Tonka's ready to walk the green mile - on the outside | Northland News | Local News in Northland

by Andr? Hueber

Tonka the dog has come along in leaps and bounds since being rescued from an abusive Whangarei home last year.

But the novelty of institution life is wearing thin and Tonka is now on the hunt for a proper home before he has to face the equivalent of doggie death row.

The SPCA took Tonka under its wing in October after his previous owner James Karanga repeatedly bashed him and swore at him. On one occasion, Karanga picked Tonka up by his lead and swung him against a fence.

Mr Karanga was banned from owning animals for five years, sentenced to 200 hours of community work and fined $800.

Whangarei's SPCA secretary Leah Miller said when Tonka first arrived he didn't have any manners and was "out of control". Since being de-sexed though, he had become more focused and less interested in other dogs.

"I've been taking Tonka for walks at the dog beach and he gets really excited when he sees my ute. He's very affectionate and loyal, but doesn't have his own territory at the SPCA and is living a life in limbo."

Animal field officer Helena Sweeting said 2-year-old Tonka was a high energy dog that would suit someone familiar with the staffordshire/bull terrier breeds.

"He's a puppy trapped in a dogs body and he's missed early socialisation, but he'll bond with the right person."

Since arriving at the SPCA, Tonka had been fully vaccinated and undergone a behavioural assessment.

Inspector Michelle Potter said Tonka had been trained to walk on a lead and replied to commands such as, "sit," "stay," "come," "fetch" and "wait".

"He can even pick up his food bowl and take it back to bed with him."

Ms Potter said Tonka would blossom with someone who was willing to give him some energy, effort and love.

Because he liked to sit in the sun and his skin was sensitive, Tonka's new owner should also be prepared to apply a spot of sunscreen to his nose and chest every now and again, she said.

SPCA manager Francine Shields was serious about finding Tonka a new home.

"While there's no time limit for dogs it's not in their best interests to stay here - they become institutionalised. We focus on life and don't want animals to die, but we can't have them here forever."