Sat 9th Dec: Frostie the snowgirl

Frostie is a 3 year-old Westie girl

The new ex-breeder dogs arrived at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre today, and while I was trying to think of names for them all and getting their age details from AFCD, they were being given much-needed baths to try to get rid of their smell. The dogs, all girls, are now Holly, Santa, Jolie, Merry and Frostie, and there are three poodles, one bichon frise and a Westie, the youngest at three years.  I'm sure I don't have to repeat what I have said so many times before about breeders because the photo of Frostie the West Highland terrier says it all really.  I posted it on Facebook and had a big response, but her condition put all potential adopters off.  The fact is so many dogs from breeders arrive in shocking condition, but with a little bit of time and effort they will be transformed.  Those who can look past the smell and the shabby coat will earn the love of a beautiful friend.

Good girl Betty!

We need fosters if not permanent homes, because the difference a home environment can make is huge.  One of our current foster puppies is Betty, a very sweet and lovely girl who has proved herself to be a fast learner too.  Betty had never been in a home before but look what she learned in just one week.

Bina with Harvey, another hopeful for Sunday

Two other puppies-in-foster will be hoping to move to forever homes in time for Christmas, and they are Laura and Bina, both very happy girls.

Laura and Bina are good friends too

You can't tell from photos but Cleo is a very small size

Another little dog who was taken for fostering just last Sunday is Cleo, a very small-sized girl who looks like a puppy but is in fact an adult.  I can only guess at her story as she was found as a stray in North Point, and from her behaviour I'm guessing she was one of the many who are picked up as baby pups and secretly kept in "No Pets" homes until they are too old.  Cleo is very friendly and affectionate, as well as playful, but she has clearly never been outside other then her terrifying experience of being thrown away.  Not surprisingly, when her foster parent tries to take her outside for a walk Cleo just sits down and refuses to move, so it will take time and positive training to change her mind and behaviour.  Inside she is completely clean, using a toilet tray for all needs, which reinforces my belief that she has previously been an indoors dog.  Of course Cleo is available at any time for adoption if you are interested in this sweet girl.

I'll be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday afternoon for the regular puppy party, but there is also another big party taking place inside the store with Santa and all sorts of Christmas goodies.  I know it's going to be busy, so make sure you get there in good time and register in advance if you want to have your photo taken with Father Christmas.

It's going to be one big party at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday!

If you prefer the outdoors you can head over to the West Kowloon Freespace Happening with or without your dog, and come and say hello.