Thank you, Michael!

A huge thank you to Michael from the Ōpōtiki Pound, Ōpōtiki District Council on his last day of service—not just for his incredible love for dogs and the care he’s given them, nor only for keeping Magic safe during lockdown along with two other pups (we have Magic back)—but also for saving over 80 dogs in just the last four months of 2025 together with his team! All these dogs have been rehomed by us. They are precious members of their families now, and without his heart and dedication, they wouldn’t be.

There are countless stories Michael and the team will never share publicly—but we know some of them. We will only mention the time he combed a huge area of bush on foot, following faint cries heard by road workers… only to find an exhausted female German Shepherd x tied to a tree, without food or water, nearly choking herself for who knows how long. That girl is Sasha, safe and VERY LOVED now. We know the heart, effort, and devotion he poured into every single dog that crossed his path!

Thank you, Michael, and all the best in the future to you and your loved ones in your new home! May you open that book from time to time, see the faces of the lives you’ve touched, and remember that you’re their hero!