Dogs get second chance with Cherie

Cherie Baker says running a dog shelter in Taupiri is addictive. She has been running DC Rescue Dogs for two years now, and loves it.

The idea came when she bought her property and realised the section was perfect for dogs, she told the Waikato Times.

She takes in canines from all over the North Island – pound dogs, dumped puppies, animals about to be euthanased – and said most are hungry, exhausted and scared.

Baker said the best part was when the dogs became healthy again.
“They get in somebody’s car and they don’t even look back to say goodbye, they’re so excited to be going to their new home. It’s so cool to see.”
There are some situations Baker comes across that reinforce why she runs a rescue shelter.
“You come across dogs in pounds having puppies. It’s pretty sad. The public needs to step up and be responsible and start de-sexing pets. I know it’s expensive but there are organisations out there that can help you.”
She said there were dogs that were 2 or 3 years old and they had spent their lives on a chain.
…There’s only so much one person can do, but Baker does the best she can.
When dogs come into her care, she starts vaccinations, registers them, gets them microchipped, desexes them, puts them on the companion animal register and worms and fleas them before they find a new home.
She gets a lot of public support for fundraising. She goes to the Huntly West Church car boot sale once a month to raise funds. She started there with secondhand clothing, but now sells just about anything.
“That raises funds for the shortfall, because I charge an adoption donation to try and cover some of what it costs but you’re never going to make money when you’re dealing with animals.”
But Baker’s love for animals means she continues to do it anyway.
She had a few people willing to foster dogs until they were ready for their new homes.
…Baker owns three dogs and tries to stick to just two others at a time but has had nine or 10 on her property on occassion.
“It’s hard saying no sometimes.”

To find out more about DC Rescue Dogs or to contact Cherie, visit her Facebook page here.

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