dog. She had a nine-year-old German Shepherd, Daisy, and was grieving the loss of her heart dog who passed away five years prior. Adopting another dog made her feel uneasy. However, she soon heard of a six-year-old white German Shepherd, named Hero, who had been surrendered and was struggling at the shelter. He became very anxious, destructive and tried to escape a couple of times. To prevent him from hurting himself, he was put on antidepressants.

Hearing this story broke Mary’s heart. As soon as she could, she arranged a meeting with this dog. When she arrived, she could just feel how sad Hero was. Looking into his eyes, Mary was able to relate to the heartbreak he was feeling, too. She knew this feeling all too well and knew they both needed a bit of love and care.

Soon after the first meeting, Mary brought Daisy into the shelter to meet Hero. Daisy was feeling sad at the loss of her sisfur, too. Yet, when she met Hero, the two immediately got along. Seeing how happy they both were, Mary knew that Hero had found his new forever home.

When she brought Hero home, Mary knew it would take a long time for him to feel comfortable. He didn’t have much interest in food, didn’t trust anyone and was depressed for a long time. However, with the continual care of Mary and her husband, as well as Daisy becoming a pivotal part of his recovery, Hero soon flourished. Slowly, he was even able to be weaned off his antidepressants. It took quite some time, but now, Hero is loving his life and the dogs and humans who have made his life what it is.

Not only has Hero impacted Mary, but also those around them. Mary works as a videographer and director, and her canine companion tagged along to every project. Eventually, he felt comfortable making appearances in her videos and it didn’t take long before he found himself in the spotlight. Mary was often asked to start a social media account for Hero and, before long, she did just that. Since starting this, he has brought so much happiness to everyone who follows his daily life.

Seeing how much Hero has grown means the world to Mary. Before adopting him, she didn’t think she could love another dog like she had her previous companion, but having Hero has given her hope and has made her feel whole again. Every day since they found one another has been filled with love and joy. They have truly changed each other’s lives for the better.

Amy, Lady and Gus

February 6, 2023January 29, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Amy, Lady and Gus ~

Almost six years ago, Amy adopted Lady. Then, four years later, they welcomed Gus into their family. Since then, Amy, Lady and Gus have changed each other’s lives hugely.

In 2017, Amy was looking to adopt a dog. After some searching, she found a litter of puppies online looking for their forever homes. Two of the puppies had already been adopted, but when she went to meet them in person, she instantly fell in love with the pup named Lady. Then and there, Amy knew this puppy had found her home. Four years later, in 2021, Amy came across a pup named Gus on PetFinder. As soon as she saw his face, she fell in love and decided to adopt him.

Having Lady and Gus has changed Amy’s life. Lady is a little ray of sunshine in her human’s life and, no matter what, can always bring a smile to her face. Because of this, she has had a big impact on Amy’s mental wellbeing and continues to make each day better. Since adopting Gus, he has become very in tune with Amy’s emotions. Whenever she’s feeling anxious or upset, Gus always walks over and gives her lots of cuddles.

Not only have Lady and Gus impacted Amy’s life, but also those around them. When they are out and about or just walking down the street, they bring a bit of joy to everyone they meet. Amy feels that the world would be a better place if everyone had a dog like Lady or Gus!

Something that Amy, Lady and Gus enjoy doing is spending time together. One of Amy and Lady’s most favourite things is sitting down and watching a movie. Lady’s favourite kinds of movies are cartoons and horrors as she will stay up and watch the movie with her human. Times like these always fill Amy’s heart and being able to spend this time together means so much to her.

The bond that Amy, Lady and Gus share is amazing. They have changed each other’s lives for the better and continue to fill every day with love and happiness.

Nicole and Rigatoni

February 3, 2023January 29, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Nicole and Rigatoni ~

Almost two years ago, Nicole met Rigatoni, a sweet little Dachshund puppy. Since then, they have become the best of friends and have helped each other hugely.

In 2021, shortly after the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions began to lift, Nicole was looking to adopt a dog. She had been feeling lonely and wanted a companion who could keep her company while working from home. When a friend told her there was a litter of puppies looking for a home, Nicole jumped at the chance and arranged a visit.

