Volunteer stories: Nicole Doriguzzi

In May Nicole Doriguzzi joined our field trip to Tongatapu, bringing her vast experience in animal welfare. She manages the desexing caravan at the Masterton SPCA, providing essential care to sick animals before rehoming them. In 2019, she founded Ellie’s Canine Rescue and Rehome and since then, she and her team of dedicated volunteers have helped over 1,500 dogs find new homes.

“My good friend Lesley Gibson had previously visited Tonga. She witnessed firsthand the poor condition of the local dogs – many lactating and un-desexed. Upon her return, she shared information about SPAW and encouraged me to get involved.

“Having worked as a vet nurse across South America, I was familiar with the challenges of stray dog populations. However, I was surprised by the sheer number of roaming dogs in Tongatapu, many of whom limped from untreated injuries and exhibited deep-seated fear of people. The SPAW and MAFF teams, alongside local helpers, were outstanding. Their camaraderie and shared dedication ensured smooth operations, allowing us to provide care for as many animals as possible.

“Adjusting to ‘island time’ was a new experience for me—appointments weren’t scheduled and people simply arrived as needed. As someone who thrives on planning, this required a shift in perspective. However, the clinic setup was excellent – sterile, well-equipped, and stocked with everything required, thanks to SPAW’s careful preparations.

“The Tongan people are incredibly kind and appreciative, genuinely wanting the best for their animals. Their gratitude for SPAW’s support was evident throughout our time there. One of the most rewarding aspects was being able to treat these animals free of charge. Many arrived for desexing but had additional health concerns – fleas, ticks, injuries, burns and more. Addressing these issues drastically improved their quality of life in the long term. Parvo cases were prevalent but thankfully SPAW’s vaccination programme is helping combat this devastating disease, which can linger in the ground for up to two years. A particularly moving moment was witnessing children accompany their families to the clinic, eager to learn about the importance of vaccinations and desexing. Many owners dedicated an entire day to waiting at the clinic, ensuring their pets received the care they needed.

“The need for veterinary assistance remains immense. One case that stood out was a dog at a resort, severely injured in a fight. He had open wounds and a dangerously high temperature. Before the clinic officially began, we visited the resort, sedated the dog, cleaned and stitched his wounds, and administered antibiotics and pain relief. Without treatment, he likely would not have survived the infection.

“Volunteering was an incredible experience – I learned so much, made meaningful connections and saw firsthand the impact of our work. Without a doubt, I’ll be doing it again. SPAW’s trips to Tonga are vital, and the need for support remains urgent. Countless un-desexed and suffering dogs and cats still require help. Please consider supporting SPAW in any way you can.”