Sat 26th Nov: Washed out

Well that was interesting.  Who expected the torrential rain and wind that came out of nowhere and ruined any outdoor activities, not to mention my own attempts to get over to Hong Kong Island.  I was completely drenched within seconds of stepping out of the house and had to turn around and go back, and that was that.  I'm grateful it wasn't  a Sunday and a puppy afternoon, and am now holding my breath and hoping it stays dry for the remainder of the weekend.

Tessa in happier days

We did get a few visitors to Tai Po, although nobody actually left and sadly Doberman girl Tessa was returned.  We're all extremely upset because once again, and despite entreaties to all adopters to contact our own trainer Cactus for advice and support if needed, an outside trainer was employed and the result was that the sweet and easygoing dog that was adopted came back with newly-acquired behaviour issues. When she was with us before she was happy to be with other dogs but now she isn't, and that doesn't just happen.  We know the trainer that was used, and while not the worst of the bunch he doesn't use purely positive methods and that's the result.   While dogs can quickly learn fear-based behaviour it takes a long time to undo the damage, and it's just not fair on the dogs.  I really fail to understand why, when excellent free help is offered, it's ignored in favour of second-rate and damaging trainers.

Moses the terrier has an almost human face

Over at Ap Lei Chau two lucky dogs left the Homing Centre, one being Bowie the poodle and another the new terrier, now with the name Moses because of his beard.  Photos will be sent by the adopter, but I can say they are very lucky to have such a special boy. I'm using photos that volunteer Harryn took because I also wanted to show the Lhasa Apso Rufus, who has now had a haircut and is recognisable as a dog as opposed to a floor mop.  We were told by AFCD that he was very close to the Jack Russell (now Jamie) he came with, but we have found that not to be the case and they are actually fine to be separated.  Rufus likes to walk with Jamie but they even argue sometimes, so we have decided that splitting them up is fine.

Woody will be leaving on Sunday

I'm also thrilled to report that Woody, my Stanley Barracks boy, found a family who can look after him temporarily and until he can move to his forever home next month.  He'll be formally adopted at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday and then delievered to his foster, so as far as HKDR is concerned he will have found a home and I don't have to worry about him any more.   Now there are two from this very special litter left; the biggest boy Goofy and the smallest girl Echo.

There are lots of other puppies needing homes, permanent and foster, so please join us at Whiskers N Paws, 2pm to 5pm, and whatever the weather.  Even if you can't commit long-term it's extremely helpful to us, and lovely for the puppies, to have a real home environment while waiting for their forever family.

Will Yoda be lucky this week?