Tues 28th Feb: Flying (back) Saucer

Max is for very experienced adopters only

I posted details on the Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) Facebook page of the shiba inu, Max, who is looking for a new home, and immediately received a large number of offers and enquiries just because of the breed.  Someone made a comment that she wished people understood about the difficult nature of this kind of dog, and I couldn't agree more.  The fact that they are small and cute means that they end up in homes with inexperienced owners who really have no clue, and the end result is inevitable.

My first real experience of a shiba inu was when I accepted a four month-old puppy that had already been assessed as untrainable and aggressive by a dog behaviourist, and he really was quite an angry little guy when he arrived at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre.  I brought him back to Lamma where I did what I always advise adopters to do with problem dogs, and that is to ignore them.  It took a few days for Gringo to calm down and stop screaming (and this high-pitched screech is a shiba inu trait), but after that he quickly adjusted and started playing with the other dogs and behaving in a perfectly acceptable way. In fact his behaviour was so good that I asked his previous owners if they would like to take him back and try again, and we met at Whiskers N Paws where they agreed he was like a different dog.  However after just a day back with them Gringo reverted to his old ways and was returned to me, and subsequently adopted by someone who could offer him the type of home he needed.

If nothing else this one experience proved that it's not the dog that has a problem it's the humans, although certain breeds do have particular characteristics that need to be taken into account. So many people buy dogs or ask for a particular breed when adopting based on looks, and that is asking for trouble.  Poodles are another breed that suffer from this ignorance as they are smart and have a very high energy level yet they are treated like toys.  Of all the dogs that end up with real behaviour issues, poodles come top of the list and we have to turn down surrender requests for these dogs. We already have too many that we can't place in foster homes let alone permanent ones.

So going back to Max the shiba inu, and another female that we're also expecting in the next few days, we can only let him (them) go to homes that fully understand the breed and use positive training methods, have the time to be with the dog and exercise properly, and don't have any children.

Saucer, adorable but full of beans

It's not even just the purebreeds that are chosen on the basis of the way they look, and today I got an email letting me know that puppy Saucer would have to be returned because she was too energetic. The annoying thing is that I had gone to great lengths to explain exactly that to the adopters, and had asked them to consider a more placid and laid back puppy.   They did think about it and looked at those I had suggested, but in the end confirmed they wanted Saucer.  She is an extremely beautiful, soft and cuddly puppy, happy and friendly too, but she has tons of energy and needs a home that can cope with that, preferably with at least one other young and playful dog.

A happy ending for poodle Gem

There was one happy ending today as poodle Gem went for desexing in the morning and was adopted in the afternoon.  Her new family have been warned about Gem's unstoppable energy and her willingness to befriend everyone she meets, and at least the home is large enough that she can race around inside without running off.

Mon 27th Feb: The best surprise

Gem is safely back at Ap Lei Chau

I had been hoping that one day and at some time our little runaway poodle, Gem, would resurface, either in a good way or maybe if she was sick and needed to see a vet.  She was with us for such a short time that we never got a proper photo of her, but at least she was microchipped and licensed in my name if that day ever came.  As it happened, that day was today and Gem was brought back to us after having been found running in Main Street near the MTR station, dodging in and out of traffic. The person who picked her up wasn't the one who had obviously had her since she shot out of the Homing Centre door and disappeared into thin air, and either she had been deliberately thrown out or had done the same thing and run away when an opportunity arose.  Either way, she is back and safe, if in need of a haircut and definitely desexing as soon as it can be arranged.  The one thing that really worried me was that she would end up with a breeder and be used as a money-making machine, so we need to make sure that that will never happen.

The bichon puppy is so sweet but not toilet trained

After having had virtually no small dogs at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre we're now filling up again, and adding to the eight month-old bichon frise puppy we'll soon be getting a young shiba inu (last year's must-have breed, now overtaken in the fashion stakes by the French bulldog).  We may even be getting a second shiba inu, even younger, so if you like this breed look out for news of their arrival.

I also took two older dogs from AFCD in Pokfulam today (my Monday surprises), a larger sized poodle (not a standard poodle, but big for a toy) and a schnauzer who had been surrendered for health reasons.  The poor boy was peeing blood which means either bladder stones or a prostate problem, so he stayed behind at Acorn when I took all the new dogs there so he could be ready for surgery on Tuesday.  I'm sure Fritzi (now his name) will be fine.

Puppy Rollo, one of the three Stanley Barracks puppies and sibling to just-adopted Painter, has also been adopted, so now only Dougal is left needing a home.  These are exceptionally good-natured pups and as mentioned yesterday, highly recommended for any family with young children.   I can also add Dylan to that family category, and both are shown here, good as gold.

