It is the happy endings, like the safe and sunny life a goofy retriever-cross called Denis now lives, that keep Shirlene Steel going.  

Shirlene leads Animal Rehab Central (ARC) in Alexandra alongside 15 volunteers. Together they offer over 60 years of animal welfare and veterinary nursing experience. 

Established in 2020, a year after the SPCA shut down its local facility, ARC now rehomes around 100 animals a year - generally half-and-half cats and dogs.

Denis is one of their latest success stories.  

He arrived as an “absolute delinquent, an uncontrollable nightmare,” Shirlene said. “He had no name, no manners – he was clueless.”  

Within the first week he had gone to the top of the class in walking on the lead, had aced coming when called and had all the general commands such as sit and stay under his (first ever) collar.  

Identified as a one-year old retriever-cross, Denis had been picked up by the Invercargill City Council Pound and moved onto ARC as the pound does not have a rehoming service.  

“Animal Rehab Central is one of the agencies that the Invercargill City Council Animal Control Facility uses and we value the work they do in the community,” Invercargill City Council group manager customer and environment Trudie Hurst said.

All dogs are assessed by ARC’s qualified staff to understand the animal’s nature, abilities and behavioural traits, and have thorough health checks and vaccinations by a veterinarian before adoption. This also includes worming and flea treatment and desexing. 

When Denis met Lynn

Wanaka resident Lynn Sloan grew up with dogs on the family sheep farm on the Scottish Borders, but it wasn’t until she moved to Wanaka last year and bought her own home (with a secure garden), that she could finally get her own pooch.  

Tragically, her first pup, Hamish, died in an accident. It took months to recover, but a chance conversation at work led to her contacting Shirlene at ARC. 

Lynn was after a pup, believing early training was imperative, so she wasn’t sold when Shirlene sent her a photo of Denis, but his’ goofy, smiling face got to her. 

“Over the next week, I kept opening that picture again and again, and finally I contacted Shirlene and said I wanted to come meet him.”

Denis impressed from the very first meeting, Lynn said.  

“He was very friendly and also loved to greet everyone up on his hind legs with front paws about on your shoulder. From the start I turned away from him until all four paws were on the ground and then he got pats. Even during that first hour he learned quickly and didn't jump up on me.”

Denis is testament to every dog having his day. He’s living his best life - daily walks, running well beside Lynn’s bike, exploring the many dog-friendly cafes in Wanaka and generally loving everything, as only a dog can. 

For more information on animals for adoption, visit The Central App Adopt a Pet section.