Mon 26th Dec: An opportunity for two small dogs

 You may know that we still have a small space in Ap Lei Chau Main Street, in what was the original Homing Centre and later became the Red Dog Centre.  These are the small dogs, mostly poodles, whose antisocial behaviour is the result of a lack of understanding of dogs in general, but more specifically of a highly intelligent and energetic breed.  By depriving a puppy of companionship and all-important play and socialisation, the result is an adult who doesn't know how to interact or behave with people, and often other dogs too.  

Marnie's big chance

Some of our "Red" dogs have been lucky enough to have been given a chance to show that they can change and build trust with their new families, but realistically most of them will be with us for their whole lives.  The damage caused during the early life stage when a puppy's brain is developing is very hard to undo and will probably last for ever, but we never give up hope that someone will connect with a particular "Red" dog and take him or her home.  

 Like many at our Red Dog Centre, Marnie came to us when she was still a young adult, and an extremely cute one too.  However she didn't trust humans and would bite to defend herself, just like all of the other "Red" dogs, but finally today she was given the literal chance of a lifetime.  It may not work out, but hopefully Marnie will accept that her new home is s safe place and that nobody is going to harm her.  The potential adopter previously took another "Red" dog from us and has been coming to spend time with Marnie, so we're confident that at least there's a understanding of what to expect.

Henry is second from left

Not all of the hard-to-adopt small dogs are biters, as many of them are just very timid with strangers.  The Lamma Home for Small dogs is specifically for these cases, when the Homing Centre and the surrounding environment is just too scary.  The most recent two additions on Lamma are Tessa and Henry, and they're thriving in the quiet surroundings and play together non-stop.   All of these dogs are technically available for adoption, but their need for space and quiet, as well as another dog friend in the home, mean it's not easy to find a suitable place for them. 

Shiba Donny was successfully re-homed this year

The small-medium sized dogs staying at our HKDR@Elgin space are all adoptable, so hopefully they won't end up having to move to Lamma, if only because I don't want to add too many dogs to the currently happy mix.   The first of this intake left today for a short trial with the resident dog, and hopefully this will be the start of them all finding their new families.  Honor (in arms) had already met her potential brother and it went pretty well, so I think the chances are good for a successful relationship.

 The time of year and the holiday season has meant a slowdown in adoptions all round, so I'm looking forward to January and the beginning of a new year.  As always, if you're interested in adopting please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ and we will respond as quickly as possible.