From rescued to rehomed: Four emaciated puppies abandoned in a laundry basket

A walk by a local river quickly became a rescue mission for one Napier resident – and a lifesaving moment for four incredibly small puppies.

Itty-Bitty, Incy-Wincy, Tiny-Timmy, and Teeny-Tommy were found in a plastic laundry bin, dumped and left to fend for themselves. When their finder brought them to us, they were emaciated, and our Napier Centre team knew they required immediate veterinary care.

Urgent treatment was provided, and over the following week, the team actioned a feeding plan in the hopes that they’d recover. They needed to put on weight, and fast – and luckily, after a few days, they began to turn a corner.

“Very quickly, we noticed that these pups had a fight for life,” Canine Team Lead Tamra Hay tells us. “They started to get better and stronger each day.” Even with all they’d been through, they weren’t giving up, and neither were we.

Once they were in a more stable place, all four boys were sent out to foster families, where they continued to put on weight and learn how to be happy, comfortable dogs. They all thrived in the care of our foster network. Soon enough, the team knew they were ready for adoption!

Before their adoption profiles were listed, the puppies had one final vet check. Due to their tiny size and malnutrition upon arrival, our vets had initially thought they were a small mixed breed, like a Foxy or Jack Russell Terrier mix. However, upon seeing the puppies at a healthy weight, our vets advised they were likely a medium or large mixed breed, like a Heading or Huntaway cross – a testament to their progress in SPCA and foster care, and how truly ill they were when they came to us.

It didn't take long for three of the pups to find their forever homes, with their new parents reporting that they’re well-behaved, trainable, and affectionate additions to their families. Incy-Wincy, Tiny-Timmy, and Itty-Bitty – now named Sid, Gadget, and Dobby – are all loving life outside the Centre, settling beautifully into their new families.

That just leaves Teeny-Tommy, who’s still waiting patiently for his happily-ever-after. He’s been available for adoption for 110 days – and hasn't had a single application.

“We’re hoping he’ll follow in his brothers’ footsteps,” Tamra says, “and that he’ll graduate out of Centre care soon enough."

Read on to see how Sid, Gadget, and Dobby are doing today – and learn more about Tommy! Perhaps it’s your heart he’s been waiting to steal?

Sid’s mum Helena tells us he’s been a natural fit in their lives, and has even made some very special new friends! "He’s become good mates with our older SPCA girl Sadie,” she says. “He loves a snuggle and a nap, and he’s been so patient and loving with our young children. He’s learning our routines and house rules well, and has been a lovely puppy addition to our family.”

Gadget’s family found him on our website, and originally applied for one of his brothers! But when Tamra got in touch and suggested that Gadget may be a better fit for them, they realised she was “100% right.”

“We drove from Masterton twice–once to meet him, and a second time to introduce him to our current dog and bring him home,” his mum Meg reports. “Gadget now lives with me, my partner, and our Foxy/Jack Russell Terrier Gizmo. He is the sweetest puppy with a beautiful nature, and has slotted right into our family!”

Dobby is clearly living a luxurious life of adventure with his new family! His new mum Simone reports that he’s taken to walks, the beach, and combinations of the two – and he’s also made a great new friend in the family’s other dog. He's clearly a fan of a good couch cuddle!

That just leaves Tommy, who’s patiently waiting for the day his new family walks in the door.

Cheeky and affectionate, he’s learning how to be the best good boy. The Centre team tell us he loves treats, and has a strong food drive, making him very trainable; he loves showing off his beautiful "sit," and is learning quickly the "bed" command. He also walks well on a lead – and looks very handsome in his new harness, if we do say so ourselves!

We simply can’t believe he’s still waiting. Tommy is at a great age to move into a home with other animals and small children, and with consistency and routine, he'll adapt to any new environment in no time.

Could you provide him with the home he so deserves? Read his adoption profile here – and register to adopt him if he steals your heart!