Tues 19th Dec: Last minute panic

Sweet and happy Dilys needs a week-long holiday home

I thought everything was set up for Dilys and her week-long foster holiday, but something suddenly came up which meant the temporary home fell though and we're now in a panic about where to put her when she comes back on Wednesday.  If anyone can help PLEASE contact Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com, as we really have nowhere at the moment.  Dilys is a very sweet and easy five month-old puppy, fully vaccinated and toilet trained and great with children and other dogs.

Zulu (left) with mother Gigi

There was also disappointment when the pointer puppy, now called Zulu, was found to have hip dysplasia on both sides and will require surgery.  These genetic health issues aren't restricted to purebreeds only but they are far more common thanks to inbreeding.  In fact the mixed breeds that have these types of inherited conditions are more often than not part whatever; labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds being notorious for having bad hips.   If you tested the DNA of most Hong Kong mixes you would find German shepherd, chow chow, sharpei and some traditional village dog in there somewhere, so it's hard to avoid completely.   The more recent studies into these leg problems indicate that desexing at too early an age is also a contributory factor, as the hormones are needed for good muscle development. That's why we don't recommend neutering males until they are at least eight months old, although as females can come into season at six months and even earlier in rare cases, spaying at six months is still necessary to avoid more unwanted puppies.   It's infuriating that the dog Eva, who was returned with her "brother" Dustin the other day has come into season, indicating she was never desexed even though the surgery is free when you adopt a puppy.

Going back to Zulu, he was adopted as a running companion but now can't keep up with the long daily exercise routine.  If anyone is interested in this very sweet boy, we will cover the surgery cost and he will be perfectly fit for a normal level of exercise afterwards, just not marathon runs.

Puppy pair need a foster home

Talking puppies, I still have two five week-olds sitting in their Giant Cage next to me, as sweet, happy and playful as can be, but they need a foster home (together of course).  I've been very lazy about naming this litter, and as six of them went to foster very quickly I was relieved of the need, but I think it's about time "my" two girls were called more than Puppy.  I'm thinking Beatrice and Eugenie would work.