Weds 31st Dec 2025: End of the year

 I included the year in the date shown in the heading, because of course this is the last day of 2025 and looking back I'm sure there's a lot to talk about.  However, I'll leave that to the newsletter round-up, otherwise this blog will be a very long one. 

What we're currently dealing with is still the large number of small dogs we took in following the death of their previous owner, who although very wealthy did little (nothing) in terms of routine care for the puppies he constantly bought.  We've been taking the dogs, mostly French bulldogs, to Acorn as and when we can get appointments, bearing in mind it's the holiday season as well as a time of year when people regularly get flu, or similar.  Unfortunately several dogs have heartworm, and only a couple had already been desexed, which is why there are some mixes amongst the breeds.  

I have five such dogs staying on Lamma, and today I took the three girls to Acorn, two small-sized sisters and a little pug, all adorable and extremely sweet-natured. One of them (Lemon)  has heartworm, so she'll start pre-treatment medication before having the worm-killing injection.  Pauline the pug is very young and playful, but she has already lost one eye, presumably due to the fact that all of the forty dogs were together so fights were inevitable.  One thing I can say is that every single one of these dogs is very friendly to humans, so they were definitely well-treated in that sense.

Although we're open every single day of the year, even during severe typhoons, our Homing Centre staff have to take days off and holidays just like everyone else.  That's meant we've been short-staffed for the past week or so, and I've been trying to respond to all emails and enquiries myself.  That's not such a problem when it's for general questions and adoption questionnaires, but I can't answer specific questions about the dogs themselves.   So if you're waiting for a reply, please bear with us as it may take longer than usual to get back to you with the information.

For all adoption enquiries please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogsrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, and to help us with the mounting costs of dealing with the dogs and their vet bills, please consider making a donation which is currently very much needed.  You can find all donation options at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/ .

I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and much happiness in 2026, especially for all the dogs in need of loving new families!

WEDS 24th DEC: A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

 We've had some lovely adoptions in the last few days leading up to Christmas, and by that I mean for special dogs who needed more than the usual luck to be chosen.

I include two shibas in that category, with Anki being very shy and Kira having post-distemper twitching in her legs, a condition that was very severe when she first arrived.  Now with medication, exercise and swimming, it's far less pronounced, but we're extremely happy that these two girls have their own homes now.

Long-term foster dog, Bibs, was one of our "Red" dogs while with us, so that's another very special adoption that was finally confirmed. 

Okra is only a medium size, but she was sent to Tai Po when she first arrived as we didn't have the space at Ap Lei Chau and she was just that little bit too big for the small Homing Centre.  She was also quite shy, but over time she became more confident, and she's now in a wonderful home with ex-HKDR golden retriever Toast.

Perhaps the best adoption of all was that of Gideon, who at almost sixteen years of age proves that a dog is never too old to find that special person or family.  Gideon has been fostered by his now-adopters, so it's probably a case of formalising his family membership while there's still time, but it's a wonderful and very happy occasion for everyone who knew him.

Younger girl Anya was also adopted from Tai Po, and while not as noteworthy as Gideon's adoption, we're always delighted to see the larger mixed breeds going home.

There was no waiting required for the German shepherd puppy we took from AFCD, as he had several good homes offered.  It was really a case of the first application being the successful one, so it was an easy in-and-out case.

I was at AFCD Pokfulam today with the five new dogs that are currently staying with me on Lamma, and going there was a reminder of days gone by when I used t visit a few times a week to choose the dogs and puppies that I would take out.  Things have changed a lot since then, but there are still too many dogs that end up at the four government Animal Management Centres, whether surrendered by their owners or picked up as strays.  The lucky ones will be accepted by HKDR or one of the other animal NGOs, but many will be destroyed.  There are smply too many dogs and not enough homes, and still nothing being done to try to deal with the situation. 

