Steve Bates is an upcycling expert who sees potential in lots of unwanted things.
And he saw plenty of potential in a puppy at the New Plymouth SPCA.
Among the pets up for adoption was Ricky, who was down on his luck.
Little Ricky had a rough start and needed major surgery.
"I was scrolling on Facebook, as you do, and the SPCA published an article on Ricky,” Bates explained.
“It was a headshot and he had his little face in a cone and he had these little sad eyes looking out.
“And I was like, ‘Oh, he's quite cute, what's his story?’”
SPCA’s Katrina Bowditch said Ricky and his brother Blue came in with injuries to their legs.
While Blue made a good recovery, Ricky’s injuries were more serious and it was decided amputating one of his legs was best for him, she said.
Bates was born with no right hand — he knew Ricky was right for him.
"I went into the enclosure and he ran straight up to me and started licking my face,” he said.
After fostering Ricky for a week, Bates knew there was no way he was giving him back.
Bates renamed Ricky, Hunter, and bought him a few friends — including miniature goat Cornelius and two doves.
"I've had a lot of responses, like you're a perfect match, two peas in a pod."
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