Thurs 20th Aug: Joe and Merlin

I have so much to write about and I'm not really sure where to start (or to finish) , so I hope you will bear with me if I start to ramble.  I believe I speak for all of the individuals like myself who are involved in dog rescue when I talk about the frustration and the heartbreak that is part of everyday life, and that can boil over into anger too when things become overwhelming.  Every morning when I check my emails I know there will be a few from people wanting to surrender their dogs, and today was no exception.  If it's a young poodle (see the photo below), then at least I know it will find a new home very quickly, but even the young mongrels will probably spend their rest of their days waiting.

The excuses for giving up dogs vary, with some - really very few - perfectly reasonable and understandable, but most are entirely due to the human owners.  Whether it's behaviour (the poodle isn't toilet trained at 2 years of age), having a baby, moving home, these are nothing to do with the dogs themselves.   

I was given a very good example of this when I was finally able to take the two dogs, now re-named as Joe and Merlin, out of AFCD kennels (Pokfulam) after they had been incarcerated there following the sudden death of their owner, a single woman.  These dogs had been taken in by HKDR as very young puppies, and had been together since birth so they were very bonded.  One was more confident and was the "caretaker" of the other, so what did the Veterinary Officer at AFCD do?  She separated them, despite my plea that they be kept together.  

By the time we were able to take the two out they were absolutely terrified, and it took a long time to be able to gently coax them.  The only good part of this experience was seeing them greet each other, and once we were in the car (driven by the person who had been acting as liaison between the police and myself, and who was the only one permitted to act on behalf of the deceased), both dogs calmed immediately.  By the time we got to the Tai Po Homing Centre, they were like two different personalities.

If you didn't know, there are four AFCD Animal Management Centres, each with a Veterinary Officer (VO) who is in charge.  So there is a difference between how each Centre is managed, how the animals are treated and assessed.   AFCD staff themselves are government employees who don't actually choose to work with animals, they are simply assigned.  Over the years I have met the best and the worst of them, and I'm always grateful to those who show kindness and empathy towards the dogs, all of whom are there thanks circumstance, not choice. 

In the case of Joe and Merlin, the police were also involved, and they were very helpful.  In fact they were there to oversee the freeing of the dogs, and I found out that one of the officers was himself an adopter of two HKDR dogs.  So thanks where it's due.  Joe and Merlin was very scared of the AFCD staff, who were unable to remove Joe from his kennel. so I think you will understand what I'm trying to say.  If the VO had been asked to assess these dogs for re-homing she would not have considered them suitable, yet as soon as they were in the car and together they were very sweet. 

There are many other dogs at AFCD in the same situation and who will never be lucky enough to be released.  I refuse to use the word "euthanasia" except when it fits the situation, as it means a merciful death, done when it's the kindest and most humane option.   These dogs aren't euthanised, they're killed. 

The point of this story is to demonstrate very clearly how dogs react and respond to their situations, and to the humans who are responsible for them.  Whenever we're told that the dogs are difficult or untrainable, aggressive and so on, there is always a reason.  There are only very rare cases where a dog is aggressive by nature due to some brain malfunction, and the rest is down to treatment and training.

Almost all of the dogs that have come to live with me on Lamma have been those that were difficult, probably impossible, to home, yet they have all become "good" dogs over time.  I know that most would never have made suitable family pets, but at the same time they can live quite happily in a home with other dogs and people and not be a problem. 

Now, who can offer a home to Joe and Merlin, as a pair of course.  

MON 10th AUG: RUNNING OUT OF TIME AND MONEY

 Following up on our extremely urgent plea for help with the 18 cats and 2 dogs that were left homeless when their owner died suddenly, we're finding ourselves in an impossible situation thanks to the insistence from AFCD that we take all animals out at the same time.  We have no information about the cats and their age or condition, and they'll need to be health checked, but we don't have the luxury of time, nor the money to pay the vet costs and potentially boarding (if the cats are healthy enough).  We're a dog rescue organisation with no experience of homing cats, and although Kirsten's Zoo is kindly handling the foster applications it's at best a short-term solution, and again nobody has the spare cash to cover what it's going to cost.

We're planning on taking all of the animals out from AFCD Pokfulam on Tuesday, but how we're going to be able to handle the cats is a question that we still don't have an answer for.  We need confirmed fosters who can take the cats home, but then we also need donations to cover the immediate and future costs.   This is now a critical situation (and again thanks to AFCD and/or the police for their inflexibility and lack of any kind of support), so please make a donation to help if you can.  Go to www.hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/ for all donation options, and thank you in advance.

