Fri 30th Sept: Another cry for help

Perry really loves cuddles and company

I went to AFCD to get the ownership changed on the newly-surrendered basenji's license, and to pick up a dachshund that I knew was there and ready to leave.  I also found that there was a schnauzer and a corgi waiting, but being without a van (because we have no driver) I could only manage three dogs on my own so had to leave the corgi (around ten years old) behind for today.

During the time spent waiting for the licenses to be issued I made further discoveries, one of which being that although basenjis may not bark, they howl in a very distinctive way and very loudly.  The reason Perry (his new name) was distressed was because I had had to tie each of the three dogs up away from each other while sorting out the paperwork, because the dachshund appeared to want to fight while the basenji was far too interested in the female schnauzer and she was getting upset. Urgent desexing is on the cards for all, but homes or fosters are needed please.  Perry loves human company so can't be left on his own for long periods, and while settling may start howling after even just a short time.  The standard dachshund, now called Pearl, may not be particularly young but she's very active, and the schnauzer (Jade) is ten years old and a very sweet girl.

We're also now expecting a few breeder dogs and I'm told three of them are around two years or under, but let's see when they actually arrive.  They are a beagle, shiba inu and a poodle, with the fourth being an older blind shih tzu.

Basset hound coming soon 

This was already going to be a crush, but then I got a pleading email from one of our adopters asking if we could take in a basset hound and a chihuahua from a dire situation, it already being too late for a shih tzu who had died before she could be rescued.   I had to say yes, but at the same time was trying to imagine where all of these new dogs could go when we are already full.

With the weekend ahead of us hopefully we can shift at least a few small dogs, but if you are able to foster please contact Cindy at foster.hkdr@gmail.com.  You may notice the email address is not the usual one and that's because so many emails have been going missing that we are having to change our server and until that's completed we're all using gmail accounts.

Ollie will soon be flying off to start his new life

We have some more failed fosters to celebrate, the first being Mikey the chihuahua and the second beautiful Ollie.  His fosters were due to return him in October when they left Hong Kong but in the end couldn't give him up and chose to adopt instead.  Yay!

Following a very unpleasant and difficult situation involving a pomeranian puppy that was surrendered to us and subsequently claimed by someone who began posting and sending outlandish and totally false claims abut me, I finally received this retraction.   I have been called many things over the years and personal insults are one thing, but claiming I have stolen someone's dog and somehow manipulated the AFCD system is going too far.

"Sally took the puppy, Kailey in good faith from Iona. Sally had no idea the puppy had an owner. There was no owner registered when Sally took the puppy to AFCD which is why the license was issued under her name. Sally did not kidnap or steal this or any other dog. Sally has not and never have worked for AFCD. Her concern is and always has been the welfare of the puppy based on whatever information she was given. From Kyong Kim".

Thurs 29th Sept: You couldn't make it up

Sweet Gaby is STILL waiting

You couldn't make it up.  After yesterday's post about surrenders-to-be that were suddenly handed over to someone else, the owner of the ten-month golden retriever, who was expected to arrive on Saturday, sent a message this morning asking if she could bring the dog immediately rather than wait.  I replied saying yes, and then got straight onto the agreed adopter to let her know and to ask when she would be able to come.  No sooner had I sent that message than I got another email from the owner saying she'd just given the dog to a neighbour.  I was stunned and furious.  I had just spent the past three days replying to the countless enquiries and questionnaires, and now this.  I don't know why I'm surprised because I should know better by now, but still people never cease to amaze me.  To make matters worse the golden retriever wasn't licensed (a legal requirement) or desexed, and we were going to arrange both, but now it's out of our control and it saddens me that there is a high likelihood that the dog will end up having puppies, arranged or otherwise.

On top of that frustration, of all the many offers of a home we had for the golden retriever I don't think one mixed breed will get a home out of it. It's really so incredibly sad.

Goa was found near Shek O

There was some great news though, with Goa having been found and returned to her foster home.  Please don't post comments about being more careful because this wasn't a case of carelessness and it's really not helpful.  I would just like to celebrate the fact that not only is Goa safe and well but that she may have a permanent home soon.  Thanks to "Auntie" Sue for leading the search team, as well as all of the others involved.

