Weds 31st Aug: Lots of new dogs

Jonas last month at Whiskers N Paws

Today's post is all about new dog arrivals and one infuriating and very upsetting puppy return.  The puppy in question was one of our sweetest boys, Jonas, and his adopter (who had lied about just about everything on the questionnaire) didn't even have the courage or courtesy to say anything directly but instead contacted Jonas's ex-foster and passed the puppy back to her.  After I found out and asked why we hadn't been informed he replied "I was going to tell you", and subsequently complained to the again-foster about her having let us know.

When you pass dogs or puppies over to adopters you do so in blind faith that they will stick to their promises, and it's incredibly upsetting to see lovely puppies like Jonas suffering the consequences of lies and bullsh*t.  We have dogs at Tai Po who weren't lucky enough to come back when they were still young enough to be called puppies, and still other returned as doglets.  Barney is one of those still waiting for a home after having been adopted as a baby and coming back as a young adult.

Barney was adopted as a baby, back as a young adult

Snowball was adopted as a baby, returned as an adult and now at Tai Po

Jonas will be back at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday, and I can guarantee you won't find a sweeter boy than this.

We knew we were going to be getting a collection of small dogs from one home, and they arrived today, all five of them.   If you are interested in adopting please complete the adoption questionnaire on our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com before coming to see them at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.

Pumpkin, 5 years

Springer Josie, 5 years

Duffy, 8 years

I have also offered to try and help find a home for three Basenji, and the most notable thing about this breed is that they don't bark.  I get many potential adopters asking for quiet dogs so these boys would be ideal.  In most cases though, asking for a quiet dog, especially a puppy, is like expecting a human not to speak.  Leaving aside those who are unfortunately born mute, it's as natural for a dog to bark as it is for a human to have a conversation, and other than the Basenji every single dog barks.  Some are noisier than others, like schnauzers who love the sound of their own high-pitched voices, but there is no such thing as a dog that won't bark.

Basenji are the only true barkless dogs

Tues 30th Aug: Trying to have a day off

I tried to take a day off today (as my sister was passing through Hong Kong) but that didn't stop the constant flow of messages and emails that needed quick responses.

And while on the subject of emails, I need to mention that we are once again having problems with receiving and sending them, so please check your Spam inbox if you are waiting for a reply or let us know you haven't heard back.  It's incredibly frustrating to spend time responding to messages only to have them disappear into cyberspace, not to mention the fact that we don't want anyone to think we are simply ignoring them.  We try to get back to everyone on the same day, especially if it's to do with adopting, and you can use my gmail address if you are waiting to hear back: sallyandersen.hkdr@gmailcom

Holidays are over and it's back to full house

I also need to mention that we will have lots of new puppies for this coming Sunday Whiskers N Paws, so after a couple of weeks of having only a few we'll be up to our usual full collection again. If you are looking for a puppy to adopt please come as early as you can because I hope that by the end of the afternoon there will be no youngsters left (I can dream can't I?).

Sweet Bert has a retirement home

Continuing the trend for certain types of dogs, I don't think I mentioned that chocolate labrador Bert was adopted, or Freddy the golden retriever, both of whom are seniors.  I'm happy for them because a dog is a dog and they are equally deserving, but I want to jump up and down and shout "Marsha!  Why not Marsha?", or many other names that I could include in my cheerleading dance.  Please give them an equal chance and they will repay you a thousandfold with their love.

Freddy (left) was quickly adopted

Marsha is my new project

Mon 29th Aug: New young puppies

This will be a quick post as I have to be out early and will be back late (my sister is passing through Hong Kong for a day).

I was asked to help with a strange situation involving two dogs that had been surrendered to AFCD. The dogs were known as they had been rescued as puppies and homed by someone who, on learning that they had been taken to AFCD (as adults), wanted to adopt them herself and required an organisation to sign them out. The odd thing was that the ex-owner of the dogs completely denied that they were at AFCD and kept insisting that they were with a lovely new family in Sai Kung, while the microchips and the dogs themselves told a different story.  Anyway, the adopter and I met at the Animal Management Centre today and the dogs are now in their new home, safe and happy, and that's the end of it, but we're still wondering why there needed to be this elaborate cover-up when the truth was clear for all to see. People can be very strange as I know only too well.