Once there, Nicole instantly fell in love with one pup in particular – Rigatoni. He sat with her and gave her lots of cuddles, choosing her to be his human. A few weeks later, Rigatoni was on his way to his new forever home.

Having Rigatoni has hugely impacted Nicole’s life. No matter what, he can always brighten his human’s day by sharing endless joy and laughter. Not only has he impacted Nicole’s life, but also that of their community and others online. Shortly after adopting him, Nicole posted a video of him to social media. It went viral and she received hundreds of messages from people telling her how much it made their day.

Something that Nicole and Rigatoni enjoy doing is being active and social together. Living in an apartment building, and across from a popular dog park, they’re often stopped by people, and sometimes dogs, wanting to say hi to Rigatoni. Nicole tries to organise puppy-playdates whenever possible, so much so, he runs straight to the door whenever she says, “Do you want to see your friends?” It means a lot to Nicole to have such a supportive group of friends, as well as seeing the joy it brings Rigatoni.

The bond that Nicole and Rigatoni share is so special. They have brought so much love and light into each other’s lives. Every day is made better simply because they have one another.

Becky, Sushi, Hugo and Blondie

February 1, 2023January 29, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Becky, Sushi, Hugo and Blondie ~

Nine years ago, Becky welcomed Sushi into her life. A year later, Hugo joined their family. Four years after, Blondie found her forever home with Becky. Since then, they have become a family and have improved each other’s lives greatly.

Becky has always had a passion for animals. When she adopted Sushi nine years ago, she felt thrilled to have a cat of her own. Then, a year later, she adopted Hugo from Beth Stern. Hugo, like Sushi, is blind. So, Beth wanted him to go to a home that knew how to properly care for an animal with special needs. Once he arrived, Becky instantly fell in love with him.

Many rescues have received so much support thanks to Hugo. He and Becky raise money for animal rescues and animals in need. As well as this, they have also helped to spread awareness and be great advocates for rescue animals. It was because of this that they found Blondie. Becky had been fostering her for a while, she was semi-feral and was finding it hard to adjust to being a house cat. However, Blondie formed a bond with Becky, Sushi and Hugo and, from that moment, she found her forever home.

Having Hugo has had a huge impact on Becky’s life. Looking after him and Sushi has helped her to learn about animals with special needs and how to help make the world more accessible for them. Both Hugo and Sushi never let their blindness slow them down. Hugo especially loves to explore and greet anyone and everyone he meets. Seeing him and his adopted siblings live their best life never fails to make Becky’s day.

Every night, Hugo loves to curl up with Becky under the blankets. Sometimes, if she goes to bed before he does, he’ll place his paw on her nose until she lifts up the covers for him. This is just one example of how Sushi, Hugo and Blondie all bring so much joy into Becky’s life. The best thing, however, is knowing that she is able to give them a life where they can truly flourish.

The impact that Sushi, Hugo and Blondie have all had on Becky, as well as the impact she has had on them, is immeasurable. They bring each other endless joy and unconditional love every single day.

Wenny and Sadie

January 30, 2023January 29, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Wenny and Sadie ~

About four years ago, Sadie found her forever home with Wenny. Since then, they have been on many adventures together and have changed each other’s lives hugely.

In December 2019, while looking at the Chained Dogs Rehabilitation and Rehoming NZ website, Wenny came across a sweet tripawd pup named Sadie looking for her forever home. Instantly, he fell in love with her face and decided to arrange a visit. Once there, he had no doubts in his mind that this pup was perfect and adopted her then and there, welcoming her into his home including two cats and fifteen canaries!

In 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown in New Zealand, having Sadie impacted Wenny hugely. While the country went into isolation, having a canine companion helped him get through that period. Each day, they went for walks together, play fetch, and just spend this with one another.

With Sadie in his life, Wenny has been able to participate in new opportunities and be more active. When going out for walks, many people go up to them to ask about Sadie and her story. This has allowed Wenny to meet many new people and to enjoy new experiences that he wouldn’t have without his canine companion. Every time they go out, he has become more aware of areas that are dog-friendly where Sadie can accompany him to.