Jolene chooses the old over the new

There is still another search going on though, and that's for an acceptable squirrel for Jolene. Whiskers N Paws very kindly sent some potential new friends as a gift, but while Jolene enjoyed their company for a while it was her ratty old favourite she took to bed.  I know there is a new squirrel on the way from the US, but I've suggested that it will probably be necessary to sew the two together.

My Inky (with Mina)

It's strange for me seeing the photos of both Goa and Jolene, as they look so much like my own much loved and now departed Inky and Gala. In fact there are only a limited number of mixed breed "styles" that we see over and over again, and only very few that are completely different.  Inky and Goa belong to the black-and-tan, short coat-and-eyebrow dots category, while Gala and Jolene are Monkey Dogs.

Gala halfway through a haircut

Weds 28th Sept: A roundabout surrender

I really thought it was Saturday when I woke up this morning, and was so convinced that it was only some time later that I was made aware of my error.  There's been a wild boar visiting at night and setting the dogs off barking, and it seems the lack of sleep is taking its toll.  On top of that everyone seems to be suffering from the effects of the terrible pollution, and while Lamma usually escapes the worst of the smog we haven't been so lucky this time and I've developed a niggling smoker's cough. I need to be on top form, or at least reasonably fit, for Saturday's Gala Dinner or I'll be in trouble.

Domingo has a name now

The other day I mentioned a surrendered bichon frise who had been one of a large group of dogs given up by their owner due to health issues.  At first the bichon had been given to someone else who said they would adopt him, but as so often happens that lasted a very short time and Domingo, as he is now called, ended up with us.  All of the other dogs from this source have already been adopted, so it's poor Domingo's bad luck that his own forever home opportunity has been delayed.

2 of these Basenji came to us and were very quickly homed

Now exactly the same has happened with one of the three Basenji that were supposed to be coming to us, as in the end we received only two while the third was given to an adopter.  I heard today that that Basenji was being returned so agreed to take him in, while the other two have long since been settled in their new homes.

Benji went first

Time and time again we are asked to accept dogs only to be subsequently told that they have been given to someone else, and then some time down the line the same dog pops up again in need of a home.  Finding the right home for a dog isn't that easy, and giving them to just anyone who offers is pretty much guaranteed to end badly.  Too many people still don't understand the time commitment required, and the fact that if you don't exercise a dog it's going to have to use up its energy somehow (like barking non stop or destroying the furniture).  A lot of dog owners don't even know that it's possible - in fact easy - to toilet train a dog, and simply clean up after it as required (or get the maid to do it).  It's the dogs that end up being the victims of this hand-me-round situation, and I feel so sorry for those who are never even given a chance to settle before being moved on.  It certainly affects their character after a while, and we see many of these poor confused little ones at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.

With the "Game of Bones" event only a matter of days away I want to once again thank all of the sponsors for their generous support and donations, covering everything from table gifts and auction items to props and services.  There are so many ways in which people have pitched in to help and I'm sure it's going to pay off with an amazing evening in every way.

Aqua Restaurant Group (Gold Sponsor; table prize; live auction item; Table prize)

Whiskers N Paws (Gold Sponsor)

Rich Creation International Ltd (Silver Sponsor; Décor)

AME Gallery (Bronze sponsor)

Maya Café (Bronze Sponsor)

Bugsy Dog Treats (Bronze Sponsor)

In Value Development (Bronze Sponsor)

Ryder Diamonds (Live Auction Item)

Four Seasons HK (Live Auction Item)

Eva Yoe (Golf Pro) (Live Auction Item)

Nathalie Melville (Live Auction Item)

Qeelin (Live Auction Item)

Bao Ho (Live Auction Item; Entertainment)

Jimmy Choo (Silent Auction Item)

Wynn Macau (Raffle Prize)

PYE (Raffle prize; goodie bag sponsor)

Aluminum (Raffle prizes)

Expat Living (Goodie Bag sponsor)

WOW Pet Supplies (Goodie bag sponsor)

