Sat 22nd July: A busy Saturday

Bye bye Bertie 

 There are obviously, and thankfully, still a lot of people who are staying in Hong Kong for the summer, and we had a lot of potential adopters coming to meet the dogs and puppies today.  Bertie had already passed his interview on a previous day, so today was when we knew he'd be leaving and his adopters came first thing.

Holly is off the available list now

The first of the three Jack Russell-cross puppies was taken for a trial with the two resident dogs, so of course we hope that will be successful and Holly won't be coming back. 

Chessie 

A further two puppies were adopted during the day, both smaller sized, with Chessie leaving first and Charlie going at the end of the day.

Charlie 

Gaia and her new friend 

To wrap up the adoptions, another one of the family-of-ten poodle (types) was chosen, and this time it was Gaia.  She will have a friend at home to show her the routine and what's what, so hopefully she'll settle in very easily.

I do need to mention that although we close at six o'clock, if you're looking for a dog or puppy to adopt please make sure you give yourself enough time to properly meet them.  

Unfortunately one adoption didn't work out and the little fluffy pair of Cara and Corby came back.  The reason was because Cara developed severe diarrhoea, acute enough to result in a rectal prolapse, which means the end of the intestinal tract coming out.  She needed to be treated in hospital for that condition, and the the whole episode proved to be too stressful for the adopters.

Cara and Corby 

Diarrhoea in puppies is very common, and the causes can vary between a serious virus to something as simple as a change in food, intestinal parasites, stress, or pretty much anything.  Luckily, although Cara (and later Corby) tested positive for a virus, it's not one of the two most feared, parvovirus or distemper, and apart from the resulting rectal prolapse which has now been treated, the infection will run its course with supportive care.  

I don't want to underestimate the potential risks of any type of severe diarrhoea because small puppies can dehydrate very quickly, but in general terms it's something that doesn't need hospitalisation.   If the diarrhoea persists, or is bloody or exceptionally smelly, then that's the time you definitely need to get the puppy to a vet. 

For now Cara and Corby are back at Kennedy Town, and we would really love them to move to a foster home if there's anyone willing.  Please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com, or complete the foster form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.