From rescued to rehomed: Queenie's story

When Queenie first arrived at our Whanganui Centre through our Inspectorate Team, it was clear she had already endured more than any animal ever should.

She had severe injuries, including multiple historical fractures that told a heart-breaking story of her past.

“When I first met Queenie, she had an obvious abnormality affecting her right front leg,” says Inspector Grace, who was the one to rescue Queenie and bring her into SPCA’s care.

“Her right foot was turned outward (bowed) and didn’t appear symmetrical with her left foot. Additionally, Queenie's left hind leg showed signs of lameness; it appeared stiff and was raised off the ground, with a small graze visible on her foot,” Grace says

The formal vet examination revealed the sad extent of the problems. Queenie had suffered from a severely fractured femur, which caused osteoarthritis in her hip joint. She also had old injuries found in her tailbone.

Due to the fractures not being treated properly, she needed to undergo urgent amputation of her rear leg to relieve her pain.

Our Whanganui Centre Manager Francie told us that despite everything she’d been through, there was still a spark in Queenie’s eyes.

“She had this quiet determination that she wasn’t ready to give up,” Francie said. “Major surgery is always daunting, but Queenie faced it with a bravery that left everyone in awe.”

As the days passed, Queenie’s personality really began to shine. She was affectionate, cheeky, and full of life — embracing every moment of her new beginning despite her disability. Her joyful spirit quickly captured the hearts of everyone on the team.

But Queenie’s veterinary treatment wasn’t over just yet. She also required a specialist reconstructive surgery to save her front leg.

“It was a complex procedure and came at a significant cost, but thanks to incredible support, funding was secured and Queenie was referred to the experts at the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital,” says Francie.

“They fell in love with her just as quickly as we had. They performed the delicate surgery that gave her a chance at the life she deserved – one which could eventually involve zoomies!”

What came next was a gentle period of crate rest, cuddles and lot of love from our Whanganui team as Queenie recovered.

“She was in our office crate at night, and she owned the office during the day,” says Senior Animal Attendant Catherine. “We had a baby gate installed so she could greet everyone that went past. Not one volunteer could go past without greeting her - she became such a loved staff member.

“She was carefully carried outside for toileting, and despite the long months of crate rest, she remained her gentle, happy self,” Catherine said.

Our animal attendants made sure Queenie never felt alone.

“She became a familiar face in the office during her recovery, soaking up endless cuddles, attention, and enrichment activities to keep her curious mind busy,” says Francie, Centre Manager.

“Her recovery was long and carefully managed, ensuring both her physical and emotional needs were supported every step of the way. And it was all worth it.”

“Slowly but surely she was able to start using her leg more, gradually building up to short walks. When she was finally fully recovered, there were some very exciting zoomies — the kind that had everyone holding their breath, and cheering her on at the same time!”

The time came for Queenie to be listed for adoption, and everyone knew that she would bring a lot of joy to whoever fell in love with her.

“She’s always been such a wonderful girl with a huge heart, and I knew she would make an exceptional companion,” Inspector Grace said.

Her new family didn’t take long to make up their minds that Queenie was the one for them.

“We had wanted a dog for the longest time, and had been keeping an eye on the SPCA adoption page,” new owner Cherie tells us.

“When we saw Queenie’s photo, she had such beautiful ears and face, her markings are unique, and she had big brown eyes. Once we met her, we could see she was very bright, playful and trainable, which is important to us too.

“Most importantly we thought we could offer what she needed: a loving home and a nice flat yard to play in. It didn’t bother us she only has three legs - she was described as ‘low-energy’, and we laugh about that now when she’s bouncing around the yard!

“She’s settled in really well. She’s happy and playful, and loves treats, small walks and rides in the car."

Today, Queenie is living her best life with her new family - a life filled with love, comfort, and the freedom to enjoy the little things she once could only dream about.

We want to give a special thank you to Inspector Grace, without whose hard work we wouldn’t be celebrating Queenie’s new life - and to all the Centre staff and volunteers who played such an important role in this girl’s recovery.

Francie said there were happy tears knowing that Queenie ended up with the life that she so desperately deserved. “After everything she has been through, she is finally learning what every animal deserves to know: that love truly is the best feeling in the world.”