Sun 26th Feb: Life is full of surprises

Painter is so sweet she was impossible to resist

It wasn't that cold on the Whiskers N Paws terrace after all, and there were so many beautiful puppies to cuddle and snuggle with that the three hours passed very quickly.  There were a few lucky ones today, including sweet ex-Stanley Barracks puppy Painter who had already been in her home for a trial week, and adorable fluffy Saucer (with the extra toe on each back foot).   

I so rarely have time to spend with the puppies like this

Dougal and Dylan

Painter's brother, Dougal, came over from Tai Po for the afternoon and he is also a very sweet boy and well worth meeting if you're looking for a perfect family dog.  At four months these pups are the ideal age for adoption with young children, and according to Painter's family she was completely toilet trained and was clean even when she had a bout of diarrhoea and needed to ask to go out often and urgently.  That's a big bonus. 

Honey and Marble are already friends

Of the three siblings Wally, Emmy and Honey, Emmy was adopted by her foster family while Honey went to live with ex-HKDR Marble and Wally was taken for a trial today.  So that's been a very successful trio of lucky pups.  Take a look at this great set of photos by today's volunteer photographer Marco Lam Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) added 42 new photos to the album Puppy Adoption Day 26 February 2017.

I had no idea this bichon puppy would be coming

Five minutes away from Whiskers N Paws at our own Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre the new schnauzer girl, Mango, went to a home while we welcomed a ten month-old bichon frise puppy I'd been asked to take only as I was on my way to the puppy afternoon.  Of course we have a waiting list of potential adopters wanting young poodles or poodly types so I doubt this little guy will be with us for longer than a day, but it just demonstrates once again that we really never know who or what will be coming in at any given time. 

Senior golden retriever Lucas was on his way to a forever home when his foster family decided they couldn't bear to give him up, so he will be staying where he is and another older dog will have a chance instead. 

Lucas (centre) the day he arrived at his foster home

Thank you all for visiting us at the Pet Show! We had a great time meeting new and old two- and four-legged friends. If you missed it and still want to buy the latest Rudolph the Awesome T-shirt, our online sales will begin soon so stay tuned!
But the fun is not over yet..... 

This Saturday (March 4) will be our Central & Western District Pets Carnival -- a fun fair with games for kids and dogs, busking by singer-songwriter 姚嘉兒 Venus Yiu and education workshops. 
March 4 (Sat), 11am-5pm
Dog Park on Chung Kong Road, Sheung Wan (behind Central Police District Headquarters)
Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/303380606731445/

Sat 25th Feb: Recruiting Sunday volunteers

Sweet Winter left Tai Po today

There was good news from Tai Po today after what seems like far too long a time, as ex-Stanley Barracks dog Winter was adopted.  I thought it was particularly appropriate given the low temperatures we're experiencing at the moment, and just when I was wondering if spring had come early.  I was even digging through piles of stacked dog bedding looking for small-sized coats that I can put on the puppies on Sunday, something I haven't even had to think about so far this year.

I can't believe Saucer hasn't been adopted yet.  Will it be this Sunday?

We're going to be short of Sunday volunteers this week, and it occurred to me that it was probably time to recruit new helpers for the puppy afternoons at Whiskers N Paws, especially as we will be losing Claudia in the summer when she returns to Germany.  So if there are any (adult) readers who are able and willing to give up their Sunday afternoons to help the puppies please email me at sally@hongkongdogrescue.com.  I would prefer those who can come regularly because knowing the individual puppies is important, as well as being able to recognise regular visitors and potential adopters.  A knowledge of dogs is essential, and experience in puppy care is also helpful. Of course training will be given and I'm always there to help.

Surely it's Wigbert's time to find a home?

Can you volunteer on Sundays?

One of our regular Sunday volunteers, Andrea,  can't come because she will be helping out again at the Pet Fair, and from the posts I saw on Facebook it's been a busy time over the past two days. We've had lots of our ex-HKDR dogs visiting the stand, so please do drop by if you're there.  Sunday is the third and last day and I imagine there will be quite a few bargains to be had towards the end of the show.