Vetopia (Goodie Bag sponsor) 

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Baz left the day after Benji

Tues 27th Sept: Funny quirks that mean so much

I'm still waiting for Marsha to be chosen

I'm late even starting today's post due to the huge number of applications to adopt a ten month-old golden retriever that is due to come to us soon, and even as I'm writing I know more questionnaires are arriving in my inbox. The sad thing is that many of these offers are very nice, but there is only one golden retriever puppy available and we have agreed on a home that already has a resident  HKDR dog.  There is a small chance that maybe one or two potential adopters will consider non-golden retrievers, but experience tells me that chance is really very small.   The number of applications for this one particular puppy really shows that there is no shortage of good homes for large dogs, and it's really so upsetting that they have to be golden retrievers.

Jolene and what's left of her squirrel

Lightening up, I had a request from one adopter (of a gorgeous mixed breed) asking for help in finding a replacement squirrel toy for Jolene, as her babyhood "friend" had long lost its tail, head and limbs but was still a bed time necessity.  I posted the request on Facebook and it seems that Amazon stocks this particular squirrel, but even so I'm not sure Jolene will accept anyone new.

I love these individual quirks in dogs, because apart from being very appealing they show that there is intelligent emotion present.  Not that proof is needed, but people who don't have or like dogs can't understand how deep the connection can be between animals and their humans. I'm sure we all have stories about the funny habits of our dogs, all self-developed and carefully considered.

Safari is incredibly strong in body and character

Safari and Naomi went back to Acorn today, where the veterinary staff quickly understood why I hadn't been able to clean Safari's ears by myself.  Although he doesn't look like a chow chow other than his fully black tongue, this boy has all of the stubborn behaviour associated with the breed, and then some.  He taught me the valuable lesson that asking nicely gets results whereas force or coercion fails.  Safari is so big and heavy that, for example, when he sits on the stairs and blocks anyone from going up or down, he will only move if I ask him politely to do so.  Actually he is waiting for me to get to the step where his face and mine are level so he can plant a big kiss on my nose (which I hate), so this is a routine that occurs every day.

I think it took every vet nurse in Acorn to pin Safari down, so my apologies for that, but at least the ears got a good clean, the aural haemaotoma was dealt with and a bag of blood was taken for good measure.  Naomi didn't need a transfusion as her red cell count had already started to rise thankfully, but the blood will come in handy anyway.

Mon 26th Sept: Already a long week

Lamma dog Naomi

It's only the start of the week but I am already exhausted, and tired of having to deal with people and their issues, not to mention the wild boar crashing around at night and making the dogs bark.

There is an ongoing saga of a dog that was surrendered to us but which has turned into a real drama that may, at least, force AFCD to drag themselves and their antiquated systems into the current age.  It seems that modern technology and all that it has to offer has yet to reach the AFCD Headquarters in Cheung Sha Wan, and plodding paperwork that takes months to pass from desk to desk is still the preferred method.

Then there is the case of two puppies who were fostered in March and subsequently had their adoptions confirmed but without any formal adoption paperwork signed, despite repeated reminders and requests.  Finally, six months later, Cindy received a reply but not quite what was expected as it included a casual comment that one of the (now young adult) puppies would be dropped back to us as being no longer wanted. What?  How can anyone think this is acceptable?

I had to take three of my adult Lamma dogs to see the vet:  Bali, whose back legs are getting weaker as time passes, Safari to get his ears sorted and Naomi, who has always been a heavy panter during walks but today was very weak and for the first time didn't join the morning hike.  We don't have a driver so I had to use a hire van, fortunately a regular who knows the route and is very helpful.

He hasn't got a name yet

I had to stop by at AFCD to get the newly surrendered bichon's license changed to my name and for him to have a rabies vaccination, and while there I picked up three new and very lovely puppies.  They will join the others already with me and getting ready for next Sunday and hopefully a chance of a forever family.  If you haven't seen the photos taken at Whiskers N Paws yesterday you can check them out here

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) added 140 new photos to the album Puppy Adoption Day 25 September 2016.

