Tuesday 30 June 2020

Tues 30th June: We are open EVERY day!

Tessa is so adorable!
It's really hard to show the size of a dog or puppy, and as much as I've already written about little Tessa and how adorable she is, she always appears bigger in photos than in real life.   Volunteer Harryn took these shots of Tessa (and her siblings) today which I shared on Facebook, immediately attracting hundreds of "likes" and you can see why.  There's one puppy missing from the family of four and that's because Tara was adopted today, so maybe the others will follow soon.
Theo, Timmy and Tessa

Tara was the first "T" puppy to be adopted

Tara's new family had actually come to meet a young dog that came to us today, a larger-sized shih tzu, or maybe a Lhasa Apso-type.  In any case Brady is just a year old and unable to leave Hong Kong with his family due to the current restrictions, which I heard are going to become even worse with an apparent 900% hike in the cost of flying a pet to another country.  So please, if you are thinking about adopting and there's a chance that you may be leaving Hong Kong in the near future, be aware that you will have to pay a very large amount of money to take your dog with you.
Brady is a larger-sized shih tzu


Another lucky puppy had her adoption confirmed today after having been taken home for a trial recently, and as Barbie became an official family member a new puppy arrived at Tai Po.  Depending on what the team there decide he may stay at the big Homing Centre or move to Ap Lei Chau.
This puppy boy arrived at Tai Po today

We will be open at both Tai Po and Ap Lei Chau on Wednesday 1st July, and every other day of the year.  If you're interested in adopting please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Other than Brady the shih tzu we do have other young and small dogs available. including two year-old white poodle Alfie and little pom Lizzie, currently in a foster home. 
Lizzie is such a sweet and tiny girl

Monday 29 June 2020

Mon 29th June: The story of the 4 labradors continues

Owen and Bobby before they went to their foster homes
The four senior labradors that were surrendered from the same home are all thankfully in foster care now, and they are being taken to Concordia Pet Care in Happy Valley for their various health checks and surgeries as necessary.  It's incredibly upsetting to see the neglect these dogs have suffered in their previous situation, and I won't even call it a home as it's more of a disgrace.  We know that the dogs' owners were very wealthy, yet every one of the four dogs has health issues plus lumps, bumps and horrible growths.  Bobby tested negative for heartworm (they weren't previously given heartworm prevention) but he had an assortment of masses that needed to be removed, as well as old hair and rotting food stuck between his teeth.  Owen tested positive for heartworm, while Brownie and Casper still have to have their tests but all also have horribly infected ears.  Of course we'll do everything that's needed to get the four back to being as healthy as they can be given their senior years, but it's going to take time and a lot of money.  Any donations towards the vet costs would be gratefully received, and please note that from 1st July we have a new bank account number which is HSBC 741-263776-838 (Hong Kong Dog Rescue Limited).
We were first asked to take this Frenchie several months ago

Brownie is the only female and the only chocolate colour

We're starting to see some smaller dogs coming in, three of which we were asked to accept some time ago but which are only now actually being surrendered.  Two of them, a Yorkshire terrier and a French bulldog, were originally adopted from HKDR but now their families are leaving Hong Kong and can't take the dogs with them.  It's worth remembering that most airlines won't accept flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs, pugs, and even shih tzus, due to the risk of death during the flight, and it's difficult enough to get any kind of dog on a flight at the moment. 

If you're interested in adopting any of the dogs regardless of size or age, please complete the adoption questionnaire as a first step.  It's at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Thank you!

Sunday 28 June 2020

Sun 28th June: Sizzling Sunday

Over the past few months there's been a real shortage of small-sized dogs available, and I assume this is due to the fact that most people haven't been able to travel and many were working from home so were holding onto dogs that would otherwise have been surrendered.  We have been taking in a few small-to-medium dogs and they are still arriving, but they aren't puppies in case you were wondering. 

Coconut was a lucky boy today
We had some more good news from Tai Po today as puppy Coconut was adopted as well as long-termer adult Polly.  "Apart from the expected shyness and loss of appetite - Polly has been quite remarkable seeing how she
is coming out from 8 years from the shelter environment. HKDR team has done a fantastic job." 
Polly has her own family now!