At the end of each day, Wenny and Sadie love to play fetch. Whenever he returns home from work, Sadie knows it’s time to play. She would happily spend hours chasing after a ball and bringing it back to her human. Afterwards, they enjoy being able to curl up together and enjoy each other’s company.

Being able to give Sadie the life she deserves, after having such a challenging upbringing, means so much to Wenny. They have both changed each other’s lives hugely and bring so much love and joy into every day.

Meagan, Tidas and Piper

January 27, 2023January 25, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Meagan, Tidas and Piper ~

Not too long ago, Meagan welcomed red fox kit, Tidas, into her life. Soon after, she adopted Piper, too. Since then, they have become a close family and have truly bettered each other’s lives.

While helping out at a fox sanctuary in Michigan, Meagan met a small kit who had come from a difficult past. He had initially been surrendered into a different sanctuary but wasn’t getting along with the other foxes and ended up having to have a cast put onto one of his back legs. So, he was transferred to Foxes Journey Sanctuary. As soon as Meagan met him, she felt an instant connection.

Seeing how much Meagan and Tidas connected, a friend who worked at the sanctuary arranged a catch-up, only this time, with a surprise guest – Tidas. Meagan’s friend told her that Tidas was now officially hers and that, if she was okay with it, he would be going home with her. She was thrilled to be able to give this little fox his forever home.

In July 2022, Tidas became very sick with anaemia. He had to have a xenotransfusion, a blood transfusion between species. It was touch and go for months, he required blood tests every few weeks and was on many medications. However, with the love, support and care of Meagan and their vets, Tidas slowly recovered and is now better than ever.

About a month after Tidas got sick, Meagan was contacted by the sanctuary about a fox named Piper who had just been brought in. Her owner had passed away and could no longer be properly cared for. After some convincing of her fiancé, Meagan excitedly welcomed Piper into her home.

Slowly but surely, Tidas started to recover. After a few months, he was able to be moved to an outside enclosure with Piper. It took some time to adjust to having a new friend. Piper hadn’t been around other foxes before and she and Tidas were unsure of one another. Now, they see each other as siblings – sometimes they fight, but ultimately, they love spending time together.

Having Tidas and Piper has helped Meagan hugely. Through her community and social media, she has been able to educate people about foxes. She receives many questions about what having a fox is like – and she’s always more than happy to answer any and every question. It’s important to Meagan to spread awareness and encourage others to do their research about foxes. Living with a fox is a lot of work, but to Meagan, it’s more than worth it.

Something that Meagan enjoys doing with Tidas and Piper is simply spending time together. She loves just sitting in their enclosure with them and watching them live their best lives. Occasionally, Tidas and Piper will join their human and demand belly rubs, but when they’ve had enough, they feel safe in being able to walk away. Knowing she has their trust means so much to Meagan.

The bond that Meagan shares with Tidas and Piper is truly special. She has given both foxes a home where they can thrive, and they have given their human endless joy and love. No matter what, they know they will always have each other.

Sarah and Fin

January 25, 2023January 25, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Sarah and Fin ~

Over five years ago, Sarah welcomed African Pygmy Hedgehog, Fin, into her life. Since then, they are now fostering a baby hedgie named Robin.

In 2017, as a university student, Sarah was looking to adopt a furry friend. Once she heard of the possibility of having hedgehogs as pets, she spent months doing as much research as she could. Sarah still had a lot to learn when she met Fin and felt unprepared. She fell in love with him as soon as they met and knew he was the one, but he was a bit huffier and spikier than she had anticipated.

Due to this, Sarah decided that, with the help of Fin, she would start an Instagram account to educate others about owning hedgehogs. She wanted to create a page that could help others like her know everything about pet hedgies. To further her knowledge, Sarah has also started studying zoology in her free time as well as her majoring in anthropology. Through Hedge Chef, she hopes to empower hedgehog owners and provide them with all the knowledge she has learnt through her journey. Of course, Fin supervises and has final approval of all posts, too.

For some time, Sarah has struggled with PTSD which impacts her daily. Having Fin has been life-changing for her. He provides her with a purpose each day, grounds her, and is a source of comfort and love. As hedgies can be a bit anxious at times, Sarah and Fin keep each other present through co-regulating; the process of simultaneously helping regulate each other’s nervous system.