Then it was on to Acorn to see Dr Tony, and although there were no surprises as far as the other dogs were concerned it turned out that Naomi had a very low red cell count and may be far sicker than I thought. Tick fever is the most obvious cause but both she and Safari will have to go back on Tuesday for sedation and scanning (Naomi) and ear cleaning/minor surgery for Safari.  I suggested that while he was asleep a few gallons of blood were taken as he's a very big boy and a perfect standby donor should Naomi (or any other dog) need a transfusion.

Now for the good news.  Chihuahua Chico will be staying in his foster home, along with his now chihuahua "brothers", both of whom were also adopted.

Failed foster Chico 

Basenji Baz is now Mong Mong and also confirmed as staying in his foster home.

Basenji Baz is now Mong Mong

Bessie the German shepherd's new name is Lugsy (lugs are ears if you don't know) and is very happily settled with her adoptive family.

Bessie is now Lugsy

Sun 25th Sept: As unpredictable as ever

Lemsip was formally adopted today

I really never know what to expect, and once again I was surprised by today and the results at Whiskers N Paws, not only because puppy Lemsip was the sole adoption but because there was far more interest in older dogs.

Shanti went to a foster home at least

Luckily for Ricky, I had asked for him to be sent over from Tai Po and he ended up being chosen for a trial with ex-HKDR doglet Minty.  New boy Daniel also came from Tai Po, but the fact that he hadn't yet been neutered made things a bit difficult with so many attractive lady dogs around, even if all were desexed.  Why anyone would actually choose to keep an entire (not neutered) male is beyond me, and Daniel will be getting his "bits" off on Tuesday.   He's a sweet boy, and once he calmed down he was happy to play nicely with the other dogs and puppies.

Lucky Ricky from Tai Po 

Finally Pocket is chosen

The small dogs were luckier today with tiny Yorkie Pocket finally being chosen, and the last two ex-breeder schnauzers finding forever homes from foster.  All three waited far longer than I had expected, but then I shouldn't be surprised at anything.

This is how the breeder sent the schnauzers to us. Now all have found homes. 

While Pocket left the Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre we had a new arrival in the shape of an eight year-old bichon frise who had originally come from the same home as several other small dogs we took in recently.  The bichon had been handed over to someone else who ultimately didn't want him, so he also came to us.  This is the reason we really prefer dogs to be re-homed via a proper system and not just given to anyone who says yes.  We can at least screen potential adopters to make sure they understand the commitment and are suitable, even though there is no such thing as a guarantee.

This sweet bichon came to us the long way round

Ben has a happy family of his own

Another lovely dog who has also waited far too long is Ben, but today was his lucky day when he left Tai Po with his new family.  Ben is the kindest, sweetest boy and he's loved by all the volunteers.

It's countdown time for this Saturday's "Game of Bones" Gala Dinner ..........

Sat 24th Sept: No breed is better

The coats of the poodles were so matted they came off in one piece

I was reminded when skimming through the Facebook posts this morning of the day we received a whole load of breeder dogs all at once, and how they were delivered packed into one crate.  It seemed like one of those magician's boxes that never empties, as one by one the dogs were pulled out (by volunteer Gina).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4F4Hbxa7S8

I have just heard from someone else about some new breeder cases in Yuen Long, the area where most of the worst breeders hide away, and it seems that just like the crate that never emptied the number of disgusting breeders is also endless.

5 year-old Bella will suffer from breathing problems her whole life 

I can't even begin to tell you just how bad these places are, and how mercilessly cruel these people can be.  They will stoop to the very lowest level of humanity to carry out their evil trade, and that includes pouring corrosive liquid down the dogs' throats to destroy their ability to bark.  When we take ex-breeder dogs to the vet for surgery it's often very difficult for the breathing tube to be inserted, so bad is the damage to the trachea.  Can you imagine the pain and horror?  I feel sick just things about it, but we have such dogs now at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, such as bichon Bella who will suffer from breathing problems her whole life because her throat is so badly scarred.