We are also in need of a foster home, or even better a forever home, for the two dogs, Mercurio and Giove.  We thought we had somewhere for them to go temporarily, but that feel though (as happens so often).  If you can foster please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering, or for adoption it's www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.  The dogs are both boys, not quite 2 years old and very bonded.  They have had a terrible and traumatic experience, so we want them to be able to stay together.

This awful situation has once again highlighted the need for everyone to make sure that they have written a Will, because this is one of the additional problems in the case of Paola Dindo, the now-deceased owner of the homeless cats and dogs.  Writing a Will doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, because as long as you leave something to charity it's completely free.   遺善最樂 ForeverGift.hk   will also go through everything with you and help you to understand, so please have a look at their services. 

Thurs 6th Aug: URGENT APPEALS

 After what seemed like weeks of heavy rain we're finally seeing the sun again, but regardless of the weather our work at HKDR continues as usual.  Sadly the typhoon that passed by did some real damage to the Tai Po Homing Centre structures, so we have the inconvenience and challenges that come with all of that, as well as the cost of repairs which we just can't really afford.  If you're able to donate towards this essential work it would be greatly appreciated, and you can go to www.hongkongdogrescue.com/donate/ to see all payment options.  Thank you.

We've also had some very costly vet cases, with French bulldog Alfonzo needing a CT scan to try to establish what's causing chronic intestinal issues, and pug/Frenchie-cross Bear being another long-term case which has seen him going back and forth to the vet for his chronic issues.  Many of the dogs at Tai Po are now old, and with that comes inevitable declining health, as with my Lamma dogs who are now 15 years old.  When we list the monthly adoptions you will see the "Forever Dogs" at the bottom, and these are the dogs that stayed with us until the end of their lives. 

There's another urgent case which I hope someone can help with, and this involves the sudden passing of one of our adopters who took home two puppies in 2024. The puppies are still not quite two years old, and we understand they were taken to AFCD (as well as the four resident cats), but we'll check on that as soon as we can. I can't imagine what it's like for two adored young dogs to lose their home in this way, and to go from being loved and spoiled to living in stark kennels without their "mother".  They're large sized mongrels, Mercurio and Giove (Italian), so if there's any chance of anyone being able to take them in please let me know.  You can email info@hongkongdogrescue.com as a first step.  

There is good news of course, and that means adoptions, but there's always more dogs waiting to fill the spaces of those that have left.  This is why we don't usually hold dogs if potential adopters can't take them home until a later date, and that happens a lot during the holiday seasons.  If you're ready to adopt immediately, please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, otherwise please come back to us when you can.

Sat 25th July: Will there be a typhoon?

 The question of typhoons at this time of year is a real problem when there are outdoor structures and shelters, such as at Tai Po, and to a lesser extent on Lamma.  Moving heavy items and preparing for the worst is necessary, but also frustrating when the typhoon changes direction and misses Hong Kong.  We're at this point right now, and we're all watching the various weather forecasts to see if we can breathe a sigh of relief, or the opposite.  It's not even just the outdoor locations that are the issue, as one of my Lamma dogs is currently in hospital at Acorn, and she'll have to move to another clinic if there's a T8 or higher. 

At least some Tai Po dogs have already escaped the inevitable heavy rain by being adopted! Noah and Xena went home together, as did Cleo and Albert, while Radish was also one of the lucky ones. 

We also found a lovely foster home for the Samoyed girl, Cherry, straight out of AFCD, but we're still looking for a temporary home for the Alaskan Malamute girl, Mocha.  She's still at AFCD kennels, and we can't keep her at Tai Po because of the heat (and/or rain).  If you can foster this sweet-but-large dog, please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.

We're also still looking for a suitable home for the border collie (older) puppy called Baby (instant name change needed!)  I can't say it enough times, that these dogs are not suitable for most Hong Kong homes as they need space, lots of exercise, but even more importantly mental stimulation.  This means having something to do which challenges their minds, so agility work or any kind of activity that keeps them busy.  They are not lap dogs or "babies", they're working dogs and need to live that kind of life.

