It was a dog’s one-way trip to the vet that started it all. In 2012, Natalie Smith was working as a vet nurse in Pahiatua.
There, she met Todd – a 12-year-old working dog, brought into the clinic for euthanasia. Natalie fell in love. She felt Todd was not ready to go, so she took him home.
From there, a big idea was born! She decided to start a charity; a rescue dedicated to helping seniors enjoy well-deserved retirements. So, with the help of local vet, and now fellow trustee, Helen Sheard, and local vet nurse, Kayla Groves, Natalie’s dream became a reality!
More than a decade later, the now-nationwide rescue and its three trustees, Natalie, Helen and Marie-Claire Andrews – together with a multi-skilled team of volunteers and foster carers – help secure promising futures for working breeds of all ages.
And, in case you’re wondering, Todd – the big oldie that set all this in motion – happily lived to 17!
We don’t have a shelter, and rely on a foster community and donations from our fan base to pay for vets bills, rehoming costs and foster care for our dogs.
Volunteer Roles Available
Foster Co-ordinator (start August 2024)
Due to the demand for more working dogs to be rehomed, RWDNZ is looking to recruit volunteer foster coordinators.
There are many working breed dogs who need somewhere to live either after retiring or failing as a working dog.
We’re recruiting coordinators to enhance the range of services available through RWDNZ. A coordinator will support a fosterer(s) by offering help and guidance over the phone (and online) for the time a dog is in their care – typically 4 weeks, and in some cases, up to a few months.
This is a remote role, where you can work from your own home.