Sun 28th April: Another month, and an unusual donation request

Two first-timers

 Another month is coming to an end, so it was the last Puppy Party at Whiskers N Paws for April, with Aaron Howland being the volunteer photographer for the event  Puppy Adoption Day 28th April 2024.  It was the first appearance for the four youngsters currently being fostered by Lyndsay (Instagram @why_i_foster), and if you follow her popular page you'll know that she and her husband will soon be packing up and leaving, making it imperative that the current puppies find their forever homes before that time comes. 

Georgia 

There was a double adoption at Kennedy Town as the couple who arrived together, and who we insisted stay as a pair, finally found their forever family.   Poodle Georgia was also lucky, as she too left the Homing Centre, and all three will be replaced on Monday by some new small arrivals.  

Dollar and Dina stay together

Button is 4 years old 

It's both funny-strange, and upsetting, that there was so much drama and publicity regarding the labrador that took over all dog-related social media over the past week.  We had initially been asked to find a new home for Jack Jack, which I had agreed to do as a matter of urgency, but then the story kept changing, as well as the number of people who seemed to be involved, and in the end the dog ended up with a breeder. 

Not only was the whole situation upsetting because the poor dog had been ruined by his ex-owners, and subsequently passed from home to home to home, but also because while so many people were desperate to help Jack Jack, we have a happy and friendly labrador at our Tai Po Homing Centre who's not only two years younger than Jack Jack, but also without any behaviour issues.    It's also worth mentioning that we have many other sweet and friendly mixed breed dogs that are waiting to be noticed, but there's no desperate messages coming in begging to adopt them. 

What happens when our HKDR dogs die while still under our care?  

HKDR's commitment to being a No-KIll Organisation means that no dog under our care will be euthanised unless there is a humane reason for doing so.  Subsequently many of our dogs reach old age, and either die naturally or will be gently let go if suffering a non-treatable illness.

Since many of our staff, volunteers, or foster parents will have grown attached to the dogs over the years, we arrange a cremation to see them off on their final journey.  However, like everything else, the cost of even a very basic, no-frills cremation for the dogs has been rising steadily, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify spending precious funds on those who are no longer living.  The alternative to cremation is to literally throw the dogs into the designated rubbish collection points. 

We have a Cremation Fund that staff and volunteers can donate to, but that has now run dry so we're faced with the dilemma of not being able to pay our final respects to the dogs that have meant so much to us.   If you would be willing to donate to this fund please go to https://hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/one-off-donations/, and you will see the names of those dogs whose cremation you have contributed to every month, listed as our Forever Dogs on the monthly list of dogs homed.  .....

Fri 26th April: Goodbye Elgin Street!

Packed up and ready to leave 

 Yes, today was the day we said goodbye to our Soho base for the past two years, as the office and "Red" dogs moved over to North Street, Kennedy Town.  

We had been so optimistic about this move being to an amazing new Homing Centre, but after that option was removed it meant squeezing into the very small space in North Street.  I can't say I'm not disappointed, and it's as much for the dogs as for anyone else, but we still have our main Kennedy Town adoption centre at Brilliant Court, a five minute walk from North Street. 

Ludo was a wonderful dog

Of course we also have our very large Tai Po Homing Centre, home to hundreds of medium-to-large dogs, where we have been since May 2010, almost fourteen years now.  Even writing about it brings back many memories, especially of the dogs that have come and gone.  One of those was a beautiful boy called Ludo, who started off as a puppy with me on Lamma before moving to Tai Po, and then being adopted.  Ludo has just passed away at the grand age for a large dog of sixteen-plus years, a reminder of the long commitment that having a dog means. 

The heavy rain over the past week has resulted in fewer visitors and adoptions, which is obviously upsetting as we're open for business whatever the weather is, or the holidays.  We'll also be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday for the regular Puppy Party, even if it will have to be held indoors.  All you have to do if you're interested in adopting a dog is to complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, and we'll get back to you very soon. 

Mon 22nd April: Never-ending surrenders

 It seems that most people have no idea what working in animal rescue is like, judging from the number of requests we receive from dog owners asking us to find a new home for their four-legged family members.  There seems to be an assumption that it's really very easy to re-home adult (mongrel) dogs, never mind that there are literally thousands of them in the many shelters across Hong Kong, not to mention at AFCD Centres.  

Why would we still have around four hundred at our Tai Po Homing Centre, even including a lovely and friendly labrador, if adopters were pouring through our doors looking for such dogs?  Even super-sweet and young Gabby, with her amazing personality and short stubby legs, can't attract more than fleeting interest before becoming just another dog that nobody wants.  How can people be so callous in their abandonment of a loyal and loving dog, a family member that has done nothing wrong other than to be surplus to requirement when things change?