Having Fin has also taught Sarah a lot. It can take a while to build a bond with and the trust of a hedgehog. The day-to-day life of having a hedgie might not be all glamorous, but Sarah wouldn’t change it for the world. While treating Fin with kindness, patience and compassion, she was able to find it in herself to turn this inwards and treat herself the same way.

Together, Sarah and Fin have helped each other through thick and thin. One particular moment sticks out to Sarah. She was experiencing a very bad panic attack and, to help ground herself, picked Fin up and held him close. Expecting him to want to get up and explore after a few seconds, she was surprised when he decided to curl up on her chest and stay there for over ten minutes. Sarah patted him and as she calmed down and looked into Fin’s eyes, she realised just how much love they shared for one another.

At the start of 2021, Fin was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and was given between three and six months to live. However, it’s been almost a year since and he continues to fight and live life to the fullest. This drive inspires Sarah every single day. Not only that, but Fin inspires the community that he and his human have created. To everyone who follows his journey, he represents unconditional love and strength.

When not advocating, Sarah and Fin enjoy simply spending time with each other. From having Fin curl up inside Sarah’s scarf as she does chores to spending every evening watching a movie and eating snacks together. These moments are always the highlight of both their day.

Recently, Sarah and Fin have welcomed a new family member – Robin! Robin, another African Pygmy Hedgehog, was initially only a foster. However, Sarah fell in love with her and knew that Robin had found her forever home.

The bond that Sarah and Fin share is truly special. Each day is made better simply because they have one another. They have truly changed each other’s lives for the better by sharing joy and unconditional love.

*After the time of writing, Fin has sadly passed on. He has had an immeasurable impact on Sarah by bringing endless amounts of love and joy into her life. His impact on the wider community will continue to be felt as his memory lives on. Fin lived a full life thanks to Sarah. Every day of his life was full of love, care and happiness

Tiara and Mello

January 23, 2023January 16, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Tiara and Mello ~

Two years ago, Tiara met Staffy x, Mello. Since then, they have become the best of friends and have impacted each other’s lives hugely.

In 2020, Tiara met a very small puppy. She was malnourished and had been taken away from her mother far too soon as she wasn’t receiving the care she needed. Despite her tough start to life, the pup was very calm and quiet, leading to her being named Mello. However, soon after settling into her new home and having a full tummy, she showed her true colours as a perky and active dog!

Soon after adopting Mello, Tiara went through a difficult break-up. It was a dark time for her, but her furry friend never left her side. Mello became her human’s reason to get out of bed each morning, provided her with a routine, and, most importantly, showed her unconditional love. Now, whenever Tiara has a tough day, Mello just knows and will lick her hand and lay her head on her human’s lap.

Not only has Mello impacted her human, but also Tiara’s mother. Having disliked dogs for a long time, when Tiara adopted Mello, her mother was slowly won over by Mello’s puppy dog eyes! She knows that her grandma often sneaks a bit of food under the table at dinner time, and ensures to always sit right by her chair.

Both Tiara and Mello enjoy going on adventures. From walking through the bush, going on hikes to even sunbathing together at the family bach, this time they get to spend together is never wasted. Simply being in each other’s company means the world to them.

The bond that Tiara and Mello share is truly beautiful. They have helped each other through many challenges, but have also made the good times even better. Each day is made better simply because they have each other.

Claudia, Michael, Ash and Willow

January 20, 2023January 16, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Claudia, Michael, Ash and Willow ~

In early 2022, Claudia and Michael welcomed Ash and Willow into their home. Since then, they have become a family and bring love and joy into every day.

Having always been an animal lover, Claudia had always wanted to adopt a furbaby of her own. When she and Michael moved into their new home together, they thought it would be the perfect time to adopt two cats. As they both work long hours, they felt it best to have two cats who could keep each other company. They spent some time searching for two cats who would suit their lifestyle.

One day, while looking online, Claudia and Michael came across two domestic shorthair kittens and instantly fell in love. They arranged a visit and as soon as they arrived, the two kittens, named Ash and Willow, jumped onto their laps. The kittens were inquisitive and talkative and it wasn’t long before they were on their way to their forever home.

