A postman who has formed an "unusual" bond with a dog during his round says it's not every day you meet a dog with a nature like this one.
Yesterday, a clip of a postman patting a puppy went viral. More than half a million people's hearts were warmed at the sight of the relationship between two who are ordinarily thought of as foes.
For Te Puke postie Steve Hennum and this German Shepard, it's been a gradual thing.
"He's nine months old, he's still growing, but he's going to be a big boy, I've known him since he was just a little pup, so as he's grown up the relationship has developed. He's a really cool dog," he says.
But Mr Hennum doesn't limit his kindness to dogs - he also takes pleasure from being able to help the community in small ways.
"Being out and about in the community you can really make a difference in people's lives. You get to know people, and through your knowledge or your contacts you can make a difference.
"We had a postie who found somebody's watch out on the road and the person who owned it was overjoyed to get it back. It had a sentimental value beyond cost."
He says just recognising people can have a positive effect on their day.
"A lot of people don't see a lot of family, they wouldn't talk to anyone otherwise, and you can be their only contact in a day."
Still the job isn't without dangers, and dogs aren't always kind natured.
"We do receive training from the dog ranger to make sure you're not putting yourself in a position where you don't recognise an aggressive dog."
He would recommend to other posties who might want a friendship with a puppy like his to go about it with caution.
"[Patting a dog must be] a considered approach - you don't go and pat every doggie because you may end up with a missing limb.
"This is an unusual occurrence. [This dog's] got a really cool nature."
Newshub.