One of 5 new puppies today

There were five new and young puppies at AFCD, three of one litter and two of another, with the trio being sharpei crosses.  One of the pups, now called Baggins, looks very sharpei-like, with brother Crinkle slightly less so and the sister with only the tiny ears as a clue.  I took a photo of Baggins as he was on the consult table at Acorn and posted it on Facebook which resulted in several home offers by the time I got home. He's certainly a very cute little baby, but I need to let any potential adopter know about the sharpei issues which include the fact that anyone with even slight dog allergies will have problems with this breed.  The other two siblings have a regular dog coat so they would be a better choice, but there's no denying that Baggins is very appealing.

There was  also a twelve year-old cocker spaniel at AFCD, who was in pretty good shape for a senior except for two things, one being the typical spaniel ear infection (common because of the long ears) and the other the terrible condition of the teeth.  In fact during the drive from Pokfulam to Sai Ying Pun I thought the strong smell was coming from the puppy crates, but it was the cocker's mouth that was the culprit.  The stench was almost unbearable from a human point of view, but what is worse is that a bacteria-filled mouth can poison the whole body  and cause all sort of health issues, affecting even the heart in some cases.  Keeping a dog's teeth in good condition and having regular dental checks and cleaning can make a big difference to general health and life expectancy.  If you don't take your dog for regular health checks including the teeth, it's a very good idea to do so,

Sun 28th Aug: Goodbye Samba

Samba's death has left twin sister Burma on her own

There was a sad start to the day when I got a call from Acorn Vet Hospital to let me know that Samba was very ill and had taken a turn for the worse  She and her sister Burma, affectionately known as Sambaburma because they were so close, were two of our very early HKDR dogs who lived with me on Lamma when they were puppies, and all of us hoped that one day they would find a real home together. They had moved to Tai Po when we took over the site in 2010 and became volunteer favourites, so before Samba took her final breath there were already several volunteers at her side saying their goodbyes.  Now Burma is on her own for the first time in her life and I'm sure there will be lot of attention paid to her as compensation. 

Mabel Quan was today's workshop teacher

"Dogs & Babies: A Practical Guide" was held yesterday, the first in our 2016 workshop series. Over sixteen families attended, some of whom are still expectant parents while others already have a baby or toddler. Instructor Mabel Quan shared a lot of advice about dog body language, preparation during the pregnancy stage through to baby's arrival, and how to teach a toddler about safe dog interaction.

Noggin and Ricky are perfect family dogs

We are especially grateful that volunteers and adopters Helen and Lionel brought their 9 month-old son and HKDR-adopted dogs Noggin and Ricky to share their parenting experience with the other parents and parents-to-be. The impeccable performance of our ex-HKDR boys impressed all other workshop participants which made us so proud, and they once again confirmed that dogs can get along well with children, while the parenting method is the key. I would like to mention the fact that Noggin and Ricky are both mixed breeds, typical local dogs who are proving once again that breed has nothing to do with being safe around babies or children. 

Biggles has already been with his family for 2 weeks

Of course I was at Whiskers N Paws today, and there was a last minute change of heart from Biggles' foster family who had held a family conference and decided that they couldn't bear to give him up, so he was our first adoption of the afternoon.  Another foster puppy, Lottie, officially became Lola when her adoption was also confirmed after she was taken home for a trial last Sunday. 

We don't have an adoption photo for Lottie-now Lola

Tiger is a very lucky boy

Sweet Tiger quickly followed, while still-shy newcomer Melody and fluffy girl Anna were taken for fostering with a view to adoption. 

