The Christchurch City Council’s dog shelter has recorded another successful year, adopting out 70 dogs and helping a further 35 find places with rescue organisations.

Manager of Animal Services Lionel Bridger told the council’s Newsline that the number of dogs adopted during the last financial year increased by 10 percent.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in the number of people coming through the shelter,” Bridger said.

“We’ve worked really hard to advertise the dogs on social media and it’s paying off.”

He said the shelter’s priority was finding the right home for each dog, rather than rushing the adoption process.

“We want to save as many dogs from being euthanised as possible,” he said.

“That often means we hold onto dogs for longer and work with them to make sure they’re ready for adoption.”

One of the shelter’s standout success stories was Sarge, a rottweiler and German shepherd cross who was found roaming the streets in November.

“He was a beautiful big dog who thought he was a lap dog, but he was lacking in manners,” Bridger said.

“The shelter team worked with Sarge daily before finding him a forever home with Adam.”

Adam, who had previously owned rescue dogs, began visiting the shelter after spending eight years without a canine companion.

“I looked at a couple of other dogs first and they didn’t work out, and then I met Sarge,” he said.

“I decided to take him on because I wasn’t sure anyone else would adopt him.

“Adopting a dog is a huge responsibility, especially a big dog like Sarge who hasn’t had a fair start, so I knew he would be a lot of work.”

Six months after taking Sarge home, Adam said the dog had made remarkable progress.

“Seeing the improvement is crazy,” he said.

“I hand-fed him to start with so he got used to me being close, and I also had to work on his general training.

“He is still wary of people, but he has come out of his shell. Sarge is a big goofball. He loves chasing a ball, eating sticks, burying bones and his new obsession is bubbles.”

Adam encouraged other people to consider adopting a rescue dog, while recognising the commitment involved.

“Rescuing a dog is so rewarding, but it is a big commitment,” he said.

“If you adopt a dog and are not sure what you’re doing, you should get help and go to training classes.”

Bridger said seeing dogs thrive in their new homes was one of the most rewarding parts of his job.

“I love it,” he said.

“Knowing those dogs are in good hands and with people who will take care of them means a lot.

“For anyone who is looking for a dog, come and have a look at the shelter. We always have a variety of breeds and personalities on offer. It’s always better to adopt than shop.”