Fri 6th Jan: New arrivals

 I like to start with adoption news, so here's a photo of Millie going home from our HKDR@Elgin centre in Soho. 

At the same time the new arrivals turned up in two groups at our North Street, Kennedy Town Centre, starting with two chocolate-coloured puppies and followed by three small adults and a further singleton pup, a small-sized one this time.   Although all three "Z" puppies have been grouped together for the grid photo, in fact Zoe (the small black one) is not related, while young adults Scooter and Sybil are almost certainly siblings. 

As always, if you're interested in adopting any of our dogs or puppies please start by completing the adoption questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

One thing I would like to mention regarding adopting a dog, and especially if you are a single person living alone, is that you need to understand the commitment of having an animal that is totally and completely reliant on you every single day of the year, without exception. 

This means that no matter how you feel you will have to take care of the dog's needs, not only feeding but walking too.  There are no more spontaneous getaways, no impetuous weekend holidays or overnighting with friends, unless you have made plans for someone to take care of your dog while you are away.  It's not fair on a dog to have some days when you're there and other days when you're not, or some days when there are long hikes or outings to the beach and others when there's nothing.  You need to plan ahead and decide what arrangements you will make for holidays or emergencies, not wait until you're in a situation that leaves you in a last-minute panic about what to do with your dog.  Some people ask if HKDR can board their dog while they're away, and the answer is no, we can't.  

Even more importantly, if you're not planning to stay in Hong Kong at least for the life span of the dog you adopt, then you need to be aware of the requirements for taking a dog with you when you leave.  If money is an issue, if possible set aside an amount every month so that when the time comes you can afford the relocation costs.  The saddest thing of all is for a dog to lose its home and family because the owner can't afford to take the dog to another country, and this happens far too often.  Bringing a dog into your home means promising forever, not just while it's convenient.