I am so tired of hearing excuses and reasons why someone bought from a pet shop or breeder rather than adopting.  "I felt sorry for the puppy so rescued it", or "I really only wanted a boxer and there were none available for adoption".  Well all of our dogs really only want a home but there are none available, or very few, and there is no breed that is better than another.  The only difference is size and character, and we have many happy and friendly small, medium and large dogs waiting.

Better than a "real" cocker spaniel

Take a look at these new puppies, all of them delightful and gorgeous to look at.  They are the latest intake from AFCD Sheung Shui and they will be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday at the usual time, 2pm to 5pm (but if you are interested be there early).  I don't know if they were born with very short tails or had them cut off (which wouldn't surprise me), but one of them looks almost exactly like a cocker spaniel, though almost certainly with a nicer nature.

Also with no tail

The smallest no-tail

Fri 23rd Sept: Stuck at home

Safari with cow hoof in mouth

It's frustrating being without a driver again, and although I had dogs I wanted to take to the vet it wasn't an emergency situation luckily so I could delay until next week.

My "big baby" Safari has dirty ears which really need a good cleaning but he refuses to let me do it.  Even if I put on a muzzle and sit on top of him, he thrashes around so much, screaming like I'm attacking him even before I've made contact, that I can't get close to his ears.  It's really quite funny that such a big and strong dog should be such a crybaby but that's the way he is,  and he will probably end up having to be sedated so his ears can be properly cleaned.

Magnus in Whiskers N Paws days

One of the doglets, Magnus (actually probably a year old now), insists on climbing the high fence to get out rather than using the front gate like all of the other dogs, and as a result he's constantly injuring himself.  Now he has ripped a pad open on one of his front paws, so I had to clean and dress it, hoping that it all stayed on long enough to be useful.  Thanks to those sticky crepe bandages which work like magic he now has a colourful "boot", and I will try to persuade him that climbing the fence isn't necessary.

If you would like to sponsor either of these dogs through our Life Saver Club programme, please email Shaline at lifesaver@hongkongdogrescue.com for details and information.  This monthly sponsorship helps to take care of specific dogs who are waiting for adoption, or who will realistically be with us for their whole lifetime.

Another sad frustration is that despite having had a blood transfusion and supportive care, old Lamma dog Larry responded only briefly to the healthy blood before crashing again, so this morning (Saturday) I asked that he be let go rather than put him through any more tests and treatments. Whatever was wrong with him was more serious than just tick fever, even if that in itself is serious enough.  He was an old dog when I took him from AFCD but I wanted him to have a happy retirement.

It's now only a week until our first major fundraiser of the year, the "Game of Bones" Gala Dinner, and all preparations have been completed, thanks to the hard behind-the-scenes efforts of the volunteer organising team led by Jamie Nunn.  I'm feeling a bit of tense anticipation, obviously wanting and hoping for a huge success for both the team and HKDR, and lots of money raised for the benefit of the dogs.  For those of you who have bought tickets, thank you for supporting, and I'll see you there.  To the sponsors, again huge thanks too, because this is a zero-budget event meaning nobody was paid for their contributions.  This has always been our policy because we want all funds raised to go directly towards helping the dogs, and I think everyone who has attended our previous gala events, or who will be coming for the first time, will agree that the hard work has paid off.

Thurs 22nd Sept: Vet bills, vet bills

Benedict was one of today's Ap Lei Chau dogs

We had a surprise stand-in driver today as Hing agreed to help out after the disappearance of our new-and-already-gone recruit.  It was nice to see an old and familiar face who didn't need any training or directions, especially as we had a lot of dogs to ferry around.  At my end I had to take one of the new puppies back to AFCD to have a microchip inserted, the first one having come out as happens too often.  I also had an emergency case of tick fever in an older dog, not one of my long-termers but a relatively new boy who had come to Lamma rather than Tai Po because of his already advanced age.  With old dogs that you don't know it's sometimes hard to know if they are ill or just acting their age, but this old boy really was sick.

Everyone comments on Marsha's lovely nature

Marsha and Xavier were two of the Tai Po dogs I was able to say hello to again at Acorn, and they are both really wonderful characters.  Marsha's turn will come soon I'm sure, and whoever takes her home will be very lucky.  Xavier is sweetness personified, but he is still very skinny and need to gain a considerable amount of weight so we're doing out best to achieve that.