Fluffy Anna also went for a trial today

Sat 27th Aug: All the breeds

Life is good for Tessa-now-Summer

The breeds won out again at Tai Po, with the confirmed adoption of Tessa-now-Summer, a very sweet ex-breeder Doberman girl who has had her life transformed.  I just love the photo of her flying over the grass showing her new-found love of life and pure joy, a big change from her previously miserable existence.

Tessa leaving Tai Po

The recently surrendered golden retriever, who came to us called Fei Jei and had his name changed to Freddy, didn't have to wait long to be chosen and left Tai Po after a mere couple of days.

Although already 9 years old Freddy was quickly chosen

Now ex-HKDR Alfie's brother

The young labrador whose photo I posted, but took down almost immediately after he had been offered a very nice home, also moved in with his new family today and became "brother" to ex-HKDR Alfie.  They bonded instantly and played non-stop on the beach before going home as forever siblings.

Now can I give another shout-out for Marsha, not a breed but young, sweet, beautiful and very ready for a family home.  Please look beyond the labels and consider a dog's character when choosing, because there are so many mixed breeds who are overlooked for no reason at all.

Marsha is my new project

After trying for a very long time to find homes for my six remaining rescued (from AFCD) turtles, their new home came to me via a friend who happened to mention that he knew someone who kept turtles, and had a special pond for them in his garden.  I got in touch immediately and within a day was on my way to Kowloon to personally release them into their new home, a much nicer place for them than where they had been staying.

5 of the 6 turtles on their way to a new life

Red-eared sliders are an imported species that are commonly sold when they are very tiny, but of course they grow and that's when so many are abandoned.   Living for decades as they do, turtles are pets that need long-term commitment, and it's really a shame that they are sold and bought so easily.

It's puppy time again and I can confirm that young Biggles will be back at Whiskers N Paws from his foster-maybe-adopt home.  I had asked the family to consider the long-term commitment of adopting a puppy before making the decision, and as much as they adore Biggles they realised it would be better for him to find a family who were sure they would be able to keep him for ever.  I appreciate the honesty and consideration for Biggles' future, and I'm sure that this gorgeous boy will find his new home very quickly.

Biggles with be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday

Fri 26th Aug: Tatum and Walter's big day

Tatum is quite a small girl

There were two dogs that had been waiting a long time at AFCD, one because she was licensed and the owner couldn't be traced, and the other an old dog that had been picked up from Mui Wo on Lantau and I had been hoping that somehow I could find a way for him to go back and live out his days in the place he knew and loved.  For some reason I had assumed he was a female, maybe because he reminded me of my funny old Wanda or maybe because he is such a sweet and friendly soul, but when I finally took him out today I found out I'd been wrong.  Walter is still a lovely dog, just not a girl.

There is usually a clear cut division between Ap Lei Chau dogs (small to small/medium) and those who will go to Tai Po (medium to large or giant), but Tatum (obviously her newly given name) fell between.  She is so thin she weighs less than my "fei jei" Murphy although she's a lot bigger in actual size, so I felt that Tai Po would be too much of a challenge for her while she didn't really fit as a typical Ap Lei Chau dog either.  I had already decided that Walter would come back to Lamma with me, but I had to make an on-the-spur-of-the-moment choice for Tatum after we'd left Acorn and were heading out towards ....... Ap Lei Chau.

I thought Tatum could at least stay there until Sunday and maybe come to Whiskers N Paws even though she's not a puppy, and after that we could see.  Maybe someone will notice what a pretty and sweet dog she is and offer her a home,  even if only on a foster basis.  Please.

Fabio is a lovely little boy

I had another dog with me, a very cute and happy little peke/shih tzu cross who is now called Fabio. He was surrendered because his human mother was too busy to bother with him, which was quite clear by the condition of his skin.  The woman had said he had a bad smell which can't be denied, but then if you don't treat a dog who has a yeasty skin infection then you can expect it to smell accordingly. Fabio is a lovely little guy so I hope someone will see what he will soon look like rather than his current pinky half-bald appearance.  We have seen many remarkable transformations and skin problems are far easier to deal with than behaviour issues.