Button 

  

Today was more about such surrender requests than adoption enquiries, and the worst of all are from people who adopted puppies from other organisations but then expect HKDR to take them in as adults. Can these people have any idea what it's like to receive these emails, the ones that say how sweet and lovely the dogs are but the family are moving/leaving so the dog needs to find a new home?  I so often regret checking emails before going to bed and seeing surrender forms, and the various excuses for abandonment.

To everyone who wants to dump their dog(s), please pay a visit to our Tai Po Homing Centre and see what the situation is, especially during heavy rain.  Choose the place where you think your dog(s) can fit in, and will be happy.  I can guarantee there is no such magic welcome for any poor dog that arrives confused, scared, and wondering what they have done wrong. 

Adoption is for life, and barring the very few genuine cases, there is never a reason to give up on a dog that has no choice or options.  THINK before you adopt.

Sat 20th April: Saturday round-up

 Is it a coincidence that the top three dogs in this photo selection found homes today?  It does seem quite funny, but maybe it's just how things worked out.

Goodbye sweet Belinda

They weren't the only lucky ones at Kennedy Town however, as Belinda also left today, while Eddie, who had been on a short trial, had his adoption confirmed.

Eddie had his adoption confirmed

Also passing their trial with the resident cats, Belgian shepherd puppies Nancy and Nolan has their permanent status confirmed.  This was a wonderful result for the Tai Po team, because these two are going to be very large and active dogs, and they have found the perfect home for all of that energy. 

Nancy and Nolan heading home

We know that at least a couple more dogs will be picked up from our Kennedy Town Homing Centre on Sunday, and hopefully there will be more visitors coming to meet the many more available dogs and puppies.  The rain might be heavy at times, but nothing closes our doors, not even a Typhoon 10! 

Please remember to complete the questionnaire if you're interested in adopting any of our dogs or puppies.  This isn't a commitment from either side to agree to adoption, it's just the first step in helping us to find the perfect match for you and your home/family.  The form is at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, and it's available in either English or Chinese.  Please give as much information as you can in the space allocated.  Thank you. 

Weds 17th April: More newbies at Kennedy Town

Today's new arrivals 

 As usual, the few dogs that we were expecting today turned out to be double the number, so there were eight new arrivals at Kennedy Town, and with two more still to come.  At least these dogs are young and very sweet, so if you're interested in adopting please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/. 

The earlier intake 

All of the dogs will be heading off to Acorn on Thursday morning for their routine health checks and vaccinations, so although they won't be at the Kennedy Town Homing Centre for most of the day we have many others for you to meet.

Enzo and Echo 

Some dogs left Kennedy Town, including mini pinschers Enzo and Echo, as well as gorgeous terrier type Freckles.

Freckles 

In addition, the shiba puppy Danno, who had to have his front leg amputated, has also been adopted by his foster home. 

We still have quite a collection of shibas available for adoption (including Riku), although this breed may not be suitable for some homes due to their strong personality.  That's why it's important to start with completing the questionnaire so we can try to match the dog with the home, making both sides happy.

We're getting ready to move out of our Elgin Street space, which has been our shop, office and Red Dog Centre for the past two years.  The dogs and office will be squeezing into the small space at North Street, Kennedy Town, while the merchandise that remains unsold will have to go to the warehouse, to be used at any upcoming events.  If you want to take advantage of the special prices on all of the many items on sale now, please hurry to 22 Elgin Street, Soho, any weekday between 10am and 6pm.

Mon 15th April: 4 more incoming

Coming on Tuesday - 1 year old 

 Just as a quick update, in addition to the four dogs that arrived on Sunday (three of whom had medical issues), we have another four coming in.  Happily this group appear from the photos to be young and healthy, but as they aren't with us yet I will have to go by the photos we were sent. 

Coming on Tues - 4 years old 

Coming on Tues - 1 year old 

I also want to thank everyone who donated towards the costs for the recent arrivals.   They have all been to Acorn now for their initial health check and assessment, and appointments will be made for the next stage for the three who need further treatment.  

Spaniel (black & white), male: Google, 8 years old

He only has one eye and the other isn't functioning well. He also has blood in urine and faeces.

Terrier (cream), female: Greta, 1 year old

Missing one paw and left eye seems to have issue.

Poodle (brown): Georgia, 2 years old

Front leg bent outward causing limping.