Since adopting Ash and Willow, Claudia and Michael’s house has become a home. Each day, both cats bring so much love and happiness to their humans’ lives. Whenever Claudia returns home from work, she’s always greeted by her feline friends. She loves being able to spend time with them and give them the best life possible. As well as this, Ash and Willow are as good as Claudia’s alarm clock! Every morning, as they eagerly await their food, Ash will walk across her face and make biscuits on her neck, while Willow wraps herself around Claudia’s legs as she gets out of bed.

Something that Ash and Willow enjoy is going outside and exploring. Willow is the more adventurous of the siblings. She loves climbing up trees and going on adventures and when she returns, she’s very talkative and lets her humans know all about what she did. Ash is somewhat less adventurous but still likes to spend time with Claudia and Michael when they’re outside or doing some gardening.

The impact that Ash and Willow have had on Claudia and Michael has been immeasurable. They’ve become a family and have truly changed each other’s lives for the better by sharing so much love and happiness.

Sanne, Victor and Ronja

January 18, 2023January 14, 2023/pawsitivetales20/Leave a comment

~ Sanne, Victor and Ronja ~

Some years ago, Sanne adopted Victor, a sweet cat who happened to be deaf. Then, six months later, she adopted Ronja who also happened to be deaf. Since then, they have become a family.

While looking online for a furry friend, Sanne came across a post from someone who had been fostering a lovely six-month-old all-white cat named Victor. She was told he was deaf and would require an adaptive home that could ensure his safety. At the time, she had only seen photos but she knew in her heart that this was the cat for her. She decided to arrange a visit and once they met, there was no doubt in Sanne’s mind that this cat had found his forever home.

Six months after adopting Victor, Sanne wanted to adopt a second cat so that he wouldn’t get lonely when she was away. After some time looking on adoption websites, she came across a deaf tabby kitten looking for her forever home. Once Sanne arrived at the shelter, she immediately noticed how calm and relaxed the kitten was in the busy environment. She felt that this meant the kitten would be fine around Victor and, two weeks later, she brought the kitten, now named Ronja, home.

It took some time for Victor to adjust to having a new furry friend in his home, but eventually, he and Ronja put aside their differences and have since become like siblings. They have made Sanne’s house a home simply by being themselves and providing their human with unconditional love.

When Sanne adopted Victor and Ronja, her husband was often away on work trips. Having her feline friends meant that Sanne always had someone to come home to after work. Now, she has MS which has meant she has had to work fewer hours. However, Victor and Ronja have been great companions. Whenever she is having a bad health day, they’re right there to comfort their human. As well as this, they give Sanne a purpose each morning, usually in the form of waiting for their breakfast and helping Sanne to keep active.

Having Victor and Ronja has been life-changing for Sanne. She has learnt more about cats than ever and how to best support those with impairments. This has inspired her to become a volunteer at a local shelter, as well as put food outside her house for stray cats and kittens and trap and help homeless cats. At present, she has already helped over 40! She owes all this to Victor and Ronja and the impact they have had on her.

Since adopting Victor and Ronja, Sanne has received many messages and comments asking for her advice about deaf cats. People might have adopted one and want to help make their home as accessible as possible, or may have not realised it at the time and need a bit of support. Wanting to help as many people as possible, Sanne started a website, DeafDarlings.DK, to share her experiences and as much information as possible. Not only this but there were no other websites like this in her native language of Danish, so she felt proud to be able to provide this platform.

Something that Sanne, Victor and Ronja enjoy is being able to spend time together. Ronja has been harness-trained and likes to go for walks with her human. This allows them both to go outside and have some fresh air and just be present in the moment. Victor, on the other hand, is not a fan of the harness but loves to play chase with Sanne, who often wonders which of them has the most fun! Of course, at the end of the day, they all snuggle up together.

The impact that Victor and Ronja have had on Sanne has been incredible. Every day is made better simply because they’re together. They share so much love and happiness with one another and have changed each other’s lives hugely.

Pawsitive Tales

Sharing heartwarming tales of animals and their humans.