When Nina Romain adopted Finnegan, a young American Staffordshire from Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust, she thought she was firmly a cat person. That all changed the day she met the spirited pup who would transform her life.
Romain and her dog Finnegan are now proudly participating in Raise the Woof, Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust’s annual fundraiser throughout May. The initiative invites participants to log their dog walks or distance covered via personal fundraising pages, raising vital funds to support abandoned and neglected dogs.
Last year, Romain and her partner Felix finished among the top participants, tallying an impressive 350km alongside Finnegan. This year, they plan to surpass 100km without breaking a sweat. “He gets walked every day, so it’s easy,” Romain said.
Their journey together began when Romain and Felix, seeking a dog that would get along with their cat June, adopted Finnegan — then just a three-week-old “tiny little nugget.” Since moving to New Zealand from France in 2021, Romain says Finnegan has opened up a whole new world for her.
“He’s changed our lives for the better,” she said. “He’s a friendly, cuddly dog who’s made me more active and helped me discover Christchurch. He’s such a joy to have.”
Inspired by the bond they formed, Romain has since become a volunteer — and now a casual staff member — at Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust. “I know now that I want to work with dogs,” she said.
Dogwatch’s general manager, Bridget Paterson, said the enthusiasm from last year’s participants has motivated them to expand the event. “People walked, ran, and hiked with their dogs — all to help the dogs in our care,” Paterson said. “This year, we’re making it even more special by introducing a public dog walk, giving the community a chance to come together and show their support.”
The community walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, starting at Medway Bridge on River Rd/Avonside Drive, in Christchurch’s red zone. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join.
Every dollar raised through Raise the Woof directly supports Dogwatch’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need — and this year, contributions will go even further. Calder Stewart, the event’s official matching sponsor, will match donations dollar for dollar, effectively doubling the impact.
Participants walk for many reasons: to honor the memory of a beloved pet, to celebrate the bond they share with their current companions, or simply to help dogs still waiting for their forever homes.
“It’s thanks to fundraisers like this that we can give these dogs the love, training, and care they need to thrive,” Paterson said.