Going back to the five dogs I had with me today, they're all small, young and very sweet. Two of the girls are a mix of something, possibly terriers, and they are now Maisy and Lemon.  The little pug girl is adorable, and her new name is Pauline, while long-haired Jack Russell cross Willy is slightly older at four years, and pug/Frenchie Bear is five.  As soon as there's space at Ap Lei Chau they can move back, but for now they're very happy on Lamma.  I'll try to get photos over the Christmas holidays, but they're so desperate for cuddles that it's very difficult. 

I'll be at home with all of my dogs over the next three days, including three sick or incapacitated seniors who need special care, so I'll take this opportunity of wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Don't forget that our Homing Centres are open throughout the holidays and on every other day of the year, so if you're interested in adopting please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Dogs and puppies should never be given as gifts whatever the occasion is, but if you've already decided that you want to give a dog the gift of a home, then any time is fine. 

Sun 20th Dec: Dealing with mayhem

 I'm sure everyone following the HKDR story will know by now about the intake of around thirty small dogs who suddenly found themselves homeless when their owner died.  To be honest, this situation is probably the best thing that could have happened to the dogs in the long term because their previous home was far from ideal or idyllic, and in fact was pretty bad, even if it would be unfair to say that they had been badly treated.  It was more a case of total ignorance, so we're trying now to catch up on long-overdue basics such as licensing, vet checks and treatment as needed, as well as finding good homes as quickly as possible.

Some of the French bulldogs have already left to start their new lives, as well as the two beagles and a poodle cross.  Five dogs came to stay at my Lamma base, simply because there was no space at all at Ap Lei Chau, and they're very happy having space and freedom to run around as they wish.  They're very friendly too, especially the little one-eyed pug girl (in case anyone is a fan of this breed). 

I'm happy to say that other dogs are also finding their new homes, not only the recent intake, and that includes large-sized puppy Dooby, an absolute sweetheart.

Sidney and Kaspar are another two lucky dogs, as well as Kew and Dingle, a pair of senior poodles surrendered together, and who were adopted as a pair.

Husky Bella, who was about to become homeless, also found her new home before having to come to Tai Po, although adopted-and-abandoned husky boy Pilot wasn't as lucky and he's now at our Homing Centre. 

With so much happening, as well as having several sick seniors at home who need quite intensive care, Christmas has crept up without me noticing, and I can't believe it's only a few days away now.  As always, out two Homing Centres at Ap Lei Chau and Tai Po will be open throughout the holidays, so even if you're not looking for a dog to bring home please feel free to drop by with gifts for the dogs or our very hard-working staff and volunteers.  

If you're in a position to adopt, please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

Thurs 11th Dec: AN EXTRORDINARY SITUATION

 I've said it many times before, that life is never dull at HKDR, and once again we have a situation that will mean asking for your help and support.  The story is that someone who had a insatiable shopping habit, which included buying puppies as well as luxury designer goods, died unexpectedly, leaving behind around forty dogs.  The man lived alone other than having domestic helpers to care for the dogs, and he had no family to take over.  Without an employer the helpers had to leave Hong Kong, and the dogs have ended up in a (not very nice) shelter in the New Territories.  

After a meeting yesterday I agreed that we would help the dogs, all small I believe, taking them bit by bit as we try to find them new homes.  On Friday we'll start by taking the first group of ten, and hopefully we can go back before too long to rescue some more.  As soon as we have details and some photos we can start looking for new homes, so please look out for that information on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

It's not the best or easiest time for adoptions with Christmas and the New Year being so close, and that means a lot of potential adopters leaving Hong Kong for their holidays.  However we have had some lovely adoptions, with the Tai Po dogs being the happiest because they're almost all larger sized mixed breeds.  Odette was one of the lucky ones, with Cino being another, but there are so many more lovely dogs who are so deserving of a home.

