Sat 25th Aug: End of a slow week

Harper had her adoption confirmed 

It's been a strangely quiet week for adoptions and there never seems to be a specific reason when this happens, so I'm hoping Sunday will bring a change and we'll be spectacularly busy.  I'll be at Whiskers N Paws with the puppies of course, minus baby Harper whose adoption was confirmed despite her coming to us with tick fever.  Thanks to her fosters-now-adopters who didn't care because they love her so much, and if you think she's adorable she has a brother who is staying at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre (unfortunately also being treated for tick fever).

Shorty is so happy to be in a home

Another gorgeous boy, Shorty, was picked up for fostering today and he very quickly made himself at home, as the photo shows.  You can also see why he's called Shorty, so if anyone is looking for a young and very sweet short-but-long dog, he could be just perfect.

Dido had surgery on her broken leg today

Dido the Yorkie-poodle puppy had surgery on her broken leg today, so she'll be back at the Ap Lei Homing Centre on Sunday and in need of a foster home, or permanent if possible.  She's eight months old and very sweet but also quite needy for company, so this is definitely a dog that is looking for a home where she won't be left alone for long hours.

This is an issue that often comes up when potential adopters are looking for a dog to take home, as many couples or individuals are at work all day which would mean a dog being left alone for eight, ten or even twelve hours.  I'm well aware that some organisations think this is acceptable but we don't, as dogs are social animals who by nature would never choose to live outside a family group or pack.  The same applies to keeping a dog outside while the family live inside, as that too is not right or fair unless there is at least a pair of dogs.  Even then I don't understand why anyone would want to have a dog but not have it living as part of the family, as that's what dogs are - family members.  Even guard dogs are much more effective if they live inside as it's very easy for intruders to drug or kill dogs that live outside.

Volunteering is the perfect way to enjoy the company of dogs without the commitment, or if you really want to have a dog when you have to go out to work and don't have a reliable helper, then you will need to use the services of a dog walker.  If you do that then please make sure that the dog walker is responsible and professional, and not the type that considers sitting on a bench in a dog park the same as providing  proper exercise.