To donate:

FPS ID / 轉數快ID: 0374595

Payme QR code in comment

Alipay QR code in comment

Bank transfer: HSBC 741-263776-838 (HKDR Ltd)

Donation over $100 can have tax-deductible receipt issued on request.

Thank you!

Gringo is fully healtky

Shiba coming on Tues - 2 years old 

Fri 12th April: Coming up for a busy weekend

This labrador is 4 years old 

 I wasn't planning on writing a blog today but I'm so happy about some of the adoptions that I wanted to share the good news. We also have new small dogs coming in soon, as well as a labrador from AFCD, and hopefully Saturday will be busy at the Upper House adoption event so we'll be able to squeeze all the newcomers in.  

Lots of our small dogs will be here on Saturday

Patsy is a happy girl! 

Patsy was one of the happy adoptions, especially as she had already been in two foster homes and we really wanted her not to have to move again.  She's such a sweet girl and she's fitted in perfectly with her new family, so it's wonderful news.

Nancy 

Nolan 

Also not dogs that are easy to find suitable homes for, the two Belgian shepherd (Malinois) puppies, Nancy and Nolan, will be heading off to a wonderful new life on Saturday.  All they have to do is get along with the cats and their adoption can be confirmed.  Be good puppies!

Please be sure to complete the adoption questionnaire if you're interested in meeting any of our dogs, including those going to the Upper House event on Saturday, or the Whiskers N Paws puppy party on Sunday.  The questionnaire isn't a commitment to adopt (on either side) it's just the starting point in the process.

www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Weds 11th April: Stand by for incoming.....

This adorable puppy only has half a front leg

 Yes, we have new small dogs coming, as well as four puppies who will be going straight to foster homes. You'll be able to follow at least two of the puppies on Instagram @why_i_foster, so keep a lookout for those posts.  

The small dogs are mostly young "no breed" adults, but one appears from the photo to be a tiny terrier-type puppy with half a front let missing, so we'll be needing a foster home for that one.  

If you can foster any of our dogs or puppies that need to be in a home for one reason or another, please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/, or if you have already done that and have been in touch with Cindy before, please email her at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com. 

We have another puppy needing the same front leg amputation, and he's the ex-breeder shiba inu now called Danno. 

Bambi is a very lucky girl 

Happily three dogs have left the Kennedy Town Centre so at least that's created a tiny bit of space, and hopefully the new arrivals will find homes pretty quickly.  One of those leaving is Erica, a miniature pinscher, and if all works out well in her foster homes she should be able to stay forever.  

Harley heading home 

The other two are Harley and Bambi, so they have just started their new lives as family members.  

Charming young Enzo is available 

Remember we still have lots of small and medium-sized dogs available for adoption at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre, and you can start the process by completing the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

I know I shouldn't get excited about potential adoptions, but we have some Tai Po Homing Centre dogs who have appointments with prospective families coming up, and I can't help but build up hope that everything works out. 

Sun 7th April: A Sunday round-up

Marlon and Spud 

 Although there were no adoptions at today's regular Puppy Party that takes place every Sunday at Whiskers N Paws, two puppies were held back at our Kennedy Town Homing Centre because they had an appointment with their new daddy-to-be.  The lucky pair were shy Spud and outgoing Marlon, and I'm sure they're going to have a wonderful life together. 

Small-medium Renee with her frosted sugar lips

To see the other puppies still waiting for home please take a look at the photos by Jimmy Tsang, a long-term regular volunteer photographer who has been helping us for so many years with his wonderful shots  Puppy Adoption Day 7th April 2024.

Dimple and Flora weren't able to come today, but you can follow them on Instagram @foster_tails_hk.  These are two adorable youngsters who had previously been adopted together but subsequently came back to us.  

Willie will be having lots of fun

I'd already said that Willie the Weimaraner had been adopted, so this is his going home photo.  His new family already have dogs, one of whom was adopted from HKDR, so Willie will have lots of fun with them.

Well done Seth!

The best news from Tai Po was confirmation of "no-breed" Seth after a short trial with the resident dog.  These are the adoptions that make me really happy, in fact they make all of the Tai Po team happy. Please ask us about the many other sweet and friendly dogs that deserve to be in real homes rather that at the Homing Centre.  

Sat 6th April: Shiba time again

8 month-old shiba boy

 After having taken in the half-drowned shiba inu puppy girl (now called Nikki), today we were asked to accept two more boys from a breeder.  One of these is apparently eight months old and I assume was too old to sell, while the other younger pup has half a front leg missing.  From the photos it looks like a birth deformity, but either way the rest of the leg will need to be amputated to allow the puppy to be able to get around normally.  As we know from other dogs who have lost a leg, especially when young, having three good legs is perfectly manageable and the dog can run and play as normal. 

