What's on Today? Adopt-a-thon

Tauranga SPCA is encouraging families to head to their Greerton headquarters today and get up close and friendly with the animals up for adoption.

Operations manager Margaret Rawiri says animals often pick their new owners – and with kitten season in full swing there's heaps of opportunity to take home a new family member.


Tauranga SPCA staff member Hannah Cobb with Roger the Rabbit, who is up for adoption this weekend. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

'We like to say cats will choose their owners and you often see them come up to people when they come in and literally choose them by being affectionate.”

The SPCA has all colours, shapes, sizes and breeds – and if you're not interested in kittens, there's adult cats, dogs, puppies and rabbits too.

'Our adoption is set up so you can go into the animal's pen and spend time with them. This can be crucial for families in choosing the right pet for their family.”

Margaret would love to see all of her kittens and adult cats find a new forever home and be adopted out this weekend – following this edition's SPCA Adopt-a-thon.

'We have about 50 kittens in the shelter and another 60 kittens in foster care at the moment.

'People can adopt a kitten to grow up with their children and family. We adopt them from eight weeks old, so families can get them settled into their property from a young age.”

'They've all got very different personalities, so we see think it's appropriate for families to mingle with their potential new pets first.”

From 10.30am-2pm the SPCA, at 43 Alach St, Greerton, is hosting Second Chance For Love adoption specials and family fun day for the public to come along and give animals a second chance at love. There will be 20 per cent off every adoption during the day.

'We'll have a bouncy castle and face painting for children, sausage sizzle, spot prizes and prizes for adoptions so families can see the animals and enjoy the activities.”

All animals up for adoption at Tauranga SPCA – including the ones featured in this special – have been de-sexed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, treated for fleas, worms and checked to ensure they do not have any injuries or illnesses that require continuing treatment.

'They are basically just sitting here ready to go, waiting for some new owners.”

Let a rabbit grow on you

Tauranga SPCA isn't only raining cat and dogs this summer – rabbits are another furry friend turning up homeless at the Greerton shelter.

'We have got lots of rabbits to adopt – we've just beeninundated with them,” says SPCA operations manager Margaret Rawiri.

She says rabbits are becoming more and more popular as family pets because they're relatively easy to care for.

'And all we require families to have is a hutch to keep them in.”

Margaret says all rabbits up for adoption at Tauranga SPCA have been vet-checked, de-sexed, vaccinated and microchipped 'and we'll register them on the NZ Animal Companion Register”.

With rabbits growing in popularity as pets, Margaret says people lose them as much as they lose cats, 'so it makes sense to microchip them”.

Adoption fee is $50 per rabbit, to help with costs, but tomorrow at Tauranga SPCA's Second Chance For Love adoption specials and family fun day there will be 20 per cent off.

Don't forget about the dogs

They might be themost demanding of domestic pets – and the most expensive – but don't cast off thoughts of a adopting a dog or puppy yet. Because they could also be the most rewarding.

They play a large part in family life and children have constant contact with them – and your children growing up with a dog around, to play with and cuddle, will form some of their most memorable childhood memories.

Dogs also need training, companionship and regular exercise – but this a good thing. They can keep you and your family fit, and teach your family skills on how to take care of a dog and command respect from it.

Most importantly, dogs are man's best friend – they're loyal to the core – and will be there for you and your family through thick and thin, good times and bad.

But Tauranga SPCA operations manager Margaret Rawiri says it's very important to select the right type of dog for your lifestyle and conditions.

Small or large, lively or placid, short coat or long? This may be dictated by if you have a small or large backyard, if you're young or older, or how much time you have to exercise them.

'This is why we encourage the public and families to come to the shelter, spend time with their new potential pets before deciding to adopt them.”

The 20 per cent off discount applies to adopting dogs too at tomorrow's adoptathon at Tauranga SPCA.

See what else is happening in and around Tauranga below:

Saturday 14 February

Art in the Park

Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui 8.30am – 5pm, weather permitting. Tauranga Society of Artists offer for sale a variety of art to suit all tastes.

