I'm looking out of the window as I type this entry, and see exactly what I hope for every Sunday; a calm and flat sea with the sun already breaking through. So there can be no reasons or excuses for a lack of visitors to Whiskers N Paws, and maybe this week will be a lucky one for several puppies. After my absence, when others had to take on all of the paperwork as well as many puppies going to foster homes (and thank you again for helping when it was so urgently needed), I have finally got the files sorted out and under control again. It's been quite a challenge and I'm still not able to recognise many of the puppies themselves, but I'm getting there.
Unfortunately not all adoptions end up as being for ever, no matter what was promised, and while some dogs or puppies come back to us very quickly, for others it can be much longer. Sometimes there's an understandable reason such as serious (human) illness, but usually it's nothing more than a lack of patience, commitment or forethought. Taking a dog or puppy home without seriously considering the implications happens too often, which is why there are so many dogs that are abandoned, or who end up being killed at AFCD. I see ex-pets in their "Death Row" kennels still wearing their wearing collars and who are so traumatised that they are labelled as unsuitable for re-homing, and their fate sealed. The tragedy is that it's the dogs that are so loyal and attached to their owners that they appear to be aggressive (to strangers) who end up paying the ultimate price. I know that my dog Griffin, for example, would be one of those. Apart from the fact that he is so devoted to me, he also has facial expressions that look as though he's baring his teeth but he's actually playing. I know that and the other dogs know it too, but an outsider would see the opposite. In fact that's why he was returned from his adopted home when he was a doglet, and I know better than to even try again.
We ask would-be adopters if they promise to give the dog a month to settle (before making any judgements on behaviour), and everyone ticks the "Yes" box, even those who bring the dog back after a few days saying it's not toilet trained, friendly, or whatever other fault they have found. Those who persevere and really allow for settling-in accidents are those who understand that dogs are not machines, rather thinking and feeling dog "beings", just as we are human "beings". In every case I would ask that the human try to put themselves in the dog's position and to see each situation from the animal's point of view. Are you making it clear to the dog exactly what you mean or expect from he or she, or do you simply expect it to somehow know what your house rules are? Do you think puppies are born trained, or do you understand that they have to be taught, gently and with encouragement? Puppies are returned for not instantly being toilet trained, or for being "naughty". Yes, they are baby dogs and that's how babies behave.
The photo shows sweet ten year-old schnauzer Polly, who came back to us after a short time and is now once again waiting for a real forever home. You can meet her at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre any day from 10am to 6pm.
I am outraged to read about idiots who return puppies and dogs for inane reasons. Dogs are not some inanimate tamagotchi electronic pet you can switch off. Anyone who adopts from HKDR, or any other animal shelter/rescue group, need to realize they are adopting dogs who have gone through some trauma already. Some have been abused, others dumped or abandoned. They will inevitable have behavior issues, some more serious than others. Has it even occurred to these "idealists" ALL pets require commitment, effort and lots of love? I shudder to think what these people would do to their "defective" children or elderly family members who do not behave as they ought to. Dump them? Such idiotic people should be returned to their maker themselves for being sick in the heart and head. It's depressing to know so many of such @$$holes exist.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were a first time adopters when we adopted our two lovelies from HKDR in 2009 and 2010 respectively. While we had not adopted adult dogs before, common sense made us aware of the responsibilities that would follow pet ownership. When work took us away from Hong Kong for a few years, our woofs moved with us... afterall they are our furkids. And as a family, we are now ALL back in HK. The thought of leaving them NEVER even entered our minds. In fact, we declined a good job in Australia because there was a month-long quarantine required for the dogs and we couldn't bear the thought of them thinking they were abandoned (again). Back in HK, we chose an apartment with a balcony (so the dogs could step out to sunbathe) and we found a place near a country park because the dogs love their walks. We also hired a full-time domestic helper to care for G & T when we are at work and when we're away traveling. Our car is a station wagon to facilitate vet visits and doggie dates. All our lifestyle decisions are based around our dogs, who are an extension of us and our life.
Perhaps existing HKDR adopters who believe in, and practice lifetime adoptions, can help mentor potential adopters, especially those adopting pets for the first time, and show them what it means to be a committed pet owner.