5 month-old shiba boy 

Anki 

We also still have Anki, another young ex-breeder shiba available for adoption, and while she's perfectly healthy she's also quite shy, so she will need an understanding a patient family who can bring out her confidence.  Living with another dogs will be a great help, as it always is.

Kira 

Also still with us, shiba Kira is a very sweet ex-breeder girl who suffers from the effects of puppyhood distemper virus.  Although fully recovered, she has the typical neurological twitching which we hope will lessen over time, as it often does.  In the meantime she has medication to reduce the muscle spasms, and she enjoys going out with the other dogs  and living an almost-normal life.  

Happily there are some adoptions to write about, including the Weimaraner who came to us from AFCD.  Willie had many offers of a home, which is wonderful of course, but also sad because there are so many fantastic "no-breed" dogs that are just as deserving.  I follow the Instagram page of two dogs adopted from HKDR, one a French bulldog and the other a large mixed breed who was also adopted as a puppy before being returned for growing to be too big.  Richie stayed with us at Tai Po for quite a while before being chosen by his now-family, and he has proven himself to be the absolute best and sweetest boy ever.   Richie could easily have been overlooked, as so many others are, but he was lucky in the end, as were his adopters who couldn't have found a better family member. 

Richie became Pich on adoption

Also having their adoption confirmed, two bonded "sisters", Lucy and Lola, won't be coming back to Kennedy Town following a successful short trial. 

If you would like to adopt an HKDR dog or puppy, pleas start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Remember all adopters have free support from our very experienced trainer, Cactus Mok, so whether a first-time dog family or just needing some advice on any behaviour matters, you are never alone with an HKDR dog. 

Thurs 4th April: Shibas and student volunteers

Dewy is adopted 

 We said a happy goodbye to another one of our ex-breeder shibas today, this time Dewy, while also taking in another shiba puppy with a horrible story.  

Nikki survived almost drowning 

Bought from a breeder (an illegal one as usual), somehow now-Nikki ended up in the sea and almost drowned.  Due to the results of being in the water for long enough to render her unconscious, Nikki ended up in hospital and needing extensive and expensive treatment.  Luckily, as the owners no longer wanted her, a very kind individual took over the responsibility for the care, and costs, until Nikki was well enough to be discharged.  We were asked if we could accept the puppy at that point, and Nikki is now with us at Kennedy Town.  She's six months old, and while it seems her jaw was broken at some point she's otherwise pretty much recovered from her awful experience.  If you would like to offer Nikki a home, or even a foster period, please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire, or go to www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.

Bumper is now called Beauchamp

I'm also happy to share that after a trial period with the resident poodle, French bulldog Bumper had had his forever status confirmed, and with the new name of Beauchamp.  (In England this would be pronounced Beecham, but maybe he's a Bo-champ, not that it matters).  

There was never any doubt that Bumper would find a home one way or another as we had many nice offers, just as we have for the Weimaraner boy who will be coming to us from AFCD on Friday.  In fact I hope he'll be in his new home by Friday afternoon, and even if not he'll be adopted for sure over the weekend.  Unfortunately, despite his young age the Weimaraner already has heartworm, so we can safely assume his ex-owner was irresponsible as well as being something else which I won't name.  Anyone who surrenders their dog to AFCD rather than to any one of the Animal NGOs that would happily accept a young and popular purebreed, clearly cares nothing for their dog. 

Ariel's family fostered Lily and Lambert, both now adopted

We're getting a lot of messages from students asking if they can volunteer at our Homing Centres as part of their school projects.  Unfortunately, as much as we appreciate the goodwill behind such offers, we have a minimum age of eighteen required for all volunteers, as well as everyone needing to undergo some training before being able to work with, and walk, the dogs. 

However, that doesn't mean that students under the minimum age can't still support HKDR, as shown by the daughter of one of our foster families.  "Ariel has helped us raise $3,412 by selling our HKDR merchandise at Elsa's high school assembly", a fantastic result.

We're always happy to support such fundraising efforts by providing merchandise and promotional materials, and it's a great way for students to get involved.  Another idea which we really appreciate is to gather donations of treats for the dogs, a luxury which we really can't afford as a regular expense.  These treat donations are shared between the Homing Centres and the dogs on Lamma, and that's a lot of mouths who really love having something other than their daily meals.   (We, or rather the dogs, do prefer the dried meat-type treats, not the biscuits which are too much like regular kibble).  If any of these ideas sound like something you'd like to take part in, please email winki@hongkongdogrescue.com for more information.