We also have two huskies needing new homes, one a surrender while the other was adopted from HKDR some time ago and was picked up by AFCD as a stray.  These cases are always extremely upsetting, as you can imagine, and although AFCD said they were unable to contact the owner (who's no longer in Hong Kong), I had no trouble at all doing so.  It's quite extraordinary, but in the AFCD world there's no such thing as email, and only phones exist.  I have suggested many times over the years that dog licenses should include email addresses, but that has fallen on deaf ears.

Fri 28th Nov: A tragedy for Hong Kong

 Like everyone else here in Hong Kong, my thoughts are with the residents and families of those who have been affected by the terrible tragedy that occurred at Tai Po, and is still ongoing as I write.  Words are inadequate to express the sadness and disbelief that such a thing could happen here, and the huge loss of life is difficult to even comprehend.  Thousands of people have suddenly become homeless too, including our own van driver Ming, who also lived in that residential complex and was thankfully out when then fire took hold.

It will take a long time for the Tai Po community to recover from what has happened, but the spirit of all Hongkongers in their immediate offers of help and support has been the only highlight throughout the past two days.  We have also received offers of foster care for any dogs that needed a safe place to stay, but so far we haven't been asked to accept any pets.

While headlines about the Tai Po tragedy dominate all aspects of Hong Kong media, we have to continue to take care of the dogs under our care, which includes our re-homing efforts.  We had considered cancelling our Sunday puppy adoption event as a mark of respect to those who have lost their lives, but in the end agreed to go ahead and will be at Whiskers N Paws as usual, from 2pm to 4pm.  I hope some puppy love will help to lift the spirits of those needing it.

I wanted to write about the happy adoptions that have taken place since my last post, and also about our big Peak to Fong event last Sunday, but I will save those for another day.  

For today I just wanted to share the condolences of everyone at HKDR with the families and friends of those who have lost so much.  Our thoughts are with you.

Sat 1st November: It's Peak to Fong month!

 Yes, here we are in November, and with just three weeks to go until our big fundraising event of the year, Peak to Fong, taking place on Sunday 23rd.  Although the tickets, in the form of a T-shirt, have already been available for a while and all of the planning started early in the year, we're continuing to add surprises to the day's happenings.  The latest is that we'll be having some special guests attending, in the shape of the famed Australian Firefighters (stay back ladies!), so you can buy the calendars as well as have your photos taken with the crew to show off to friends. 

On Wednesday 5th November, we have another fundraiser in the form of a treadmill challenge, this time being organised by the Dorsett Hotel worldwide.  To kick off the Hong Kong end of the event, myself, Yannie, and other HKDR volunteers will be taking it in turns to run (maybe walk fast!) on the treadmill, and you can sponsor us using the form below.  All proceeds from this fun event will be donated to HKDR, so we're obviously very happy and grateful for such amazing support.

We are excited to announce the Dorsett 26 Hours Global Run for Charity! Our dedicated teams around the world will take turns running on a treadmill for a cause for 26 hours, starting on November 5 and culminating on November 6. This is our Group's worldwide wellness initiative connecting our guests and communities through sustainable fitness program at our hotels.

🗓 5 Nov, 2PM – 6 Nov, 4PM (HKT)

📍 Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong

🏃‍♀ Run in 30-min or 1-hour slots

💚 All donations go to Hong Kong Dog Rescue

Please kindly fill in your participation: 

https://forms.gle/FibSUjMJAF5nCJYf7

Donating is easy and secure, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR). After you make your donation, please include the name of the runner you are supporting in a Testimonial!

https://give.asia/campaign/dorsett-26-hour-global-run-26-2025-dorsett-kai-tak?ee=aFXXH8Mz7dHHXXJjqVVbX4QEHE67NnJX&utm_source=link_copy&utm_medium=share_button&utm_campaign=&utm_content=charity

Thank you for helping us make a positive impact in our communities!"

There were 31 adoptions during October, and you can see all of the names listed on our Facebook and Instagram pages.  I want to give a special mention to 3 particular dogs, because their story is rather special and a little bit different because they were all dogs that were staying with me on Lamma.  

