Staffies are sadly one of the most common dogs at RSPCA NSW shelters and often struggle for adoption due to misconceptions about their breed.
Janine was one of those people that had previously dismissed the idea of adopting a Staffy until she met Winter earlier this year at our RSPCA NSW Sydney Adoption Centre.
Attending the shelter with two friends, it was a female Staffy that soon stood out.
“The three of us walked the cages but we all kept returning to the same one,” Janine said.
“Inside was a big white dog with a muscular chest and greyish patches here and there. She kept locking eyes and coming up.”
A trial adoption was soon arranged with Janine convinced to give this sweet Staffy a chance after she spent nearly 100 days waiting in the care of RSPCA NSW.
It didn’t take long for the two to develop a bond with Winter renamed Ataahua – a Māori word for ‘beautiful’.
“I’ve had Ataahua for two months now. She’s gentle, smoochy, loves all people, loves children, rarely barks and spends a lot of her time chilling on the sofa trying to fit in my lap,” Janine said.
“She even likes playing with other dogs and has fallen in love with a Staffy and a Dachshund. She really does stick to me like Velcro.
“Ataahua looks more beautiful everyday living up to her Māori name.
“Adopting Ataahua was easy – just a few forms, questions about previous pets and the size of my yard, a walk with Ataahua to get her ‘vibe’, a vet check, a fee and then home in the car with three people, a dog harness, lead and a big bag of dog food.
“I’d choose a Staffy anytime from what I know now. If cute and small is not your thing then I urge you to consider one too.”
Ataahua resting peacefully in her new home.
Janine is determined to give Ataahua a long, happy life and ensure she never ends up without a home again.
“I’ve got Ataahua on the ‘Home Ever After’ program with RSPCA NSW now as I live on my own. So should something happen to me she’ll be properly cared forever after,” Janine said.
“My friend who helped me choose her however; well, she wants first choice. She’s also fallen in love with this beautiful dog.”