Also after a long decision-making period doglet Dino was confirmed as a family member and will be a forever real brother for Elmo, adopted as a baby pup.
Dino's adoption is made formal 

Adding to the list of "Pink" dogs, as opposed to "Red", corgi Bonnie enjoyed a wonderful outing with volunteers today and I'm sure she had a great time.  Bonnie is available for adoption and we know she can be a good girl, it's just that like many corgis she needs someone who will be patient.  As with all of these pink or red dogs, there should be no children in the home, but anyone interested can meet Bonnie at any time.  Please complete the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ as a first step for any dog or puppy.
Good girl Bonnie! 

Saturday 27 June 2020

Sat 27th June: Happy links to happy dogs

Tumbler was one of the lucky dogs having a day out
It was another blisteringly hot day but I was so happy to see the photos of some Tai Po dogs enjoying a day out with a group of volunteers.

#hkdrTumbler #hkdrJools #hkdrTimba #hkdrLoopy #hkdrRudolf #hkdrMatrix #adoptable @hkdr_official #bringlovehome @ Tung Lung Chau 東龍洲

We try our best to provide more than just a place for the dogs to stay while they're waiting to be adopted, because we know for some that wait could be a very long one and maybe even forever.  That's why as much as possible our dogs live in enclosures where they have space and companionship, and a variety of activities thanks to our dedicated volunteers.

Who remembers Rio?  She graduated from traning in May
It's also hugely rewarding to see photos of the Positive Partners training courses and to recognise the dogs who were once those same Tai Po residents, or who were adopted as ex-HKDR puppies and are now growing up.   These photos are from May's classes  HKDR Positive Partners 老友狗狗 added 30 new photos to the album Positive Partners - May 2020.
Ex-Tai Po dog Prudence became Pepper when adopted


The monthly classes are booked up well in advance so if you're interested in attending please sign up as soon as you can.  🐶 To join us:
https\://hongkongdogrescue.com/education-training/positive-partners-training-course/

I also previously mentioned that we were in the process of producing an information booklet for all adopters, and I've just finished the final proof reading so we should be going to print very soon. We understand that the adoption moment is an exciting one and that information given at the time is quickly forgotten, so this booklet will be a reminder of everything you need to know.

For more great photos of our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre dogs you can always check out volunteer and supporter Eagle's Facebook page.
Nico, Blanco and Carrot are more "pink" than "red"

 I'd love to share them all but he's a sweet shot of three "Red" dogs that are considered to be more pink than actually red. 

They may not be suitable for homes with inexperienced adopters or children, but as you can see once they know and trust someone, they're absolutely fine.  We won't give up hope of them finding homes eventually, especially after having recently said a happy goodbye to poodle Bell.  If you're interested in know more about our Red Dogs, please just ask.

Friday 26 June 2020

Fri 26th June: Bittersweet reunions

Look at Jack's big smile!
Although Jack's adoption after a short trial had already been confirmed, he came back to Ap Lei Chau today to say hello and goodbye to the staff and volunteers who had known and loved him since he arrived as a tiny baby puppy.   https://www.facebook.com/HKDR.DOGGIES/videos/298814501302240/ He has a "sister" now and she's given him lots of confidence as well as playtime, so we're all thrilled about his new life.  Thanks also to Jack's adopter for giving him the time he needed, which wasn't too long as it turned out.


Almost all adult dogs need time to adapt and adjust, as I've written so many times before, and even those that are naturally a little bit shy can overcome their inital fear as shown here in this lovely video about Madi https://www.facebook.com/hkdogrescue/videos/281148686494354/UzpfSTEwNTk1OTMwMTExMzk2ODoxMzQ5Njc4MDQ4Nzk3ODQ/

Mocha has a new home now


Husky-cross Mocha went home with her new family today and came via Ap Lei Chau where she met up with her friend Bailey.  It was a bittersweet reunion as they were separated again after a few hours, leaving Bailey on his own again and waiting for his new family to choose him.
Beagle Bailey giving kisses to his friend Mocha


Yet another lucky Tai Po dog had his adoption confirmed after a very short trial, and the photo of Rafferty leaving the Homing Centre has to make you smile.
So long everyone, I've got my new wheels and a daddy too!


Who will the lucky dogs and puppies be this weekend?   Keep reading to find out ........

Thursday 25 June 2020

Thurs 25th June: Up-and-coming puppies

Zack looks a lot more relaxed now
As expected the new dog who arrived on Wednesday looking very stressed is a completely different boy now.  He's been called Zack and is just a year old, medium sized, so perfect for a lot of families wanting a young and not-too-large dog.