We had a great group of corporate volunteers from Merrill Lynch today

Over at Tai Po we had a great group of volunteers for the day from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and thanks to everyone for coming along to help out and to learn about HKDR and what we do.  If your company would like to do the same, please contact Cactus at education@hongkongdogrescue.com for information.

Not long to go now

The days are just speeding by and we're already coming up to the end of  summer months, when it feels to me as though the season has only just started.  Sundays come round so fast I've hardly had time to catch up on one Whiskers N Paws puppy afternoon before I have to start thinking about the next, and before you know it it will be time for our first big event of the year, "Game of Bones". I've already been thinking about what I'm going to be wearing after having completely fooled many last year with my disguise, and dressing up is part of the fun.

In disguise for last year's Gala event

The previous year and another look

Thurs 25th Aug: Mixed breeds are the best

Marsha's sad AFCD mugshot

I was at Acorn again today with Murphy having his eye checked (more of that later) and as happens almost every time I'm at the vet I met one of our Tai Po dogs, in this case Marsha.  Of course I know the dogs that have come from AFCD in Pokfulam because I will have seen them at the kennels and taken them out myself, but may never have met those that came from AFCD in Sheung Shui so it's a great opportunity to see them in person.  Marsha is a beautiful girl and so sweet, and she was all over Jamie (our volunteer Events and Projects Manager) who happened to be there with her own dog. Once again I find it so sad that so many truly gorgeous (in every way) dogs are passed over simply because they don't have a breed name attached.  Look at these two updates received today, both about lovely mixes, Anna and Chance:

I always knew Anna was special

"We adopted Anna about a year ago. At that time, she was a little over eight months old and the last of her litter. We took her home and within a week, we can’t imagine our lives without Anna.

Anna is brave and very strong.  She was born with cloudy blue eyes but she can see very well and we monitor this condition regularly.  She loves to run and can jump over very high barriers.  She loves going to the park and meeting her doggy friends there every morning. She also likes greeting her many human friends and strangers in the park.  She has an obsession with water and her life would be perfect if we were to live near a little stream or a dog beach.

Although she had two failed adoptions prior, she turned out to be the gentlest and most loving dog I’ve ever had.  She behaves impeccably when my daughter has friends over for playdates. 

She’s great with both people and dogs.  Given a chance, she’ll like to give everyone kisses, many many times a day.  She has a tendency of giving kisses to lone folks sitting on benches in the park (usually older men).  We try to stop her her doing this because she is not a small dog and may alarm some people but they always laughed and petted her.  I guess Anna has a sixth sense about who needs kisses in the park!

Thank you so much, Sally and HKDR for giving us Anna.  She is truly an awesome family member.  We love our big-hearted dog to bits".

Chance is living the Canadian dream

"Just wanted to let you know all is well with Chance. He is a great family dog as we had hoped. He warmly greets all of us and has become very playful as he's settling in. All three of our kids are very fond of him, each taking on walking, feeding and training.

He is very curious and brave about his new surroundings. He happily goes in the lake and seems like he may learn to swim. He figured out our carpeted stairs in no time, loves his bed, and still uses his crate as a place to rest. His loves his blanket that you sent with him, tossing it up over his head, and plays with the stuffie that my daughter gave him (but has easily learned to leave the kids toys alone).

He did great on a recent family camping trip, although he didn't like the flies and hid out in his crate at times!

All in all, he has been a great addition to the family filling a void we have all had. His spirit and calm demeanour remind us a lot of our previous Shepherd-Sharpei cross.  My 8 yr old daughter said she finally feels like she is whole again as she's never lived without a dog until this year."

