Thurs 18th Aug: Rags to riches

Tiffany and even smaller Tommy

 We found something out today when the two baby puppies, Tiffany and Thomas, turned out to be somewhat older than first thought.  They're so small we had assumed they were no more than four weeks old, but two separate vets estimated them to be six to eight weeks (it's hard to be accurate), and that means that their adult size will almost certainly be medium rather than large.  This is good news for everyone, most of all the puppies, because the small to medium dogs are far more likely to find a home than the large ones.  Tiffany is responding to the "liquid gold" for her tick fever, while the smaller of the two, Tommy, seems not to have been infected at all.  If you want to be first in line for adoption you can apply now, although we wouldn't separate the pair just yet. 

Ginny and Mr Turtle will stay together

More good news from schnauzer Ginny's foster parents as they have decided to keep her, which makes me especially happy because it means Mr Turtle gets to keep his new friend too.  I also love that dogs who have spent their whole lives being forced to produce puppies for greedy humans can look forward to a happy, and puppy-free, future as a much-loved family member.   

Fonzi's short and sharp toes

Talking of ex-breeder dogs, some are lucky enough to escape early, like the shiba puppy Fonzi, born with two toes missing (not just one as previously thought). As you can see from the X-ray, rather than the toes being entirely absent they just didn't develop properly, and the sharp bone ends were causing pain.  These two toes have now been completely amputated, so hopefully that not only means no more problems for Fonzi, but also a new home (we have a very keen adopter-to-be waiting). 

Harry on arrival at Kennedy Town

There are so many heart warming rags-to-riches stories, and I'm not referring to the money aspect rather the life-changing moment when a dog or puppy is chosen for adoption.  Some wait for years, others a matter of days, or even hours, just like little Harry who went to his new home less than a day after coming to us. 

Harry just a short time later

Giant-sized Akita Luna was surrendered by her family when they left Hong Kong without her, but her adoption has now been confirmed by her foster home.  I look forward to seeing photos of this lovely girl. 

 What's best of all though, is when one of our long-termers finally leaves the Tai Po Homing Centre never to return, and many even fly off to other countries to start a whole new life even at a senior age.   It's really never too late to begin again.