A new doggy speed dating service has been set up to help Aucklanders find love this Valentine’s Day. Dozens of Auckland Council Animal Shelter dogs will be looking for love at Victoria Park on Friday 12 February from 11am to 2pm.
“Our shelters rescue dogs of all breeds, shapes, sizes and ages, so Aucklanders can come down and check them out before making any kind of commitment,” she says.
Dogs will be available for walks, pats and chin scratches, and there will be a “Love Booth” where people can have polaroids taken of themselves with some of the doggy stars.
The dogs have posted profiles of themselves, their interests and preferences for a human life partner. Here are some examples:
“Hi, I’m Loki. I’m an outdoor pursuits specialist. I’m an active, sporty guy with a happy-go-lucky outlook on life. I promise to provide devoted loyalty to the right match and can guarantee a warm and enthusiastic welcome home every day. My ideal date would love the outdoors, is seeking adventure and would match my fitness and enthusiasm for life.” Loki says finding someone with an unlimited supply of tennis balls would be a bonus. “Hi, I’m Frankie. I’m a dancer. I love long walks on the beach and curling up on the couch with you. I’m looking for friends first before any long-term commitment. My ideal date loves games, enjoys my cheeky side and preferably cooks excessive fillet steak on a regular basis. I’m deaf so need the right kind of friend who helps me get the most out of life, but understands my limitations.”
“Hello, I’m Ellie. I’m a personal stylist. I’m elegant, sweet and love quiet nights in with my bestie. I’m the sort of lady that will go with you anywhere, although if the ground is wet or dirty I’d prefer that you carry me. My ideal date smells nice and loves to pamper me and show me off. If we hit it off, I will fiercely protect you from scary things, even if they are much bigger than me.”
Auckland Council Animal Management Manager Tracey Moore says the public event brings dog appreciators and dogs available for adoption closer together.
“It follows a highly successful “walkies” programme held last November that attracted more than 500 city office workers to Victoria Park and resulted in our shelters being empty before Christmas,” she says. Auckland Council Animal Shelters will host a Doggy Speed Dating event at Victoria Park in Auckland’s Viaduct, Friday 12 February 2016 from 11am to 2pm.
Auckland Council operates three shelters in Silverdale, Henderson and Manukau. It rescues dogs that are roaming or stray, unregistered or breaching barking abatement notices. Efforts are made to reunite dogs with owners. If the dogs remain unclaimed they are put up for adoption. The current rate of rehoming of suitable dogs is 100 percent, reducing the need for euthanasia.