Mon 15th May: Please don't abandon your dog

Lucas 

Lucas arrived as one of a group of small dogs, all of whom needed urgent foster care if not straight out adoption.  Lucas was taken home for fostering, and he has shown himself to be the perfect dog for any family.  At the time he was due to come to us I was told he was a year old, although it seems likely that's not accurate and he's older than that by a few years, but still a young adult in his prime.  Along with the wonderful write-up, we were also sent beautiful photos, one of which I'm using here:

"Lucas is the epitome of a calm and easygoing dog. He has a gentle and affectionate nature that makes him the perfect companion for anyone looking for a furry friend to cuddle up with.  You'll never have to worry about barking or unpreferred behaviour, as Lucas is a well-behaved boy who never damages furniture or pees indoors.   Lucas is fully trained to go outside for all toilet needs, so you can rest assured there will be no indoor accidents. He is always eager to please and loves nothing more than spending time with his humans.  Whether you're looking for a walking partner, a snuggle buddy or a loyal companion, Lucas is all of these." 

Of the dogs from that group, or indeed any others that came before and after, we are so grateful for the offers of a temporary home, and the care that has been given, allowing each dog to blossom and show how lovely they are.  Some have already moved on to their forever homes, some are still waiting for that big day, and some may just stay where they are. 

We still have the small poodles Tara and Tatum staying in the office at our Elgin Street base, and (not surprisingly since they are ex-breeder dogs) they have a skin problem which needs to be treated before they can have leg surgery.  They're so small and so sweet, I'm hoping that someone will be kind enough to foster them as a pair, and if you think you can help please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com, or complete the foster questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/ .  I should mention that due to the fungal skin infection they shouldn't be cuddled by children, which would be very tempting given how adorable they are. 

Mavis is just a year old and already abandoned

We also have new dogs constantly arriving at our Tai Po Homing Centre, thankfully not in large groups like the smaller dogs, but still quite regularly.  We have the three huskies, one boy and two young girls, Sharlene the sharpei-type with the little ears, and another one coming from AFCD on Tuesday (Mavis, shown here).  

Sharlene is also a young dog 

Many of these dogs are barely out of puppyhood, and we can assume (other than the huskies) that they have been family pets who have outgrown their cute looks and interest.  Just like Lucas, at this age the dogs have passed the age of chewing and crazy puppy behaviour, so they are a lot easier if you don't want to have to handle the training that's all part of adopting a puppy. Many of my large-sized Lamma dogs are fourteen and fifteen years old now, so if you adopt a young adult dog you still have many years of active life ahead.  The smaller dogs can expect to live considerably longer than the larger ones, and eighteen is not an uncommon age.