Mon 29th Aug: Beemer's big day finally arrived!

Beemer has a home! 

 It was my day to meet the new dogs at HKDR@Elgin, but first of all I want to make a big adoption announcement which proves that there's a home for every dog if we wait long enough.  I've written many times about Beemer with the two-and-a-half legs, and although he's an incredibly sweet boy, small sized and young, the fact that he's handicapped put potential adopters off.  Except today, when Beemer found the best home possible, and I know he's going to have an amazing life with his new family and dog friends.  Congratulations Beemer, and thank you to his adopter for not caring about physical perfection and only seeing the perfect dog inside.  Yay!

The four larger dogs moved to Tai Po

After spending their first night at HKDR@Elgin, it was time to separate the four large dogs, get them checked and vaccinated at ALCVC, and then moved to our Tai Po Homing Centre.  These dogs are all young and sweet, although understandably confused and nervous about what's been happening to them, but they accepted being leashed and loaded into the van.  If you want to meet them at Tai Po, please start by completing the adoption questionnaire as a first step.

Adam looks like a GSD puppy

With the big dogs gone, all except one gorgeous German shepherd lookalike, Adam,  we split the small and medium dogs into two groups and moved some into the larger area that had been used for the bigger dogs.  

Assumed siblings Alexi and Archie chose to leave the smaller dogs behind and joined Adam in the more spacious enclosure, and each promptly had a long pee.  They must have been holding it is since they arrived, showing that they are probably used to being taken outside, or at least away from their living space, for toilet needs.  In fact Alexi then carefully pushed the now-wet towel into a corner and out of the way, again showing that she was upset about having had to pee indoors. (Both dogs were shaved before coming to us, so they will have coats to match their heads when the hair grows back). 

There were a few volunteers helping out, so we tried taking the dogs outside for a walk to see how they were and whether they were comfortable wearing a collar and harness.  Abby was the star, making it clear that she was used to walking outside and loved it, and she's a very sweet and happy girl who appears to have some dachshund in her (maybe). 

Some of the dogs are still very scared, although not at all aggressive, and they stayed huddled together. 

Cam has been busy stocking the shelves 

While I'm talking about HKDR@Elgin I want to remind everyone that the ground floor is now a well-stocked shop selling everything your dog could want to need, as well as a big range of T-shirts and hoodies for humans.  Please support us by dropping by and taking a look, and buying something while you're there.  I picked up some great toys for the smaller Lamma dogs who love to destroy everything very quickly, namely Phaedra the cocker spaniel and Donny the shiba inu. They're total toy fanatics but nothing lasts for very long. 

Alfie went home for the night

After leaving Soho we had a potential adopter drop by, and by late evening the first dog of the group had left with his (hopefully) new family.  Several people have asked about Alfie, so I will confirm whether he'll be staying permanently, or whether he's still available. 

As we don't have adoption staff working at HKDR@Elgin, please complete the adoption questionnaire before dropping by to meet the dogs.  Some volunteers, and staff member Cam, are always there but they may not be able to answer questions about the adoption process, so please be patient. The dogs may also be out for their vet check, as they will all need to be looked over and vaccinated.  The questionnaire is at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

Smaller puppies at Kennedy Town

There are also smaller-sized puppies who came as part of this group of dogs, and they're already staying at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre.

There's another dog that I haven't mentioned before, and that's because he has severe neurological issues due to puppy distemper.  While Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) often kills, those lucky ones who make it and survive are often left with neurological damage.  This is usually twitching and bobbing, but in Aiden's case it's the front leg that's affected.  The non-stop swinging is so bad, and upsetting to see to be honest, that probably amputation is the only way that Aiden can live a full and normal life.  He's a young boy at only a year old, and we need a foster home for him so he can be cared for post-amputation (assuming that's the course we need to take).  If you can help, please contact Cindy at foster.hkdr@gmail.com.