Thurs 11th July: There's the right dog for everyone

 I knew we would have a lot of adoption enquiries for the merle border collie puppy that came to us from AFCD today, and he has already been taken home by a family who live in a suitable and dog-friendly area, and who already have a dog to act as mentor for Merlin. 

Badger (male)

We have also received a lot of enquiries for the two remaining Jack Russell puppies, but like the border collie this breed need homes that appreciate and understand that they are sporting dogs, not lap dogs, despite their small size. 

Miriam, female

I understand that people are always attracted to breeds, but it's still sad that this is the case, especially when we have so many wonderful mixes of all ages and size.  For example, arriving with Merlin, the border collie, were young Minty and older puppy Stacie, both of whom are lovely.

Coming soon, 2 years old 

We are also expecting another little dog from AFCD that I think will be very popular, a two year-old Maltese girl.

Medium-sized Stacie is 8 months old

Puppy girl Minty has lovely markings 

Some of the applications we receive are completely unsuitable, while most would be fine for some dogs but perhaps not the particular ones that are requested.  Matching the dog with the potential home is an important part of what we do, because we see too many dogs that are adopted and then returned.  In fact all of the adult dogs that come to us have been through this experience, with many probably having had several previous homes.  This fact doesn't mean that there's a problem with the dogs themselves, it only means that they have been in the wrong homes.

Happy Hetty 

As an example, since my regular walking crew on Lamma have now all retired due to old age or ill health, I needed a new set of younger hiking companions to take their place.  I decided to start with the dogs that used to be called the Shy Squad when we had the Homing Centre in Ap Lei Chau, and who moved to Lamma when we relocated to Kennedy Town.  These include Miss Piggy, Alex and Gumbo. Those dogs were joined by others who found life too stressful at the small Homing Centre, or were just a bit too big for Kennedy Town, like Hetty and Simone.  At first I needed to keep the dogs on a leash because I was afraid that they would get lost, but within a very short time they knew the route and the path, and now they all run along very happily without me having to worry.  Hetty in particular has changed from being a very shy young girl when she first arrived, to being the happiest dog ever, and she's full of joy every single day. All she needed was the right environment to feel relaxed and confident, and it's wonderful to see all of the dogs enjoying their life.

This is an old photo which I'll be able to update

Two more medium-sized dogs will be joining the new walking group on Friday, as we have been unable to find a new home for the abandoned ex-HKDR puppies that were adopted together last year. With so many people away on their summer holidays, and the fact that Lennox and Lewis are tightly bonded so need to stay together, I'm hoping that this Lamma stay will only be temporary, and that once adoptions start to pick up again there will be a home offered for these two lovely boys.  In the meantime at least they will have each other, lots of space, and daily walks with the other dogs. 

For all adoption enquiries please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/ as a first step.

Remember that adoption is for life, and if you can't commit to that promise then foster instead.