A Tauranga dog rescue operator is thrilled with the outpouring of support from the community in response to an appeal for help.

“We received a bit of feedback from the article in the Weekend Sun last month,” says Billie Te Tau, who runs Bilbo’s Dogpaws Rescue from her home in Welcome Bay.

She explained that the cost-of-living crisis is hitting Bay of Plenty pet owners hard with the number of unwanted animals getting dumped or euthanised out of desperation at an all-time high. 

“Every day, we get between five and 10 requests for help and some people call threatening to have their animals impounded or put to sleep because they can’t afford to care for them anymore.”

Since the article was published, Billie has received emails of support as well as dog food and equipment and the owners of luxury accommodation Warm Earth Cottage in Katikati have donated a romantic night away valued at $350.

“We’re raffling that to help raise money with the winner drawn on 30 June,” says Billie.

“A huge thanks to everyone. This will help us continue to support pets in need in the Bay of Plenty.”

Enter as many times as you like by donating $20 into the bank account DogpawsB 15-3945-0431-831-00 and emailing the confirmation to dogpawsbilbo@gmail.com