Murphy can't hear that I'm calling him

As for Murphy, the good news is that his eye is a little bit better although he still seems to be blind at the moment, and the bad news is that he was confirmed as being totally deaf.  Dr Andy asked the vet nurse to bring the "expensive and sophisticated hearing test equipment", a metal bowl and a pair of metal scissors banged loudly together right by Murphy's ears.  When he didn't even twitch it was very clear that he hears absolutely nothing at all, so all the fuss about thunderstorms is nothing to do with the noise rather the change in atmospheric pressure, and all of the conversations I've had over the past years (?) were wasted on him.  It's quite common for pet owners to have no idea their dog has become blind or deaf, and it was only when Murphy lost his sight that I became aware that he was completely oblivious to everything, including me, unless I actually touched him. 

Weds 24th Aug: Can we find Bella?

It was a year ago that Aladdin sparked a huge dog hunt

How many of you remember the amazing story of Aladdin and his weeks on the run before being caught and returned to Lamma?  The one thing that caught the eye of the media and made Aladdin a household name for that period was that he had run through the Cross Harbour Tunnel during his travels, and although he had started off at Braemar Hill, North Point, he was eventually recaptured near Shatin.  It seemed almost impossible to believe that a dog would be able to make its way from Hong Kong Island to the New Territories, but it did happen.

In a kind of copycat story, I received a Facebook message today from someone telling me he had just seen a collie-like dog running through the West Harbour Tunnel in the direction of Hong Kong, and I immediately thought of Bella, the Sheltie who has been missing for a couple of months now.  It occurred to me that even though Bella had lived on Hong Kong side it was possible that her abductor (assuming she had been taken) may live in Kowloon.  I asked the poster if the dog was large like a collie, or smaller like a Sheltie, and when he replied that it was more likely to be a Sheltie and that the tunnel staff were aware that the dog was there, I immediately called the owner of Bella to let her know and suggested that she went to check.  She did, and although the Sheltie was sadly not her Bella, she took photos and posted them on Facebook, which resulted in the owner seeing and recognising the dog which was by then safely with SPCA and will be picked up on Thursday morning.

Maybe Bella will come home soon

That's quite a story, and although it had a happy (and lucky) ending, I feel bad for Bella's family who are still missing their much-loved dog.  The ultimate end to this would be if the local media ran the story and somehow it resulted in Bella being identified and returned.

Murphy was asleep before I could apply his eye drops

I was at home with Murphy today as for my regular Wednesday off, which was just as well as I had to apply eye drops every two hours.  I was faced with a bit of a dilemma after I had taken Murphy's cone off so he could easily eat his breakfast, only to find he had taken himself to bed and was fast asleep when I went to put the drops in his eyes.  The question then was should I leave him or wake him up, and in the end I left him to wake naturally.  I'm not sure how he's doing as he seems to be much better during the day but cries in pain all night, which means putting in numbing eye drops every few hours if I want any sleep at all.

Just-named Rufus is available for adoption

I know I'm going to be inundated with enquiries for this particular dog, but I want to be absolutely sure that this is the last and final home for the young labrador that has already been in at least two homes.  His current family discovered that the daughter was allergic not long after they had adopted Rufus (a name I have just given on the spur of the moment), so they have to give him up.  They told me that his previous owners had obviously rarely taken him out, if at all, because at only a year old he was incredibly unfit and only knew how to use an inside toilet.  These are the types of homes that make me weep for the dogs that live such sad lives and  I'm determined that the new home for Rufus will provide countryside walks and outings to the beach, and play sessions with other dogs instead of the sedentary life of an old man with no friends.  Only if you can provide that kind of home please complete the adoption questionnaire on our website www.hongkongdogrescue.com (under Adopt).

Tues 23rd Aug: Please just volunteer

The owner of "Chicken Legs" doesn't have time to take care of him and said he smells

I know I keep repeating myself but when you start every day by checking new incoming emails and there are inevitably at least a couple of surrender applications, it seems that the message isn't getting through.  I can't say enough times that having a dog is not a right that everyone is entitled to and yes, it can seem unfair that genuine dog lovers are turned down for adoption because they have to go to work every day and would leave the dog alone for long hours, but that's how it has to be.

When so many pets are given up because "I don't have time to take care of it", it only reinforces my absolute belief that those who have full time jobs and can't or don't want to employ a helper or at least a reliable dog walker should not have a dog.