We've been busy welcoming visitors at the Pet Show

Fri 24th Feb: Mango and Olive

Mango's free at last

For the past few weeks every time I've been to AFCD in Pokfulam I've asked the same question: "Any news about the schnauzer yet?" and the answer has been "Not yet".  This is a three year-old girl who was picked up as a stray but with a license, so attempts must be made to trace the registered owner.  In reality if a dog is genuinely lost then the owner is almost always found very quickly, but even if nobody responds to calls or a letter the dog is only released after a final Registered Letter is sent, and returned as undeliverable.   I was at AFCD in the early afternoon to arrange an urgent change of ownership for a particular dog and failed to ask the schnauzer question as I was in a hurry, but nobody mentioned her anyway.  It was only later on in the day that I got a message letting me know that she was now free to go, and although I was just about to head back home I raced over to Pokfulam to get her.

Every time I'd looked in on the schnauzer (who is now called Mango) she had been standing in exactly the same spot on her hard platform "bed", never moving or responding to me even when I went in to talk to her.  I thought she must be traumatised, or maybe even have a brain problem, as I'd never seen her react to anything.  It was only when we were in the van on our way back to Ap Lei Chau that she started to come alive and pay attention to her surroundings.  She was looking out of the window with interest, and seemed to be quite happy for me to hold her on my lap and stroke her while she watched the cars passing.  When we got to the Homing Centre she showed interest in the other dogs, and later on Andrea told me that Mango had wanted to climb onto her lap when she went to pet her.  So I'm really hoping that there is a sweet and happy dog inside that has just been waiting to be rescued and shown love, and as we have some volunteer groomers coming in on Saturday she will soon be looking neat and clean too.

It's always interesting how dogs behave differently under certain circumstances and in different homes, and it may have nothing to do with the way they are treated in terms of living conditions or even affection offered.  It's simply that there is either a connection or there isn't, so while a dog may be returned from one home as being incompatible or even difficult, in another home the same dog can settle well and show a completely new character.

Someone must be right for Olive

Little corgi cross Olive is like that, sweet and affectionate with some, while avoiding others (although never aggressive).  She had been coming to Whiskers N Paws for almost a year while staying in a foster home, and she was so loving and happy with me and other volunteers she had come to like, but it was still difficult to introduce her to new potential adopters due to her funny ways.  Finally she was taken home for a trial adoption and we really had high hopes that she would settle and fit in, especially as there was another young dog in the home as well as a nice garden for her to play in. Sadly it hasn't worked out and Olive will be coming back on Sunday, and while I look forward to seeing her again and I'm expecting a warm welcome from her too, it's disappointing that things didn't work out.  I don't blame the family as they are very nice, and the home is too, but obviously it just wasn't right for Olive.

HKDR volunteers at the Pet Show this weekend

Our team of volunteers was working late into the evening at the Hong Kong Pet Show, and thank you to everyone for helping out.  Please come along to visit us and pick up all of the bargains available at the many stalls there:

Hong Kong Pet Show
Feb 24-26 (Fri-Sun)
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hall 3, Booth S09
Free admission for pets.
http://www.petshow.com.hk/en/visitors.php









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Thurs 23rd Feb: Wine in, merchandise out

I hadn't been expecting or meaning to take four more puppies from Pokfulam AFCD but I had to go there to get pom cross Missy's license changed to my name in preparation for her adoption, and the almost-inevitable happened.  On my arrival I was greeted with the news that there were puppies ready to go, and as they were such happy and friendly - not to mention beautiful - babies, I took them (of course). So now on top of the many pups in foster homes who will be at Whiskers N Paws on Sunday, I have an additional eight on Lamma.  I'll probably hold them back for this week to see that they're well and healthy, but they'll be on the terrace with the rest of the hopefuls the following weekend.

Missy was in and out

I needed Missy's license because we had an adopter who was coming to pick her up when she got back from Acorn after her desexing surgery, and that's just what happened.  The young and friendly little dogs' paws barely touch the ground at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre before they leave again. In fact the problem isn't finding homes for these types of dogs, it's finding dogs for people who want to adopt, but that problem may be resolved, at least in the short term, as it seems a lot of breeders are getting rid of their dogs ahead of the new Cap139B Animal Trader licensing laws which come into effect next month.  As the new regulations will limit the number of dogs that can be kept in a given area according to size, it could be that the dogs that are being moved out are the excess numbers.  It would be nice to think that the breeders are giving up completely, but that's unlikely.  Anyway we will wait to see who and what arrives in the following weeks.  We used to get most of our small dogs from AFCD in Sheung Shui and a few from AFCD Shatin, but it seems we are no longer on their list for re-homing as it has been several months since our last intake.

While volunteer Andrea (Chung) was at our Education Centre picking up merchandise for this weekend's Pet Show, we were bringing in a delivery of donated wine which we are selling for the very low price of $50 a bottle.  It's most assorted red wines with a few whites and anyone is welcome to drop by to pick up as many bottles as you like while stocks last.

