Photos: Carmen Bird
From saving insects as a child to studying vet nursing and helping set up an animal shelter, creatures in need have always been at the centre of Nikki Marchant-Ludlow’s world.
So when she found out the cost-of-living crisis meant Kiwis were choosing between feeding themselves or their pets – and in some cases feeling forced to give them up – she knew there had to be a solution.
Determined to find one, the Auckland mother-of-two – or seven if you count her pets – dreamed up Paws of Hope. The organisation is dedicated to distributing pet food to food banks and community services, which those in need can access for free.
“I wish I could do more,” admits Nikki, 54, who launched the pilot programme in September last year. “It’s never enough and I’d like it if no one needed help, but I know that’s not the case. It’s genuinely very difficult for people financially right now, so I’m really grateful to be doing this and for the support we’ve received.”
She initially partnered with Good Works Trust in Auckland and Cambridge Community House in the Waikato, and it’s been so promising that when the Weekly talks to Nikki, three more food banks have been in touch that week asking to join.
While the success is validating, Nikki shares it’s the personal feedback and knowing it makes a real difference to individuals and their pets that bring her joy.
“I had a lady email me to say a member of her family passed away and she had inherited two dogs. She wasn’t expecting to have them, but they were from family, so there was no way she was going to give them up. But all of a sudden, financially she has two dogs to cope with, and needed budgeting advice and food support.”
It’s a real labour of love, with around 1000 meals supplied by New Zealand company Animals Like Us, using donations and grants received by Paws of Hope.
Behind her every step of the way is husband Scot, 53, who, like Nikki, is deeply passionate about animals and runs pet cremation service Caring Cremations.
“He’s probably the most supportive person on this planet – truly the most caring, understanding and lovely man,” enthuses Nikki. “No matter what I do, he supports me. He’s very proud of what I’ve done.”
The devoted pair are parents to sons Rhys, 24, and Finn, 21. There have been many pets for the Marchant-Ludlow family over the years, but currently their four rescue dogs – greyhounds Larry and Lacey, American bulldog cross Lily, griffon Pablo – and George the cat complete their whānau.
Laughing as she talks about their busy household, Nikki shares, “They keep finding us, to be honest. Because I’ve worked in the animal world for a long time, people will contact me, saying, ‘Nikki, we have this dog who needs a home.’ But my husband is pet crazy and my kids are really good about it too, so it runs in the family.
“Pets are such an important part of people’s lives – the joy and comfort they can bring is amazing.”
Over the years, Nikki worked at Animates for almost a decade as the national service and welfare manager, and was also integral in the set-up of Pet Refuge, a Kiwi animal shelter providing accommodation for furry friends while people leave abusive relationships.
“I saw emergencies happen for many different reasons and realised anyone from any walk of life – anywhere – can find themselves in difficulty. So the question is: ‘How do we help?’
“New Zealand has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world and is home to more than 4.35 million companion animals. We consider them part of the family.
“Rescuers and shelters are inundated at the moment, and there aren’t enough foster carers, so if we can keep pets at home and with their family, while helping to minimise the choice of ‘I can’t afford my pet any more, what do I do?’ it’s better for everyone.”
Looking to the future, Nikki’s goals are to be able to sustainably provide ongoing pet food donations for cats and dogs wherever there’s a need, and one day hopefully expand into small pet food for animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and birds, plus also offering flea and worm treatments.
“I feel very fortunate I am able to do this,” she says. “I always give my own dogs cuddles, and tell them how spoiled they are and to appreciate it!”
To support or donate to Paws of Hope, visit pawsofhope.org.nz