Many volunteers would love to have their own dog

Group hikes take place most weekends

There are many volunteers at our Homing Centres who are in exactly this position, and as much as they would love to have their own dog accept that it wouldn't be fair. Instead they choose a particular dog or dogs to take special care of, and can then enjoy the fun and love without the responsibility and commitment.  It's an arrangement that suits both sides, with the dogs getting taken out for long weekend hikes or days at the beach, and volunteers not having to worry about working long hours or overseas trips.   Many of these volunteers go on to adopt their special dogs as and when their situation allows, and of course it's the best outcome possible.

I'm fully aware that not all rescue organisations are as demanding as we are about adoption requirements and allow their dogs to go to full-time working adopters, but so many of those dogs end up back with HKDR, or live miserable and lonely lives.  In fact one of today's surrender requests came from a family who had only just adopted their dog. It doesn't matter to me how many complaints I get from disappointed would-be adopters that have been turned down because they are out all day, dogs are social animals that need company.  They aren't solitary by nature, and it's very sad to see so many adult dogs that have no idea how to play or interact with other dogs because they have never had the chance to play as puppies.

Even life at the Homing Centres is often better than a home if that means the dog is alone for the majority of the day.  Taking into account the fact that most people go to bed and sleep at night, it really leaves very little time to take a dog out for exercise or to spend any quality time together.  Our Homing Centre dogs at least have full time company and playmates even if there are no humans around during the night, and going from that into isolation is no improvement.

My days and nights are taken up with caring for Murphy at the moment, and I was back at Acorn today to have further checks on his eye to make sure that everything that is needed to save his sight is being done. His condition is very painful and he cries throughout the night despite the numbing eye drops, so it's not easy for either of us.  Thanks for the messages or concern and support from Murphy's fans, of which there are quite a few, which I appreciate even if he is unaware.  He's getting the best care from Dr Andy at Acorn so the rest is up to me (in applying the eye drops every two hours) and fate.

Mon 22nd Aug: Socialising puppies

Piper probably fathered many puppies

I was back at AFCD today to meet up with two more of the ex-breeder schnauzers (and their adopters) who needed to have their rabies vaccinations and temporary keeper status registered.  All of the dogs from this group are lovely characters, and it seemed that the male and female that were there today recognised each other, as well they might because chances are any puppies will have been fathered by Piper.  Happily that part of their life is over as all of the schnauzers have now been desexed, and their only remaining purpose in life is to be happy.

Tiger and Donald are on Lamma and need fostering

Thank you for all of those who responded to my appeal for a foster for our diabetic poodle Willis yesterday, and we have at least found him a temporary place to stay which is close enough to Acorn that he can have checks as needed.

Now I need a different kind of foster home, this time for shy puppies who need socialising.  As I have mentioned before, my Lamma situation is made difficult for puppies because of my blind dog Roley and the fact that he can't be anywhere near them.  Although he has a quite remarkable ability to "see" everything with incredible accuracy via his inbuilt radar, he doesn't seem to be able to distinguish puppies from squeaky toys, which he absolutely loves.  In the pre-Roley days I would keep all puppies in or around my house so they would get lots of human interaction, but now it's not safe so they have to be kept in a separate area.  Normally it wouldn't matter because puppies are gregarious by nature and they only spend a short time with me before they are adopted.  However those that are a bit shy and need to be around people a lot are affected by the Lamma situation, so they need to move to a place where they can open up rather than become even more detached.  Tiger made huge improvements after just a couple of days in hospital when he had tick fever and he was wagging his tail and enjoying the attention, but I noticed on Sunday that he was going back to being withdrawn again.   If anyone can take in a puppy temporarily to help with socialisation, please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.

