From rescued to rehomed: Cookie’s story

Cookie and her sister Freckles were just a few weeks’ old when they were found neglected and living outside in the middle of winter. They were rushed into the care of our Whanganui Centre and our team were quick to give them everything they needed to feel safe, warm, fed and loved.

Upon vet examination, both puppies were determined to have ringworm, and were started on treatment immediately. Cookie was withdrawn, timid and unable to trust anyone, clearly traumatised by her experience.

Both puppies were treated daily for a month with medication and creams to help them heal from ringworm and lesions on their little bodies.

Once better, Cookie and Freckles went into foster care with one of our amazing fosters Tracey. Here, they received some much needed TLC to help them grow in confidence and bring them out of their shells.

When they were deemed ready for rehoming, the girls became available for adoption while remaining in their foster home.

Before long, Freckles was happily adopted, but Cookie’s nervous nature meant she struggled to gel with anyone who enquired. At each meeting with a potential adopter, she was dismissed as being too timid. Cookies’ foster mum wasn’t giving up, though – and this is why foster parents are so vital for SPCA animals! She continued to shower Cookie in f love and reassurance, getting her used to life without her sister. Slowly, Cookie displayed a little more character and confidence each day.

Cookie started to come into the Whanganui SPCA Centre with her foster mum and had some socialisation with the team and other animals which helped her come out of her shell. Some puppies just need a little more time, and Cookie was one of those. After four months of gentle work with her, she was finally brave enough to face the world and find her forever home!

Cookie was adopted by a loving couple who have given her the perfect home to continue to thrive! She is living her best life and has bonded beautifully with her canine brother Nigel and a feline sister Nala, all adopted from the SPCA!

Cookie’s new owner Aleisha is besotted with her sweet girl. “Cookie has grown more comfortable and confident every day. She is the most gentle and loving pup I have ever met and is such a mummy’s girl!

Cookie goes to a doggy day care with Nigel so is getting that continued socialisation she does so well from. Aleisha says she loves it and comes home exhausted. She also loves playing tug of war with Nigel and is just obsessed with Narla who was adopted from SPCA the very same day as Cookie.

“We are so proud of Cookie and feel blessed that she is part of our lives,” Aleisha said. “We want to thank the SPCA team for everything you guys do. Without you guys, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to have Cookie fill a hole in our hearts.”

Cookie is proof what a little love and support can do. Every animal deserves a chance at a happy life, and for some, especially those who have endured trauma, it can just mean a little patience.

We couldn’t be happier that Cookie is thriving and living the life she had always deserved, in one big loving SPCA family!