Getting ready for the opening on Friday

HKDR will have an eventful (no pun intended) fortnight coming up! Both events are family- and pet-friendly so we look forward to seeing you and your furry friends there!

Hong Kong Pet Show
Feb 24-26 (Fri-Sun)
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hall 3, Booth S09
Free admission for pets.
http://www.petshow.com.hk/en/visitors.php

Central & Western District Pets Carnival
March 4 (Sat), 11am-5pm
Dog Park on Chung Kong Road, Sheung Wan (behind Central Police District Headquarters)
Games and prizes for dogs and children, workshops, souvenirs. FREE ADMISSION.
https://www.facebook.com/events/303380606731445/

Weds 22nd Feb: Rudolph the Awesome has arrived

Edmund has a new home

It doesn't take long for our friendly smaller-sized dogs to find their new families and little Edmund left Ap Lei Chau today with his adopters today, while Missy will be picked up after her desexing on Thursday.

I also forgot to mention that shiba inu Lucy, who ran away from outside Acorn and made her way back to her foster home, has been formally adopted by her foster.  It was clear that Lucy (aka Niki) was very happy there so she has now been desexed and will be staying.   Her two pups are in a home together for now, although once old enough one of them will be looking for a home of his or her own (there's a girl and a boy).

Missy has someone coming for her on Thursday

Unfortunately there are still those who languish for many months, or even years, if they have some behaviour issues, and the really sad thing is that they are all just longing for a person to call their own so they can drop their defences.  The type of problems that these little dogs have are very typical of those that missed out on a happy puppyhood and weren't socialised properly.  I know, because we have seen it so many times, that if they are given time in a home these dogs will overcome their fears and phobias, many of which aren't really serious anyway.  I've mentioned poodle Maya in a lot of my blogs but she's still there, waiting for that one person/couple who will give her a chance.

Surely someone would love to take Maya home?

Peanut is very young and active

Peanut is another gorgeous little dog who is probably part Jack Russell judging by her looks and energy level, and I really can't understand why she's still waiting.  She just needs a very shirt time to get to know you before becoming a really happy and friendly girl.

Obviously we don't place these dogs in homes with children, but there are a lot of adults-only families where these very slightly "imperfect" (for now) dogs would become perfect.

Sweet Winter is a Stanley Barracks dog

And please remember that we have so many wonderful, problem-free larger sized dogs at our Tai Po Homing Centre, which is open every single day of the year so you can meet them all.

Xavier is an ex-breeder German shepherd

Our latest T-shirt by Thai brand Rudolph The Awesome is here! It is available at our homing centres and the HKDR booth at Pet Show this Friday to Sunday. Price: $120.  Online sales will also start soon. 

Tues 21st Feb: Settling in and supervision

Puppies just love to play

I'm not sure if Hong Kong skipped winter completely but the weather seems to be typical of spring right now, and all I can think about is please don't let it rain on Sunday.  At least with all but the newest litter of four puppies in foster homes or staying at our Homing Centres they can stay dry, but it's definitely a challenge holding the puppy afternoons indoors at Whiskers N Paws.  We can do it if necessary but the youngsters do love running around on the terrace, and we all love watching them having fun too. 

Davey will be picked up from his foster home before Sunday

There are a couple of puppies from last Sunday who won't be back, one being Davey and the other Honey.  Both are moving from their foster homes before then, so I hope all works out well for them. Baby Honey will have ex-Tai Po Marble to take care of her and it really helps to settle babies in, as long as the older dog is happy.  Some adults take to new puppies immediately while others start off being quite unhappy about the mini intruders, and in rare cases will even harm them.  Supervision is important, and that goes for any dog or puppy moving into a home where there are already other animals or human children too.

I was sent this update on Captain, adopted five years ago and a stunning boy.  He was one of a litter that came with mother Delta, and it seems he's got a little friend that he loves too.  Dogs and cats almost always get on as long as the introductions are made carefully and properly supervised.

Captain and his cat friend

Honey will have a big friend to take care of her

It was a lucky day for poodle Taffy at Ap Lei Chau too, as he left with his adopters to start his new life.

Goodbye Taffy!

Many readers of my blog may not visit our Facebook page or website, so I'd just like to remind everyone about the special range of fitness wear by Pure that's available, with all profits being donated to HKDR. You can order online or buy direct at Pure outlets.

https://www.facebook.com/hkdogrescue/photos/a.113953178617423.17355.111369775542430/1464927710186623/?type=3&theater

https://www.instagram.com/hkdr_official/

Mon 20th Feb: Dallas and Cabo move to Tai Po

I had to go to AFCD today to take a newly surrendered dog for licensing, and while I was there I was told there was a litter of four puppies that were ready to go.  Of course I agreed to take them, especially as the other litter I was expecting from another AFCD Centre had apparently got suspected parvovirus and would therefore not be approved for rehoming.  The four I took are beautiful and very cute, although they have ringworm (fungal skin infection) so won't be at Whiskers N Paws for a while.