Lennox and Lewis had been adopted as young puppies by someone who turned out to be a complete liar as well as irresponsible, and not only were the puppies allowed to roam freely around Sai Kung, but they were also left behind when the man in question fled Hong Kong after just a few months.  With nowhere for Lennox and Lewis to go, I brought them to Lamma where they were able to live the free and easy life they had become accustomed to.  I walked them (and others) every day, and we would pass the home of the village chief and his wife, who had previously adopted from me and provided a wonderful home to their dog.  Sadly the dog eventually died, leaving the wife bereft.  I had suggested another puppy but she was too upset about their loss to even consider, but after a while Lennox and Lewis started to visit, especially as they were given treats when they did.  The treats turned into lavish home-cooked meals, enjoyed by almost all of the dogs who disappeared whenever we reached that particular house.  After a while I saw less and less of Lennox and Lewis, and another older dog called Plum, and finally the licenses were handed over and the adoptions made official.   I'm very happy to know that these three very lucky dogs have found the home of their dreams, and that I can continue to see them if they feel like joining the morning walk.

As you may know, many of my Lamma dogs came to me as puppies, before we had the Homing Centres for them to stay at.  Now as they have reached old age I'm losing them on a regular basis, the inevitable result of lifelong care, just as the old dogs at our Tai Po and Ap Lei Chau Homing Centres are guaranteed.  Of all the dogs that have lived with me, some became very close companions while others remained independent until the end.  Today I lost my closest and beloved Griffin, who had slept on my bed every night for most of his fourteen years, and who had trained me so well to be his devoted slave. It came quite suddenly, when Griffin called urgently for me to help him, and I found him unable to stand or, as it turned out, to see or control any part of himself.  I assumed he had suffered a stroke, or similar, and seeing him so distressed  and helpless left me with no choice but to end his suffering.  It was a very empty bed that I slept in last night. 

Mon 26th Oct: Heartwarming "foster fails" and other stories

 Yet another month has sped by, and in just a few days it will be November and Peak to Fong. I had to grab my T-shirt to make sure I had one, as some sizes have already sold out!  If you're planning on coming along to enjoy the amazing day with dogs and human friends, please don't leave it too late. The date is Sunday 23rd November if you need a reminder.

We've had some wonderful adoptions this month, with several foster fails of Tai Po dogs who were taken for typhoon fostering.  I'm not sure which is the happiest story, so I'll put them on equal footing and alphabetical order, meaning Gelato comes first. You may remember he escaped from his foster home and ended up being hit by a car, and while we were all extremely worried at first he made a quick recovery, and even better he's been formally adopted!

The second heartwarming adoption is that of Turbo, a 12 year-old Tai Po resident who has been with HKDR since he was a puppy.  This proves that a dog is never too old to become a family member, and that we take care of all of our dogs until that special day comes.

The third "foster fail" was Nando, another lovely boy who just needed that chance to prove himself.

Thank you to all of the foster parents who changed the dogs' lives for ever.  

I also want to mention another very kind and loving foster family, although with a sad and unexpected ending.  Delphine had been adopted from us several years ago but ended up having to be returned when her owner passed away.  She wasn't in the best condition when she came back, but she was taken in by a foster family and her health seemed to be improving.  She was actually going to Acorn for a routine check-up when she collapsed outside the clinic, and despite best efforts she never regained consciousness.  The happy part of this story is that she died knowing that she was loved and cared for, and that the end was quick and pain-free. 

Of course most adoptions are of smaller dogs from our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, and they include the last shiba puppy, Yoshi, and Coco with the amazing eye patches.  Big puppy Larry found a lovely home with one of our long-term adopters, so I hope his siblings will be as lucky. For the full list with photos, please check our HKDR Facebook page, as for some reason I'm not able to include photos on this page any more.

While dogs are leaving we're always taking in replacements, one of which is a young corgi boy, now called Blair.  If you're interested in adopting any dog or puppy, large, medium or small, please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.