Mocha is such a sweet husky cross


While Zack is settling in another dog was preparing to leave, and I'm so pleased that it's Mocha who will soon be in a new home.  She came to us as one of four dogs surrendered together, two of them beagles (Coffee and Bailey) and the fourth a mixed breed who was adopted from HKDR six year ago, Evie. Coffee has already been adopted and while many have asked about Bailey his age seems to be putting people off.  He's only seven, which is prime age for a dog, but anyway we'll wait for the right home and situation to come along.
Poor Evie is also hoping to find a new family

Beagle Bailey




Puppy Ben was picked up by his family, which I forgot to mention yesterday, so we are left with just four puppies at our Homing Centre with two more in foster who are just a bit too young to be ready for adoption unless taken together.   They came as very tiny babies who needed bottle feeding, so that were incredibly lucky to have been taken in by one of our regular baby pup carers.
Baby Ruffle
Baby Tumble
Ben leaving the Homing Centre


Little Eagle in foster


Little Eagle is also an up-and-coming youngster who is currently in foster and almost ready for his new home.  In fact he can go now as long as there's another dog (or cat) in the prospective home that can act as friend and guardian for Eagle.
Sweet and funny Coconut is staying at Tai Po 


Big puppy Coconut is staying at Tai Po rather than Ap Lei Chau, and I suspect he's getting more than his fair share of cuddles and attention being the only baby up there.


Wednesday 24 June 2020

Weds 24th June: Hot weather warning

We hope you're all keeping safe in this heat 🐶☀️
It's important to keep your pooches cool to avoid heatstroke 💦
We have more top tips and advice on this here 👉https://bit.ly/2Z0JQuC

We're used to it being hot at this time of year in Hong Kong of course, but it seems particularly extreme this year, even in the UK . 

With Thursday being a Public Holiday quite a lot of the Tai Po dogs have been chosen to go hiking with volunteers, so please everyone remember the dangers of heatstroke and how quickly it can take hold. 

Also whether hiking or just going for a short walk, bear in mind that the pavements and even the sand on beaches can reach very high temperatures and burn a dog's paws.  If you remember I wrote about a lost dog in Ap Lei Chau quite recently, and how she was literally dancing as she was trying to lift her paws off the very hot ground.  Stay in the shade and take water with you for your dogs, and don't commit to long hiking routes where you may find yourself in trouble.  Heatstroke kills dogs every year, and people too, so please don't take chances, and while I remember: NEVER leave your dog in a car when it's hot outside.
More information from DogsTrust

Also while on the subject of trying to keep the dogs cool, if anyone has fans they can donate please drop off at either Homing Centre, thank you.
Just after he arrived at Tai Po and looking a bit scared

We welcomed a new dog from AFCD Pokfulam today, medium sized and of unknown age as he was found stray but estimated to be fairly young.  He was obviously quite stressed by the time he got to Tai Po from Pokfulam, but I expect he'll settle down fairly quickly.  I'm waiting to hear if he has been given a name yet or if I'll need to come up with something suitable.

Remember both of our Homing Centres are open on Thursday even if it's a Public Holiday, and every other day of the year from 10am to 6pm.




Tuesday 23 June 2020

Tues 23rd June: Some very good news

Jumping straight in with the good news, my little dog Murphy is on the mend after a bout of acute gastritis which had me worried sick that he was dying, not an unreasonable assumption given his age and that fact that he has cancer.   It's also a double challenge when my Lamma dogs suddenly fall ill because of the difficulty in getting them to a vet, but luckily Iris was able to sort out some medication which was sent over by boat from Ap Lei Chau and which did the trick.

Jack loved the dog park and playing with hs friends
The second piece of good news is that our lovely boy Jack had his adoption confirmed after moving from his foster home for a trial with a new family and resident dog.  More than anything I'd been waiting for a home for Jack where there would be another dog for him because he loved his friends at the HKDR office, and playing with them at the dog park.  When I received an adoption enquiry from a potential home which sounded just right I asked them to meet Jack, and now he's been confirmed as a forever family member.
Carter and Jackson are two lucky pups!


