Thurs 11th Jan: A big gathering on Sunday

I've always said that there are only a few types of mongrel in Hong Kong, that's not taking into account the mongrel-purebreed mixes that are becoming increasingly common.  The typical mutts are the short-coated sandy coloured with curled tail, the black-and-tans (short and long coats), the short-haired black with curled tail (typical Hong Kong dogs), black fluffies and the sharpei-cross, and within these "breeds" are a mix of German shepherd, chow chow, sharpei, labrador and traditional village dog.

Basil needs good exercise even though he is small sized

However the typical mixes aren't confined to the larger-sized types as there are also smaller versions of often-seen "breeds", like Basil and Puddle.  They are always tan-and-white, energetic and have strong personalities, and I'm guessing that there's Jack Russell terrier in their make-up.  Basil and Puddle are both still waiting for homes, and despite their smaller size, just like the Jack Russell they are dogs that enjoy a lot of exercise and aren't lap dogs at all.  If you are interested in either of these young dogs please complete the Adoption Questionnaire on our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com (under Adopt) or contact Cindy about fostering at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.

Henry was adopted leaving sister Elke behind

Puddle is the same "breed" as Basil

I'm think ahead to Sunday because we start the year with a lot of new puppies, seventeen to be exact.  There are the eight who came to us as young babies, the five new sharpei-crosses and the four Chai Wan Cemetery litter who are still quite shy but need to start being socialised.  Of the older pups only Ziggy and Elke are still waiting for homes, and not because there's any reason for them not to have been chosen, it's simply a matter of luck and timing.  They are lovely four month-olds, happy and friendly, so I really hope they don't join the ranks of the left-behinds.

There's been a huge change in Cleo since the first days of her rescue

I'm happy to report that Cleo and her new schnauzer brother have already become such great friends that her adoption has been confirmed.  We all enjoyed reading the update from her adopter telling us how Cleo couldn't bear to be separated from Scooby at bedtime and had to have him close and within eyesight.  I suspect she missed out on having any kind of real puppyhood and is determined to make up for it now.

The 5 newcomers will be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday