Tues 6th Nov: From cradle to grave

We have a young Tinker who looks similar, but this was our older girl

Two of our Tai Po dogs died over the past couple of days, Tinker from kidney failure and Lauren of lung cancer which was already at the terminal stage before she showed any sign of ill health.  Dogs, in fact all animals, are quite amazing in their determination to carry on until they are at the very end, and as sad as losing any of our dogs is at least we gave Tinker and Lauren the best life we could.  The only thing they never had was a home of their own, and that's the only thing we couldn't do for them.

I remember taking Lauren from AFCD as a puppy

As quickly as dogs leave the Tai Po Homing Centre in whichever way it happens, more dogs arrive to take their places.  Today it was another of the dogs from Pokfulam AFCD, a senior male who came from the same place as recent addition Yam.  In fact I guessed they are related given their very similar looks.

Today's new boy Taro (to go with Yam)

On Thursday we'll have another group of dogs from AFCD in Sheung Shui including three German shepherds that I'm guessing are ex-breeder dogs, some mixed breeds and a couple of poodles.

At this age the puppies have no idea of a future, only when the next meal is due

There are always puppies of course, and as they grow there will be more babies arriving. It's a never-ending stream of life that means we are constantly running to just keep up.  When I see these beautiful pups I can't help but wonder if they will be lucky enough to find their forever homes, or if like so many others - most recently Nancy, Cello and Asher - they will end up at our Tai Po Centre and maybe living out their whole lives there.

Nancy and Cello will be missing their soft beds at the office

As well as these dogs there are two Tibetan mastiffs being surrendered, both of them friendly we've been assured.  They're in need of a new home after their owner went bankrupt and had to move from a large home to a small apartment. I have to admit to being very careful about this breed after they became very popular a few years ago and puppies were being bred and bought by totally unsuitable owners.  All mastiffs are giant-sized dogs, and you know by the name where they belong, in the mountains of Tibet not a tiny Mong Kok apartment.   After many ended up being abandoned and the breed luckily lost its appeal, the breeders gave up.  In fact I remember reading that in China and Tibet, where puppies were being produced and sold for huge sums, the breeders just let them all go when the market dried up, which proves that it's the buyers that keep these horrible businesses going.  If nobody buys, the breeders would have to shut up shop. 

Anyway, for these two Tibetan mastiffs currently in need we're obviously looking for a home that has the space to give them what they need, and in the summer months that means 24-hour air conditioning.  Looking at their photos I'm fairly sure that they aren't purebreeds, which in this case is actually a very good thing. "As far as their characters, Fat Boy and

Fei Jai and Fei Mui

Fat Girl are siblings, they are both nice and gentle. 

Fei Jai (Fat Boy) is quiet and obedient.  Although he is big, he is not aggressive.  He is easy-going and I think he can mix well with other dog buddies quickly.

Fei Mui (Fat Girl) is more fun-making and energetic.  She may be sceptical and barks at strangers, but once she is familiar with you, she can be very sweet, calm and needy.  Sometimes, she merely wants to play but the actions may seem big, and she does not intend to attack at all."

If you are interested in adopting any of our dogs or puppies, please complete the Adoption Questionnaire on our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com (under Adopt).  Thank you.