A New Zealand dog adoption centre has released a touching open letter to the families who provided homes to their rescue dogs in 2025.
Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust, in Canterbury penned ‘A Love Letter from Latte’, written from the point of view of Latte, one of the dogs who found a new home during the year.
The charity rescues, cares for and re-homes dogs that have been abandoned at pounds throughout Canterbury, or surrendered from private situations.
The dogs are mostly mixed breed and range from puppies to seniors.
The open letter describes the love shown to the 130 rescues re-homed.
“To us adopted pups, love isn’t taken for granted. It’s the sound of your footsteps coming home. It’s the feeling of your hands when they scratch our ears.
It’s the quiet moments when you whisper, “Good dog.” You taught us that our stories didn’t end at the shelter—that they *began* the day you chose us, ” it reads.
Read the full letter from Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust below:
Dear Families,
Hi there! It’s me — Latte, one very grateful rescue pup with a big, happy heart and a tail that never stops wagging. I’m writing on behalf of more than 130 of my furry friends who, just like me, found a forever home this year thanks to families like you.
You might not realize just how special you are. When you first walked into the shelter, we watched you with hopeful eyes, wondering who might stop, who might smile, or who might kneel down to meet our gaze. But then—it happened.
You looked at us, not past us. You saw beyond our shy glances, trembling paws, and the faded scars of past mistreatment. You didn’t flinch or turn away. Instead, you saw a friend—one who had been waiting quietly longing for love and trust to be restored. That moment changed everything.
When you brought us home, you gave us more than just a place to sleep.
You gave us belonging
You gave us safety
You gave us a family
We remember the first belly rubs, the couch cuddles, the car rides with noses pressed against the window, the tiny victories—like the first time we didn’t flinch when you reached out your hand.
You celebrated every wobbling step of our trust, every silly bark, every joyful zoomie across the living room floor.
To us adopted pups, love isn’t taken for granted. It’s the sound of your footsteps coming home. It’s the feeling of your hands when they scratch our ears.
It’s the quiet moments when you whisper, “Good dog.” You taught us that our stories didn’t end at the shelter—that they *began* the day you chose us.
You adopters are heroes in the gentlest way. You don’t wear capes—you wear walking shoes, carry leashes, and keep treats in your pockets. You show what kindness looks like when it’s lived every day.
Because of you, we belong
Because of you, tails wag brighter.
Because of you, hearts—both human and canine—are a little more full.
So, from one very loved dog and all my adopted friends: thank you for opening your hearts, your homes, and your lives to us.
You didn’t just adopt a dog—you saved a soul, built a bond, and proved that love, in its simplest form, has four paws and a heartbeat.
With endless gratitude (and a slightly slobbery kiss),
Latte
On behalf of all the rescued dogs who finally found home this year.
Support Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust, here