Xavier makes your heart melt

There was a whole crowd of little ones from Ap Lei Chau also visiting the vet for one reason or another, and as I checked out the pile of crates being loaded into the van at the end of the consult sessions I was mentally adding up the cost of the day's treatments.  The old boy, Larry, needed a blood transfusion so that already meant a hefty bill on its way, even without adding the ten-plus others.

Momo isn't at all well

Over in Sai Kung where another old boy, golden retriever Momo, is being treated, there was more bad news as he too seemed to have tick fever on top of his already-confirmed heartworm.  A test revealed that it wasn't tick fever so now we have to start further tests to find out what the problem is, although realistically at his advanced age it could be that he's simply at the end of his life.  Of course all of our dogs get the treatment they need and there's never a question of anything being too expensive if it's necessary, but the costs add up at a frightening rate.

Bramley has had  an ear infection his whole life

Scottie Bramley will probably end up having surgery to remove his ear canal after years of chronic infection have left him with resistance to all antibiotic ear drops, and the breeder poodle with the dislocated elbow will have (experimental) surgery to see if the leg can be saved before going ahead with amputation.

Vet bills are one of our highest monthly outgoings and as you can imagine contributions towards those costs are very gratefully received.  If you would like to help you can either sponsor a specific dog's costs, pay directly into our account at the vet clinic (Acorn Veterinary Hospital, or for Momo Pets Central in Sai Kung) or make a donation to our HSBC Hong Kong Dog Rescue account 502-423825-001.  Donation receipts will be issued whichever method you choose.

Weds 21st Sept: Ollie and Coolio

More puppies are arriving soon so there will be plenty of choice on Sunday at Whiskers N Paws, but there are also plenty of young adults who either missed out on homes when they were babies or came to us when they were past their cute stage.  Two of these are currently in foster homes so can be given full reports on their behaviour and character, and they are Ollie and Coolio.

I love Ollie's look

Ollie came to HKDR as a baby puppy and was always a very happy and affectionate youngster.  His brother was adopter very quickly but Ollie found himself on the shelf for no reason other than bad luck, and while that luck changed as he moved to a foster home it could only ever be temporary. Now that his family are leaving Hong Kong in October, Ollie will once again be homeless and with nowhere to go.  He is a very handsome just-one year old who is extremely loving, as well as being fully toilet trained of course.  His fosters can't speak highly enough of him and are very sad that they can't offer him a permanent home, and now I just want him to find a family who can.  If you are interested in meeting Ollie please email Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com to make an appointment.

The Great Ollie continues his search for his forever home.

We’ve had the pleasure of fostering Ollie since mid-February, and he’s an absolute pleasure have around.

A bit about him….

He’s a 1 year old mix, who loves attention and loves to run and play.  He’s completed his ‘positive partners’ HKDR obedience classes – passed with flying colors – and is house trained. 

He’s always up for a walk / run on his leash and gets along with people of all ages – young, old and even ‘non-dog lovers’ warm up to his wagging tail and soft, gentle nature.

We’ve had many dogs before Ollie, but few have stolen our hearts like he has!  He’s a very smart, gentle dog with a real ‘passion for life’ and ‘passion for human attention’.

(He would be best suited in a home without a cat).

The other dog is Coolio, a small-to-medium sized boy (only 21 inches tall) who came to us with a damaged leg that needed surgery, and a foster home that would allow him a place to recover.  Now he is as good as new and ready to go to a forever home, and once again his temporary family can't say enough good things about this sweet boy.  Cindy, our Foster Coordinator, can help with arranging meetings with any of our foster dogs, so please let her know if Coolio sounds like a good match.

"Coolio is gentle, friendly and good with small children and other dogs. We took Coolio in while he had a leg operation and now he has recovered and back on form, we would love to see him placed with a loving family". 

