He’s more than triple what qualifies as “a long stayer”, and with each day that rolls by, Gus the gentle giant hangs in there – patiently awaiting a home.

Ending up in the SPCA in February with his brother Ace as wee puppies, Gus is now Tauranga SPCA’s current longest-staying dog and is raring to find his forever family or companion.

Now 7 months old, the Tauranga SPCA team are disheartened to see mixed breed and “SPCA special” Gus still in their care. With 42 days in the shelter defining what makes a long stayer, Gus is sitting at more than 135 days with the SPCA … and counting.

“It is really hard for us because we know it’s not the best [having animals long term], especially for big dogs,” said Tauranga Centre Manager, Andrea Crompton.

“They need room to move and grow and experience the world and get used to different sights and sounds.”

‘Full of life’

Crompton said Gus is a “gentle giant” and likely a collie cross with a mix of short white hair and brindle, giving him a unique coat.

“He’s quite tall and lanky, and quite energetic. We’re looking for someone who is energetic themselves who can take Gus for lots of nice walks and runs.”

Both Gus and his brother Ace were surrendered as pups by someone who couldn’t take care of them, Crompton said.

“I guess they were nervous right from the start, and they haven’t been able to gain that confidence here.”

Crompton said long-stay animals could get “institutionalised”, and it was detrimental to them.

“They stick with what they know and what is comfortable for them so when they do meet and greets, they’re really quite nervous.”

Fortunately, Ace has recently been adopted.

“We just celebrated Ace going home and that’s the best. That’s a really good day when we go: ‘This is what we do it for.’”

Now the team is hoping they can celebrate Gus finding a home soon too.

“When Gus is with us and he’s running around in our play pen, he’s full of life and full of love … He does have a lot of love to give.”

Cost and reward

It’s not just the heartstrings that it pulls on seeing long stayers in the shelter; however, it’s also the purse strings.

As a charity organisation, desexing, vaccinating, microchipping and feeding animals all cost a pretty penny.

“For a puppy, it’s probably $900 just to house them, get them old enough and get them out of here.”

Keeping bigger dogs fed is also a big cost, Crompton said.

She estimates that Gus’ food costs probably run to around $40-$60 a week.

“The adoption fee doesn’t cover the cost in that situation in any way, shape or form.”

These precious pooches are worth it, however, Crompton said.

“Taking on a rescue and giving it happiness and love is rewarding in itself for a lot of people. I mean I took on a rescue and he’s the love of my life. He’s just well worth everything.

“Long stayers, particularly a dog like Gus who is shy, it’s just about investing a bit of time up front, but the rewards are fantastic.”

The SPCA is currently running a special promotion until August 2, where all long-stay animals like Gus will be available for adoption by donation for the right home. Visit the Tauranga SPCA website for more information at: https://www.spca.nz/centre/tauranga-centre