The cone's back on Murphy but now both eyes are closed

Things aren't going well for Murphy, and I'll be taking him back to the vet for another check-up on his eye.  A side effect of him having no sight at all at the moment (and hopefully not permanently) is that I've discovered he's deaf, so he is really struggling to cope now.   He has no idea where he is, or where I am, and it may well be this that led to the accidents.  I am having a hard time myself dealing with what's happened because it has changed Murphy's life and personality so drastically, and I feel utterly helpless when I hear him whimpering in pain, or see him trying to find his way around.

Sun 21st Aug: A mixed box of news

The sun made a surprise and welcome appearance in the afternoon, just in time for Whiskers N Paws and the puppies,

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) added 134 new photos to the album Puppy Adoption Day 21 August 2016 — at Whiskers and Paws

but I had other things on my mind - and my lap - as I took Murphy to Acorn to get his eye checked and treated.  He's somehow damaged it and it's very painful, and even with the new eyedrops and gel he has it's getting worse.  It's not just the pain, which is making him cry, but the fact that he only recently lost his other eye and there is a risk that we will become totally blind.  It's hard for me to take in the fact that my happy, outgoing and bossy little boy faces a total loss of sight and a complete character change.  As much as his shouting orders at me was annoying at times (like when I was five minutes late with his dinner), to see him as he is now is lying quietly on his bed and whimpering is worse than watching my other small dog Sandy's slow decline into dementia and renal failure.

Baby Lottie

With Murphy clinging onto me throughout the short time that was left when I got to Whiskers N Paws there wasn't much I could do except sit with him and watch, and I completely missed the first of the two baby pups arriving and being taken away again, and just caught the second baby as she too was chosen.

Goldie with his his new family and ex-foster

Baby Anna had left before I arrived

Older pup Goldie, whose sister Creamy was adopted by their foster, was the only confirmed adoption as babies Lottie and Anna are being fostered with a view to adoption, as is the welcome surprise of the afternoon, Olive.

Olive was one of three corgi-cross sisters who came to us last year, and while the other two siblings quickly found homes Olive was too timid to attract any adopters.   She was lucky enough to be fostered though, and gradually over the months we could see the slow change in her behaviour during the Sunday afternoon play times.  Rather than hiding in a corner she started to really enjoy herself with the other puppies, and then began to not only accept human attention, but actively seek it out.  Finally today was the day when she was taken home to see how she and the resident dog would get alone, and as much as I would have loved to have adopted her myself I'm really happy that she has the chance of a real home.

Olive really enjoyed Sunday afternoons

While I was at Acorn with Murphy, Kathy took the van and driver Michael to go to SPCA in Wanchai to pick up Dobby the almost-rottweiler who had been found wandering in Tai Tam.  Once again all attempts to contact the man who took Dobby home last year have failed to elicit any response or acknowledgement, although I know he is still in Hong Kong and at the same address in Pokfulam as I have seen recent Facebook posts mentioning the location.  It astounds me that a person with a profession as an expatriate chef can so deliberately ignore all calls, emails, Whatsapp and Facebook messages, and not only from me but also May at Tai Po, and the person he adopted a cat from.  The only good thing to have come out of this experience is that we know Dobby is fine with cats as well as being a very sweet and lovely dog.

Can anyone foster this baby?

Also at Acorn, where I often bump into ex-HKDR dogs, I met long-term Tai Po volunteer "Auntie" Sue with a baby pup she had just rescued.  Dr Andy estimated the pup to be about three weeks old, and Sue was asking if I could find a foster for it.  Being so young the baby really needs the company of another dog, so does anyone have a nurturing female who can get this youngster through the next couple of weeks at least?    Please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com if you or your dog can help.

Willis urgently needs a foster home please

We also have another urgent need for a foster home for sweet poodle Willis, and one that either lives near Acorn Vet Hospital in Sai Ying Pun or doesn't mind taking Willis there on a fairly regular basis while his final insulin dosage can be set.  He has started on a low level which will gradually be increased until the optimum daily dosage is established.  He needs to have two injections a day, but this is very simple to do and the special needles are so fine he doesn't feel it.   Again if you can help please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.  Willis is a very sweet boy so there are no behaviour issues to deal with.