Edmund is the size of a chihuahua

The little dog I had with me for licensing is a very cute/funny boy which we are guessing is a cross between a pug and a chihuahua.  His name is now Edmund and he is (estimated) only a year old. He's available for adoption now, but although he's a very sweet and easy dog most of the time he did get quite upset when Dr Andy tried to check his ears so we would have to say he's not suitable for a home with young children.  Other than that little meltdown, Edmund was very happy to sit on my lap in the van and to be petted and handled, and he didn't even make a fuss when he was microchipped and rabies vaccinated.

Wigbert is now fully vaccinated and ready to start walking outside

I also took puppies Wigbert and Dylan to Acorn for their due vaccinations, as well as one of my Lamma dogs, Naomi, who had somehow ended up with the entire top of one foot skinned.  It was a horrible mess that I'd managed to bandage myself with my eyes closed (so I wouldn't have to look at the wound), but as I'd hoped would be the case Dr Andy said it would heal by itself (with antibiotics) so there wasn't much I could do other than cleaning.

Lamma dog Naomi

Sweet Dougal is waiting at Tai Po

After dropping the two pups off at our Ap Lei Chau Homing Centre, big sized brothers Dallas and Cabo were packed up to send to Tai Po to join the only remaining Stanley Barracks puppy, Dougal.  Despite their young age they had already taken part in one of our education programmes which too place last Friday at Whiskers N Paws:

We were happy to welcome the Girl Scouts of America Troop 24 to our Junior Pet Lover Workshop last Friday. Huge thanks for the great help of volunteer teacher, Kimmy, and also the kisses given by puppy ambassadors Dallas and Cabo. They are such great teachers!

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4-month-old puppies Dallas and Cabo are still looking for their forever home (can be separated). Please fill in the Adoption Questionnaire if you are interested.
http://hongkongdogrescue.com/adopt/adoption-questionnaire/

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Junior Pet Lover Workshop is specially designed to offer an opportunity for children aged between 5 -12 to learn about animal welfare, and to build a sense of responsibility in taking care of and protecting animals through various interactive activities, thereby helping them to develop a respectful attitude towards life. (Group application only)

http://hongkongdogrescue.com/education-tr…/public-education/

Sun 19th Feb: All puppies are favourites

I hope we won't be seeing Bounty back at WNP

It was another frustrating afternoon at Whiskers N Paws with lots of visitors but not many takers. The puppies are beautiful, and I have so many favourites I think it includes all of them.  Saucer is heartmeltingly fluffy and gorgeous, Dylan is in a class of his own and Wigbert is so well behaved.  There's a stunning litter that I still can't distinguish from each other as they are so similar and all in foster homes, so I only see them on Sundays.  They are Bruin, Boomer, Bonzo, Bruno and Lula, so even their names are alike.  They are all cuddly and affectionate as well as being so handsome. Take a look at the wonderful photos by this

Dylan fast asleep

week's volunteer photographer Simon Li

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR) added 74 new photos to the album Puppy Adoption Day 19 February 2017.

Dylan chewing

This should also be Davey's last Sunday event

Little Bounty was taken for a trial adoption, and Davey will also be leaving for his new home this week so it wasn't an entirely fruitless three hours, and there have been quite a few foster-to-adopt puppies that never come back after being taken.

Fluffy Saucer

Wigbert is a very easy and well behaved boy

Two of the new Stanley Barracks puppies (Painter and Rollo) have also moved into foster homes with a view to adoption, leaving Dougal on his own so now I'm planning to send big pups Dallas and Cabo up to the main Homing Centre at Tai Po to give Dougal some company.  It's quite funny that Dallas and Cabo are Noelle's puppies as she's so small in comparison and they are so big.  I first saw them at AFCD as tiny newborns with their mother, and now both she and the three other pups in the litters have been adopted.

Noelle last December when I took her from AFCD

New boy Jeremy being tempted by chicken

These Stanley Barracks dogs are all such sweet natured characters, and young adult Jeremy is almost certain related to Dougal as they look so alike.  Jeremy is quickly settling into life at the Homing Centre with the help of staff and volunteers and will be ready for adoption as soon as he's been for desexing.