Post-quake 'family' set to be parted again
NICOLE MATHEWSON
SEEKING REFUGE: Sharon McBride and son, Angus, 11, with their earthquake-refugee dogs, Stanley, top, and Jack, which may have to be put down as the family cannot find rental accommodation where pets are allowed.
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A Christchurch student and single mother is heartbroken at the thought of having to put down her two canine companions.
Sharon McBride was forced to move out of her rented Somerfield home after it was damaged in the September 2010 and February earthquakes.
She had moved seven times since the quakes and had been unable to find an affordable rental house in the city that would allow her to keep her two dogs.
The dogs had stayed at a boarding kennel in Rangiora for the past three months, but McBride had been told she would have to rehouse them by Thursday or they could have to be euthanised.
"They've been very kind in taking the dogs in, but they've got all the holiday bookings now," she said.
The Canterbury University teaching student is looking for someone to foster four-year-old Stanley, an airedale cross-bearded collie, and seven-year-old Jack, a fox terrier-cross, until she is able to find another dog-friendly home.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Dogwatch were unable to help as they were already "bursting at the seams", and she had unsuccessfully scoured online networks and school notices for potential fosterers.
The dogs were "lovely wee things" that normally stayed outside and were good at walking on leads, she said.
Her 11-year-old son, Angus, was "heartbroken" by the prospect of having to give up his "brothers".
"They're our family members," she said. Anyone able to foster the dogs can contact McBride by emailing shangus00@gmail.com
- © Fairfax NZ News
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Come on you landlords which part do you not understand that dogs are part of a family. I'm sure this lady & her son would be good tenants and keep the place tidy. How come you can so no to people who owns pets and let people have children in your property who can create more damage by writing on walls etc. GIVE HER A BREAK.
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11:09 pm Nov 29 2011
Help this family out people if or around Christchurch. These are the time we need to stick together and help eachother out.
Youv'e got to be kidding! Dogwatch can't help, then what do they do with the money we donate so lovely, innocent creatures like these don't have to be killed. I have 34 cats here, all refugees of one thng or another, plus, only God knows how many, come at night for food which we put out. This has all happened since the quake. We perxonally pay for all vet treatments, food and housing - cattery - and NO ONE DIES! We are private citizens and can do this with only our own money. Pull Finger Dogwatch or there will ultimately be questions to answer for you...
@ Paul, #6; read the Article again. Both the SPCA and Dogwatch are bursting at the seams and can't do anything to help this family.
I never allow dogs at my rental property. The only thing worse than a dog destroying my property is some owners that live like dogs.
I have been very lucky with my landlords. I also ask for a reference for my dogs when I leave a property so that any future landlords can see my pets are well behaved and cause no problems. I also offer an extra weeks bond as a "pet bond" and each time I have had landlords take me up on that offer. In my experience animals cause less damage/hassle than some children do these days. It's a shame more landlords are a little more open to at least giving people with animals a trial.
I'm sure the guys at Dogwatch would help out. There is no reason to put to sleep these doggies
It breaks my heart, I hope the landlord let you keep them.
I always allow dogs in my rentals, usually it means the tenants stay longer and make more of a home and with a 'Dog bond' or extra weeks rent as bond, most damage caused by them can be negated. That said, I have never had any dog related damage when tenants move out, good tenants usually ensure the property is in good nick when they hand it back. Best of luck Sharon and Angus!
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Gutted!! We have an Airedale/Beardie cross & a Beardie but already have an extra temporary 'friend' here (Just don't tell the council). I would love to be able to say we could foster Stanley but don't have the space anymore. & if we had seen this 2days prior, one of our neighbours in Brighton had a place that was dog friendly and perfect. Unfortunately now taken! Bugger!! So sorry, which I know doesn't help much :-(( Best of luck!!