It was a dog’s one-way trip to the vet that started it all. In 2012, Natalie Smith was working as a vet nurse in Pahiatua.
There, she met Todd – a 12-year-old working dog, brought into the clinic for euthanasia. Natalie fell in love. She felt Todd was not ready to go, so she took him home.
From there, a big idea was born! She decided to start a charity; a rescue dedicated to helping seniors enjoy well-deserved retirements. So, with the help of local vet, and now fellow trustee, Helen Sheard, and local vet nurse, Kayla Groves, Natalie’s dream became a reality!
More than a decade later, the now-nationwide rescue and its three trustees, Natalie, Kate and Marie-Claire – together with a multi-skilled team of volunteers and foster carers – help secure promising futures for working breeds of all ages.
And, in case you’re wondering, Todd – the big oldie that set all this in motion – happily lived to 17!
We don’t have a shelter, and rely on a foster community and donations from our fan base to pay for vets bills, rehoming costs and foster care for our dogs.
How To Donate:
Want to donate your entire cart?
At the check out select "Donate to Rescue" and use the drop down bar to select "Retired Working Dogs". We will then ship your entire order directly to them free of charge!
If you are donating 1 - 2 items along side your own order:
Just write in the comments section at checkout which items you want sent directly to Retired Working Dogs and we will get those sent out free of charge as well!
Thank you for donating!!