Several lucky dogs and puppies have also left our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, including Jonny, Iggy, Zeb and Irene.   We always have more small dogs waiting for space at the Centre, as well as many others already with us, so please check our social media pages or visit our website at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/dogs/ .

Seeing the two double adoptions at Tai Po has prompted me to talk about other dog couples.  By that I mean two dogs that have developed a strong bond, and we always try our best to keep such pairs together.   Some pairs are understandable, such as siblings Sebastian and Scarlet, and Tai Po dogs Crayon and Cashew, but others show that dogs don't care about looks or breed.  I'm talking about the unlikely friendship between Gibson and Gallant at Ap Lei Chau, two dogs who are completely different from each other but who are always to be found together.  Will there ever be that special home who will accept them as a pair?  That would be amazing, and we can always hope. 

Of course for adoption please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.  We get a lot of people asking for more details and photos of the dogs, as well as background information, before completing the questionnaire, but this is always the first step.  It's confidential and never shared outside HKDR, but we need to know that a home is suitable before spending time discussing any dog.  Please remember that we have minimal staff, and those working with the dogs at the Homing Centres can't be at their desks all the time, especially at Tai Po. 

Weds 15th July: It's been a while

 I start every day thinking that I must write my blog and update on things that are happening, but then I find I'm running out of time and I have to get started on feeding, medicating and walking my Lamma dogs, as well as replying to the many emails that appear overnight.  I knew a new post was long overdue, but even then was quite shocked to see how long it had been since my last one.

We have a constant stream of new dogs arriving at our Homing Centres, especially the smaller ones at Ap Lei Chau, and just yesterday we took in 7 more, with others due to come very soon.  As I write I'm still waiting for the photos with names attached, but I'd already shared information on Facebook ahead of their arrival if you want to check that out.  You can also see volunteer Harryn's lovely Instagram posts @h_dogsister, as she takes great photos and videos of the Ap Lei Chau residents.  You can also follow us @hkdr_official, or my own @sallythedoglady if you want to see some the Lamma residents. 

It's more of a challenge at our Tai Po Homing Centre as the dogs that we're asked to accept are larger, and almost always already adults.  Most people understand that you can't just expect dogs to accept newcomers, and part of what the staff at Tai Po have to do is to try to match up dogs that get along, as they almost all share space in the enclosures.   That's just one of the reasons why adoptions at Tai Po are such happy occasions, and two more lucky dogs left today to start their new lives (Noah and Xena). 

We're also still hoping to find a foster home for a young Malamute girl who's currently at AFCD.  She has a lovely home offered, but not until August when her would-be family get back from their holiday, so if anyone can take her in temporarily, please let us know!

There's also a young Samoyed at AFCD, and the same applies to him as with the Malamute, that they can't come to Tai Po where they would have to live outside. It's either far too hot or pouring with rain, and neither situation is suitable for these cold weather dogs. 

I have a couple of random things to mention or ask about, and one of these might be of interest to anyone in the UK who is planning on bringing their dog(s) to Hong Kong.  It's a charter flight opportunity, which makes the trip so much more comfortable and stress-free for both dogs and humans, so if you're interested please contact the number directly.

I mentioned the heat and the rain and the need for foster homes for the long-haired dogs, but we would also very much appreciate summer fosters for any of the Tai Po dogs.  If you can take in a four-legged guest during the worst of the summer weather, please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering, or if you're already registered as a foster home then email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.

Tues 2nd June: Starting a new month

 In my previous blog I'd written that the hot weather had arrived, although it was in fact just a teaser for what was to come.  For most of us we can at least retreat indoors, but for the Tai Po dogs, and the staff/volunteers, life has to continue outdoors regardless of the temperature. 

If you haven't been to our very large Tai Po Homing Centre site, it's built on a steep slope, so going up and down the steps to the various enclosures is like a good (punishing) gym workout.  When we first moved there in 2010 I was a lot younger and fitter than I am now, so climbing up and down many times during a visit was no problem.  I don't like to think about doing the same now, especially in the fierce heat, so I'm extremely grateful for all of those who continue to help - and work - under such conditions.   We're all concerned for the dogs too, of course, as heat stroke is very real and it can happen all too quickly.

