Tues 18th Oct: The C word: Commitment

This gazebo was at Tai Po 

It was obviously going to be another day at home for me with the wind being so strong and the sea very choppy.  There was a lot of tidying and fixing to do too, and sadly the gazebos that had been so kindly donated earlier in the year didn't survive.  I almost lost the patio roof too, which isn't surprising given that it's been there for a very long time and really needs replacing.  I will have to get that sorted out during the dry months, but for now it just had to be tied down with wire.

It made a big difference knowing that the young puppies were safe and sound indoors in their respective foster homes, as I felt bad enough seeing the wet and bedraggled faces of the young dogs who sleep outside.  They have shelter in various forms of course, but with the gazebos gone and the wind blowing the rain sideways, even the dog houses, igloos and barrels weren't good enough.

RIP Bumpy. 

There was some bad news from Acorn when Dr Tony called to let me know that little Bumpy was slipping away and was already unconscious.  We had all thought that his condition had stabilised after having been in hospital for a few days, but his untreated diabetes and his weak heart proved to be too much.  I don't know who abandoned Bumpy, but he did have a registered owner and was therefore kept at AFCD while they tried to trace said person.  It was only by chance that I spotted him and insisted that I be allowed to take him for treatment regardless of his ownership, but it was obviously too late. At least we tried.

Dogs are abandoned all the time for many different reasons, and when I'm asked what single most important message I would like to send out it's about commitment.  So many, and maybe even the majority of dogs and puppies are bought or adopted impulsively and without a thought for the future. Young childless couple want a "baby" until a real one comes along, careers change along with circumstances and even countries and the dog doesn't fit in with new plans, children who pleaded with parents to have a puppy grow up and lose interest.  Dogs like Bumpy get old and sick, and even young dogs often need expensive veterinary treatment.  The list of reasons is long and I've heard them all, and seen more than enough heartbreaking cases.

Curry

If you buy a car you learn to drive first.  You have to sit a theory test even before the practical exam, and you take lessons before being allowed on the road.  However, many people who buy, or even adopt, have no clue whatsoever about the life they are now fully responsible for.  Not a single clue, and the fact that this animal might live for fifteen years or more doesn't cross their minds.  They wanted a puppy today and tomorrow, well, let's see.  If I needed an example, puppy Curry who was adopted yesterday is being returned after a day just because the adopters hadn't considered the reality of having a four-legged, furry baby in the home.  Curry can't come back to Lamma as all other pups have left and their space is being temporarily used for shelter by the older dogs. So if you are looking for a very sweet and beautiful puppy boy to adopt, or even foster, please contact Cindy at foster@hongkongdogrescue.com.