Battle of Gate Pa Exhibition

At Tauranga Moana Maori Trust Board Hall, No 3 The Strand. Open every Fri, Sat & Sun & on cruise ship days 10am - 4pm. Adults gold coin donation, children free entry.

Baypark Family Speedway

Wide Tyre Salute – Round 3 Top Half Midget Championship – Six Shooter Stampede – Sprint Cars – Super Saloons - Saloons. www.bayparkspeedway.co.nz

Big Produce Share Table

At the Nashi Festival Feb 21 & 22 at the Arty House, 372 Wairoa Rd, Te Puna. Bring along produce to share, or plants, seedlings, seeds. Festival tickets & info www.nashifest.net.nz www.ooooby.ning.com/group/tauranga or Carina 021 064 9814

Disabled Surfers Assn Have-A-Go Day

At Omanu Beach, Mt Maunganui 9.30am. Offering a chance for participants to try surfing in a safe & fun environment. No experience needed, just bring a towel, wetsuit or togs. Sign up at www.disabledsurfers.co.nz or FB. Dirk 021 707 984

Genealogy Informal Group

We try to answer your family history questions & enjoy hearing about your progress. Meet at 9 Lydbrook Place, Otumoetai 1.30pm. Visitors welcome. Lennie 570 2500

Ha Derech/The Way Messianic Kehilat

Now at Hillier Centre, Bayfair Shabbat/Saturday 10am. A one new man community & welcome all seekers of the truth. 544 7424 or 021 0226 3515

Katikati Twilight Concert

NZ Blues Brothers, supporting acts NZ Academy of Steel Pan, Tenneille Davies, Harmony Robinson & Louie Campbell. Held at Haiku Reserve, Main Rd, Katikati. Gates open 5pm for 6pm start. Adult $20, children 15 & under free with an adult. Tickets at gate. www.katikaticoncerts.co.nz

Maketu Kaimoana Festival

At Maketu Sports Ground, Maketu 12-6pm. Bring a blanket or chairs, family & friends & enjoy an afternoon in the sun with refreshments & music. Tickets from Maketu Landing & Te Puke Paper Plus, or eventfinda.co.nz adults $20, under 17 years $10.

Middlesex Sevens (Rugby)

National club sevens tournament. Hosted by Rangataua, (current reigning champs) at Rangataua Rugby Club, 450 Maungatapu Rd 10am, with final at 6.30pm.

Mount Sequence Dance

Summer barbecue at Mt Sports Centre, cnr Hull & Maunganui Rds. Sequence dance with live band. Entrance $7, organised by Mount Scottish Soc. Elizabeth 544 5633

NZ Blues Brothers

At Haiku Reserve, Main Rd Katikati. Gates open 5pm, music 6pm. Adults $20, children 15 & under free with an adult. www.katikaticoncerts.co.nz

Soweto Gospel Choir

One of the world's most renowned vocal groups coming to Tauranga for the 1st time. Proudly presented by Tauranga Jazz Society, at Baycourt 8pm. www.baycourt.co.nz

Taichi Qingong

Every Sat at Memorial Park between mini golf & playground 10am. Free to join in.

Taoist Tai Chi

Renovate your body, challenge your mind- the perfect way to start your weekend. New class starts Feb 21 at 15 Koromiko St, Judea 9-10.30am. John 576 9836

Tauranga Farmers Market

Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm. Fresh & artisian produced food. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

Tauranga Floral Art Group

Meet at Baptist hall cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 9.30-11.30am. Interested in learning? Come along. New members welcome.

Te Puke Scottish Soc Dance

Feb 21 at Te Puke Memorial Hall, Jellicoe St 7.30pm. Old time & sequence dancing, great supper. Entrance $7. Valerie 573 7093

The Power of Love

Afternoon mediation course. Learn through mediation & beneficial thinking to unlock potential for a loving heart & bring happiness & joy to ourselves & others. Cost $36, bookings essential. At Tga City Plunket Rooms, 471 Devonport Rd 12.45-4pm. www.meditateintauranga.org or 09 846 5829

Village Radio

Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1920's - 80's weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am - 5pm. Specialty programmes. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710

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