Mon 8th Oct: A change from routine

Nibs is just a year old

Since posting my blog yesterday and photos of Nibs, the French bulldog, I have received numerous enquiries about adopting him.  I do have to remind anyone interested that Nibs shouldn't be in a home with other dogs, which is the reason he can't stay in his current home and why he had to move on from the previous one.  He is also not suitable for an inexperienced adopter, or for a home with young children.  It's not that he's aggressive in any way with people, and he's actually fine with other dogs outside the home, it's just that we want to be absolutely sure that this will be his final and forever home after already having been in three homes in his short life.

We do have an alternative in Turpin, who is a Boston terrier and similar to a French bulldog. Turpin is very sociable and sweet, and now that he has had surgery on his blocked saliva gland and treatment for his patchy coat, he's pretty much as good as new.

Of course I have to mention the many smaller sized mixed breeds that are always overlooked in favour of the named breeds, older puppies like Nattie and brother Frisbee, Jack and Santa, all of whom will be no more than medium sized as adults.  Personally I would choose one of these over a French bulldog any day as they are so easy, smart and without any behaviour issues.

Turpin when he first arrived from a breeder

This week is going to be a complete break from my normal routine and I won't be carrying out my usual duties, starting with today when I was out in the New Territories looking at a potential site for kennels.  There is so much more to consider when checking out land than whether it appears to be suitable for keeping dogs, such as the cost and logistics of building, the staffing, ease of access for volunteers and the transport to and from vets, food delivery and many other things.  One of the many empty schools would be ideal but we have tried and failed to secure any of those so far.  If anyone knows of an empty school that might be suitable, please do let me know (sallyandersen@gmail.com)

One of my big challenges at the moment is the fact that a large part of my Lamma shelter was completely demolished in the typhoon - and I really mean smashed to pieces - so it seems like a good time to take on a new place rather than try to piece together the remains of what's left.   Again there are logistics involved, such as how to get a large number of dogs off an island where there is no ferry service and then transport them to another location.

That aside, I have visiting friends and relatives from Tuesday so I'll be taking advantage of the excuse not to work, other than taking care of my dogs of course and checking emails and messages.  You are never alone with a Smartphone!

A huge amount of time went into photoshopping this amazing creation, thanks to Tilly Johnson

Naturally I'll be at the "Sarge'n'Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club" fundraising gala on Saturday, and I still have some bits and pieces to do for that although the majority of preparations have been completed, and Nicole, our volunteer Event Planner, is in charge of all final details.  We can still use some volunteers for helping with setting up on Saturday afternoon at the Aberdeen Marina Club,  and this is one of the few opportunities available for our student supporters who are keen to help but are under the minimum dog walking age of eighteen.  If you are one of those students, please email nicole@hongkongdogrescue.com for details of what, where and how.

For those of you who have already bought tickets for the Gala, or if you won't actually be there but would like to bid on any of the Silent Auction items, here is the link: https://hkdrgala2018.auction-bid.org/microsite/

I would like to thank all of our donors and supporters for being so generous in providing these auction items, as well as those that will be in the Live Auction on the night.  In addition we have been incredibly lucky to have had enormous help with the amazing decor, and even the venue at the Aberdeen Marina Club.  Our sponsors are more than just important, they are the reason we are able to put on events like this so I am incredibly grateful.  More information about the event and our sponsors can be found on the website link https://hongkongdogrescue.com/event/gala-dinner/