Although today was supposed to be my day off I was so busy my dogs didn't get their walk until way past the usual time, and their lunch was completely missed.  The reason for the delay was a situation that needed to be dealt with regarding someone who had a gripe, and which got very messy towards the end of the day.  This isn't the first time that an individual has waged a public hate campaign against me and I doubt it will be the last, and while I can laugh it off on a personal level it's the effect it has on HKDR and the dogs that is upsetting.  The thing about the internet is that nothing ever goes away, and even a story from 2010 is constantly being dredged up and used as "proof" of what a terrible person I am.  The whole thing should have been relegated to history by now, but it's pulled right back every time anyone chooses to do so and results in "I will never adopt from HKDR" type responses.  It's sad that one person's personal opinion should still be affecting the dogs six years later, but that's one of the downsides of the internet and Facebook.

Tues 20th Sept: Counting the days until Gala night

There are 4 new babies for Sunday

Having homed all of our young puppies last Sunday I knew it would only be a matter of days before there were new applicants for the vacancies, and sure enough new babies arrived from AFCD in Sheung Shui today with potentially others on the way too.  The beautiful boy pup I took from AFCD in Pokfulam yesterday has already gone to a lovely foster home with a volunteer, so that's him sorted for the time being. There was another older doglet with the group from Sheung Shui, and although I had been hoping we could place him in a foster home too, he ended up having to go to Tai Po in the end.

Preparations for the "Game of Bones" Gala Dinner event on Saturday 1st October are now in the tweaking stages, and ticket sales are now closed due to heavy demand and a sell-out very early on. Of course we're very happy about that and now it's just the event itself to look forward to.  I've been trying to decide what to wear (which character to go as) and have gone full circle before ending up with my first idea, and I know others have been having fun choosing their costumes too even though they may never have seen the HBO television show.    Although dressing up isn't obligatory and not all guests do, it's part of the fun of the event and makes for great photos too.

As with all of our events, everything is made possible because of the generosity of sponsors and volunteers.  Please take a look at those who have contributed to making "Game of Bones" a possibility, especially our Gold Sponsors Whiskers N Paws and the Aqua Restaurant Group, both of whom have been HKDR supporters for many years.

Mon 19th Sept: Started off a quiet day

What started out looking like a non-eventful day ahead changed as it progressed and ended up being as full as any other.   A young pomeranian that I'd previously been asked to take in turned up unexpectedly and without any documents, so I had to take her to AFCD to check on ownership status. It turned out that she had not been licensed so it was easy to have her rabies vaccinated and registered under my name before taking her to Acorn for the usual health checks.

Sweet Hunter

A new puppy had turned up over the weekend too, so he is now called Turner and is available for adoption.  He's a beautiful boy with a very gentle nature, and for now he's staying at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre if you're interested in meeting him.  Other puppies are also expected before the week is out so we will have plenty of choice by Sunday.

Momo, the golden retriever who was rescued from the most awful situation, has found himself the best foster home possible and has bounced back to life in an astonishing way.  Having been unable to even stand for a year, which resulted in the maggot-infested pressure sores, he is up on his feet and playing with the other two "golden oldies" in the home.

(From his foster): This is a picture of him in his new home. We love him to bits. Today he has played pass the tennis ball and has walked a lot around the garden. He is a very determined boy! Full of love and so adorable, despite being treated so badly. I will keep you updated on how he progresses. 

Momo's dream life

Duffy was adopted today

After an adoption-free weekend at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre it was a relief to see two dogs going home today, the first being little pom Duffy, followed by ex-breeder sharpei Gertie.

Gertie found her new home today

Beautiful Xavier

I met two Tai Po dogs at Acorn, and it was the first time that I'd seen the ex-breeder German shepherd other than in photos.  I'd been told he was thin although hadn't been able to see it due to his long coat, but when touching him he is nothing but bone.  A faecal test established that he had coccidea, an intestinal bug that causes diarrhoea (and you can be sure all the other dogs in the breeding kennels are similarly infected), but it's likely that he has something else going on that is causing him to be so skinny and we are doing further tests.

The second Tai Po dog was Big Al, the boy I took out from AFCD last week, and he's turned out to be as gentle and lovely as I had thought.

Big Al is as sweet as they come