Helping out golden oldies

Retired working dogs get new lives with a special adoption scheme.

Bill (left) found himself in the pound at the end of his working career. Meg (far right) was a failed working dog who had a really rough start in life. They ended up best buddies in a home with their beloved adopted mum.

Jake (centre) went blind in both eyes when he was quite young. Today, he's an inside pet, sharing his home with other retired working dogs.

Retired Working Dogs NZ (RWD) is a charity that rehomes retired and ‘failed' working dogs throughout NZ into forever homes.

It was set up in 2012 and has since rehomed more than 600 dogs.

“Retired working dogs make great pets for families,” says founder Natalie Smith. "Many of them have been trained with basic commands and are often trusted around stock, other animals, and children."

RWD advertise dogs for adoption or foster care on their website and Facebook page.

If you'd like to support RWD's work, but can't have a dog, proceeds of the 2022 RWD calendar go to helping the charity with rehoming efforts.