In September 2023, while hiking with my dad for his birthday, we talked about my love for hiking and how much better—and safer—it would be if I had an athletic doggy companion. My parents had always said no to dogs, but somehow, during that hike, I convinced them.
I knew I wanted a high-energy dog—specifically an Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler. I started watching local rescues and adoption sites for any available Heelers. We found one on the North Island, but he was adopted before we could meet him. Then Ares appeared: a perfect 3-month-old Blue Heeler pup, healthy, male, and exactly what I’d been hoping for. I contacted the SPCA right away, but unfortunately, they told me someone else was already lined up to adopt him.
My family and I were really disappointed. But to my surprise, later that week while I was at school, I got a phone call: the adoption had fallen through. Ares had been too much for a family with a small child. We scheduled a visit, and though I seriously debated the responsibility of adopting a puppy at 17—with the agreement that he would be fully my responsibility—I couldn’t say no once I met him. He was smart, potty trained, and endlessly playful. We signed the papers within 30 minutes.
As of July 2025, Ares is now two years old—and I haven’t regretted it for a second. I’m grateful every single day that I chose to adopt him. I truly don’t know how I would’ve made it through the last two years without him.
Those years were the hardest of my life—filled with tragedy, loss, setbacks, injuries and emotional turmoil. All of which occurred during my final year of high school and resulted in me being unable to attend the majority of my remaining grad year. Through it all, Ares was my emotional support, my routine, and my reason to keep going. No matter what was happening, he still needed to be walked, fed, played with, and loved. He grounded me.
Today, Ares is my most reliable adventure partner. While we quickly learned he’s not “just” a Blue Heeler—but a mix of many unknown breeds—he’s the most incredible dog I could’ve asked for. We’ve hiked numerous island trails, including Mount Albert Edward (the island’s 5th tallest mountain). He’s an avid swimmer, fetch addict, camping enthusiast, and the perfect farm dog. As an equestrian, I’ve even trained him to be the best-behaved horse show companion.
Ares is also our fierce protector—always alerting us when a stranger, bear, or cougar is nearby. He’s wildly vocal, grumbling and moaning when stirred, full of quirks like using his paws like hands, and bursting with boundless energy. We love everything about him—his witching hours, his love for other dogs, his intensity, his joy.
Our only blessing and curse is knowing that, as a mix, Ares is truly one-of-a-kind. There will never be another dog quite like him—and we wouldn’t trade him for the world.
Some favourite nicknames include: Menace, Beanie, Benjamin Bean, Beanie Weenie, Stink, Pupper, Pupper Bean and many more.