 |
| Helen (r) was adopted today |
Still at HKDR@Elgin, there was a very special adoption today as just-ex staff member, Cam, adopted shy dog Helen. Like all shy dogs, Helen just needs to know you to feel comfortable so it's not an instant attraction, which is what most potential adopters are looking for. As with Hope, another timid girl recently adopted by a volunteer, it's usually the case that these types of dogs will bond with someone they see on a regular basis, so that means staff or volunteers. Helen has got to know and trust Cam, so this is really a perfect situation for her. Incidentally, Cam's other dog is also an ex-HKDR girl, adopted from our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre when we were still based there.
With Hope and Helen now adopted, we only have Hetty left from that very shy group that came together as part of the "H" intake. Ideally Hetty can find a home with a garden, as she really doesn't like going out for walks, especially on streets where there's traffic and a lot of people. She would be quite happy having her own space and never having to face the outside world, and as much as I'm always talking about the need for adequate exercise and socialisation, Hetty is the result of not having had this option during her formative months as a puppy. You can't force a very shy dog to face their fears and think that it will help, you can only build confidence very slowly and over time.
The importance of companionship and play is never more clearly seen than in a group of puppies, related or not, who will always sleep in a tight bundle after they've finished their games. This is natural behaviour, and about as far as you can get from the awful situations that so many very young puppies have to endure. By that I mean being a single puppy, left alone for very long hours and often in a cage too. I find it quite incomprehensible that so many people think that this is perfectly normal and acceptable, especially when we see the damage that this type of isolation results in. The puppies at our Kennedy Town Homing Centres, and at HKDR@Elgin, are lucky in that they can enjoy having so many playmates, even though there comes a time when they're ready to strike out on their own.
 |
| "F" puppy Felix |
I have to mention a litter of puppies who came to us as very beautiful but shy youngsters, and every potential adopter who came to meet them could see how scared they were. Fast forward a few months and with the help of the staff, volunteers and each other, the "F" Litter have transformed into still-beautiful but also now happy and friendly doglets. Frankie has been adopted and is getting ready to fly to Singapore, but as the paperwork and blood tests take a few weeks to process, our staff member Margaret is fostering Frankie until he can leave. Since Margaret works in the office, now located at Elgin Street, Frankie can come to work with her and has a special area set up with funny poodle Nacho.
 |
| Nacho is such a character |
Nacho is a real character, a very happy, curious and entertaining boy who is more than ready for a home of his own.
 |
| Young puggle Dilly |
Dilly is also a very sweet young dog, and looking at her today I realised that she's a puggle, a much sought-after mix of pug and something, one of those designer brands. Who couldn't love this face and affectionate character?
For adoptions and foster enquiries, please complete the relevant questionnaires:
No comments:
Post a Comment