World Animal Day

Three years ago I went to my first Wellington SPCA Blessing of the Animals which celebrates World Animal Day/the feast of St Francis of Assisi. It was so much fun that I vowed to attend every year.

Except the last two years I've been out of the country/at a work event I couldn't get out of, respectively. So this year, when the invite plopped into my inbox, I was keen as could be.

Yesterday, around a hundred of us - and assorted dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and even a llama - braved the rain to crowd into Wellington Cathedral and give thanks for our furry friends. It was so lovely to see old mates and Bristol was beside himself with excitement. In fact, he's still sleeping it off.

    

A good day

A day bookended with dogs, and studded with friends and courier pacels, couldn't fail to be positive.

This morning there was a walk along Ori Parade and coffee with my friend Julia and her two woofers, while tonight it was back to the usual Monday SPCA puppy walking.

My puppy was this adorable three-month old mixed breed - the first time she had ever been walked. There was much biting of her lead, walking backwards and refusing to go. I also had to carry her for large sections of the walk, given that the unfamiliar asphalt was tough on her tender wee paws. But oh my, she was a doll (apologies for the rubbish pics, it's hard to snap a puppy who won't sit still).

Today there was also this delivery of three new review books for North & South Magazine which I am looking forward to reading.

All of which qualifies as a good day in Shazzyland.    

SPCA Annual Appeal

Today I'm spending two hours standing under a sky that looks as though its about to empty its contents, collecting for this most worthy charity. 

If you see me, or anyone else wearing the distinctly unflattering fluro SPCA vest, please, please dig deep. You'll be helping little ones like this cute puppy I had the pleasure of walking at the usual Monday night SPCA volunteering a few weeks ago.

SPCA puppy walking

This adorable bundle of fur was the SPCA puppy I walked tonight after work.

It took every ounce of willpower not to pop her in the car and take her home. ADORABLE.

Puppy walking on a Monday night is, hands down, the highlight of my week.

  

(Pic credit: Wellington SPCA) 

Wellington SPCA Puppy Squad

Before we moved to the UK, the Animator and I were pretty religious about volunteering at the Wellington SPCA, spending every second Sunday walking the adult dogs. And then we moved to the UK. And even though we've been back almost five years, we've never got our shizzle together sufficiently to do anything more for our favourite charity than write out a few cheques.

Until a couple of weeks ago when, feeling sorry for myself during a cold, dark run around the waterfront, I came across the puppy walking crew who exercise a few of the SPCA pups every Monday night. I promptly signed up and tonight Bristol and I headed down to the wharf for our fill of gorgeous puppy dogs.

It was freezing and dark but for around 10 volunteers and 15 canines, it was a lot of fun. #Mondaynightssorted

Here's one of the adorable pups we walked. And yes, I did want to take him home.

            (Photo credit: Wellington SPCA)

SPCA Cupcake Day

Yesterday we opened our wallets for one of the best causes in town, to get the Welly SPCA out of its manky old premises and into the former Fever Hospital, which they're hoping to do by the rump end of this year.

An added attraction at the City Market was the presence of several shelter puppies; they were incredibly excited about the Brizz but His Highness remained disinterested throughout. Watching him trying to maintain his air of indifference while a puppy licked his ears was priceless.

Tonight on my walk home from work, I saw two burly blokes come out of their flat carrying a tray of cupcakes. They were off to a local pub to continue the good work; I immediately bought a couple and while they weren't nearly as attractive, or tasty, as the SPCA ones (which were, in fact, donated by the scrum-a-licious Fidels Cafe) they were made with love. One of the chaps actually works for the SPCA and said he was happy to do his bit to help the homeless animals. Maybe if we were all a bit like that, the world would be a less miserable place.