Shelter Dogs In New Zealand Learn How To Drive An Actual Car To Show That All Dogs Deserve A Loving Family
The "Adopt Don't Shop" mantra has been touted by animal shelters and advocates repeatedly. It's for a good reason: it helps encourage future pet owners to adopt rescued dogs and cats from shelters instead of buying from breeders.
It has worked to some extent, but an animal charity in New Zealand had a show-stopping idea to showcase the abilities of their rescues. The Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) taught some of their dogs to drive an actual car!
SPCA is a 150-year-old organization geared toward safeguarding the welfare of animals in New Zealand. Their current goal is to proactively prevent animal abuse before it even happens.
More than that, they are consistently coming up with out-of-the-box ideas to help their rescues get adopted into safe and loving homes. One of their most remarkable campaigns centered around showing people how smart rescued dogs can be.
The organization aimed to teach three dogs from their facility to drive a car and broadcast it live on national television. The cliché that you can't teach old dogs new tricks did not even cross their minds when they set out to accomplish this lofty goal.
The top dogs that showcased their intelligence and driving skills were Porter, Monty, and Ginny. It won't be long before these dogs learn how to drive better than some people!
Before Porter could handle the pressure of being in the driver's seat, he had to go through a rigorous months-long training
The first lesson Ginny had to learn was how to comfortably sit on her haunches using a wooden cart
They had to learn how to push and pull a gear stick and press on the pedals using the modified cart
Mr. Vette had to ensure the dogs learned how to correctly respond to the driving commands just in time for the broadcast
Monty wishes they had also learned how to pull down the visor to block the glaring sun
Spectators gathered around the racetrack to witness the historic event unfold while Monty tried to remember his training
He definitely looks ready to prove just how smart rescue dogs can be when given the chance
Ginny was just making sure that there were no squirrels crossing the road to distract them
This was the modified placement of the gear stick and pedals to make it easier for the dogs to reach
One of their trainers was outside the whole time the dogs were driving, giving commands on when to turn or brake to successfully navigate the racetrack
The campaign was a success, and if these dogs are intelligent enough to drive, they are more than worthy of being part of loving families
You can watch Porter, Monty, and Ginny during their training to become doggy drivers
Watching them drive safely and carefully can bring a lot of pride to any dog lover
Animal sanctuaries and shelters are doing a good job advocating for the animals under their care. It is a bit disheartening that dogs have to work this hard to prove that they deserve loving homes.
Dogs like Ginny, Monty, and Porter are proof that given enough time, love, and attention, dogs are more than capable of doing extraordinary things. If you're looking for a furry companion, be sure to check your local animal shelter to find a pet to shower with love!
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