Other than the heat, there are hidden dangers in everyday life too, as we found out when Tai Po dog Crayon suddenly became very ill.  She was sent to Acorn for assessment and treatment, but it wasn't until her condition deteriorated that she was opened up to see what was causing the problem.  It turned out she had an intestinal blockage which we later worked out was part of a chewed up yoga mat. Luckily Crayon is going to be fine, but the experience was a stark reminder that rubber, plastic, and other such materials can be deadly.  Those cheap plastic dog toys should never be given to dogs of any size because they're so easily chewed up and swallowed, and balls should also be large and solid enough. 

We don't have a problem with the heat at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre as it's an indoor space with air conditioning.  However, it's also quite small and crowded, so we have to be careful about bringing new dogs in.  That's why when we're asked to take in any new dogs, no matter how cute, small or easy to home, I always post them on Facebook first so we can have homes ready to take them immediately.  This is what happened when we were asked if we could accept a 6 month-old King Charles Cavalier, a very popular breed and still a puppy, and of course there was a big response to the post.  Despite that, the first two potential adopters who came to meet the puppy decided he was too big (for the breed) and too lively, so it was the third couple who finally took him home.  Happily it wasn't that these adopters were less suitable than the others, it's just a matter of who gets there first when it's such a popular dog.

The other issue with dogs that need to be taken out immediately is that although we've been told they're vaccinated and desexed, we're not given records or any actual history (in most cases).  So even though a particular dog might have a queue of potential adopters eager to  take it home, many - if not most - want the dog to have seen a vet before doing so.  You could say that's understandable, but I don't know if breeders and pet shops agree to take their animals to a vet before the buyer takes them home.   We would expect that anyone keen enough would take the dog or puppy to the vet themselves, although of course all of the dogs that have been with us more than a day or so will have been checked by a vet. 

If you can't adopt but could help out temporarily by fostering one of the new arrivals until he or she has had time to be checked, vaccinated and so on, please complete the form at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/fostering/.

If you can offer a forever home, please complete the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/.

On a separate matter, the very kind donor of meat off-cuts for the Lamma dogs, Steak King, has moved from (very convenient) Wong Chuk Hang to Kwai Chung.  As our van is always busy transporting dogs, it's not easy going to places that aren't on our normal routes for ad hoc collections.  What would really be helpful would be a chest freezer so we could make less frequent trips and take larger batches.  If anyone would be kind enough to sponsor the cost of such a freezer, that would be wonderful.  The dogs absolutely love the fresh meat, and it would be a real shame if we had to stop accepting the donations from Steak King. 

Weds 13th May: The hot weather has arrived

 The summer (very hot) weather has arrived and it makes everything challenging, especially for the Tai Po Homing Centre dogs, staff and volunteers.  We are lucky to have a very large space at Tai Po, but that means hundreds of dogs who need to be taken care of, including walking.  

If any of you are over 18 years of age and can spare the time to help out, please go to our website application at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/volunteer/ to sign up.  There will be some training required so we can't accept short-term volunteers, but for those of you who would like to become part of our dedicated core team, we really need you! 

For those who are already volunteering, thank you.  We can't function without your help and support, and you're very much appreciated.

As I've said many times, there's always a long list of dogs waiting for space at our Homing Centres, coming from various sources but sharing a common need for new homes.  Sadly, and I have to say it's extremely upsetting, of the recent intake at Tai Po there were four dogs who had been adopted from us with the promise of it being forever.  Chloe, Emu, Radish and Ricky are now waiting for their second chance, so please think of them if you can offer that.  They've all lived in real homes so settling in again will be easy.

At our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre we also have a list of dogs that are waiting for space, and we're always full.  That means we can only accept newcomers if we have homes waiting, or if an adoption creates a vacancy.  I'd posted the photos of dogs on the waiting list, and five of them arrived yesterday.  I hope that the potential adopters of these dogs can actually take them home, because there's never a guarantee.

This was the case with the beautiful young Malamute whose photo I'd also shared on Facebook.  While we received many adoption applications, but one by one they dropped out.  With a cold-weather breed like an Alaskan Malamute, keeping her outdoors in the heat would be unthinkable so we had to make sure the adopter could come at the same time as the dog.  Hopefully, and after days of messaging back and forth, this will happen on Thursday.

We also have the very beautiful young white German shepherd girl coming on Friday, and while she's not a specifically cold-weather breed we're trying very hard to make sure she can go to a new home by the weekend.

For all adoption applications please start by completing the questionnaire at www.hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/, but can I please ask that you only do so if you are genuinely serious, and that you're able to take a dog home in the very near future, if not immediately.