Tues 26th Dec: There's still time to adopt in 2017

Rudolph

Although both Homing Centres were open today, as they are every single day of the year, it was as quiet as expected for adoptions and only the arrival of the poodle found on Christmas Day made a difference to the numbers.  With the temperatures dropping again I'm so pleased this poor little almost-bald boy was picked up, as I can't imagine how he would have survived without any natural coat to keep him warm. I know how much my Lamma dogs love their soft and comfy beds, and that many dogs of all types and size are regularly abandoned in the middle of the countryside in all weathers with only the lucky few being rescued.  It's hard to believe that people can be so heartless, especially when there are so many organisations that would be able to help.  Anyway for Rudolph he is safe now.

With the year coming to an end and 2018 just round the corner, I think many of you will have received the Newsletter round-up but here it is again for those who aren't on our mailing list.  We still don't have any confirmation for a new Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, and I just hope I didn't jinx anything by speaking too soon.

Will Harvey find a home this year?

Christmas Greetings from HKDR

This year has flown by and we've had plenty of up and downs, as well being blown sideways by the multiple typhoons, including the big one that caused a lot of damage. On top of that, every typhoon seemed to arrive on a Sunday and we had a few Puppy Adoption afternoons cancelled because of the weather, but at the end of this year, the number of dogs and puppies adopted was pretty good. At the time of writing, the total for 2017 is 473, compared with 391 in 2016.

March saw the implementation of the new Cap139b Animal Trader Licensing laws, and with it a large number of dogs being got rid of by breeders, many of whom came to HKDR. They were all in poor condition with a range of skin and ear infections, eyes and legs missing and a whole range of surgery needs. This increased our monthly vet bills considerably, and so our need for raising more funds to cover the extra costs.

In September we held our annual Gala Dinner fundraiser, and in November our most successful Peak to Fong ever, with a variety of promotions and mini events in between such as Coin Dragon, Dogtown, Harmont & Blaine's dachshund toys, Freespace Happening. Eva Sit is our main PR & Marketing staff member and she is constantly on the go with the many business collaborations, as well as our own in-house fundraising efforts, all of which are vital to keep HKDR running.

One of the year's big events was the major renovation that took place at the Tai Po Homing Centre, and it was a massive task made possible through donations to pay for the contractors who carried out the major work, but also the teams of volunteers, individual and corporate, who helped with hands-on lifting and carrying. That was no easy task in the heat of the summer and with the many and steep flights of steps. This year more than ever I can't thank our volunteers enough for the invaluable help they give, and the difference they make.

Another major challenge we have had and are still facing as I write, is the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre situation, and the uncertainty of how and if we will find a new space that is as suitable as our current location. The opening of the MTR certainly has many benefits but it also brought with it huge rent increases and big changes already starting in Main Street. Many small shops and restaurants have been forced out business, and although we have our sights set on a new place it's never smooth sailing.

Whichever way it turns out, I'm sure it will all be fine in the end because too many lives depend on it. We do, however, need your continued support to make it all happen, so please keep reading my blog for daily updates, or check our Hong Kong Dog Rescue Facebook and Instagram pages for up-to-the-minute news.