Canine rescuers DOG HOUSE NZ'S TWO-LEGGED STARS

Helen and Gavin's pet project is spreading puppy love through the nation

- Rebekah Hebenton 

It’s just past lunchtime on a Tuesday afternoon when the Weekly chats with Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary owners Helen and Gavin Cook. Already they have been out desexing, vaccinating and microchipping dogs. They’ve also taken one pup for eye surgery and sadly had one of their own dogs put down.

Even during our interview, Helen pauses to take a phone call about a litter of puppies she is trying to rescue from the pound – and it’s not long before Gavin is pulled away to deal with someone who is trying to surrender a dog.

“A quiet day is when we only have feeding and cleaning,” tells Helen with a laugh. “Those days are quite relaxing!”

It’s a busy life, but one they wouldn’t trade for the world as long as there are animals that need their help.

It’s been eight years since Helen and Gavin, both 57, gave up their respective careers as a teacher and an HR manager to open their pet rescue. They had been fostering dogs for years, balancing the demands of full-time work with caring for needy animals. But they decided they wanted to do more to help.

They found a kennel for sale with a large plot of land next door and the Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary in Warkworth was born, with the intention of saving pregnant dogs and puppies.