After their vet check and vaccinations, the two new baby pups Carter and Jackson were ready to go to their new home together, while the third of the all-girl "Sugarbabe" litter was taken for a trial.
Now only Sugar is still waiting


























Gorgeous Bailey
One older puppy is now also ready and waiting to move to a new forever home after a much longer-than-expected stay in his foster home due to a stubborn case of tick fever that refused to go away.  After trying the usual treatments and them not working, there was just one option left and luckily this time it seems to have done the trick.  Having had tick fever does mean the door is closed for Bailey going to some countries, but not everyone plans to move to New Zealand or Australia so I think it's OK.  On the plus side Bailey has been living with the same lovely family since he was a baby pup so he's had the best of care and is more than ready for his next big adventure, a forever home.   If you're interested in this lovely boy please let Cindy know by emailing foster@hongkongdogrescue.com to arrange a meeting.
Beagle Bailey is 7 years old


Unfortunately Bailey's name is the same as beagle Bailey who is also still waiting for a home, so please make sure you mention which one you're interested in.

Monday 22 June 2020

Mon 22nd June: Sorry no post today

Aplogies to readers of my blog (and thank you) but due to an emergency sitiation with my dog Murphy there will be no post today.

Sunday 21 June 2020

Sun 21st June: More lucky dogs

Paisley is now a full family member
It was another very hot day and both Homing Centres were busy with visitors, although most of the confirmed adoptions were dogs already in foster.  They are German shepherd Paisley, mixed breed Socks and shy Kimmy, now Kimi.  All three are now officially family members, with Socks even having a rabbit and guinea pig as his new siblings.   I remember him when he was at AFCD and he was so scared it was touch-and-go as to whether he would even be considered suitable for re-homing, so to see him now and knowing what a complete change took place the minute he left the government kennels makes me sad for all the other dogs like him who were never given the chance to prove themselves.
Socks leaving for his trial adoption

Socks and the guinea pig have matching bandanas!

Kimmy-now-Kimi was one of three TNR (Trap, Neuter and Return) dogs, who were friendly enough to have missed the "R" part and kept by the volunteers who help with desexing as many stray dogs as possible.   The other two dogs that arrived at the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre with him were Pebble and Dobby, with Pebble being the most confident.  It only took a day or so for him to be asking for petting and atention, and while a lot of potential adopters showed interest and asked about him, today was the day he actually left to start his new life.
Pebble has his own lovely family now

Puppy Amanda was also adopted, and for the second time.  It wasn't anything to do with her, rather newly-imposed restrictions on allowing dogs in their soon-to-be home in Singapore. Although the family weren't moving just yet they felt it was better to return Amanda while she was still a young puppy, and as it happened there had been another family who had narrowly missed out on adopting her the first time round, so it all worked out perfectly.
Amanda went stright to her new home

Saturday 20 June 2020

Sat 20th June: Adopted in a flash

Carter
This might be a record speed for puppy adoption as the two brothers Jackson and Carter were adopted together less than twenty-four hours after arriving at the Homng Centre. In fact as they still haven't been microchipped and vaccinated yet we're holding into them until that can be done on Monday, as well as making sure they're checked over by a vet too.
Jackson

Ben (l) with little Tessa who's still available
Just before the baby brothers were adopted, lovely Ben, the last of the "B" litter was also chosen.  Ben was the one who needed eye surgery which is why he wasn't adopted sooner, but now he's fully recovered and one hundred percent fine.

As much as we highlight the need for all dogs to have adequate exercise and the opportunity to socialise and play with other dogs, it's important to understand that puppies are still babies with immature immune systems as well as still-growing bones and joints.   In the same way that you wouldn't dream of dragging a human toddler along for a hike, it's important that puppies aren't forced to do long walks either.  Outings should be restricted to toilet needs, and play with other dogs and puppies which allow the puppy to stop and rest when tired.  As we see with our HKDR puppies they can be playing and running around like crazy, then suddenly they crash and fall asleep.
"When you get your 8/10 week old puppies, please keep this image in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.
When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.
But when you're letting puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on tile with no traction you are damaging the joint.
You only get the chance to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.
Once grown you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies and give the gift that can only be given once."
See how there are spaces between the bones


We love to stay in touch with our adopters and to hear how the dogs and puppies are doing.  Of course included in the updates are often sad stories of dogs having died, and that's the inevitable downside to loving them and giving our hearts.  The average lifespan of a small dog is longer than the larger ones, but if you take fifteen years as standard that's still a long time, and I have several dogs on Lamma who are considerably older than that.
  As a tribute to the life of one much-loved dog who recently died, one of our adopters (who currently has beagle/basset Fred and had others before) is donating the profits of her bakery sales for one week to HKDR.
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